Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard?

Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard? - Multicolored head sculptures of David near bright statuettes placed in store with abundance of souvenirs and black pillar with book

I'm surprised at how prevalent the sign "We prefer MasterCard" is in Singapore.

Also, when I tried handing in my VISA at local 7-11, a staff there looked dissatisfied, by shouting out "VISA?!". This is not the only case, as the similar situation occurred just in a few days; every time when I tried handing in my VISA, the staff looked dissatisfied. This occurred at least 5 times in 5 days, which seems so many.

One staff at 7-11 even declined my VISA by saying "Ah, VISA...NO!". I asked why, and then he said the machine is broken.

My bet of him lying is 85%. But I paid it via EZ-Link.

With all these cases, they seem to like either cash or MasterCard, but I'm not sure.

So let me assume they do and ask a question.

Why does a local store in Singapore like to accept MasterCard so much? I wonder if the staff at counter receives some sort of charges, which depends on how a customer pays the money.

And is it rude to use VISA? I don't like to bother to ask them if I can use VISA; It's exactly the convenience that I love the card.

And finally, what is the purpose of showing "We prefer MasterCard", even if they accept VISA or AMEX too? This is not seen in other Asian countries, so I'm perplexed.






Pictures about "Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard?"

Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard? - Top view composition of ripe green cabbage leaves and organic tomatoes heaped together on vegetable market stall
Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard? - Traditional oriental decorative souvenirs presented in local market
Why do so many stores at Singapore prefer MasterCard? - Stack of various Asian tea jars



Do more stores accept Visa or Mastercard?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit card networks. Visa credit cards can be used at 44 million merchant locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard credit cards are accepted at 37 million merchant locations in more than 210 countries and territories.

Is Mastercard accepted in Singapore?

Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in Singapore. Though you may want to check with your bank that your Mastercard is activated for oversea transactions and applicable fees when you use your mastercard overseas.

Is it better to have a Visa or Mastercard?

For most people, it doesn't really matter whether they get a VISA or a MasterCard. Both are equally secure and offer similar benefits. While VISA has a slightly higher market share and greater amount of transactions worldwide, both VISA and MasterCard are equally well-accepted by merchants.

Do most people accept Mastercard?

Most of what you get with a card comes from the issuer. Visa and Mastercard are both accepted just about everywhere that takes credit cards. With only a handful of exceptions, any place that takes one will take the other.



Why You Should Use Credit Card




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Images: Olga Lioncat, Meruyert Gonullu, Maria Orlova, Tianwang Xiao