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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Maestro and Visa Card?

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The main differences between Maestro and Visa cards are:

  1. Acceptance: Visa cards are more widely accepted than Maestro cards, both internationally and by various establishments. Visa has better usage coverage in more website categories, including lifestyle, computers electronics & technology, food & drink, e-commerce & shopping, and others.
  2. Issuing Companies: Visa Inc. issues both credit and debit cards, while Maestro is the debit card division of MasterCard Inc.
  3. Credit Facility: Visa cards offer both credit and debit facilities, allowing cardholders to make payments using their bank balance or credit limit. In contrast, Maestro cards are debit cards only, and cardholders can only make payments up to the amount held in their bank account or with an overdraft arrangement with the bank.
  4. Chargeback Rights: Visa cards offer chargeback rights, which provide better protection for customers in case of failed services or goods purchased through the card. Maestro cards do not come with chargeback rights, meaning customers have no protection if a service or goods purchased fail.
  5. Usage: Maestro cards are often used for cash withdrawals and point-of-sale transactions, while Visa cards can be used for a wider range of transactions, including online shopping and foreign payments.
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  • What is the Difference Between Maestro and Visa Card?
  • Comparative Table: Maestro vs Visa Card

    • Comparative Table: Maestro vs Visa Card

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Maestro and Visa cards:

    Feature Maestro Card Visa Card
    Issuing Entity Maestro is a debit card division of Mastercard Inc. Visa Inc. offers both credit and debit cards
    Type of Card Maestro cards are only available as debit cards Visa cards come in credit, debit, and prepaid versions
    Acceptance Maestro cards are widely accepted but have a more limited international usage compared to Visa Visa cards have a wider acceptance and greater international usage than Maestro
    Credit Facility Maestro cards do not provide credit facility Visa credit cards allow users to purchase goods by directly charging the amount to their bank balance
    Expenses With Maestro, transactions are tracked, and the amount is immediately deducted from the account Visa transactions may have a grace period before the balance needs to be paid off
    Security Maestro debit cards require a unique PIN or signature for payment authentication, reducing the risk of fraud Visa cards may have different security features depending on the specific card

    In summary, Maestro cards are debit cards issued by Mastercard Inc., while Visa cards can be credit, debit, or prepaid cards issued by Visa Inc. Maestro cards are widely accepted but have a more limited international usage compared to Visa cards. Visa cards can provide credit facilities, while Maestro cards do not. Transactions with Maestro cards are immediately deducted from the account, and the cardholder can only make payments up to the amount held in their bank account or an agreed-upon overdraft arrangement with the bank.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.