korttibrändejä

Korttibrändejä, often translated as "card brands" or "credit card brands," refers to the payment networks that facilitate credit and debit card transactions. These brands are not issuers of cards themselves but rather the infrastructure providers that enable transactions between merchants, consumers, and issuing banks. Prominent examples include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

When a consumer makes a purchase using a card, the transaction request travels through the merchant's payment processor to the card network. The network then verifies the transaction details with the card issuer, confirming the availability of funds or credit. Once approved, the network routes the authorization back to the merchant, completing the purchase. The card network also plays a role in the settlement process, where funds are transferred between the issuing bank and the acquiring bank (the merchant's bank).

Each card brand has its own set of rules, fees, and acceptance policies. Merchants must choose which card networks they wish to accept, often based on factors like transaction fees, customer preference, and the prevalence of certain card types in their market. The competition among these brands drives innovation in payment technology, security features, and loyalty programs, all aimed at increasing card usage and ensuring secure and efficient transactions.