New Delhi:
Global payments giant Visa is preparing to introduce its innovative dual debit-cum-credit card in the Indian market, following strong adoption and success in Japan. The new offering, known as Visa Flexible Credential (Visa Flex), is designed to give consumers greater control over how they pay—using a single card that can function as both a debit and a credit card.
Visa Flex operates on a single 16-digit card number, allowing users to switch seamlessly between debit and credit funding sources without needing multiple cards. The card can be configured based on several parameters, including transaction value, merchant category, customer preference, and the issuing bank’s risk policies.
How the Card Works
With Visa Flex, customers can decide how a transaction is funded:
- Low-value, everyday purchases—such as groceries or transit—can be automatically routed through the debit account.
- High-value purchases, such as electronics or travel bookings, can be processed through the credit line.
- Users may also manually choose their preferred payment mode at the time of transaction, depending on bank and app capabilities.
Despite switching between debit and credit, the card number remains unchanged, ensuring a smooth experience for both consumers and merchants.
Why India Matters
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing digital payments markets, driven by rising card penetration, UPI adoption, and increasing consumer comfort with cashless transactions. Visa sees the country as a key growth market for next-generation payment solutions that offer flexibility, security, and simplicity.
Industry experts believe Visa Flex could appeal strongly to young professionals, salaried consumers, and digitally savvy users who want better control over spending without juggling multiple cards.
Benefits for Banks and Consumers
For banks, the flexible credential model allows better risk management, smarter transaction routing, and enhanced customer engagement. For consumers, it offers:
- Fewer cards to carry
- Better budgeting and spending control
- Seamless switching between debit and credit
- A simplified payments experience
What’s Next
While Visa has not announced a formal launch date, discussions with Indian banks and financial institutions are reportedly underway. The rollout is expected to align with regulatory approvals and issuer readiness.
If launched successfully, Visa Flex could reshape the way Indian consumers use cards, blending the discipline of debit with the convenience of credit—on a single piece of plastic.