1950
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1975
1984
2009
2014
2016
2016
2019
2021
DINERS CLUB BECOMES
THE WORLD'S FIRST
MULTIPURPOSE CHARGE CARD

For businessman Frank McNamara, forgetting his wallet while dining out at a New York City restaurant was an embarrassment he resolved never to face again.

A year later he returned to Major’s Cabin Grill with his partner Ralph Schneider. When the bill arrived, McNamara paid with a small cardboard card, known today as
a Diners Club Card. The event paved the way for the world’s first multipurpose charge card.

MEMBERSHIP REACHES 42,000

Within a year, membership reaches 42,000 as acceptance expands to major US cities.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED

Businesses in the UK, Canada, Cuba and Mexico begin honouring Diners Club, making
it the first internationally accepted charge card.

EUROPE, ASIA
MIDDLE EAST

The franchise network stretches across the globe in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

THE DAY DINERS CLUB WAS
ESTABLISHED IN SOUTH AFRICA

On the 13th January 1956 Dwight D Eisenhower was President of the US, Bill Haley was “rocking round the clock,” and Diners Club opened its doors for the first time in South Africa.

DINERS CLUB
TRAVEL
Diners Club enters the travel market when travel agencies in major cities agree to accept the card for purchase of airline, steamship and cruise tickets.
DINERS CLUB
IS LISTED

Clubmembers reach one million and Diners Club is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

CORPORATE CARD
LAUNCHES
Diners Club introduces the industry’s very first corporate card programme.
CLUBMILES
LAUNCHES
Diners Club creates the industry’s first rewards programme.
BRAND
INVIGORATION

Diners Club International reinvigorates the brand with the launch of a new global advertising campaign.

Club members now have access to more than 130 airports lounges around the world.

CLUBMILES
SOUTH AFRICA

Diners Club South Africa launches its own ClubMiles rewards programme to complement its existing SAA Voyager and BA Avios programmes.

VIRTUAL CARD
LAUNCH

2016 saw the launch of the Diners Club Virtual Card. Of benefit to corporates, suppliers and travel management companies.

A secure and cardless form of payment for all land arrangements, allowing instant authorisation and payments to take place seamlessly across the Virtual Card network.

CREDIT CARD
LAUNCH

Diners Club South Africa gives members even more choice, with the introduction of a credit card.

Diners Club achieves 50-million members, accepted by more than 20-million merchants in over 200 countries.

SHARI'AH CARD LAUNCHED

Experience exclusive entertainment, travel and shopping offers, the Diners Club way.
Anyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of a global network of partners offering incredible entertainment, travel and shopping experiences.

BEYOND CARD LAUNCHED

A Millennial-focused card product that curates your life, maximizing your every day with personalized content and experiences, time-saving conveniences, and a connection to causes that matter most to you.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG TOGETHER
Far more than just a card, Diners Club is a 'club' that unites people from all walks of life, from all around the world, who share a desire to enjoy life's journey.

``What we belong to shapes our identity and keeps us from being isolated. To belong is to be within: a part, not apart.``

Belonging to Diners Club affords entry to a world of products, benefits, features, rewards and opportunities that work seamlessly together to enrich the lives of its members.

Whether for personal or business use, local or international, Diners Club provides an experience of distinction every step of the way.

OUR CREDIT CARD

The Diners Club Credit Card offers more flexibility than a charge card. You can settle it in full each month, pay the minimum of 3%, or anything in-between. We believe in the power of more. Our travel, lifestyle and entertainment offers add more joy to the journey, more moments with loved ones and more experiences that make life a little better.

These include:

Worldwide acceptance

Concierge Services
From assisting you with flight arrangements, cruises or car hire anywhere in the world to sorting your accommodation and entertainment. You do life – and we’ll take care of the detail.

A world of choice
Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and a choice of three rewards programmes.

Extraordinary experiences
From chocolate and coffee tastings to polo and fine dining with our Winemaker of the Year winners – we’ll welcome you to the club that’s all about exclusive offers, world-class experiences and benefits in travel, dining and entertainment.

 

Join The Club

TRAVEL CARD. ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Move your company forward with Diners Club. We provide a comprehensive suite of corporate payments solutions designed to support business travellers, minimise costs and streamline your payment processes.

Join The Club

JOIN THE LIFESTYLE

Travel with style and distinction by enjoying valuable offers at the finest hotels and restaurants across the globe. Unwind and recharge at more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

The world awaits.

Accept Diners Club