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Amazon scraps Visa ban at last minute

Emma Lunn
Written By:
Emma Lunn
Posted:
Updated:
17/01/2022

According to reports on social media, Amazon is emailing customers to tell them that the ban on Visa credit cards is not going ahead as expected.

The online giant says it’s working with Visa to find a solution that will allow Amazon customers to continue to use Visa credit cards for purchases on Amazon’s UK website.

The email said: “The expected change regarding the use of Visa credit cards on Amazon.co.uk will no longer take place on January 19. We are working closely with Visa on a potential solution that will enable customers to continue using their Visa credit cards on Amazon.co.uk.

“Should we make any changes related to Visa credit cards, we will give you advance notice. Until then, you can continue to use Visa credit cards, debit cards, Mastercard, American Express, and Eurocard as you do today.”

Amazon announced the Visa credit card ban in November and blamed the high cost of processing payments for the decision. Online card payments attract a range of fees including interchange fees and other transaction charges. The Visa ban was due to start on 19 January – this Wednesday.

David Beard, editor-in-chief at Lendingexpert.co.uk, said: “I’m not surprised Amazon has done a U-turn. Dictating to consumers how they can pay was an arrogant move by the retail giant.

“Amazon could have lost customers because they were forcing them to make a decision; either switch to pay with a debit card or apply for a new Mastercard. Switching to pay for items with a debit card meant customers would no longer benefit from Visa credit card perks like cheap borrowing if they had a 0% interest period, cashback, rewards and extra protection for purchases over £100.

“This is a welcome relief for Amazon customers and a sensible move for the retailer who should always put their customers before their profits.”


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