BC ALL
Saved by @iamitahuja

Visa Market Share - 52.6%
Amex Market Share - 19.6%

Visa Revenue 2022 - $29.3 B
Amex Revenue 2022 - $50.6 B

What is the secret of American Express?

 Visa/Mastercard are card networks. Their main role is information sharing. When you swipe your card at a POS Machine, how does your credit card issuer know which merchant to transfer the money to?
Your card doesn’t individually maintain a record of all merchants who can accept credit cards.

Instead it ties up with a card network e.g. Visa/MasterCard. Any merchant that has Visa as a network service provider can accept payments from a Visa card.
When the merchant’s bank (acquiring bank) is registered on the card network, the network is completed. Card networks save banks the hassle of onboarding each merchant and maintaining the infrastructure.
Let us see how a typical credit card transaction works.

There are 3 steps - Authorization, authentication and settlement.
Authorization
1) Cardholder uses their credit card to pay a merchant
2) Merchant shares card details with acquiring bank
3) Acquiring bank forwards these details to the card network
4) Network sends a request to the issuing bank to authorise the payment.
Authentication
5) Issuer validates the details, available limit, and if everything matches, it approves the transaction
6) Network sends the confirmation to the acquirer who in turn sends confirmation to the merchant
7) Customer gets a receipt to confirm the payment
Settlement
8) At the end of the day, merchant sends all transactions details to the acquiring bank
9) Acquiring bank asks network to settle the transactions
10) Network sends payment request to the issuing bank
11) Issuing bank transfer funds minus interchange fee
12) Card network takes a cut and transfers funds to acquiring bank
13) Acquiring bank transfers funds to merchant - merchant discount rate (MDR).
Merchants pay this MDR to receive credit card payments which increases sales and they don’t have to give credit to customers. Bulk of this MDR would go to the issuer since they are providing the free credit and taking the risk of customer default.
The acquiring bank for its own services and Visa will also charge a small fee for maintaining this network.

Visa is like a toll collector where it charges a fee for transferring funds, similar to how we pay toll for using roads which is used for maintaining the roads.
How is Amex different?
As we saw, the biggest cut goes to the issuer and that is Amex’s secret. American Express issues its own cards to customers. It acts as an issuing bank as well as the card network.
This is known as a closed loop system - where Amex controls each and every part of the transaction. It issues the cards, maintains the network, onboards each and every merchant individually and collects payments from cardholders.
This slows down the growth and volumes are lower but it gives Amex more control and a bigger role in the transaction.
Visa/Mastercard work on an open loop system - they don’t issue their own cards.
Any financial institution which is partnered with Visa can accept payment from Visa cards. You may have noticed that Amex cards are not accepted everywhere and almost all merchants accept Visa cards. This open loop system is one of the main reasons.
How does this affect American Express revenues? It earns from
- discount fees from merchants
- interest income
- annual card fees
- other fees (default penalties/forex/rewards)
Discount revenue from merchants and interest income is the main differentiator. Visa and Mastercard can’t earn interest income since they are just networks and not issuers.

Have a look at Visa’s revenue sources.
While Amex earns from interest income, its real cash cow is merchant revenue (60%).

How does it earn so much from merchants?

Amex’s whole main strategy revolves around getting customers to spend on its cards.
Amex earns substantial revenues from annual fees and high-spending cardholders. Amex invests these revenues in incentive programs and offers for customers. This leads to higher revenues for merchants and higher transactions.
Compared to other card networks, it charges a higher MDR but merchants are fine with it since they get access to a very premium customer base.
Amex prioritises merchants and builds many partnerships. One of its main partnerships is its co-branded card with Delta Airlines. Delta co-branded cards account for 9% of its global volumes and 21% of its loan portfolio.
Amex’s closed loop system, also has its advantages like growing slowly compared to other card networks but it ends up with more control over its merchants and bigger take rate on each transaction.
This is a great strategy that has been working out for Amex. Do you think it will work out in the future?

My previous thread on how credit card companies make money. https://t.co/4E7ulft2US

More from All

Anu Satheesh
Anu Satheesh
@AnuSatheesh5
Alathiyur Hanuman Temple
Malappuram, Kerala 🚩
#keralatemples

One of the Powerful Anjaneya Temples in Kerala. Hanuman temple is adjacent to Shri Ramar Sannidhi. Here Hanuman's head is tilted towards the left to hear Shri Rama's words. Shri Rama is entrusting Hanuman👇


Task of locating Mata Sita in Lanka.

Prathishta of Hanuman is done by Sage Vasishta. Eventhough this is Shri Ram Temple, importance is given to Hanuman
Shri Rama shares with Hanuman the Abhignana Vaakhyam, the words that would enable him to gain the confidence of Mata Seetha.


Hanuman stands leaning a little towards the left, showing how he hear Shri Rama's words and also assuring him Your Wish is my Command.
The Vigraham of Hanuman gives us the Strength, Confidence and Bhakthi.
There is a place marked here to show Hanuman’s leap to Lanka over sea.


Devotees run and leap over the stone for better health.Aval Naivedhyam is famous here. Those children who have nightmares are told to pray Alathiyur Hanuman. Mantra 👇

Alathiyur Hanumane
Pedi Swampnam kanarudhe
Pedi Swapnam Kandalo
Val Kondu Thattiyunarthename
🙏🕉🙏
ALL
Daddy Files
Daddy Files
@DaddyFiles
This is my son, Sam. He’s 5. And today he learned how shitty and harmful #ToxicMasculinity is. My rage meter is spiking right now so excuse me if this is a little raw but there are some things I want to say about BS #gender norms (a thread)


Sam is my middle child & he’s a terror. A “boy’s boy” as so many (not me) would say. He’s rough and tumble, he’s loud, he’s always dirty, loves trucks, plays sports and knee drops me from the couch. But he also loves a lot of “girl” things.

Sam has a collection of purses because he likes to carry things around. And he also loves to have his nails painted bright colors because he thinks they “look beautiful.” And he’s right – they are beautiful…


So he proudly wore his red nail polish to kindergarten this morning because Sam has absolutely no concept of nail polish only being for girls or reason to think anyone would possibly have a problem with beautiful nails.


But his classmates did have a problem. A big one. Sam was ridiculed for being a boy with nail polish. They called him names and told him to take it off. This lasted the entire day.
ALL
Advertisement
Vibhu Vashisth
Vibhu Vashisth
@VIBHU_Tweet
Did you know?

When Saudi Arabia's King visited India in 1955, PM Nehru ordered all the Hindu Temples and Idols of Hindu Deities that came in Saudi King's way to be covered up.
Our temples are the architectural marvels in their own league.


Each of our temples tells the story of our rich history and cultural heritage. Was Nehru that ashamed of his own nation's heritage that he had to cover them up or there was some other reason? The answer would be best known to him only.

PM Nehru invited the then Saudi King Saud bin Abdul Aziz to India who accepted the invitation and planned a 17 day long official visit to India in 1955. Saudi King had brought a large delegation with him and he had to visit various Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Agra,


Aligarh, Shimla, Mysore and Varanasi. However, when Saudi King reached Varanasi, Nehru ordered to cover all the temples and Idols with curtains that came in the way of the Royal Convoy. During his stay in Varanasi, Govt buildings were painted with the words "Kalma Tayyiba".


'Kalma Tayyiba' means 'There is not God but only Allah and Mohammed is his messenger'. In addition to it, Pooja and Aartis were also stopped at temples. I can call it the appeasement politics of the highest order and Nehru was indeed the greatest appeaser of all times.
ALL
Buzz Chronicles
Buzz Chronicles
@buzz_chronicles
@SaveToBookmarks Namaste! There you go! Original tweet by @buzz_chronicles: "@SaveToBookmarks Hi! You can find it here. Original tweet by @AchuthArora: "@Abh...". Cheers! 👌

Hi! Of course! Original tweet by @SaveToBookmarks: "@buzz_chronicles @AchuthArora @Abhirajputfit @rattibha Thanks bro!

Your tweet h...". Cheers! ✌
ALL
Sachin Ramje
Sachin Ramje
@SachinRamje
10 must-read books to transform your workday and boost productivity:


1. Atomic Habits


2. The Power of Habit


3. Deep Work


4. Essentialism
ALL

You May Also Like

Jaya_Upadhyaya
Jaya_Upadhyaya
@Jayalko1
DEVI KARUMARIAMMAN, THIRUVERKADU (TN)

Devi is worshipped here as both Swayambhu (self-manifested) and as Parashakti (with 4 arms holding skull,sword,trishul,udukkai/damru).

Here, Muruga got Vel from Devi to fight Suran. So the place was called Vel kadu which became Verkadu.


It is said that there was an anthill here long ago. Devi appeared in the dream of a devotee and asked him to build a shrine at that spot. When the anthill was removed, the swayambhu murti of Devi emerged. So Devi is called Karuvil Illadha Karumari ( not in the womb of mother).


Once, Devi went to Surya in the form of an old woman but Surya neglected her. Devi’s anger made Surya lose his brightness.
To appease her, Surya said that His rays would fall on Her directly twice in a year and touch her feet. Also, Sunday is celebrated as day of Devi Karumari.


There is also a wooden image of Devi (Marachilai Amman) here. Devotees offer locks to her in the belief that She would safe guard their houses.
Temple tank (Thiruchamber Poigai) is said to have been created by Subramanya. Taking dip in it is said to cure skin related disorders.
ALL
Jaya_Upadhyaya
Jaya_Upadhyaya
@Jayalko1
ANTARVEDI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY, EAST GODAVARI DIST.(AP)

Located where Vasistha Godavari joins Bay of Bengal.

Present structure was built by Kapanati Krishnamma of Agnikula Kshatriya clan in 1823.

It is one of the oldest among 32 Narasimha Kshetras in AP.
@LostTemple7


Legend says that here Maharishi Vasishta prayed to Narasimha to end the demon Rakta Vilochana.

Narasimha created Maha Maya, also called Ashwaroodambika or Gurralakka to suck his blood as he got a boon from Brahma that blood falling from his body would produce another demon.


After his death, the stream of blood was let out by Maya to form a pond called Rakta Kulya.

Narasimha,then,washed Sudarshan Chakra at a place called Chakra Tirtha.

Brahma is said to have performed Yagna and installed Shiva Linga here. Hence the place was called Antarvedi.


Later Sri Rama prayed here and Arjun also visited here.

Panchamrita Abhishekam is done every day.
One can have Nijarupa Darshanam (main murti without any decorative shield) between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m.

Anna Prasadam is very famous and distributed daily from 10:30 to 2 pm.
ALL
Advertisement
Anshul Pandey
Anshul Pandey
@Anshulspiritual
LING PURANA: IMPORTANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS

Reading Ling Purana provides bhog and moksha to the reader and listeners. It is about Shiva's sermon to Brahma when Shiva entered the Agni Ling and preached about Dharma sidhhi through the stories of Agni Kalp.


Vyasji divided this into two parts. This book is different from others and has eleven thousand shlokas which depict the glory of Shiva. This Puran is the summary about importance of Tridev.
It starts first with a questions. Then it describes the Shrishti in brief.

Then there is description of Yog and Kalp. Next is the evolution of Ling and its puja Vidhi. It consists of dialogue between Sanat Kumar and Shail etc. It also mentions the character of Dadhichi, the dharma representation of that yug, Bhuvan kosh description,

Chandravansh and Surya vansh. Next there is elaborate description of Shrishti, story of Tripur, Ling and Pashu Paash vimoksha, Vrats for Shiva, Discipline, Repentance, Arisht, description of Shri Shail. Next is the story of Andhakasur, Varah, Narsingh,

k¡lling of Jalandhar, Shiv sahastra naam, story of Daksha's yagya and its destruction, killing of Madan and marriage of Parvati.

Next is Vinayak katha, Shiv tandav, Ambrish katha and Upmanyu .
RELIGION
Khatvaanga
Khatvaanga
@khatvaanga
Sri Gurubhyo Namah.
Some tweets on Adi Shankaracharya and in particular the Guru Parampara of @sringerimath. [I had done this series earlier 5 years ago on account of Shishya Sweekaram].


Adi Shankara established the Sringeri Peetham as the 1st of 4 amnaaya peetams.

The four being
1. Sarada Peetam at Sringeri.
2. Govardhana Peetam at Puri
3. Kalika at Dwaraka
4. Jyothir at Badarikashramam.

He installed his 4 most prominent shishyas as heads of the peetams.

Sureshwaracharya was assigned to Sringeri as its head.

Sringeri is a corruption of Rshyashrunga giri.

Rshyashrunga maharshi [and his father Sri Vibandhaka Maharshi] did their tapas at this place.

It is at Sringeri that Shankara spent 12 of His precious 32 years!!

That gives you and idea how much He loved this place.

Rshyashruga maharshi had a horn on his forehead, a result of being born to a deer. His mere presence was enough to shower rains!!

Rshyashrunga was one who led Putrakamesthi Yaagam of Dasaratha Maharaj and which resulted in Sri Rama's birth!!
ALL
Tweeting Historians
Tweeting Historians
@Tweetistorian
@ChenHuailun here. I'm adding a supplementary thread before today's scheduled one to expand on the origins and early history of the Church of the East (aka the Nestorian Church) ~ahc #jingjiao 1/


The Church of the East traces its origins to the christological position of the School of Antioch, which held that the human and divine and human essences (ουσία) of Christ were united in a single prosopon (πρόσωπον). ~ahc #jingjiao 2/


This ran against the position of the School of Alexandria, which held that the two essences of Christ were united in a single hypostasis (ὑπόστασις). In general terms, hypostasis is more inherent than prosopon. ~ahc #jingjiao 3/


One implication of the Antiochene rejection of the hypostatic union is that Mary could not accurately be called the Theotokos, or God-bearer. Instead, she is the Christotokos, the Christ-bearer. ~ahc #jingjiao 4/


These Christological debates were further complicated by Syriac terms such as 'kyana' (ܟܝܢܐ), associated with 'ousia' but later translated to 'hypostasis' by Syrian Orthodox; and 'qnoma ' (ܩܢܘܡܐ), sometimes contentiously translated as 'hypostasis' or 'person.' ~ahc #jingjiao 5/
RELIGION