Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, as both types can be used at 100+ million locations in 200+ countries and territories. Mastercard is accepted in more countries than Visa, yet roughly 20 million more merchants worldwide take Visa. Both have a claim to the title of most widely accepted credit card as a result. Visa is also the most widely used type of credit card.
There isn’t a single credit card that’s most widely accepted because there are hundreds of Mastercard and Visa credit card offers available. But if you're looking for a card to use abroad, our pick for the best credit card for international travel is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card because of its bonus rewards.
Most Widely Accepted Credit Cards
- Most Widely Accepted Internationally: Mastercard (210+ countries and territories, 110+ million merchants) and Visa (200+ countries and territories, 130+ million merchants).
- Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard (10.7+ million U.S. merchant locations).
- Least Widely Accepted Internationally: American Express (198+ countries and territories).
- Least Widely Accepted in the U.S.: American Express and Discover (10.6+ million U.S. merchant locations).
- Most Widely Used: Visa has the most credit cards in circulation (over 300 million). American Express cardholders spend the most, charging over $15,000 in purchases per year.
- Best Worldwide Credit Cards:Visa or Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fee.
The difference between Visa and Mastercard acceptance is slight. Either network should suit your needs almost anywhere in the world. But if you plan on traveling internationally, be sure your Mastercard or Visa credit card doesn’t charge aforeign transaction fee. That will save you up to 3% on every purchase you make abroad.
It’s also worth pointing out thatstore cardsare the least widely accepted credit cards. They don’t belong to any of the four major card networks and can only be used at affiliated retailers.
If you’re a frequent traveler and want to get a great credit card to use abroad, you can check out the list below for some of the top offers.
Best Credit Cards With Worldwide Acceptance
You can learn more about the best international credit cards that are accepted worldwide here on WalletHub.
This answer was last updated on 09/10/24 and it was first published on 09/08/18. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
Most Widely Accepted Internationally: Mastercard (210+ countries and territories, 110+ million merchants) and Visa (200+ countries and territories, 130+ million merchants). Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard (10.7+ million U.S. merchant locations).
What is the most commonly accepted credit card? ›
The most widely accepted credit card brand is Mastercard, which is accepted in 210+ countries and territories. Virtually all merchants that take credit cards in those countries and territories will accept Mastercard, though there may be rare exceptions.
What is the #1 credit card to have? ›
The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.
What is the single biggest credit card trap for most people? ›
The minimum payment mindset
Here's how it usually happens: You use your card for a purchase you can't really afford, or you want to defer paying for it from your savings. When your credit card bill arrives, you either choose to make just the minimum payment or it is all you can afford to pay at the time.
Which credit card do most millionaires use? ›
Millionaires use credit cards like the Centurion® Card from American Express and the J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card. These high-end credit cards are available only to people who receive an invitation to apply, which millionaires have the best chance of getting.
What credit card is accepted almost everywhere? ›
Most Widely Accepted Internationally: Mastercard (210+ countries and territories, 110+ million merchants) and Visa (200+ countries and territories, 130+ million merchants). Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard (10.7+ million U.S. merchant locations).
What is the most prestigious credit card? ›
What are the most prestigious credit cards? The most prestigious credit card is the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is also known as the Amex Black Card. This card requires applicants to meet very high income and spending standards to even qualify, and you can only apply if you receive an invitation.
How many credit cards should you really have? ›
If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.
What are the Tier 1 credit cards? ›
Tier 1 credit cards are for people with excellent credit (750 and above). And Tier 3 credit cards are for fair credit (640-699). Some people view Tier 2 as starting at 660 and Tier 1 at 720. But if you apply for cards based on that scale, you'll find yourself more likely to be rejected.
What is the best credit card for 2024? ›
Best Credit Cards of 2024: Best Offers
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flat-rate travel rewards.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Cash back for travel bookings.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Going out & staying in.
The four major credit card networks are American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa. American Express and Discover also issue their own credit cards. This differentiates them from Mastercard and Visa which are solely card networks.
What is the most popular credit card brand? ›
Chase (JPMorgan Chase & Co.)
Chase is arguably the top credit card issuer in the U.S., both in terms of purchase volume and card volume. Chase holds the largest share of the market in purchases, and comes in first for the number of cards.
How many people have $50,000 in credit card debt? ›
Running up $50,000 in credit card debt is not impossible. About two million Americans do it every year.
What is the most common credit card in the world? ›
Visa. Visa credit cards are accepted in more than 200 countries and territories around the world, with more than 4.4 billion Visa cards currently in use worldwide.
What credit card has a $100000 limit? ›
On our list, the Ramp Corporate Card and the Chase Ink Business Premier Credit Card offer the best opportunity to access a $100,000 credit limit. Ramp determines your spending limit based on factors like your cash on hand and monthly expenses, while Chase uses creditworthiness to calculate your credit limit.
Which is the most common type of credit card? ›
Unsecured credit card
Unsecured credit cards are the most common type of credit cards. Unlike secured credit cards, unsecured credit cards don't require you to deposit cash as collateral. These cards are good for most consumers and can help build credit when used responsibly.
Which credit card has the highest acceptance rate? ›
Notable Credit Cards With High Approval Rates
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No Credit Check.
- Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit: Unsecured Credit Card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cash Back Rewards.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card: Reward Points.
FAQs about exclusive credit cards
The American Express Centurion Card, commonly known as the “Amex Black Card,” is often regarded as the most popular credit card in the world due to its invitation-only policy and extensive luxury benefits.
Is Mastercard or Visa more widely accepted? ›
While Visa is larger in terms of transactions, purchase volume, and cards in circulation, Visa and Mastercard have nearly identical global merchant acceptance footprints.
