Visa or MasterCard or Discover or American Express

I decided to ask a very simple question on Linkedin that I hadn’t thought of before:

Visa or MasterCard or Discover or American Express - Which would you recommend and why?

The answers are abbreviated below. For a full transcript, click here.

Daniel Gradsky
”Out of the premium brands i would put MasterCard first, American Express and Visa would share the second place, whilst Discover would be the last one.” ”The most important factor is the financial advantages. My MasterCard, starts with a 250 000 and UP credit line, at 0% APR for 90 days, AMEX rarely starts over 100 k with monthly statements. MasterCard, never stops, transactions never get canceled, you literally can spend as much as You can afford, AMEX will get checked and checked, over and over again, creating a socially humiliating situation. Cash would be available without any daily limits with Master, whilst Amex gives you a limit... So financially Master is much stronger.... “”In terms of services, Centurion and Master are very similar, 24 hour concierge, business lounge, travel discounts, travel insurance. But only Master offers a rental program that includes not only cars, but also Yachts, Private Jets, and Limos. Only with Master, people will go to incredible lengths to help their clients. "


John Machacek
“If you pay in full each month or carry a very minimal amount, there are tons of rewards choices.
AMEX: I've never used AMEX but have heard good things with their reward redemptions.
Discover: I've had one for 15 yrs and like the cash back. I now typically use it more for their promo quarters where you get 5% back, such as gas purchases in July-Sep or home improvement purchases in Apr-Jun. At $3+ per gallon, using the card is like shaving at least $0.15 off each gallon.
Mastercard - rarely have used.
Visa - I use this most because I get the same cashback as Discover but it is more widely accepted. My card is through my bank (U.S. Bank) so it is nice to see my card balance & transaction data with my internet banking (on same page I see my checking, savings, roth, etc) and making direct payments is so simple and efficient. Also, I use a Visa tied to my college alumni foundation so not only do I get my cash reward, the school gets a little bit back too.”


Luan Vu
“as a student ---> visa for acceptance by all merchants
as a professinal --> amex for great insurance, service, and travel assist

just using amex points alone, I've qualified on Delta airline's platinum medallion status

“We pay cash for everything, then I noticed that cash doesn't protect you in case of fraud, damage, or theft. that's when my wife and I switched to using amex exclusively for all purchases. their travel assist helped me when my mother-in-law collapsed on a trip in France --- they were professional, fast, and resourceful (all free).

amex purchase protection also replaced damaged/lost items when I lost my glasses and sunglasses by accident (each costs $300).”


Chetan Shah
“I like VISA because of their

- Auto Rental Insurance Protection.
- Zero Liability.”


Yan Maisonneuve-Gauthier
“For my part it is Diners Club.

Reason ? I travel a lot and it is good for flyers lounge in airports. A lot of advantages regarding inssurances and they also have a point program with very nice stuff as well. Service is #1.”