Discover convenience with a Discover credit card
Widely known as Discover card, the Discover credit card is among the four major brands of credit cards issued mostly in America, with more than 50 million holders.
Sears initially launched the Discover credit card in 1985 and it became a component of Dean Writer, then of Morgan Stanley until the year 2007 when the Discover Financial Services turned as an independent corporation.
The Discover Bank distributes most cards with the brand Discover. Its transactions are prepared through the payment network of Discover Network. As of 2006, particularly in the month of February, the company has announced their start of Discover debit cards to different banks. This is made possible through the payment system, Plus, which was acquired by Discover in 2005.
History behind the Discover credit card
When the card was launched, Sears that time was the biggest retailer in America. It purchased Coldwell, Banker & Company, a real estate and the Dean Witter Reynolds Organization, both in 1981. This action was made in the attempts to provide financial services among the range of consumer services.
The Discover card gained a quick, large and nationwide consumer base. It charged no annual cost that was uncommon yet that time. It also offered a usually higher credit maximum compared to other similar cards.
Moreover, cardholders are able to obtain cashback bonus and a percentage refund of the transaction. The Discover credit card also became noteworthy being the sole credit card acknowledged by the Customs Service of the United States for paying customs duty.
However, Sears started facing difficulties somewhere in the 80's period. It has to sell its financial corporations in 1993. It also started accepting Visa and MasterCard again. The Discover credit card became Dean Witter's part. Dean Witter fused with Stanley in the year 1997.
Discover Card at present has more than 50 million card members. The Discover Network also has over 4 million merchants and cash access sites. In Canada, this credit card brand is accepted at several locations, mostly at businesses that cater to American visitors like hotels and car rental service agencies. Some Canadian establishments accept a Discover credit card yet opt for MasterCard, American Express and Visa.
The Discover brand is not yet recognized in Europe yet the presence of the companies spreads in Costa Rica, Mexico, Marshall Islands, Palau, Micronesia, Belize and few nations of the Caribbean Islands.
Discover grants credit cards on the network of MasterCard under Morgan Stanley and Goldfish brands in America.
