Payment Networks: Which Exist and How to Choose the Most Suitable One
- Lapo Zarina
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
When we use a credit card or a prepaid card for a purchase, whether physical or online, we are used to seeing the logos of major brands like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. These are not the banks that issue your card, but the actual payment networks, the technological infrastructure that makes the transaction possible.
The choice of network can influence your purchasing experience, the card's global acceptance level, and the available supplementary services.
Ready to find the card with the right network for you?
What is a Payment Network: The Simple Example
Imagine a payment network as a digital highway connecting three key players in every transaction:
You (the cardholder): You want to buy a coffee.
The Merchant (and their bank): They receive the payment.
Your Bank (the issuer): It authorizes the withdrawal.
When you swipe your card, the payment network (for example, Mastercard) acts as an essential intermediary. It:
Encrypts and sends the data from the merchant's terminal (POS).
Verifies with your bank if you have sufficient funds.
Obtains the authorization and communicates it to the merchant.
In essence, the network ensures that money moves securely, quickly, and reliably between the seller and the buyer. Without it, your card would be nothing more than a piece of plastic.
Comparison of the Main Payment Networks
Globally, three giants dominate the market, each with distinct features and advantages. Knowing the differences will help you understand which network is most suitable for your lifestyle.
Network | Main Characteristics | Advantages (Pros) | Disadvantages (Cons) |
Visa | The highest global acceptance of third-party issued cards. Strong focus on security and innovation (contactless, tokenization). | Near-universal acceptance (in Switzerland and abroad). Wide range of products (from debit to premium cards). | Currency conversion rates and fees vary depending on the issuer. |
Mastercard | Rivals Visa for global acceptance and spread. Often associated with specific loyalty programs and travel benefits. | Excellent worldwide acceptance. Robust security network with advanced fraud monitoring services. | As with Visa, final costs entirely depend on the issuing institution. |
American Express | Operates as both a network and an issuer. Historically associated with high-value cards and premium/luxury services. | Superior customer services (travel insurance, airport lounges). Extremely generous loyalty programs (Membership Rewards). | Limited acceptance compared to Visa/Mastercard, especially in small businesses. Often high annual fees. |
Do you want a card with high security standards and global acceptance? Both Mastercard and Visa cards are excellent choices. If, on the other hand, you seek exclusive benefits and spend heavily, you might consider American Express.
Choosing the Network: Profiles Compared
The choice of network is not universal but depends on your habits and needs.
1. The Frequent Traveler
Priority: Seamless global acceptance and low currency exchange fees.
Best Choice: Visa or Mastercard. They are accepted at millions of merchant locations and ATMs in almost every country. If your focus is on luxury and benefits (lounges, premium insurance), American Express can be an excellent secondary card.
2. The Daily User in Switzerland
Priority: Widespread acceptance in the country and low or no fees for local transactions.
Best Choice: Visa or Mastercard. In Switzerland, acceptance is practically total. A good starting point is a Debit or Credit Card linked to your main bank account.
3. The User Seeking Rewards and Benefits
Priority: Generous loyalty programs, cashback, insurance, and premium services.
Best Choice: American Express. Its Membership Rewards programs are unmatched. However, consider that you will need a second card (Visa/Mastercard) for purchases where Amex is not accepted.
4. Who Needs Total Control (Prepaid)
Priority: Controlled spending, top-ups, and security.
Best Choice: A Prepaid Card on the Visa or Mastercard network. These offer the security of the network combined with the control of the prepaid balance.
The first choice is the network, the second is the card that supports it.
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