[RestlessMind]

Comparing Bitcoin network to Visa/MasterCard is as pointless as comparing Gold mining to those cc networks. Fair comparison would be Bitcoin network vs Gold mining/storage/securing/transfer activities.

[plopilop]

The convertibility between money and gold has stopped in the 70s.

Bitcoin allows for instant money transfer, and so does Visa.

The fact that bitcoin has no collateral is a whole other topic.

[RestlessMind]

Bitcoin allows for instant Bitcoin transfer. The fact that it can be converted for money is a separate angle.

> The fact that bitcoin has no collateral is a whole other topic.

That's actually the main topic. Both Gold and Bitcoin are valuable because we as a society decided that they are valuable.

[parineum]

Instant?