AUSTRIACARD Achieves World-First Published Visa 3.1 Approval for Next-Generation Payment Smart Card OS
EQS-Media / 07.07.2026 / 10:09 CET/CEST
Press Release
AUSTRIACARD Achieves World-First Published Visa 3.1 Approval for
Next-Generation Payment Smart Card OS
AUSTRIACARD advances the future of payments with Visa 3.1, Mastercard ECOS
and post-quantum-ready security architecture — reinforcing its evolution
from secure card manufacturer into a globally relevant payment technology
innovator.
Vienna, 7 July 2026: AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG today announced a major
technological milestone: its latest smart card OS is among the first
globally to enable the latest Visa Inc. 3.1 VIS and VCPS specifications,
including advanced AES and ECC cryptography, with simultaneous support for
the new Mastercard Incorporated ECOS standard. The public Visa approval
marks a global first, underscoring AUSTRIACARD’s ability to deliver
cutting-edge payment technology ahead of the market.
A Major Technological and Strategic Milestone
This achievement confirms AUSTRIACARD’s advanced in-house OS and
cryptographic expertise and positions the company among a very limited
number of global players capable of supporting the industry’s newest
payment architectures. The platform was designed not only for current
compliance requirements, but also for long-term crypto agility and future
security evolution, including readiness for post-quantum migration
strategies. It opens access to next-generation issuer and fintech
programs, international payment tenders, high-security deployments, and
customers preparing for future cryptographic transitions.
A Future-Ready Platform for Banks, Issuers, and Fintechs
For banks, issuers, and fintechs, this means access to a truly
future-ready payment platform combining support for Visa 3.1 VIS and VCPS,
Mastercard ECOS, advanced AES and ECC cryptography for the new EMVCo
Contactless Kernel C8, and AES support for legacy payment environments.
Customers benefit from stronger security, simplified future migration
paths, and reduced technology obsolescence risk.
The introduction of modern cryptography marks an important transition
point for the payments industry. Financial institutions are increasingly
looking for partners that can support both current compliance and future
transformation — and AUSTRIACARD’s solution directly addresses these
goals. For cardholders, the experience remains seamless and intuitive,
while every transaction benefit from a platform designed for the future of
digital payments.
Strengthening Global Market Position
This achievement reinforces AUSTRIACARD as an innovation-driven global
payment technology company with deep expertise in secure payment operating
systems and advanced cryptography. The world-first public Visa approval —
verifiable at Visa’s Digital Partner Services portal — alongside support
for both Visa 3.1 and Mastercard ECOS, signals that AUSTRIACARD can
compete at the highest international level in payment innovation and
actively shape the future of secure digital payments.
Mohamed Chemloul, Group CTO, AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS said:
“This is not simply about certification — it is about technological
leadership, future readiness, and global relevance. Being the first in the
world to achieve a publicly listed Visa 3.1 approval is a defining moment
for AUSTRIACARD, validating years of investment in advanced cryptography
and in-house OS development. It is proof that we have the expertise and
ambition to compete at the highest international level — and for our
clients, banks, issuers, and fintechs, it means a trusted partner that is
not only compliant today, but architected for what comes next.”
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ABOUT AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG
AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in
information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and
transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive
suite of products and services, including payment solutions,
identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization
solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of
2,360 people and is publicly traded on both the Euronext Athens and Vienna
Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG.
Contact Person: Theoni Dimopoulou, Group Communications & Marketing
Manager
Tel.: T: +43 (1) 61065 – 355
E-Mail: [1]t.dimopoulou@austriacard.com
Website: [2] www.austriacard.com
Symbol: ACAG
ISIN: AT0000A325L0
Stock Exchanges: Vienna Prime Market, Euronext Athens Main Market
End of Media Release
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Issuer: AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG
Key word(s): Information technology
07.07.2026 CET/CEST This Press Release was distributed by [3]EQS Group
View original content: [4]EQS News
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Language: English
Company: AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG
Lamezanstraße 4-8
1230 Vienna
Austria
E-mail: marketing@austriacard.com
Internet: https://www.austriacard.com/
ISIN: AT0000A325L0
WKN: A3D5BK
Listed: Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Market)
EQS News ID: 2361654
End of News EQS Media
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