Thread: When were credit cards invented?

Do you want to know where were credit cards first invented as we know them today (plastic cards) or when were credit cards made first for any use? Because before there were regular credit cards as we know them today, store credit was common and I suppose some stores would likely have recorded the customer's information on a piece of paper or cardstock for them to use, which could be considered a credit card depending on the definition you are looking for.

For when were credit cards first introduced in the modern sense the answer would be 1950; Diners Club by Frank X. McNamara. 200 cards were issued to friends and family that could be used initially at 14 restaurants in New York city.

Here you can read the history of Diners club.

Are you asking credit cards made as we know them today

I know credit cards were originally made using paper or cardstock paper that was wallet sized. What I'm reading says plastic credit cards were not introduced until 1961.

Diners Club wasn't the first credit cards depending how you look at it

In 1946, "Charg-It" was the first bank card introduced by a banker in Brooklyn New York named John Biggens. If a customer had an account at Biggin's bank they could use the Charg-It card locally and the customer's bill would be forwarded to the bank who would then pay it.

Originally Posted by tote08

Hello I'm doing a project for school and I was wondering if someone here could tell me when were credit cards invented? And then if anyone could tell me who invented credit cards that would be super helpful too! What I have found so far says the that the first credit card was issued by Flatbush National Bank in Brooklyn New York in 1946 and the name of the inventor was John Biggens but it was only used locally. Then the first real credit card was issued by Diners Club in 1950 and that was who issued the first credit card.

Can anyone tell me if this is all accurate because I have so far seen conflicting stuff about it on the net.

Thank You

I believe the actual mainstream credit card was given out by bank of america. it was called americard... i think... google it no free ride =)