Visa Flexible Credential Launches on Zilch Cards in UK
Event summary
- Visa Flexible Credential (VFC) now available on Zilch cards in the UK as of May 12, 2026.
- Thredd's issuer processing platform enables the backend routing and processing for VFC.
- 87% of UK consumers surveyed prefer flexible payment options, per Visa Material+ Study 2025.
- VFC allows multiple payment options behind a single card or digital credential.
The big picture
The launch reflects growing demand for payment flexibility, with 87% of UK consumers favoring adaptable solutions. Visa's network, Zilch's customer proposition, and Thredd's processing platform create a scalable model for issuers. This collaboration underscores the fintech sector's shift toward unified, intelligent payment experiences that merge credit, debit, and BNPL functionalities.
What we're watching
- Market Expansion
- Whether Visa and Zilch will expand VFC beyond the UK.
- Consumer Adoption
- The pace at which UK consumers migrate to flexible payment models.
- Competitive Response
- How traditional banks and other fintechs react to VFC's scalability.
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