What is the difference between Visa cards and UnionPay cards?

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At Altery, we offer cards powered by two major payment networks: Visa and UnionPay. While both allow you to make payments online and in-store, there are some key differences between them.

1. Eligibility criteria

  • Visa: You can get an Altery Visa card if you have a verified account with Altery and you’re a resident/business registered in one of the countries where the Visa card is available. For more information, please visit: Can I apply for an Altery Visa card?
  • UnionPay: You can get an Altery UnionPay card if you have a verified account with Altery and you’re a resident/business registered in one of the countries where the UnionPay card is available. Please note that both UnionPay and crypto services can't be used at the same time. For more information, please visit: Can I apply for an Altery UnionPay card?.

2. Global acceptance

  • Visa: Can be used in any ATM or POS where Visa cards are accepted. One of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world, Visa cards work at millions of merchants across over 200 countries.
  • UnionPay: Can be used in any ATM or POS where UnionPay cards are accepted. While primarily used in China and Asia, UnionPay has expanded its acceptance globally, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. However, it may not be supported everywhere Visa is.

3. Online & contactless payments

  • Visa: Cards issued before 14 November 2025 work seamlessly with Google Pay and Apple Pay making online and contactless payments easy. If yours was ordered after, only Google pay is available at the moment.  
  • UnionPay: Currently, UnionPay cards do not support Apple Pay or Google Pay, and online acceptance may vary depending on the merchant.

4. Which card is better for your needs: Visa or UnionPay?

  • If you need maximum global acceptance, a Visa card is the best option.
  • If you frequently travel to or do business with China and other Asian countries, a UnionPay card may be more beneficial.

5. Exchange rates

Both Visa and UnionPay process transactions in different ways, which may affect exchange rates when making international payments. It’s always best to check specific rates before a transaction.

Other than that, the rest is the same, including: card fees, limits 

Which card should you choose?

If you're eligible to choose between the two options, consider where you plan to use the card. For those who need Google Pay support and wider global acceptance, the Visa card is a great option. If you frequently transact in regions where UnionPay is widely accepted, the UnionPay card may be a better choice.

If you can order both cards, there's no need to choose just one — you can issue up to 25 cards, with some being Visa and others UnionPay, and enjoy the benefits of both. 

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