Is RS2's New Visa Status a Game-Changer for Europe's Card Market?

Visa Inc. V is making waves in Europe as Beyond by RS2 steps up to become a Principal Issuing Member, a significant milestone that enhances V’s growing presence in the region’s rapidly expanding card-issuing market. With this new development, Beyond by RS2 can now issue Visa cards directly and offer comprehensive card programs — an upgrade that aligns with Visa’s larger goal of fostering deep integration within the ecosystem.For Beyond by RS2, the new status shifts its role from just being a service provider to a full-fledged payments powerhouse. By bringing together issuing, acquiring and processing in a regulated setting, they are now able to offer banks, fintechs, corporates and merchants a wide range of flexible and scalable card solutions. These options include everything from debit and credit cards to prepaid and corporate cards, all available in both physical and digital formats. It also covers fraud prevention, compliance, and customer support and faster market entry across the European Union and the European Economic Area.For V, this partnership helps expand its presence in Europe’s issuer ecosystem. For RS2, it represents a crucial step toward scaling up its innovative payment products. Together, this collaboration signals a more competitive and vibrant card-issuing landscape ahead.By combining V’s worldwide acceptance with RS2’s cutting-edge infrastructure, this collaboration is set to drive innovation not just in card issuing but also in areas like loyalty programs, corporate spending, employee benefits and embedded finance solutions, setting the way for the next wave of payment modernization in Europe.How Are Competitors Faring?Some of V’s competitors in the payments space include Mastercard Incorporated MA and American Express Company AXP.Mastercard is also enhancing its embedded finance and issuing capabilities, focusing on partnerships with fintechs and digital platforms. Mastercard’s payment network net revenues increased 13% year over year in the first nine months of 2025, along with 16% growth in net revenues.American Express is banking on its upscale clientele, the rebound in travel demand and increased card spending to drive its growth. Its total revenues (net of interest expense) rose 9% year over year in the first nine months of 2025. American Express reported 7% year-over-year growth in its network volumes in the same period.Visa’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesOver the past year, shares of Visa have jumped 4.5% against the 12.1% fall of the industry.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchFrom a valuation standpoint, V trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.98, above the industry average of 20.25. V carries a Value Score of D.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Visa’s fiscal 2026 earnings implies an 11.7% jump from the year-ago period.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchVisa stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockThis under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Visa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis Report American Express Company (AXP): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks