What does "Cards in Force" refer to?

"Cards in Force" refers to the total number of active credit cards that have been issued and are currently valid for use. This metric is significant for financial institutions and payment processors as it reflects the strength and reach of their credit card programs. An increase in the number of cards in force generally indicates a broader customer base and higher potential for transaction volume, ultimately impacting revenue and market competitiveness.

The other choices describe different aspects related to credit cards but do not directly capture the specific definition of "Cards in Force." The average lifespan of credit cards pertains more to usage and turnover rates rather than active counts. Processing time for card approval focuses on operational efficiency rather than the number of cards. Transaction limits relate to the characteristics of the cards themselves, not the count of active cards issued. Thus, the correct description of "Cards in Force" is clearly the total count of active credit cards issued.