Visa has introduced an innovative service that provides digital card replacement via text or email to cardholders worldwide. This groundbreaking solution, launched on Wednesday (June 26), aims to alleviate the stress and inconvenience of losing a card while traveling.
The Digital Emergency Card Replacement service allows cardholders to receive, authenticate, and add their new card to a digital wallet swiftly. Visa sends the digital card on behalf of card issuers, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for users.
Kathleen Pierce-Gilmore, Global Head of Issuing Solutions at Visa, emphasized the value of this service, stating, “We’ve all felt that moment of panic while on vacation — the loss of a card and the feeling of being stranded. Our new digital emergency card solution addresses these very issues.”
This service enhances Visa’s Global Customer Assistance Services (GCAS), which already boasts a robust distribution network, established partnerships, and rapid card production and delivery across five continents. GCAS manages over 3 million multilingual interactions annually, reinforcing its capability to support cardholders globally.
The Digital Emergency Card Replacement service not only benefits cardholders but also empowers issuers to elevate their customer service. “It’s a win-win, demonstrating the power of digital payments to improve experiences for everyone,” Pierce-Gilmore added.
According to the Visa Global Travel Intention Study released in November 2023, digital wallets have become integral to travel for 74% of Americans, especially affluent travelers and millennials. Conversely, cash is often a source of stress due to concerns about theft, currency conversion, and leftover local currency.
Kirk Stuart, Visa’s Head of North American Merchant, Acquiring & Enablement, highlighted the importance of a seamless, digitally connected travel experience, stating, “Americans expect a seamless, digitally connected travel journey whether they are here in the U.S. or abroad.”
With the launch of the Digital Emergency Card Replacement service, Visa continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions that enhance the travel experience and deliver unparalleled customer support.
