We are a global payments technology company working to enable consumers, businesses, banks and governments to use digital currency.

History of Visa

Our journey

Visa’s journey begins in 1958, the year that Bank of America launched the first consumer credit card programme for middle-class consumers and small to medium-sized merchants in the U.S. It did not take long for the company to grow. The company expanded internationally in 1974, and introduced the debit card in 1975. In 2007, regional businesses around the world were merged to form Visa Inc and, in 2008, the company went public in one of the largest IPOs in history. In 2016, Visa completed the acquisition of Visa Europe. Today, Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories with products and services available on any device – cards, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. We continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same – to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere.

Corporate responsibility

Helping to improve lives and economies around the world. From advancing financial inclusion to helping in times of crisis, we are using our products, know-how and philanthropy to bring about positive change.

Our company

Visa is a global payments technology company connecting consumers, businesses, banks and governments in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Our business

Our technology and innovation make digital payments a reality for consumers, businesses, banks and governments.

We have a simple and unwavering vision that can be traced back to our beginnings in 1958: To be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere. We know that every Visa transaction is a promise. Whether it is a street vendor in Brazil selling food to make a living or a fisherman in Rwanda paying his daughter’s school fees, we want to provide the most secure and seamless payment experience possible.