What does the Card Association, like Visa, primarily manage?

The Card Association, such as Visa, primarily manages the rules and processes governing plastic card transaction interchange. This includes establishing the guidelines for how transactions are processed, ensuring that merchants, issuers, and acquirers adhere to a standardized set of protocols that facilitate secure and efficient payment processing. This organizational structure is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of electronic payments, creating a reliable environment for both consumers and businesses during card transactions.

In overseeing the interchange rules, the Card Association plays a key role in determining interchange fees, which are critical for balancing the costs among various stakeholders involved in the transaction. These regulations also focus on security standards and compliance measures necessary for preventing fraud and enhancing customer protection.

Other activities, such as the production of physical cards or the direct issuance of cards, are typically handled by issuing banks and financial institutions rather than the Card Associations themselves. These associations focus on the broader operational framework rather than individual card issuance or manufacturing processes. Additionally, the sale of credit information to third parties is not a primary function of the Card Associations, as they concentrate on managing transaction protocols and ensuring a secure payment ecosystem.