Credit card networks and issuers are often confused but serve distinct roles. Networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover handle the infrastructure that allows merchants and banks to communicate. They process transactions, provide fraud protection, and ensure global acceptance. Issuers, on the other hand, are the banks or financial institutions that actually provide you with a card and manage your account.

Understanding this distinction matters when comparing benefits. For example, a Visa Signature card might offer rental car insurance or purchase protection because of the Visa network, while the issuer (such as Chase) determines rewards rates, credit limits, and sign-up bonuses. Both entities contribute to the card’s overall value, and savvy consumers pay attention to what’s offered by each side.