What is the main function of an agent member?

The main function of an agent member is to participate in another member's card program. Agent members typically do not operate independently but rather collaborate with other financial institutions or organizations that serve as the primary issuer. This relationship allows agent members to offer card services without having to establish their own separate infrastructure for underwriting and managing a credit card program.

This participation can provide the agent member with access to existing programs, resources, and marketing efforts of the primary issuer. They can leverage the established reputation and operational capabilities of the primary member, allowing them to focus on serving their clients while benefiting from the advantages of an established card program.

The other options relate to functions not typically associated with an agent member's role. Directly issuing credit cards is primarily the responsibility of the issuing member, evaluating creditworthiness is a task for banks or credit associations that issue cards, and managing merchant disputes would fall under the purview of the acquirer or issuer responsible for transaction processing rather than an agent member.