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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.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1951_balloon.png)
Within a year, membership reaches 42,000 as acceptance expands to major US cities.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1953_globe.png)
Businesses in the UK, Canada, Cuba and Mexico begin honouring Diners Club, making
it the first internationally accepted charge card.
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MIDDLE EAST
The franchise network stretches across the globe in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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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.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1958_plane.png)
TRAVEL
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IS LISTED
Clubmembers reach one million and Diners Club is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
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LAUNCHES
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LAUNCHES
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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.
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SOUTH AFRICA
Diners Club South Africa launches its own ClubMiles rewards programme to complement its existing SAA Voyager and BA Avios programmes.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2016-card-art.png)
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.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2016-card-art.png)
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.
![](https://www.dinersclub.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1953_globe.png)
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.
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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.