Bank cards are a convenient way to make payments and store money. There are several types of “plastic”, depending on the package of services provided: electronic, standard, premium. For those who want to get an expanded service and become a bank VIP-client, Visa payment system offers Gold, Platinum and Infinite service programs. Each of them is an indicator of prestige, convenience and comfort anywhere in the world. But special attention will be paid to the Visa Platinum card, which will be discussed in the article.
A bit about Visa
This is a world-famous and popular payment system that regulates the relationship between the issuing bank, the seller and the card holder when making transactions. The company itself does not establish maintenance fees and does not produce plastic. The Visa system is reduced to providing access to a network of electronic payments and transaction security. Thanks to innovative solutions of the company, credit and financial organizations offer customers card products. Banks, receiving the right to issue Visa payment instruments, independently regulate the terms of release and use of plastic.
The company cooperates with organizations in more than 200 countries, which enables users to make payments almost anywhere in the world. Premium products provide access to the “Privilege World” bonus program. Visa Platinum, Gold and Infinite allow you to receive discounts, participate in special offers and be a welcome guest for payment system partners.
Personal assistant
Visa Platinum holders have access to a free concierge service anywhere in the world. Specialists will inform you about interesting events at the location of the owner and take care of booking tickets. In addition, concierge services on the Visa Platinum card include:
- car rental;
- taxi order at any time of the day;
- booking a table in a restaurant, plane tickets;
- leisure activities;
- access to private clubs;
- help with route planning;
- information support (places of currency exchange, weather forecasts, addresses of hospitals, etc.).
The service is available both at home and abroad. The service is provided by ISOS (International SOS).
Customer service
In urgent cases related to servicing the card, the user needs urgent help. Where to go when being abroad to a Visa Platinum holder? Premium product privileges allow you to get help regardless of customer location. The Visa payment system global support service will be able to take emergency action in case of loss or theft of plastic .
By contacting a toll-free customer service number, the Visa Platinum card holder can:
- organize reissue and delivery of a new “plastic” regardless of the location of the owner;
- block an account;
- arrange an emergency cash withdrawal at any time of the day;
- get the necessary information.
Access to global support is open to the Visa cardholder, regardless of its class. However, only owners of premium "plastic" can count on emergency cash withdrawals and urgent reissues.
Travel insurance
What else can please a Visa Platinum holder? The privileges of this payment instrument are not only in excellent service, but also in a well-thought-out insurance program. The product is aimed at successful people who often travel for leisure or for work issues. Unforeseen circumstances may occur during trips : cancellation or delay of a flight, theft of documents, baggage or money, accidents.
If the tickets were purchased with Visa Platinum, then the owner and his close relatives receive insurance. It will protect against any troubles that may arise on the road. This includes expenses related to:
- loss, theft of baggage, documents, money;
- delayed or canceled flight;
- legal or medical assistance;
- evacuation;
- repatriation.
Insurance lasts only during the trip, but not more than 90 days. In addition, the holder of the premium card has access to the Visa Medical & Legal Referrals program. Help is provided by ISOS. As part of the services provided, an individual has the right to make an appointment with a doctor, receive a telephone consultation, and be evacuated by means of sanitation. Specialists will inform you about the location of medical and legal institutions, the level of service and prices.
Shopping Insurance Programs
Holders of Visa Platinum have privileges when paying for goods. The cardholder can count on two insurance programs at once. Consider them in the table.
Visa Shopping InsuranceTitle | Destination | Validity | Unconditional franchise | Minimum conditions for participation in insurance |
“Warranty Extension” | Extension of the term of free service. Allows you to return part of the funds when replacing goods and reimburse repair costs. | Up to 24 months after the expiration of the main manufacturer’s warranty. | $ 50 | The cost of the goods is from $ 50. Warranty from the manufacturer - at least 12 months. Payment by credit card Visa Platinum in full amount of the purchase price. |
“Protection of purchases” | For reimbursement in case of theft, loss, damage to the goods or its repair | 90 days from the date of purchase. | $ 50 | The product was paid in full with a Visa Platinum card and cost at least $ 50. |
Particular attention should be paid to the size of the unconditional deductible equal to $ 50. Refunds will be made net of this amount. When an insured event occurs, the cardholder will be able to receive from $ 1,500 to $ 5,000. More detailed terms of purchase insurance can be found on the official website of the payment system in the Visa Platinum information section.
Privileges in Russia
Premium card holders are a special group of clients of any financial institution. For them, the bank creates the most comfortable and favorable terms of use. What exactly does the Visa Platinum owner win? Privileges card has the following:
- increased cashback (from 1.5 to 30%);
- free info services (internet banking, SMS);
- additional issue of a "platinum" or "gold" card without commissions on preferential terms;
- high withdrawal limit;
- access to VIP-zones of various institutions;
- high-quality banking service;
- opening multiple currency accounts;
- access to premium programs from the bank (discounts on categories of goods, bonuses for purchases);
- high credit limit and reduced interest rate.
Of course, each bank has its own individual program for Visa Platinum. Sberbank, for example, serves premium card customers in comfortable areas of the office without queues, providing a personal manager.
Money transactions
Visa Platinum has much more privileges for withdrawing, crediting or transferring funds than for a classic card. Most banks do not have a commission for cashing in with premium plastic. A one-time withdrawal limit on average is about 500 thousand rubles. For Card to Card transfers, commissions are also minimal, or not at all. You can replenish your account using electronic wallets, cash services, terminals with the “Cash in” function.
Another undoubted advantage of Visa Platinum is payWave contactless payment technology. Payment by credit card occurs in a matter of seconds and does not require the introduction of a PIN code. A certain limit is set within which contactless transactions are made.
Cost
The premium package of banking services Visa Platinum opens up a lot of opportunities for the owner and greatly facilitates life during travel and business trips. Annual card maintenance varies depending on the conditions of different banks. The amount varies between 2-15 thousand rubles. It all depends on the type of “platinum” card, the issuing bank and the package of additional services provided. Co-branded plastic usually costs more than the standard Visa Platinum.
“Platinum” card is undoubtedly a convenient and profitable product for a specific target audience. Only the successful person with higher than average earnings, often traveling abroad, can appreciate the privileges of the premium “plastic”. Otherwise, the costs of servicing the card will bring more loss than profit.