Description:

The images depict a collectible, promotional stored-value chip card created to commemorate the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Issued by First Union in partnership with Visa, this $5 prepaid card is branded as “Visa Cash.” The front features a striking green and silver color scheme accented with intricate security patterns. A prominent number “5” is encased within a decorative border resembling a sunburst or medal, emphasizing its five-dollar value. Near the bottom left, the text “Atlanta 1996 VISA” accompanies the official Olympic torch icon, highlighting its connection to the Atlanta Olympic Games. The Visa Cash logo appears at the bottom right, signifying its function as a prepaid monetary instrument, while the embedded chip indicates it is a smart card designed for secure transactions.

The reverse side provides practical and regulatory details. Marked as part of the “Inaugural Series,” the accompanying text outlines the terms and conditions for the card’s use. It emphasizes that the card is disposable, intended solely for use within the United States, and functions similarly to cash—note that lost or stolen cards are not replaceable. The expiration date is June 1997, indicating a limited window for use, reflecting its status as a temporary promotional item tied to the 1996 Olympics. Also included are a customer service phone number and a standardized serial number for traceability and authenticity. The back also features the Visa logo and the Olympic rings, further affirming the official partnership.

This type of promotional chip card holds significance beyond its role as stored-value currency; it is also a bankcard and a technological artifact. In 1996, chip cards like this represented cutting-edge payment technology before the widespread adoption of contactless and smartphone-based solutions. Its design cleverly combines sports memorabilia with financial utility, allowing users to carry a piece of Olympic history while enjoying convenient, prepaid spending power. Its association with the Atlanta Olympics makes it highly collectible, especially for enthusiasts of sports history and early smart card technology—capturing a moment when stored-value cards emerged as a secure alternative to cash.

Together, the front and back images illustrate a well-crafted promotional item that merges currency, technology, and Olympic branding. The chip-enabled feature reflects early efforts in smart card technology, while the $5 stored value bridges the worlds of sports fandom and financial convenience. This card embodies a unique intersection of currency innovation launched during a major global sporting event, showcasing how financial institutions and event sponsors collaborated to enhance consumer engagement through practical, collectible items that celebrate the excitement and legacy of the Olympics.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.