Description:

These images feature a collectible Australian VISA Cash card, also known as a stored value card (SVC), related to a 1996 IT exhibition focused on information exchange technology and electronic payments. The cards prominently display the VISA Cash branding, a precursor to today’s digital stored value payment methods. Their design incorporates multiple coin motifs—bronze, silver, and gold-colored—set against a textured background of fine lines and geometric patterns, emphasizing the monetary and transactional themes. The denomination, “A$20,” is boldly printed in orange at the upper right corner, ensuring immediate visibility of its value. Marked as “DISPOSABLE,” the card indicates it is likely a single-use value card rather than a reloadable chip card, capturing a snapshot of early electronic money solutions in Australia.

On the reverse side, the card lists major Australian financial institutions, including ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, National Australian Bank, Australian Credit Unions, and Westpac. These logos highlight the collaborative nature of the VISA Cash program, which involved multiple banks and credit unions across Australia. The card features a unique serial-like number and an expiration date (12.96), along with strict usage guidelines stating that the card’s value is non-refundable and cannot be credited once lost or stolen. It specifies that the card is valid only at VISA Cash locations on the Gold Coast, reflecting the regional pilot nature of this stored value card initiative. Customer support information, including a toll-free number, is provided, illustrating the transitional phase of customer service for these new electronic transactions.

The larger image shows the collectible card housed within a commemorative display sleeve issued by First Data Corporation, a company heavily involved in providing systems and technology for stored value and banking cards. The sleeve contains detailed text explaining that this VISA Cash card was issued to commemorate the Australian Association of Permanent Building Societies’ 1996 “Information Exchange” seminar, held at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort from April 16-19, 1996. This highlights the card’s dual role as both a functional payment instrument and a souvenir celebrating the emerging intersection of payment technologies, internet innovations, and financial industry cooperation during that period. The sleeve’s abstract grid and circle motifs evoke digital networks and data flow, aligning visually with the high-tech theme of the event.

Overall, these images document a significant moment in Australia’s financial history, showcasing early collaboration among banks and institutions on cashless payment solutions using chip-based technology. The 1996 VISA Cash disposable stored value card marks an important step in the transition from physical cash to electronic money, blending traditional currency symbols—such as coins—with modern design elements. The involvement of First Data Corporation, major banks like ANZ and Westpac, and the hosting of an IT exhibition highlight the financial sector’s engagement with emerging digital payment infrastructure. This smart card serves as a snapshot of early stored value experimentation before widespread adoption of credit and debit chip cards, reflecting the technological, commercial, and social changes shaping the future of money and payments in Australia.

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.