When were MasterCard and Visa introduced?

Visa began in 1965 as the Bank of America’s BankAmericard, backed by a group of banks able to exchange funds nationally.

It received its current name, Visa, in 1977, to promote its international image and acknowledge the cooperation of banks in other countries.

MasterCard began in 1966 as the Interbank card issued by another consortium of banks.

It became Master Charge in 1969 and MasterCard in 1979.