What role does the affinity partner play in affinity card programs?

In affinity card programs, the affinity partner's primary role is to promote rewards and solicit membership. Affinity partners, which can include organizations such as charities, alumni associations, or professional groups, collaborate with financial institutions to create specific credit cards that cater to the interests and values of their members.

These partners typically help market the card by leveraging their existing relationships and networks, encouraging their community to sign up. They may also be involved in helping to design specific reward programs that align with their mission or goals, thereby enhancing the appeal of the card to members. This partnership aims to create a sense of community and loyalty, driving both membership engagement and card usage, which in turn helps generate funds for the partner organization.

In contrast, the other choices involve responsibilities not typically tied to the affinity partner's role. For example, processing transactions, issuing credit cards, and guaranteeing credit limits usually fall under the purview of the financial institutions or card issuers involved in the program.