What defines an agent member in the Visa or MasterCard network?

The definition of an agent member in the Visa or MasterCard network encompasses the scenario where that member participates in another member's card program. This arrangement allows an agent member to issue cards or provide services under the umbrella of another member’s established program, rather than operating independently.

This collaborative structure benefits both the agent member and the primary member by leveraging existing infrastructure, shared resources, and brand recognition. In this way, the agent member does not need to develop a standalone program but can operate within the established guidelines and systems of another, facilitating a smoother entry into the card services market.

In contrast, the other options describe roles that do not align with the specific definition of an agent member. For instance, independently issuing cards pertains to a different level of membership, whereas providing merchant services and handling cardholder applications reflect specialized functions that are not exclusive to the agent member classification.