What type of file does an agent reference file maintain?

An agent reference file is primarily used to maintain data about independent sales organizations (ISOs) and the processors they collaborate with. This type of file is crucial for payment processing as it allows agents and acquirers to access detailed information regarding the ISOs, their qualifications, business history, and relationships with various processors. By having comprehensive data on ISOs, companies can streamline their operations, make informed decisions regarding partnerships, and manage their compliance effectively.

The other options pertain to different types of information that fall outside the scope of what an agent reference file specifically maintains. For example, consumer credit scores would be relevant in contexts such as lending and risk assessment, rather than directly tied to payment processing operations. Details about cardholder transactions are typically found in transaction logs or settlement files rather than in an agent reference file. Records of customer complaints are usually stored in complaint management systems and are not part of the ongoing operational reference files that agents utilize for ISOs and processors. Hence, option B accurately captures the purpose of an agent reference file.