Visa is a payment system which credit card providers use to allow there customers to make credit and debit card transactions and register them in the appropriate accounts no matter where or when they take place in the world.

Visa's continuing aim is to increase the speed of credit and debit card transactions, improve credit card security and reduce credit card fraud worldwide, this can be demonstrated by the recent introduction of chip and pin technology and the Verified by Visa online security.

Visa credit card security

Visa recently introduced 'the Verified by Visa' scheme to tackle fraud when giving your details on the internet. This service protects your Visa card details with a password, but is currently in its infancy with only a handful of retailers carrying the scheme.

In an attempt to reduce fraudulent card use, MasterCard, Visa and Europay agreed to introduce a chip and PIN (Personal Identification Number) system. This means that when you use your credit card, you will be asked to enter a PIN that matches the chip embedded in your card. When France introduced a similar security system, domestic fraud fell by 78%.

For a full list of credit card providers please click here.

AA Credit Card	American Express	BT Credit Card	Capital One	Halifax
Egg Card	MBNA Europe	Sainsburys	Tesco Card	Virgin Money