Demystifying debit card programs: A practical guide to the partners needed for a successful program

When most people think of a “card program,” they picture a branded Visa card or Mastercard, a gift card on a retail shelf, or maybe a sleek digital card sitting in an Apple Wallet.

But behind that simple swipe or tap is a complex system of partners, rules, and technology that makes the whole thing work.

And if you’re a business wanting to launch your own card—whether it’s for staff, customers, loyalty, or a new fintech idea—you’ve probably discovered that it sounds complicated, but it doesn’t need to be.

Here are a few of the key partners that support a card program in Australia and New Zealand:

1. BIN Sponsor / Issuer

What they do:

The BIN sponsor is a licensed financial institution — typically a bank or regulated fintech — that has the right to issue payment cards on networks like Visa or Mastercard. They act as the formal "issuer" of the card, and their Bank Identification Number (BIN) is what enables the card to function in the wider payment ecosystem.

Why they matter:

• They provide access to the card network (Visa/Mastercard)
• They are responsible for compliance with regulatory obligations (e.g. AML/CTF, KYC)
• They often act as the settlement agent between network, processor, and fund holder

In Australia, only entities with the correct licensing (e.g. AFSL and scheme membership) can issue cards. In 2019 Novatti was selected by Visa to hold a Principal Issuer Licence and has been offering BIN sponsorship services to help businesses enter the market without needing their own banking license.

2. Processor

What they do:

The processor connects the card program to the payment network and handles the real-time functionality behind the card. That includes:

• Authorising transactions
• Tracking card balances
• Managing settlement
• Handling transaction logs and reconciliation
  
  

Why they matter:

• They're the tech backbone of your gift card
• Without a processor, your card can't work at point-of-sale or online
  
  

Important tip:
Make sure your processor integrates smoothly with your BIN sponsor and program manager. Some providers like Novatti combine multiple roles, which can streamline operations.

3. Program Manager 

What they do:

The program manager is the strategic operator of the gift card program. Depending on the arrangement, they may be responsible for:

• Product design and user experience 
• Marketing and launch planning
• Compliance oversight and reporting
• Fraud monitoring
• Customer service
• Card issuance logistics and integration
  
  

Clients often choose to own the market launch, user experience and customer service elements so that the program reflects the clients brand however, Novatti can also support with elements of this too.

Why they matter:

• They keep the whole thing moving, from setup to scale
  They act as the main point of coordination between all partners
  
  

Enablement partners at a glance

Building a successful card program doesn’t mean you need to know every technical detail. What matters is understanding the key players involved and choosing a partner who knows how to bring it all together. With a partner like Novatti, the complexity stays behind the scenes, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering a great product for your business and your customers.

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Want to explore what’s possible for your business? . Learn more here.