Visa celebrates its 25th birthday

According to Visa historical records, the first use of a Visa-branded card took place on 26 July 1976 at Thompson Travel in Burlington, Vermont USA with a card issued by a member named the Howard Bank. The transaction was for US$178 and was used to purchase airline tickets.

Since that time the Visa brand has realised phenomenal growth, building on a name that is culturally and geographically neutral; and so allowing Visa to develop a global brand with a global promise, yet also adapt to local markets and cultures.

"Global yet local, is a powerful strategy that has enabled our members to position themselves for continued leadership and profitability in their marketplaces," said Peter Scriven, Visa's Middle East General Manager. This strategy has led to phenomenal growth especially in the Gulf Region, as cardholders enjoy the benefits of a local service with global benefits from the world's leading payment provider."

Today there are more than 1 billion Visa cards worldwide generating a global sales volume of nearly US$2 trillion. Visa cards are accepted at over 22 million locations worldwide, of which 653,000 are ATMs.
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