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Why Some Online Shops Only Accept Mastercard or Visa

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Why Some Online Shops Only Accept Mastercard or Visa

If you’ve ever tried paying online and got this message:

“Sorry, we only accept Mastercard or Visa.”

You’re not alone. Many online shops, booking sites, and subscription services prefer Mastercard and Visa over other card brands like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, or Discover.

But why is this the case? And what should you do if your preferred card isn’t accepted?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know, especially if you’re getting your first credit card in the Philippines.

Understanding Credit Card Networks

Before we dive into why some online shops limit card options, let’s break down how credit cards work:

  • When you pay online, your transaction goes through a payment network.
  • In the Philippines, the most common are Visa and Mastercard, while others like AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay have a smaller presence.
  • The merchant’s payment gateway must support the card network for your transaction to go through.

This means if an online store doesn’t have an agreement with UnionPay or JCB, your payment will be declined — even if you have enough credit.

Why Online Shops Prefer Mastercard and Visa

There are several reasons why most merchants, especially online stores, choose Mastercard and Visa:

1. Global Acceptance

Mastercard and Visa are the most widely used payment networks in the world, accepted in 200+ countries. Merchants want to ensure more customers can pay without hassle.

2. Lower Merchant Fees

Every time you pay online, the merchant pays a transaction fee to the payment network.

  • Mastercard and Visa usually charge lower fees compared to AMEX, JCB, and Discover.
  • For small businesses, these savings matter, so they prioritize Visa and Mastercard.

3. Better Integration with Payment Gateways

Most e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Lazada, Shopee, and GCash are already optimized for Visa and Mastercard. Other card networks require additional setup, which many merchants skip.

4. Stronger Fraud Protection

Visa and Mastercard have advanced security features like:

  • 3D Secure (Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode)
  • Advanced fraud detection systems
  • Better dispute resolution processes

This gives online merchants confidence in reducing chargebacks and fraudulent transactions.

5. Partnership Agreements

Some online shops and booking platforms have exclusive partnerships with Mastercard or Visa for special deals and lower processing costs.

Challenges with Other Card Networks

While AMEX, JCB, UnionPay, and Discover are great for certain perks, they often face acceptance limitations online.

Card NetworkAcceptance in the PhilippinesOnline Acceptance GloballyBest For
Visa★★★★★★★★★★Everyday shopping, travel, subscriptions
Mastercard★★★★★★★★★★Lifestyle rewards, global acceptance
American Express★★★★☆★★★★☆Premium perks, travel benefits
JCB★★★★☆★★★☆☆Asian merchants, Japan/Korea travel
UnionPay★★★☆☆★★★☆☆Chinese platforms, cross-border shopping
Discover★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆Limited local use, some US-based sites

If you want a hassle-free online shopping experience, Visa and Mastercard remain your safest bet.

What to Do If Your Card Isn’t Accepted

If your UnionPay, JCB, or AMEX card doesn’t work on a website, here are some solutions:

1. Use a Visa or Mastercard

Having at least one Visa or Mastercard ensures smoother online payments, especially for subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, and Grab.

2. Use a Digital Wallet

Platforms like GCash, Maya, PayPal, and GrabPay often accept a wider range of card networks. You can link your card and pay indirectly.

3. Check Merchant Payment Options

Some online stores accept only specific card types due to banking partners. Always check the payment page before checkout.

4. Choose Cash on Delivery (COD)

For local e-commerce platforms like Shopee or Lazada, COD is a safe fallback if your credit card isn’t accepted.

Planning Your Credit Card Use

If you’re applying for your first credit card, make sure you choose one that works both online and offline.

Here are some tips:

  • Get a Visa or Mastercard as your primary card.
  • If you want extra perks, get a secondary card like AMEX or JCB for travel benefits.
  • Always know your credit limit to avoid declined transactions.
  • Check merchant compatibility before making a purchase.

Estimate Your Monthly Credit Card Costs

Before you apply for your first credit card, it’s important to understand how much you’ll actually spend each month.

Use this free tool:
Credit Card Cost Calculator

It helps you calculate:

  • Your monthly bill based on spending
  • Interest charges if you don’t pay in full
  • Annual fees and total yearly costs

This is especially helpful for first-time credit card users.

Tips for First-Time Credit Card Users

  • Always pay on time to avoid interest and penalties.
  • Use your credit card responsibly — avoid maxing out your limit.
  • Prioritize Visa or Mastercard for online shopping to avoid declined payments.
  • Take advantage of promos and cashback offers from your issuing bank.
  • Monitor your statement monthly to track expenses and avoid overspending.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

  • Many online shops only accept Mastercard and Visa because of global coverage, lower fees, and better security.
  • AMEX, JCB, UnionPay, and Discover are accepted in fewer online stores.
  • First-time credit card users should start with a Visa or Mastercard for maximum convenience.
  • Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan your expenses before applying.

FAQs About Online Credit Card Acceptance

1. Why don’t some online shops accept AMEX, JCB, or UnionPay?

Because these card networks charge higher transaction fees and have limited partnerships with payment gateways.

2. Which credit card is best for online shopping?

Visa and Mastercard are the safest choices because they’re universally accepted and offer strong security.

3. Can I use JCB or UnionPay on Lazada and Shopee?

Some merchants accept them, but Visa and Mastercard work more reliably across all sellers.

4. What’s the easiest credit card to get for first-time users?

Most banks recommend entry-level Visa or Mastercard cards with lower income requirements.

5. How can I avoid declined online transactions?

Use a Visa or Mastercard, ensure your card is activated for online payments, and always check merchant compatibility.

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