A credit card is so much more than just a small piece of plastic that you keep in your purse or wallet. It’s an opportunity to borrow funds from a reputable provider to pay for the goods and services you need to live your life without compromise.
When you make a purchase on a credit card, you’re agreeing to pay back not only the money borrowed but also all applicable interest. You can do this either by the billing date (thus avoiding excess interest charges) or in smaller and more manageable chunks over time.
The total amount of money that you can charge is called a credit limit, and this will vary depending on several factors. If you’ve never had a credit card and do not have an established credit history, your total credit limit might be fairly low. If you have a high credit score and low debt-to-income ratio, it could be much higher.
After you use your credit card, interest is charged on the next statement at the agreed-upon rate. You may be able to take advantage of a 0% APR introductory offer – meaning that you won’t make any interest payments for a period of time. Likewise, credit card providers must wait at least 21 days before any interest can begin to accrue – which is why it’s always a good idea to pay off your card balance as soon as possible.
What Is Visa?
Visa is a financial services company headquartered in California that dates back to 1958. One of the most important things to understand about Visa is that they don’t actually establish interest rates or issue credit cards. Instead, Visa offers financial institutions, like local credit unions, branded credit and debit card products so that those institutions can offer programs to you.
Visa is a reputable, trusted name and it’s the logo most of us have on our credit card. In fact, according to the 2019 Nilson Report, just about half of all Americans had a Visa credit card in 2018.
It’s no surprise Visa credit cards are so prevalent in our wallets. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits that come along with the Visa logo.
Benefits Of Visa Credit Cards
Visa credit cards bring with them many unique benefits, regardless of which type of card you choose.
24-Hour Cardholder Service
One of the biggest of these is the “Cardholder Inquiry Service” – a 24-hour global hotline that you can use to get product and service information, to handle customer service needs, and to get fast and accurate information about your account whenever and wherever you may be.
Easy Reporting of Lost/Stolen Cards & Zero Liability
Because security is an important concern, another major Visa credit card benefit comes by way of features that make reporting lost or stolen cards easier than ever.
If you lose your card or it is stolen, all you have to do is call toll-free to speak directly to a company representative. That person will work with you to not only notify appropriate parties that the card has been compromised but to replace it as quickly as possible.
Visa also offers a “zero liability” policy if your card has been used in an unauthorized way. If someone steals your credit card and uses it to make purchases that are proven to be fraudulent, you aren’t held responsible.
Roadside Dispatch
If you have a Visa credit card, you likely have access to a convenient, pay-per-use Roadside Dispatch program that you may not even know about. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
In the event that you’re faced with a roadside problem or emergency, you can call Visa and they’ll arrange to have someone come to your specific location for assistance. They will send you a tow truck driver, a locksmith, or some other professional who can get you back on the road again as quickly and safely as possible.
Not only is there no limit on annual usage, but all service calls cost the same rate regardless of the severity of the problem.
Other Perks Of Visa Credit Cards
Depending on the specific Visa card you use, there may be additional benefits available to you. These may include things like travel protection and lost luggage reimbursement to emergency assistance services and purchase protection on consumer products.
Be sure to look into all of the terms and features of the Visa credit card you are considering so that you are aware of the benefits and perks at your disposal.
Visa Credit Cards From Baton Rouge Telco
At Baton Rouge Telco, we’ve been proudly serving residents in Southeast Louisiana since 1936. We’re local and not-for-profit – meaning that there is nothing that will get in the way of us helping you accomplish your financial goals.
We always have friendly representatives ready to address your concerns or answer your questions and would love to share with you information on our Visa credit card options. Baton Rouge Telco offers three unique instant-issue Visa cards with perks like cash back, low rates, no fees, and 24/7 access via online and mobile banking.
Want to learn more about our Visa credit cards? Click below for some helpful credit card FAQs.
