What was the first credit card?

Meanwhile, American Express launched its first charge card in the U.S. and Canada. At first, the card was purple cardboard, but by 1959 it had already become the plastic green card we know today. That same year, Bank of America launched what became the first nationally licensed credit card program, called BankAmericard.

When was the first travel credit card invented?

The first travel credit card that looks more like today's models debuted in 1934 when American Airlines introduced the Air Travel Card. The card contained a unique number tied to each customer's account – just like modern-day credit cards. The Air Travel Card was valid for American Airlines purchases.

Who invented the credit card?

The first example of the credit card as we know it today is often credited to a man named Frank McNamara and his business partner Ralph Schneider, who created the “Diner’s Club” in 1949. As the story goes, Frank McNamara was dining at Major’s Cabin Grill restaurant in New York City.