Definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing credit by issuing credit cards. Credit card issuance provides the funds required to purchase goods and services in return for payment of the full balance or payments on an installment basis. Credit card banks are included in this industry. Credit cards issued in the United States are not issued directly by Visa, MasterCard or any other payments solution organization. Rather, Visa, MasterCard and other similar corporations provide the actual payments systems used when payments are made by credit card. These corporations are normally jointly owned by member financial institutions, and offer their payments solutions through these member institutions.

IBISWorld research reports contain trend analysis, statistics, market size information, industry growth rates as well as market share of competitors.

Major market segments are identified and also those forces affecting demand and supply within the industry. Performance analysis includes emerging industry trends as well as recent results and performance of each key company. Drawing on the depth of information IBISWorld also provides 5 year forecasts for each industry.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure, technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic regional data.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure (including averages), technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic location.