Who is known as the cardholder?

The cardholder is defined as the individual or entity that is responsible for the card, signifying ownership and the ability to make transactions with that card. This role carries with it certain rights and responsibilities, such as the obligation to repay the debt incurred through purchases made with the card and the ability to access funds or credit associated with the card account.

In contrast, the bank that issues the card is known as the issuer; its function is to provide the card and manage the account associated with it. Merchants accepting the card play a different role in the payment ecosystem, focusing on facilitating transactions rather than holding ownership or responsibilities linked to the card itself. The network brand, like Visa or MasterCard, represents the technology and standards used to process transactions but does not own or control the card or its usage directly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in navigating the landscape of payment processing and card usage.