Diners Club International, founded in 1950 by Frank McNamara, Ralph Schneider, Matty Simmons, and Alfred Bloomingdale, introduced the first charge card focused on travel and entertainment expenses. The idea sparked when McNamara forgot his wallet during a restaurant outing and saw the need for a multipurpose charge card. Initially accepted at select New York City restaurants, Diners Club rapidly grew, expanding to various services and businesses. By the 1960s, it served a global clientele with over a million cardholders, marking the start of modern credit card culture.
