We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Both a Mastercard and Visa?

ChristopherM87
ChristopherM87 Posts: 77 Forumite
Tenth Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
in Credit cards
Is it a good idea to have both a Mastercard and Visa to ensure you can always pay if a system goes down?
«1

Comments

  • BugsyBrowne
    BugsyBrowne Posts: 5,697 Forumite
    ChristopherM87 wrote: »
    Is it a good idea to have both a Mastercard and Visa to ensure you can always pay if a system goes down?

    Germany must be invading poland again.
  • pjread
    pjread Posts: 1,103 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Bizarrely there was a pub when I was at uni that only took one of the two, and somewhere else (possibly a book shop) that only took the other... I'm pretty certain that's the only time I've seen it though.

    I must admit I made sure to get 'one of each' but I highly doubt there's any real value in doing so.
  • murphydog999
    murphydog999 Posts: 1,600 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker 10 Posts
    We always have both - not quite sure why, as just about everyone takes both. Although we tend to prefer using Amex cashback.
  • redpete
    redpete Posts: 4,702 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Post First Anniversary Name Dropper
    I've never had one or the other refused, neither because of system failure nor retailer policy.
    loose does not rhyme with choose but lose does and is the word you meant to write.
  • noh
    noh Posts: 5,808 Forumite
    First Post Name Dropper Second Anniversary
    edited 13 February 2011 at 6:17PM
    redpete wrote: »
    I've never had one or the other refused, neither because of system failure nor retailer policy.


    If you want to buy London 2012 Olympic tickets then the only card you can use is a Visa.

    http://www.tickets.london2012.com/

    It will also be the only card accepted inside the venues and for payment for official merchandise.
  • terafarma
    terafarma Posts: 105 Forumite
    It's always a nice idea to have one of each in your wallet i.e (Visa and MasterCard) credit cards, should one fail or get rejected for whatever reasons.
    Money is like a bird.....if mishandled, will simply fly away....
  • ElkyElky
    ElkyElky Posts: 2,459 Forumite
    The chances of Visa or Mastercard going down is very unlikely considering the amount of back-up systems they'll have in place - not impossible but unlikely.

    Having a back-up card is a good idea though, incase your primary card is declined for any reason or if there is a problem.
    We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • TheSaint_2
    TheSaint_2 Posts: 1,011 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    When we went to the south of france a couple of years ago my Mastercard was declined in about 80% of the shops and restaurants we used. We don't have a Visa so we had to take money out using Switch from a local cash machine. Not the end of the world I know... but considering Mastercard is French I was quite suprised!
  • Fiddlestick
    Fiddlestick Posts: 2,339 Forumite
    TheSaint wrote: »
    but considering Mastercard is French I was quite suprised!

    Are you not confusing MasterCard and Carte Bleue?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasterCard
  • TheSaint_2
    TheSaint_2 Posts: 1,011 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    Maybe I am :) You live and learn.

    Edit - it is because they bought Eurocard (they kept the same orangel circle logo on the shops before dropping the brand).
    So i assumed it was european / french.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 345.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 450.9K Spending & Discounts
  • 237.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 612.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 174.3K Life & Family
  • 250.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture