Amazon Visa dispute: will UK Visa credit cards be accepted in 2022 - Mastercard impact and what you need to do

Amazon has rowed back on its decision to stop accepting Visa credit cards.

The giant US retailer initially told customers it will stop accepting payments made using UK Visa credit cards in 2022.

It said it has made the decision due to “the high fees Visa charges for processing credit card transactions”.

But on the eve of the ban coming into effect Amazon has changed its stance to continue to accept Visa credit cards after 19 January.

Here is everything you need to know about it.

Amazon dispute with Visa credit cards

The online retailer said in an email to customers in 2021 that Visa credit cards issued in the UK will be halted from use on its site from 19 January.

It said that the change comes ‘due to the high fees Visa charges for processing credit card transactions”.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “The cost of accepting card payments continues to be an obstacle for businesses striving to provide the best prices for customers.

“These costs should be going down over time with technological advancements, but instead they continue to stay high or even rise.

“As a result of Visa’s continued high cost of payments, we regret that Amazon.co.uk will no longer accept UK-issued Visa credit cards as of 19 January 2022.

“With the rapidly changing payments landscape around the world, we will continue innovating on behalf of customers to add and promote faster, cheaper, and more inclusive payment options to our stores across the globe.”

How did Visa respond to Amazon?

A Visa spokesperson said: “UK shoppers can use their Visa debit and credit cards at Amazon UK today and throughout the holiday season.

“We are very disappointed that Amazon is threatening to restrict consumer choice in the future.

“When consumer choice is limited, nobody wins.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Amazon and we continue to work toward a resolution, so our cardholders can use their preferred Visa credit cards at Amazon UK without Amazon-imposed restrictions come January 2022.”

What were UK Amazon customers preparing to do?

Customers were updating their default payment option or add a new, eligible payment method to continue shopping at Amazon.

Amazon had also asked customers to update their prime memberships due to the change, which can be done here.

Subscriptions on the site would have also needed to be altered if you have a default payment method with a Visa credit card.

But UK customers with a Visa credit card can now breathe a sigh of relief after Amazon changed its mind on Monday 17 January.

Amazon said it is in talks with Visa about finding solutions to continue to allow customers to shop using the credit card.

In an email to customers, Amazon stated: “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.”

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