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Amazon pauses plan to block UK Visa credit cards
Customers can continue to use Visa credit cards on Amazon.co.uk as the retail giant pauses its plan to stop accepting them.
Amazon told customers today that the planned block on Visa credit cards will no longer go ahead on 19 January while the online retailer works with the card operator on a long-term solution.
In the meantime, Amazon will continue accepting Visa credit cards.
Visa credit cards still valid for Amazon.co.uk
This news will come as a relief to UK Visa credit card customers who would have had to switch to an alternative card to continue using Amazon's services.
While Amazon and Visa continue working together on a way forward, there's no need for these customers to make any changes.
Amazon told Which?: 'The expectedu202fchange regarding the use of Visa credit cardsu202fon 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.'
Visa had a similar statement, saying: 'Amazon customers can continue to use Visa cards on Amazon.co.uk after January 19 while we work closely together to reach an agreement.'
Amazon did not comment on whether it will set a new cutoff date for Visa credit cards should the two parties fail to come to an agreement, but it did say that customers will receive advanced notice of any future changes.
- Find out more: best credit card deals
Why did Amazon plan to block Visa?
At the time, Amazon said its now-overturned decision came down to fees. After Brexit, credit card providers were free to increase their 'interchange fees' for online payments. These are fees charged on payments from UK customers to EU merchants.
The European Commission capped these interchange fees at 0.3%. Once the UK left the EU, Visa increased them fivefold to 1.5%. But it wasn't alone. Rival credit card provider Mastercard also increased its fee to 1.5%.
Amazon's own credit card is issued by Mastercard. It didn't announce a similar ban on Mastercard credit cards and it declined to comment at the time when we asked if it would.
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Who is your credit card issuer?
Banks and building societies can provide credit cards thanks to a card issuer or payment provider, who operates the network the card uses to make payments.
Your credit card will display its issuer's logo, usually in the bottom-right corner. While there are other providers available, such as American Express, most UK banks issue either Visa or Mastercard credit cards.
If you don't have your card to hand, the table below shows you the payment networks each bank uses. The links take you through to our free credit card reviews.
| Credit card provider | Payment network |
| Amazon | Mastercard |
| American Express | American Express |
| Aqua | Mastercard |
| Barclaycard | Visa |
| British Airways | American Express |
| Capital One | Mastercard |
| First Direct | Visa |
- Find out more:best and worst credit card providers
When should you use a credit card?
Credit cards provide more consumer protection than debit cards. You can claim your money back from your bank under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong with any credit card purchase between £100 and £30,000.
Now that Amazon's ban has been reversed, Visa credit card customers will still have this protection when using the site without having to switch to a different credit card.
- Find out more:how to check your credit report free of charge
