Non-Visa debit and credit cardholders wishing to purchase Olympic tickets can do so with one of the many Visa branded pre-pay cards, a spokesman for the card issuer confirmed to MayorWatch today.
In recent weeks there has been widespread criticism of a sponsorship agreement which limits ticket sales to holders of Visa-branded cards. It’s also been reported that only Visa cards will be accepted at shops and cash machines at Olympic venues.
Last week that deal was criticised by Which? who said it was “outrageous that some UK sports fans should be discriminated against in this way.”
Politicians on the London Assembly have previously expressed concerns on a number of Olympic ticket related issues including the payment methods available.
On Monday a spokesman for Visa Europe told this site: “People who don’t currently have a Visa debit or credit card are able to obtain a Visa prepaid card, which can be used to purchase Olympic Games tickets and to pay in Olympic Games venues. People can also choose to pay by cash or cheque.”
Prepaid Visa cards are available from a number of companies including mobile phone network O2 and the Post Office. The cards can be pro-loaded with cash and used anywhere that accepts a conventional Visa card.
Visa’s spokesman said as part of the firm’s commitment to a successful Olympics it was “providing funds for the 1,200 elite athletes competing to become part of Team GB and ParalympicsGB. These funds will be allocated across all sports and will go towards coaching, medical support and research.”
