Description:

This collection features two collectible bankcards issued by Barnett Bank, both branded as the "Visa TravelMoney 1996 Olympic Games Edition." These cards function as both promotional items and practical travel tools, blending the utility of a bankcard with the prestige of commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympic Games held in Atlanta. The front design prominently showcases an artistic depiction of the Olympic Torch in bold, warm hues such as red and orange, accented with purple and blue stars trailing the flame motif. The phrase "Visa TravelMoney 1996 Olympic Games Edition" is printed in a golden tone that subtly blends into the dark green background, evoking a sense of exclusivity and commemorative significance.

On the reverse side, the magnetic strip runs horizontally across the top, bordered by a patterned blue strip featuring various global currency symbols and the recurring text "Visa TravelMoney." Beneath this, the Barnett Bank logo and name are displayed, emphasizing the card issuer’s role in providing international cash access. The text highlights that "Visa TravelMoney is the first international prepaid card for cash access at VisaPlus ATMs around the world," underscoring its functionality as a convenient, globally accepted financial instrument during a time when prepaid travel cards represented an innovative product. The back also features logos for Visa, the Olympic rings, and Visa Plus, reinforcing the card’s connection to secure network access.

Each card is individually numbered out of 5,000, marking them as part of a limited edition series. One card bears the number 4957 of 5000, while the other is numbered 4359 of 5000, emphasizing their collectible appeal to Olympic memorabilia enthusiasts and financial ephemera collectors alike. The inclusion of the Olympic flame and the Atlanta 1996 insignia firmly situates these cards within the context of the Games and their global marketing campaigns, showcasing Visa’s role as a worldwide partner.

Overall, these bankcards offer a captivating glimpse into the marketing and commemorative strategies surrounding the 1996 Olympic Games. They demonstrate how financial institutions like Barnett Bank and Visa capitalized on the international event by issuing practical yet artistic memorabilia to travelers. The torch motif embodies the Olympic spirit of unity and competition, while the functional features—including magnetic strips and international ATM access—reflect the evolving landscape of travel finance in the mid-1990s. These cards are not only useful for their original purpose but also serve as collectible artifacts that capture a specific moment in Olympic and banking history.

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.