Vault’s Verdict

OUR SURVEY SAYS

Intense and rewarding

Sources give the work environment varied marks.  Visa’s culture is called “intense, dynamic, challenging and creative†by insiders.  But it can also be “frustrating.† Maybe that’s because at Visa, “work hours are hefty,†says a risk manager at the firm.  “You cannot succeed without heavy dedication inside and outside the office—40 hours is looked at as almost part-time.  They have unrealistic expectations with respect to time.† The contact reports going to the office on the weekend “at least once a month.† A director reluctantly agrees, saying, “Depending on position, you could expect to work 60 to 70 hours per week, weekends and evenings.â€

Above its peers in pay

As for compensation, one contact, who has had more than 10 years of experience in the industry, says Visa pays above average as compared to its peers.  Another calls the salary package “very competitive for most positions,†but adds that “one mistake I think they have made is to bring employees in at high levels when they can’t meet salary requirements.† Sometimes this action “results in someone coming into a job they cannot perform,†comments the contact.  But most don’t have many compensation complaints, though one notes, “I am interviewing for a position at a less stressful company that can match Visa’s salary compensation.† Employee benefits include “gym memberships and other athletic facilities,†plus a “two-to-one matching thrift plan,†which increases to a three-to-one match after 10 years of service.

As for the future, one source notes that “for Visa to be successful, they will need to modify their business direction, which will put them in direct competition with their board banks.â€