What is the most widely accepted credit card?

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 (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 a foreign transaction fee. That will save you up to 3% on every purchase you make abroad.

It’s also worth pointing out that store cards are 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.

Notable Credit Cards With Worldwide Acceptance

If you’re a frequent traveler and want to get a great credit card to use abroad, you can also check out our editors’ latest picks for the best among them and weigh your options. Also, you can learn more about the best international credit cards that are accepted worldwide here on WalletHub.

Yeah, Visa and Mastercard are hands-down the most widely accepted worldwide. And don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re your credit card company. Banks and credit unions issue the cards. The networks just control where the cards are accepted.

Get a Visa or a Mastercard, and you’re good. There are plenty of options…