Master card payment system. "Visa" or "Mastercard": which is better and what is the difference? Payment system MasterCard

There are 2 international payment systems in Russia: Visa and MasterCard. Their priority goal of operation is to transfer cash in the country to non-cash circulation and increase the security of payments made. Let's figure out how VISA differs from MasterCard and which payment system is better.

VISA is characterized by American roots. The company's share in the card issuance market is about 28.6%. The greatest confidence in this system is recorded in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), the least in Asian countries (Thailand, India, China).

The corporation operates using its own unique security system, VISA 3-D Secure. Its main goal is not only to increase the level of security when conducting transactions with card products, but also to simplify the system of servicing plastic via the Internet. VISA is constantly working to improve the confidentiality of client information.

VISA system security

In general, the security system consists of 3 independent domains:

Issuer (includes payment instruments and their sellers).
Acquirer (includes the financial institution issuing plastic and its potential holders).
Interactions (includes elements necessary to enable interoperability between other domains).

They generate and verify every financial transaction. VISA Corporation entered the domestic market in 2009. Today it cooperates with all Russian banks.

Description of the global MasterCard system

MasterCard unites more than 20 thousand financial organizations in 210 countries. The priority areas of the corporation's activities are:

implementation of card issuance under the MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus brands;
making electronic payments online;
servicing the card needs of individuals and corporate entities.

Currently, the corporation's share in the card issuance market is 25%. MasterCard carries out more than 25 billion transactions annually.

MasterCard in Russia and other countries

The use of the payment system in Russia is expanding every year. As of January 1, 2016, its share in the domestic non-cash sector was 38.5%. The gap from VISA is decreasing every year. The corporation actively cooperates with Sberbank, VTB 24, Russian Standard Bank and other market participants.

Payment system cards are in greatest demand in the EU countries, Brazil and China. The least trust in it is observed in the countries of North America, although the representative organization is located in the United States.

Comparison of global payment systems

So is there a difference between payment systems? If we compare the scope of the non-cash payments market, then Visa has a higher figure.

However, it was the VISA Corporation that laid the foundation for the development of non-cash payments.

The remaining differences between payment systems are only theoretical, so in general we can say that there is no fundamental difference between them. Most often, the VISA payment system is used to open payment instruments in dollars and rubles, and MasterCard - in euros and rubles.

This is where the recommendations came from to issue a Visa to clients traveling to North American countries, and a MasterCard to those making business and tourist trips to Europe. Linking to the dollar or euro is conditional, since the plastic current account can be linked to any currency.

The conversion of funds in an account between global systems may vary, which is due to the characteristics of the card issuing market. There is a widespread belief among financial service users that it is better to choose a Visa as it is more reliable. In fact, in terms of reliability, the payment instruments of the MaxsterCard system are in no way inferior to them.

Comparative analysis of payment systems

According to market coverage. MasterCard Corporation owns 25% of all cards issued in the world. For VISA this figure is 3.5% higher. However, this gap is narrowing every year.
On a territorial basis. Visa operates in 200 countries around the world, and MasterCard - in 210.
On innovative development. Visa Corporation has created the basis for the formation of non-cash payments in the world using ATMs and terminals. As for MasterCard, the organization developed based on the existing experience of its competitor, that is, it spent less financial resources on the development and implementation of innovations in the card issuance market.
According to the code used to conduct transactions on the Internet. If electronic transactions are carried out using a Visa card, then the secret code CVV2 is used, and for MasterCard - CVC2.
By level of recognition. Both international systems issue debit, credit and co-branded plastic.
The speed of operations is approximately the same. Plastic also has similar safety parameters.
Based on the annual service fee. It is impossible to compare payment system cards on this basis, since tariffs are set by each bank independently.
By the presence of virtual plastic. Both Visa and MasterCard have virtual cards. A payment instrument without physical media allows you to increase the security of making payments online. Moreover, it is impossible to lose it.

Are there any differences in the system maps for different levels?

All plastic offered by issuers can be divided into 3 groups:

group - initial segment cards (Visa Electron, Maestro, instant cards);
group - middle segment cards (Visa Classic, MasterCard Standard);
group - premium cards (Visa Gold, MasterCard Gold and others).

In terms of technical parameters, there are no differences between plastics in the entry-level segment in terms of maintenance and safety. However, there are differences in theory. Firstly, when paying with a Maestro card, you do not need to enter a PIN code. In fact, it all depends on the capabilities of the terminal. As a rule, in Russia you will have to enter an identifier both when performing a transaction using Maestro and Visa Electron.

Secondly, Maestro cards cannot be used to make transactions on the Internet. Thus, instant plastic does not have a secret code that must be entered when paying for goods or receiving services online. As for Visa Electron, such an opportunity can be provided by the bank.

Thirdly, instant cards of the MasterCard system cannot be used outside the country. This feature is disabled for Visa Electron and Maestro cards, but it can be activated free of charge at the issuing bank.

Fourthly, there are differences in service fees between cards. As a rule, it depends on the bank’s tariff policy. So Sberbank can release Maestro social with free annual maintenance. As a rule, this plastic is provided for citizens receiving social benefits. For Visa Electron, the annual payment is 300 rubles. These cards are mainly issued as part of the salary project.

For mid-level plastic, there are no technical or theoretical differences. Here, each client must decide for himself which card is better. The possibilities for using payment instruments of various systems outside the country are completely the same.

Significant differences emerge for premium segment cards. Thus, the Visa Premium Plastic Corporation provides the following additional services:

emergency assistance outside the country on;
medical support for travelers;
providing legal advice;
cardholder insurance;
bonuses in the field of leisure, when organizing relocation, car rental and hotels, etc.

Premium segment MasterCard cards only provide emergency assistance and a customer loyalty program. The remaining options are enabled at the request of the issuing bank. Naturally, they are paid, so not every player in the bank card market is ready to connect them. From this we can conclude that at the premium level, the Visa payment system shows more advantageous positions.

Each global system has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the difference between them is so small that it can be argued that MasterCard and VISA cards are the same in functionality.

When applying for a plastic card at a bank, sometimes you need to choose which payment system it will belong to: Visa or MasterCard. Since few people know what the differences are between these payment systems, we usually trust the recommendations of the bank manager. Subsequently, it is often necessary to issue another card, but from a different payment system, since it turns out that a bank card of the MasterCard payment system is more convenient to use for trips to Europe.
For the majority of plastic card holders who receive a salary, stipend or pension on the card, there is no need to make such a choice, since most often entry-level cards are used for these purposes, which can only be used within the country.

Payment systems Mastercard and Visa

The Visa payment system was first used in the United States, and therefore the dollar is used for its settlements in international financial activities. The main currency of the MasterCard bank card is the euro. This is the main criterion for the difference between these two systems, which must be taken into account if you are going to use the card abroad. However, a Sberbank MasterCard card issued for use within the country can use the national currency - rubles.

It can also be noted that bank cards of the Visa payment system are more common and therefore have a wider network of ATMs, terminals and other devices around the world. However, within our country, the logo of both systems is available at almost every terminal and ATM, and within the country this factor loses its relevance.

The capabilities of bank cards of different systems are almost the same, but each payment system has its own list of “incentives” and bonus programs for cardholders, which allows them to receive discounts on purchases of goods in many online stores, gas stations, etc. Sometimes this is the decisive factor when choosing a card for use within the country. There are also a number of differences between MasterCard bank cards and cards of other payment systems, which will be discussed below.

MasterCard Worldwide is an international payment system that unites 22 thousand financial institutions (banks) in 210 countries. Almost a quarter of the world's bank cards use the MasterCard payment system. The world championship belongs to the China UnionPay payment system (China), and the second place belongs to the Visa payment system. These data are a convincing argument in favor of the MasterCard card, since anywhere in the world you can use a card from this system, withdraw cash from an ATM, pay for services or buy goods. But still, some features should be paid attention to.
As mentioned above, when using a MasterCard card in the USA, a double currency conversion will be made, from euros to dollars. Therefore, bank cards of the Visa payment system, which use the dollar for payments, are still “more familiar” in this country. The situation is different in Europe, where the euro is used almost everywhere.
Cards of this system do not have limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs. For Visa cards, the cash withdrawal limit is $10,000 per month.

If you have ever paid for purchases on the Internet, then you know that on the back of the card there should be a bank card code CVV2/CVC2. These are three numbers located next to the strip where you signed. This abbreviation encodes another difference between these systems. CVV2 (Card Verification Value 2) is used for Visa cards, and CVC2 (Card Validation Code 2) is used for other payment systems.

The Internet does not stand still; work is constantly underway to improve payments using a bank card on the Internet. Instead of CVV2 and CVC2 codes, new generation secret codes are now used - 3-D Secure Technology. The innovation of this method of protection is that to confirm payment, instead of the CVV2 and CVC2 codes, a one-time password is used, sent by the bank as an SMS message. Again there is a difference. For cards of this payment system this technology is called Security Code, and for Visa cards it is called Verified by Visa.
Perhaps this is where the features and differences of these systems that are noticeable to ordinary users end.

Entry-level bank cards Maestro

We can only add that they have no significance for the everyday normal use of a bank card. Cards of any international payment system can be used absolutely equally to pay for goods, utilities, withdraw cash from an ATM, connect Internet banking or SMS banking to the card, etc. Another thing is the list of capabilities of the card itself. They depend on the type of card (credit, debit), the “privilege” of the card, the cost of annual maintenance and other factors.

For example, the Sberbank Maestro Momentum card is currently issued free of charge. It can be used to receive a pension, social benefits, or scholarships.
Submit an application to the bank and this card can be used instead of a savings book. With such a card you can pay for purchases in stores, housing and communal services, etc. But it is no longer suitable for traveling abroad, since it can only be used within the country and you can even withdraw cash only from Sberbank ATMs. By the way, please note that the Maestro logo is on the front side of the Momentum card, not MasterCard. However, these cards belong to this payment system. Their main difference is that cards with the Maestro logo can only be used within the country.

Almost all banks issue the cards listed below. In addition to the appearance (design) and the cost of annual maintenance, each type of payment system card has its own characteristics. The main difference between any bank cards is that they can be credit or debit. Credit bank cards are intended for using funds allocated by the bank as a loan in the form of a consumer loan, car loan, etc. Debit bank cards are designed for using your own funds, for example, a salary transferred to a card.

The fundamental difference between a credit card and a debit card is that you cannot transfer money from a credit card by bank transfer to another card. But you can pay for goods or services non-cash or withdraw cash from an ATM (with interest). There are a number of other differences, but this article will only focus on debit cards.

Cirrus/Maestro- this is the most affordable card with a low annual maintenance cost. A slightly outdated system is used to verify card authorization when conducting monetary transactions. But this restriction ensures increased safety of your funds, even if you lose your bank card, since the card can only be used if it is physically present. Simply put, insert it into the ATM and dial the PIN code.

Perhaps the most popular card of this system is the card MasterCard Standard. This is due to the fact that it contains quite a lot of features at an optimal price. Unlike the Cirrus/Maestro card, this card can already be used to pay for purchases in online stores, book a hotel room, pay for air tickets, rent a car, pay with a card and withdraw cash from ATMs, including abroad.

"Gold MasterCard" and "MasterCard Platinum" cards

For trips outside the country, you can get a Gold MasterCard from Sberbank. You can select the card account currency: rubles, US dollars or euros. The card is protected by an electronic chip. Additional cards can be issued if the main card is lost. The overdraft limit is also determined individually; it can be used within the framework of a salary agreement, etc. The cost of servicing this Sberbank card is 3,000 rubles per year.

The cost of annual servicing of a Gold card is determined by the bank that issued it. But, on average, it is 3,000 rubles per year. However, the card's capabilities justify the cost. Just the possibility of urgently replacing a lost card is worth it, since this can save large sums on the card account. And significant discounts when purchasing goods in many stores more than pay for this amount within a year. Free information about the movement of funds on the card account, various types of insurance and privileges, both in Russia and abroad, noticeably distinguish this card.

Among the elite cards we can call the Platinum card. Owners of such a card receive individual service from the bank, and Platinum credit cards have a fairly high overdraft limit. When traveling, the holder of such a card also receives insurance. Retail chains offer various discounts for this bank card. The Platinum bank card is a plastic card for a modern business person.

Virtual cards

Many banks that issue plastic cards offer their clients the opportunity to create additional virtual cards for online payments. Bank cards of the MasterCard payment system also provide the possibility of issuing a virtual card.
A virtual bank card is a reliable way to protect funds in your main bank card account.
The virtual card details are used only to pay for goods and services on the Internet, and a certain amount is first transferred to the virtual card, after which the balance of the virtual card becomes “zero”.
A virtual card is issued for a short period of time (usually 3 months) and its balance cannot exceed the limit you set.
Issuing an additional virtual card, depending on the bank, can cost 50-200 rubles. But, for the sake of security of payment from a card account on the Internet, such an amount is completely justified.

Publication date: 19/02/2013

Depending on the type of card, its capabilities will depend, including the cost of annual maintenance and the cost of re-issuing the card, for example, if it is lost.

If you lose your bank card, you will have to get a new card with a new number and PIN code. The card account number will remain the same. If the card is lost, the bank will only temporarily block the account.

When you receive any MasterCard payment system card, the bank gives you a “secret” envelope containing the card’s PIN code, as well as the card’s account number.

The main advantage of electronic money is that it is impossible to lose an electronic wallet, like a bank card, and you do not need to enter the secret code CVV2 (Visa cards) or CVC2 (MasterCard cards).

Both for opening and closing a card, the bank has certain rules that are detailed in the agreement.

When applying for a plastic card at a bank, sometimes you need to choose which payment system it will belong to: or MasterCard. Since few people know what the differences are between these payment systems, we usually trust the recommendations of the bank manager. Subsequently, it is often necessary to issue another card, but from a different payment system, since it turns out that a bank card of the MasterCard payment system is more convenient to use for trips to Europe.
For the majority of plastic card holders who receive a salary, stipend or pension on the card, there is no need to make such a choice, since most often entry-level cards are used for these purposes, which can only be used within the country.

If you have ever paid for purchases on the Internet, then you know that on the back of the card there should be a bank card code CVV2/CVC2. These are three numbers located next to the strip where you signed. This abbreviation encodes another difference between these systems. CVV2 (Card Verification Value 2) is used for cards, and CVC2 (Card Validation Code 2) is used for another payment system.

Entry-level bank cards Maestro

Types of cards of the MasterCard payment system

Cirrus/Maestro is the most affordable card with a low annual maintenance cost. A slightly outdated system is used to verify card authorization when conducting monetary transactions. But this restriction ensures increased safety of your funds, even if you lose your bank card, since the card can only be used if it is physically present. Simply put, insert it into the ATM and dial the PIN code.

Gold MasterCard and MasterCard Platinum cards

For trips outside the country, you can get a Gold MasterCard from Sberbank. You can select the card account currency: rubles, US dollars or euros. The card is protected by an electronic chip. Additional cards can be issued if the main card is lost. The overdraft limit is also determined individually; it can be used as part of a salary agreement, etc. The cost of servicing this Sberbank card is 3,000 rubles per year.

Virtual cards

The virtual card details are used only to pay for goods and services on the Internet, and a certain amount is first transferred to the virtual card, after which the balance of the virtual card becomes “zero”.
A virtual card is issued for a short period of time (usually 3 months) and its balance cannot exceed the limit you set.
Issuing an additional virtual card, depending on the bank, can cost 50-200 rubles. But, for the sake of security of payment from a card account on the Internet, such an amount is completely justified.

Video Visa or MasterCard? Or maybe?

MasterCard is one of the most widely known payment systems in the world today. Its ATM network includes more than 900,000 service locations on all seven continents. About 30% of all cards in the world are issued by the MasterCard payment system. MasterCard was founded in the 1940s, when several American banks began giving their customers personally-issued paper that could be used in local warehouses as cash. Franklin National Bank in New York formalized the practice by introducing the first real credit card in 1951. In 1987, MasterCard became the first payment card that was issued in the People's Republic of China. And in the Soviet Union, the first MasterCard card was issued in 1988. Today, MasterCard offices are located all over the world, including France, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Thailand, Japan, South Africa and India.

The main activity of the corporation is the introduction and promotion of modern technological developments in the standards of plastic cards. Currently, MasterCard is taking active measures to transfer its products to new, safer and high-performance technologies, using chips.

1.MasterCard standard card is the most widely used card all over the world. It combines the optimal cost of service and a wide range of services provided. It can be debit or credit. The card can be used to pay at all merchants, restaurants and ATMs. By becoming the owner of a MasterCard standard card -you will have a convenient and modern means of payment at your disposal.

The card is accepted worldwide:

1.At all retail and service points (with the MacterCard logo) without restrictions

2. Payment for goods and services in online stores is provided

3cash can be withdrawn from an ATM of any bank around the world

Card users MasterCard standard bonuses and discounts are provided when paying for goods in partner networks. The card has a high degree of security, since it is possible to block the card if it is stolen or lost.

2.MasterCard Maestro

Map MasterCard Maestro is an electronic debit card of the MasterCard payment system. Information about its owner (first and last name) is printed on the card. From the moment the client applies to the bank for the card until it is received, no more than 10 days pass.

It is accepted for payment at any retail outlets that support this card (look for the corresponding logo) without any restrictions, and is used to withdraw cash from ATMs and cash points (cash point). The number of ATMs accepting MasterCard cards is almost 24 thousand. Payment for goods and services on the Internet are not provided. All operations on the card are carried out with mandatory electronic authorization and the mandatory entry of a PIN code. This significantly increases the level of security of the card. The Maestro card is equipped with a chip and a magnetic stripe, or one magnetic stripe.

Maestro card (maestro card) is very popular in Russia. Most salary projects are implemented through it.

The Maestro card is identical to the Elektron card of the VISA payment system

3. mastercard gold card

Mastercard Gold card is a prestigious class card, a symbol of prosperity, status and impeccable financial reputation. The convenience of using the Mastercard Gold card lies in its special status and privileges, which can be used when making payments in retail chains, and also provides the ability to control the expenditure of funds. Additional service functions Such cards make it a safe and reliable keeper of your budget. It provides users with 24/7 support and opens up new business opportunities.

4. mastercard platinum (mastercard platinum)

MasterCard Platinum– a premium class card of the MasterCard payment system. Holders of this card have even more opportunities and privileges than holders of Gold or World cards. Among the additional opportunities available to card holders is the opportunity to join a closed travel club, thanks to which you can organize a trip to anywhere in the world .When paying for purchases in partner networks, gifts and discounts are provided.

5.mastercard world card

mastercard world card is a premium plastic card of the international payment system MasterCard. This card is specially created for those people who love to travel and who are concerned about the safety of their funds, therefore insurance must be included as a content. MasterCard World Card is always a physical card (and can never be virtual). The holder's name and card number must be pressed out, otherwise you are guaranteed to have problems with renting a car or hotel room while traveling. With this card you can make payments in any point in the world (of course, where they are accepted for payment). The card provides the opportunity to receive bonuses and discounts in various stores and retail chains in many countries.

6. World Black Edition MasterCard– designed specifically for those who travel a lot, who simply need comfort and who value the level of service. It is for such people that a combination of unique design, exclusive privileges and offers was created. With this card, you are guaranteed the comfort of flights and moves around the world. An integral part Using the card includes various bonuses and discounts, as well as 24-hour support and some business opportunities. There is also a concierge service on the card. The owner is given access to a closed travel club that will help you organize a trip anywhere in the world.

7. mastercard world elite- a product of the highest class. The card provides great opportunities to use first-class services around the world. The most, one might say, status card. The owner of this card opens up completely new opportunities for recreation, shopping, travel, financial management and business.

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The use of a bank card has become an integral part of life in modern society. This allows you to save a lot of time, since cash and non-cash payments are available. A line of credit helps consumers experiencing financial difficulties. However, most clients do not understand the difference and doubt whether to choose Visa or MasterCard. Each has its own characteristics. Knowing them, you won’t have to choose blindly.

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Payment system Visa

The leading international system is based on dollar currency. Conversion here takes place precisely through this unit of account. The reason for the popularity of the service is that it is used by 30 million merchants operating in over 200 countries.

The American company occupies about 28% of the card issuing market. The greatest demand was recorded in populated areas of North America, and the lowest in Asia. The work involves our own security utility 3D Secure. The purpose of implementation is to increase security and simplify online card payments.

The security structure is based on 3 independent domains:

Issuer (banks and cards).
Acquirer (financial companies and owners).
Collaboration (negotiates domains).

Every monetary transaction goes through them. The company appeared in the Russian Federation in 1974. Partners are all Russian banks.

Characteristics:

the total number of servicing ATMs is more than 1 million;
over 50% of the turnover of financial international organizations passes through the system;
20 thousand participating institutions.

Among the advantages:

account management is available around the clock and in any location;
conducting online transactions;
the currency is universal for each state;
no commission when writing off (does not depend on location).

Over the past decade, the scope of system maintenance in the Russian Federation has expanded greatly. The majority of Russian workers are holders of salary debits of this service. There is hardly a cinema, cafe or supermarket that does not have a special terminal for cashless payments.

Payment system Mastercard

Another international corporation that unites a huge number of financial companies. In order to understand how Visa differs from MasterCard, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features of each system.

The service unites over 20 thousand credit enterprises located in 210 countries. Among the main activities:

card issue;
electronic online payments;
physical service individuals and corporate clients.

Now the corporation covers the market for issuing plastic cards by 25 percent. The number of annual transactions is over 25 billion. Indicators for the use of products in the Russian Federation are constantly increasing, so the share of Mastercard in non-cash transactions is 38%. The system is rapidly catching up with Visa. Almost all Russian banks cooperate with the corporation.

MPS is most popular in the EU countries, China and Brazil. The minimum number of system clients is registered in North America, although the corporation has a representative office in the USA.

MasterCard functions:

conducting monetary transactions by individuals and legal entities;
programs for issuing (production) bank cards.

The number of holders increases along with the number of positive reviews. The service and functionality are constantly being developed. This is due to the use of products in Russia, since the state offers an increase in the company's profits.

According to statistics, 40% of banking instruments in the Russian Federation are issued by this company. Soon she will not give in to Visa. The system owes its rapid growth to partner banks, and especially to Sberbank.

Similarities and differences between Visa and MasterCard

These two largest services occupy leading positions among their peers, since their reliability is not in question. The Visa indicator for the scope of non-cash transactions is higher, but it appeared on the market earlier. Clients of payment systems would like to know what the difference is between Visa and MasterCard.

There are more terminals that support Visa, but they also support MasterCard. In terms of consumer qualities, the services are almost identical. By level, Visa and MasterCard cards are divided into regular, premium and premium. These are debit instruments and credit cards.

The systems are produced in series.

In the Russian Federation and foreign countries, the majority of consumers use the products of these intermediaries, but more often it is not known which card is better - Visa or MasterCard. It is impossible to make a clear choice. The functionality of the services is similar; in most institutions, payments are made through them.

It is customary to open a dollar or ruble account on the basis of Visa, and euros and national currencies - on MasterCard. Attaching an account to an American or European unit of account is conditional; linking is available to any of them.

The conversion process varies, but this is not due to global services, but to the specifics of the card issuing industry. Some consumers prefer to use Visa, considering it more reliable, but this is not the case.

Similarities of MPS:

level of protection;
three-year period of activity;
instant payment transactions;
high availability of use;
the account supports 3 currencies;
full operation outside the Russian Federation;
Same annual service fee.

There are no significant differences between the systems. In technical terms, they are no different, which is confirmed by reviews from the owners. Only in specific situations do differences emerge.

These are the cases:

using different levels of plastic;
bonus conditions of partners (banking organizations) that are associated with Visa and MasterCard payment systems;
in the process of conversion;
when paying online or using a terminal.

Comparative analysis.

Parameter	Mastercard	Visa
Spreading	210 states	200 countries
Market coverage	25%	28,5%
Security code	CVC2	CVV2
Add. services	Help in emergency situations Bonuses	Emergency support service in foreign countries in case of plastic theft or loss Medical insurance services for tourists Lawyer consulting Plastic owners insurance Bonuses
Outlets	30 million	20 million
Bonuses	Points for making purchases using the card are exchanged for gifts from the catalog Discounts	Discounts up to 10% with partners Regular promotions

Which card is better in Russia

For citizens of the Russian Federation, MPS Visa, MasterCard and MIR (new national service) are available. The latter appeared in 2014. It is a product of the Central Bank, independent of foreign organizations. MIR plastic has similar options as American systems:

issuance of funds and deposits;
non-cash transactions; payment;
Money transfers.

There is only one difference – the impossibility of using the product abroad. However, if the consumer does not plan to travel to foreign countries, this is not a disadvantage. The national system of the Central Bank MIR is convenient, accessible, safe and reliable.

Sberbank products

All major banks in the Russian Federation cooperate with both payment systems. Often consumers have to decide which card is better to apply for – Visa or Sberbank MasterCard. If it is difficult to choose, you should compare the characteristics of the MPS.

Users have access to virtual, credit and debit lines with the logos of these systems. You can select instant products that do not have holder information on the front side. They are received immediately. An example of such products is the Maestro series. Many Maestro owners do not know whether it is Visa or MasterCard. This series belongs to the entry level of MPS Mastercard.

An analogue of the second service is Visa Electron. Classic and premium products are also available. Therefore, the client himself can determine which is better - a Visa or a Sberbank MasterCard, based on his own preferences.

Instant plastic is issued immediately upon filling out the application, and is also characterized by the absence of a service fee. However, this line has its drawbacks. Abroad, you cannot withdraw money from non-registered instruments, as well as pay for goods in most online stores.

Attention! SB promotions include “Gift of Life” and “Aeroflot” products with the Visa logo. Holders of Aeroflot products are awarded points that accumulate, and discounts are provided when purchasing air tickets.

Which card to choose for traveling abroad

If you are planning to travel to another country, it is important to understand the conversion algorithm when shopping abroad in order to decide which system between the two.

The products of both IPS are accepted for payment all over the world. If it is impossible to determine whether to choose Visa or MasterCard, two types of plastic are available, linked to one account number. The result will be a co-branded product: chipped or equipped with a magnetic stripe.

The conversion mechanism works as follows:

When paying in a foreign store in state currency, the bank servicing the trading enterprise sends information to the Ministry of Railways about the need to write off a certain amount from the owner of the plastic card.
The IPS converts the local unit of account into the currency used in settlements between the system and the card issuing bank, and then issues an invoice.
Then the converter acts based on the bank’s conditions. You can use your own rate or the Central Bank.

There are no additional commissions for conversion within the services; Visa and MasterCard payment systems do not receive profit from this.

The differences between the MPS are minor. Before you apply for plastic, you just need to check the conversion rate with a specific banking company, and also select a product:

with profitable cashback;
affordable cost of service;
a small commission for issuing money in foreign countries.

You need to decide which card is better than Visa or MasterCard yourself, taking into account your own preferences.

To Europe

The main difference is clearly visible when operating abroad. The difference lies in the use of the dollar currency in the case of a Visa and the euro if a MasterCard is used. Outside the Russian Federation, the currency is converted from the main unit of account of the card. Any of them can be used as the main one when opening an account. This will significantly save the holder's money.

Let's consider the situation. A MasterCard owner with a ruble account is going to pay for a hotel room in Vienna. Payment in euros. In this case, the conversion takes place according to the ruble – euro rule. If the user has a Visa, then the model will be different: rubles - dollars - euros. As a result, you have to pay the commission twice. Therefore, when planning a trip to Europe, you should choose Mastercard.

Attention! If a card from the Gold or Platinum series is suddenly lost, it will be reissued as quickly as possible. Cash disbursement will be provided. And owners of premium-level products also have access to free assistance from lawyers and doctors.

As an example, consider the need to pay for a T-shirt in dollars. Conversion to the MPS Visa follows the rule: rubles - dollars. In the case of Mastercard it’s different: rubles – euros – dollars. In other words, when going to the USA, you should choose Visa so as not to pay a double conversion fee every time.

Important! If you open not a ruble, but a dollar account at the bank where the plastic is ordered, then the purchase of currency will occur at the request of the holder once, and not with each payment transaction. The same applies to the euro. When ordering a card, check this with the bank manager.

Conclusion

If you need a card to deposit salaries in rubles and carry out various financial transactions within Russia, then you should choose not by payment systems, but by the benefits of the tariffs of the initial, classic and premium lines. Also, plastic can be virtual or regular, debit or with credit.