Visa Credit Cards

Visa is what’s known as a card network. Like Mastercard, for example, Visa dictates where a credit card can be used. Merchants accept plastic based on card network, after all, not the credit card company that actually issued the card (e.g. Capital One or Chase). A credit card that does not have a card-network logo is known as a store card. Such cards can only be used at the particular retailers they’re affiliated with.

A credit card’s network also is responsible for many cardholder benefits, including $0 liability for fraudulent purchases. You can see where Visa credit cards rank relative to other networks’ cards in the following WalletHub studies and reports:

• Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance


• Rental Car Insurance Study


• Price Protection Report


• Extended Warranty Report


• Purchase Protection Report

You can easily apply for a Visa credit card on WalletHub. Simply compare offers based on the features you're looking for (e.g. rewards or 0% intro rates), check your free credit score to make sure you have a good shot at getting approved, and submit your application. You’ll have the best Visa credit card for your needs in no time.

Of course, there’s little reason not to at least consider Mastercard, too. Getting the best possible card, not necessarily the best Visa, should be your main objective, after all.

A Visa rewards card is a credit card on the Visa network that offers cash back, points or miles for every dollar that you spend. It is not a card from one specific credit card issuer, though. Dozens of credit card companies offer Visa rewards cards, including Bank of America, Capital One, Wells Fargo and all of the other big banks.

With that being said, it's worth noting that Visa gift cards are sometimes referred to as Visa rewards cards, too.

Yes, as of June 2016, you can use any Visa card at Costco. In other words, you don't need a Costco Card, but you can't use a Mastercard, American Express or Discover card.