Credit card networks vs. issuers: What’s the difference?

You have many options when it comes to a credit card — big-name brands, rewards and miles, even bank cards. But who issues the cards in your wallet, and why does it matter?

Simply put, a network decides where a credit card can be used, while an issuer distributes its branded cards to customers.

Major differences among networks and issuers

	Visa	Mastercard	American Express	Discover
Nationwide acceptance
Global Acceptance
Variety of choices
Network
Issuer

Credit card networks

Credit card networks are the bridge between merchants — the shops that accept your credit card — and the banks that issue the credit cards themselves.

Of the networks, you’ll find four major players: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Visa’s network owns the wide majority of the market share worldwide, followed by Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Networks set the fees that a retailer pays when you swipe your card for purchases. Called interchange fees, these costs can vary by credit card brand, swipe location and transaction type — for instance, in a store, online or by phone. In the US, merchants typically pay to the network about 2% of your total transaction in fees.

Credit card networks also:

• Decide where credit cards can be accepted.
• Approve and process transactions.
• Facilitate payments among cardholder, merchants and issuers.

Networks don’t determine fees that a cardholder pays, like your card’s annual, overlimit, interest, late or foreign transaction fees. They also are not responsible for customer service.

Credit card issuers

A credit card issuer is who you actually get your credit card from.

Visa and Mastercard are networks only, its branded cards issued directly from what we call credit card companies — or the banks and credit unions themselves, like Chase, Capital One and USAA. To learn who issues your card, take a good look at it: You’ll often see the logo of the bank that issues your card somewhere near the Visa or Mastercard logo.

As underwriters, these credit card issuers or companies are responsible for:

• Reviewing and approving credit card applications.
• Setting the terms and conditions of individual credit cards.
• Issuing the physical cards you hold in your wallet.
• Providing funds up to your credit limit.
• Answering questions and providing other support to its customers.

How do credit card issuers make money?

Credit card issuers profit from both the cardholder and the merchants who accept payments on its cards. Specifically, revenue can come from:

• Interest fees charged to the cardholder on purchases and balance transfers.
• Annual fees cardholders pay to use these cards.
• Overlimit fees when charges and interest nudge a balance over a cardholder’s credit limit.
• Late fees when a payment is received after a statement date.
• Credit monitoring and protection along with other optional services provided to the cardholder for a fee.
• Swipe fees charged to the merchant, typically split between the issuer and the network.

Visa and Mastercard

Visa and Mastercard are the two of the most popular credit card brands in the world. They don’t directly issue credit cards. Rather, they brand cards issued by banks and credit unions.

Rewards and interest rates are decided by the bank, credit union or other company — for instance, an airline or hotel — they’re working with to issue the card.

Both cards come with global acceptance, but Mastercard is more widely accepted worldwide: It can be used in 210 countries to Visa’s 170, which could be important depending on where you travel.

Card types

Visa and Mastercard come with four general membership cards, each offering such benefits as car rental coverage, fraud protection, emergency assistance, card replacements and extended warranties. Upgraded cards come with travel advisors, extended price protection and hotel or travel upgrades.

Compare credit cards

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express			2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$0	Apply now View details	This everyday cashback card offers a higher than average welcome offer for no annual fee, letting you earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first 6 months for up to $150 back, plus $100 after you spend $2,000 in the first 6 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express			6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)	Apply now View details	Perfect for families: Earn up to 6% cashback as statement credit on everyday purchases and a big welcome offer for a cashback card. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What is an issuing bank?

An issuing bank is the bank, credit union or other financial institution that provides its branded credit card to a cardholder. The bank determines a cardholder’s line of credit and shares any liability for default with the acquiring bank — or the bank or financial institution that actually processes payments on behalf of a merchant. These banks range from the giants like Chase to smaller regional ones, like BBVA.

Bottom line

It can be hard enough to narrow down your options when it comes to choosing a credit card. Knowing the difference between a network and an issuer can help you better understand how you ultimately use and benefit from your choice. Compare credit cards to find one that best suits your financial needs.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an acquiring bank?

  An acquiring bank is a bank that has an account with a store or merchant and processes payments on their behalf.

• Who determines my credit card limit?

  The bank or credit union that issued your card determines what your credit limit is. They typically determine your limit by analyzing your credit score and income.

• Do American Express and Discover have to work with an acquiring bank?

  No. American Express and Discover are both the issuing and acquiring bank, setting fees for merchants and customers on either side of the transaction.