Visa has its roots in Bank Americard, which was started by B of A in 1958 ...

http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/abo...e_history.html

There's virtually no difference between MC and VISA these days, except for acceptance.

I recall that in the 70's, MC was the acceptance leader. At some point in time, that changed, and I think Visa is now the acceptance leader, but in my experience, it's rare to find a merchant that accepts one and doesn't accept the other, at least in the US, since the credit card clearing companies used by US merchants offer both at the same price.

-David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 04-13-2002).]