The company that processes your debit card payments could do a lot more for you through complimentary services like Visa Entertainment.

This ticketing service gives anyone with a Visa card the opportunity to save on a wide range of events and experiences.

Visa has partnered with ticketing companies and venues to offer benefits exclusively for cardholders, with options including:

• Presale concert and theatre tickets
• Entertainment competitions
• Discounts on popular CDs
• Unlimited Quickflix DVD rentals; and
• Discounts and extras for events like hot air ballooning and skydiving

Visa also sends out an email newsletter so that you can browse offers and take advantage of the ones that you find appealing.

Competitive Complimentary Extras

Just as there is competition between different debit card issuers, there is a sense of rivalry between Visa and MasterCard – the two biggest card processors in Australia and the world.

In fact, both of them have ticketing services, with MasterCard’s Applause providing a counterpoint to Visa Entertainment.

When you compare these two ticketing options, it may seem that one is better than the other but it is important to remember that many of the offers change frequently.

Visa Entertainment, for example, is currently giving away 20 copies of The Hunger Games DVD and a signed poster; a family pass to Finding Nemo (3D); a Wiggles Celebration DVD; and a 12-month Premium Spotify membership.

MasterCard Applause, on the other hand, has less competitions but more events that you can purchase tickets for.

While these free services may not be the deciding factor when it comes to getting a debit card, they are worth considering so that you can actually benefit from the card and processor that you choose.

Extras like this are kind of like the debit card version of credit card features like reward programs – if you can get the benefits then make the most of them.

But the best thing about Visa Entertainment and MasterCard Applause is that no matter what debit card you end up choosing (or already use), you will be able to browse these exclusive offers and potentially save money on your entertainment choices.