Visa Inc. is one of the world’s largest global payments technology companies. Contrary to popular belief, it does not issue credit cards but allows financial institutions to issue cards that Visa then processes transactions on. Visa started in 1970, developing Bank of America’s BankAmericard credit card program. Visa is accepted in over 200 countries worldwide and can handle 10,000 requests per second. In 2009, it processed 62 billion transactions, worth $4.4 trillion. Its website says: Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions around the world with products and services that make payments more convenient and more secure.” It adds: “Visa payment products and services have reshaped how the world does business.” Visa says its commitment to innovation keeps it at the forefront of its industry.