Which bank launched BankAmericard, the card that later became Visa, in 1958?

Bank of America launched BankAmericard, the card that later became Visa, in 1958.

The California bank introduced the product in Fresno as a general-purpose payment card. Unlike a traditional store card, BankAmericard could be used at many participating merchants and initially offered customers a revolving credit facility.

The program expanded through licensing agreements with banks in other regions. In 1976, the international BankAmericard system adopted the name Visa, creating a brand that could operate across national markets without being tied to one American bank.

BankAmericard is often described as Visa’s direct predecessor, while Mastercard developed from the rival Interbank Card Association. The two networks are payment systems rather than ordinary banks, although banks issue cards connected to them.