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Visa is one of the largest credit card networks in the world. So, it’s no surprise that there are millions of Visa-branded cards— from cash back reward cards to travel credit cards—to choose from.
When scoping out your options, you should know about the benefits of each. Most credit card issuers have their own perks, but there are also Visa-specific benefits. The extras you’ll get vary by the type of Visa you select.
There are three options to choose from:
Below, we break down what to expect from each level and provide an in-depth look at how the different cards stack up.
Table of Contents
ToggleStandard Visa cards come with the following benefits:
Here’s what you get if you upgrade to a Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card:
| Airport lounge access at over 1,300 locations worldwide | ||
| Rebates for airline incidental fees | ||
| Global Entry statement credit | ||
| Car rental: 25% discount and a free single upgrade at Budget and Avis | ||
| Emergency assistance services | ||
| Emergency dental and medical coverage | ||
| Auto rental collision damage waiver | ||
| Baggage delay reimbursement of up to $300 | ||
| Lost luggage reimbursement | ||
| Travel accident insurance | ||
| Trip interruption/cancellation reimbursement | ||
| Zero-liability for unauthorized purchases | ||
| Extended warranty coverage | ||
| Emergency card replacement | ||
| Emergency cash disbursement | ||
| ID Navigator from Norton LifeLock | ||
| Free Dovly Uplift access to improve your credit health | ||
| Travel and lifestyle perks |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | ||||
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Earn 50,000 bonus points worth $750 on travel. | |||
| Just spend $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening | ||||
Visa Infinite credit cards are the better choice because of their slightly enhanced perks and protections. Still, the benefits are very similar to what you’ll get with Visa Signature cards, and the availability of the certain perks is at the card issuer’s discretion.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that the extras offered by Visa Infinite credit cards may not be needed or used by everyone. It’s up to you to decide if the differences warrant paying a potentially higher fee. Be sure to weigh the costs of the card to determine if it’s worth it or if you should explore lower-tier Visa-branded options.
Visa Signature credit cards sometimes come at a lower cost and offer relative value to Visa Infinite cards. It depends on the credit card issuer and the benefits it offers to attract new cardholders. The annual fee could also make Visa Signature the better choice, especially if a steep fee would outweigh the benefits of a Visa Infinite card or if you wouldn’t take advantage of all the perks.
Both Visa Signature and Visa Infinite credit cards include many attractive features. But when evaluating your options, look beyond what Visa offers. Consider the fees, interest rates, and additional benefits provided by the specific credit card issuer to find the best Visa credit card offer for you.
A signature card is another name commonly used to describe a Visa Signature credit card. They come with various perks but often have lower annual fees than Visa Infinite credit cards.
If you use a Visa Infinite card to book a trip, you should be reimbursed if it gets canceled or interrupted. Cardholders are reimbursed up to $2,000 for trip cancellation or interruption caused by a physical illness, disease, accidental injury or death. You’ll also qualify for reimbursement if the common carrier through which you purchased airfare becomes insolvent and declares bankruptcy.
It generally comes down to the benefits you’ll receive as a cardholder. Even the best Visa traditional cards offer base-level incentives, while Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards feature added perks and protections.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.
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