Bankkártyahálózatok

Bankkártyahálózatok, commonly known as card networks or payment networks, are essential infrastructures that facilitate electronic transactions between consumers, merchants, and financial institutions. These networks act as intermediaries, enabling the secure and efficient transfer of funds when a bank card, such as a debit or credit card, is used for a purchase.

The primary function of a bankkártyahálózat is to route transaction information. When a cardholder presents a card to a merchant, the transaction details are sent through the merchant's payment processor to the relevant card network. The network then identifies the cardholder's issuing bank and forwards the transaction request. The issuing bank verifies the account's availability and authenticity, then sends an authorization response back through the network to the merchant. This entire process typically occurs within seconds.

Major global bankkártyahálózatok include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Each network has its own set of rules, technologies, and agreements with member banks. These networks are crucial for the modern economy, supporting billions of transactions daily and enabling commerce both online and in physical stores. They also play a significant role in fraud prevention by implementing security measures and monitoring systems to detect and mitigate suspicious activity. The development and evolution of these networks have been instrumental in the growth of digital payments and the convenience they offer to consumers worldwide.