Discover

Discover is a card network and payment scheme that provides infrastructure, rules, and services for issuing and processing payment cards. Unlike Mastercard and Visa, which primarily operate as open-loop networks, Discover can operate as a closed-loop network, meaning it both issues cards and processes transactions in some regions.

However, Discover also enables certified third-party issuers and processors such as CLOWD9 to issue and support Discover-branded cards.

• Transaction Authorization: When a Discover cardholder makes a purchase, the transaction request is routed through Discover’s network to the issuer processor for approval.
• Clearing & Settlement: Discover manages the clearing and settlement process, ensuring funds move between issuers and acquirers.
• BIN Management: Discover allocates Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) to issuers, which are managed on behalf of our issuers by CLOWD9. The BIN supports transaction routing and processing.
• Discover enforces compliance, security, and fraud prevention standards that CLOWD9 has certified for, including:
• PCI DSS Compliance: Secure handling of cardholder data is mandatory.
• Discover supports the following Fraud Prevention & Risk Tools:
  • Discover ProtectBuy (3D Secure authentication).
  • Transaction monitoring and fraud detection systems.
• Discover offers cashback rewards, travel benefits, and merchant-specific offers.
• Discover enables integration with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
• Discover provides spending analytics, fraud reports, and customer insights.

CLOWD9 has completed Processor Certification to ensure that we meet Discover’s technical and operational standards.