Issuer

The Issuer is the entity that issues credit cards to consumers and charges credit card transactions to the accounts of the respective cardholders. In Switzerland, issuers include UBS, Credit Suisse, Viseca, and Swisscard. Obtaining a card from an issuer requires a credit check. The first universal credit card, which could be used independently of specific merchants, was issued by Diners Club. Umbrella brands like VISA and Mastercard operate under an association model. Issuing banks, or issuers, are members of these associations and participate in national and global committees, where common standards are defined and agreed upon.