Visa outage: Customers report of card payment issues across the UK in Asda, McDonald's, M&S and Sainsbury's

Visa have said although their systems are operating normally, they are aware customers are having issues and will investigate this.

Many stores are reportedly only accepting cash transactions because their card transactions aren't going through.

Customers have taken to social media to express their concern.

On X, one user said: "@asda Card payments not working at Asda Waterloo road, Wolverhampton. Anyone else having this issue?"

Another replied saying: "It’s all stores nationally - not just Asda. I tried to go to M&S, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s this morning and same at each place. Apple Pay worked on the app in McDonald’s so I got breakfast!"

"Queues at #mcdonalds drive thrus in Hemel Hempstead because card payment is down and no one has suggested or bothered to put up a sign to inform people who have no cash in their pockets, that it is 'cash only!," another tweeted.

The rise in the use of card payments in part reflects the increase in online shopping in 2021, during the pandemic.

Since then, the use of cash has fallen dramatically in recent years. Only 14 per cent of all payments in 2022 were made using physical money.

However cash is still king across large parts of the UK economy with eight in 10 Britons relying on cash for everyday payments, report finds.

One user said: "So Visa is down with people reporting problems and not being able to pay, and people want to go into a cashless society……"

Another said: "Oh dear it appears card payments are down in multiple businesses today. McDonald’s, M&S and Tesco reporting card failure this morning."

Downdetector only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than the typical volume for that time of day.

A Sainsbury's customer was turned away for only having a card. He said: "I thought I had gone completely #Cashless and #Cardless until the payments problems this morning with #Visa and #Mastercard.

"I had filled my basket at Sainsbury’s only to be told cash only and to use ATM outside to withdraw cash. I have no card on me."

Most people are having problems making payments, it’s been reported, with some also struggling with the purchases and log in.

A Visa Spokesperson has said: “We are aware that some cardholders are experiencing issues when making payments.

"While Visa’s systems are operating normally, we are working with our partners to investigate.”