Consumers will need Visa card for 2012 Olympics

Many people may be looking forward to the 2012 Olympics and many may be planning to buy tickets to the big event. However, consumers are being warned that there are restrictions in place if they plan to purchase their tickets by credit or debit card due to a deal that has been struck between the Olympic Games and a plastic card network giant.

The deal has been struck between the Olympic Games and Visa, and as part of the deal those looking to purchase tickets for the Olympic Games by plastic card will have to pay by Visa credit or debit card. The restrictions form part of a sponsorship deal between Visa and the Olympic Games, and could mean that some people will find it more difficult to buy their tickets.

In addition to consumers being restricted to using a Visa card to buy their tickets for the games themselves there will also be restriction on making cash withdrawals and purchases with cards within the venue, which will also be restricted to Visa cards. There will be cash machines that take other cards at entry points but only Visa cards can be used within the venue itself.

Some have expressed anger over the fact that only Visa cards can be used to make purchases or buy tickets with cards, with consumer watchdog Which? claiming that this discriminates against those with Mastercards, American Express cards, and others that do not have Visa cards.

Officials from Which said: “We think it’s outrageous that some UK sports fans should be discriminated against in this way. We want the London 2012 organising committee to take steps to ensure there’s a level playing field and that UK consumers have equal access to the games, whether or not they are Visa cardholders. If it doesn’t we’ll call on the government to step in.”