Quick Overview
- 1#1: Marqeta - Modern card issuing platform enabling virtual and physical card creation, real-time controls, and just-in-time funding for fintechs.
- 2#2: Stripe Issuing - API-powered card issuing service for generating virtual and physical cards with seamless integration into payment processing.
- 3#3: Galileo - Scalable card issuing and processing platform that powers debit, credit, and prepaid programs for banks and fintechs.
- 4#4: Lithic - Developer-focused card issuing platform providing instant issuance, program management, and compliance tools.
- 5#5: Adyen Issuing - Global card issuing solution integrated with unified commerce platform for issuing Visa and Mastercard products.
- 6#6: Highnote - Embedded finance platform specializing in customizable credit and charge card issuing programs.
- 7#7: Pismo - Cloud-native core banking platform with full card issuing, processing, and digital wallet capabilities.
- 8#8: i2c - Agile payment processing and card issuing software supporting real-time transactions and multi-product programs.
- 9#9: Rapyd - Global fintech platform offering card issuing alongside payments, wallets, and cross-border disbursements.
- 10#10: Solid - Embedded finance platform providing card issuing APIs for virtual cards and banking services.
These tools are ranked based on innovative features, user experience, scalability, and value, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of fintechs, banks, and embedded finance providers.
Comparison Table
Card issuance software is essential for businesses building robust payment ecosystems, enabling seamless creation and management of digital and physical cards. This comparison table features leading tools like Marqeta, Stripe Issuing, Galileo, Lithic, Adyen Issuing, and more, outlining their key capabilities, integration options, and use cases. Readers will discover how each solution aligns with their operational needs, evaluating strengths to select the best fit for scalable card program success.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marqeta Modern card issuing platform enabling virtual and physical card creation, real-time controls, and just-in-time funding for fintechs. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Stripe Issuing API-powered card issuing service for generating virtual and physical cards with seamless integration into payment processing. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Galileo Scalable card issuing and processing platform that powers debit, credit, and prepaid programs for banks and fintechs. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Lithic Developer-focused card issuing platform providing instant issuance, program management, and compliance tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Adyen Issuing Global card issuing solution integrated with unified commerce platform for issuing Visa and Mastercard products. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Highnote Embedded finance platform specializing in customizable credit and charge card issuing programs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Pismo Cloud-native core banking platform with full card issuing, processing, and digital wallet capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | i2c Agile payment processing and card issuing software supporting real-time transactions and multi-product programs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Rapyd Global fintech platform offering card issuing alongside payments, wallets, and cross-border disbursements. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Solid Embedded finance platform providing card issuing APIs for virtual cards and banking services. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Modern card issuing platform enabling virtual and physical card creation, real-time controls, and just-in-time funding for fintechs.
API-powered card issuing service for generating virtual and physical cards with seamless integration into payment processing.
Scalable card issuing and processing platform that powers debit, credit, and prepaid programs for banks and fintechs.
Developer-focused card issuing platform providing instant issuance, program management, and compliance tools.
Global card issuing solution integrated with unified commerce platform for issuing Visa and Mastercard products.
Embedded finance platform specializing in customizable credit and charge card issuing programs.
Cloud-native core banking platform with full card issuing, processing, and digital wallet capabilities.
Agile payment processing and card issuing software supporting real-time transactions and multi-product programs.
Global fintech platform offering card issuing alongside payments, wallets, and cross-border disbursements.
Embedded finance platform providing card issuing APIs for virtual cards and banking services.
Marqeta
enterpriseModern card issuing platform enabling virtual and physical card creation, real-time controls, and just-in-time funding for fintechs.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Funding, which authorizes and funds cards instantly at transaction time for optimal liquidity and control
Marqeta is a leading modern card issuing platform that provides a powerful API-driven solution for businesses to create, launch, and manage virtual and physical card programs at scale. It enables real-time transaction controls, just-in-time funding, and customizable payment experiences, supporting fintechs, gig economy platforms, and enterprises. With global reach and robust compliance tools, Marqeta powers card issuance for companies like Uber, Instacart, and DoorDash.
Pros
- Unmatched API flexibility for custom card programs and real-time controls
- Scalable infrastructure handling billions in TPV with 99.99% uptime
- Advanced just-in-time funding and risk management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-developers due to API-centric design
- Enterprise-focused pricing lacks transparency for smaller users
- Limited out-of-the-box UI; requires integration for full functionality
Best For
Enterprise fintechs and platforms needing highly programmable, scalable card issuance with real-time customization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on transaction volume and program complexity; typically starts at high-volume tiers with no public plans.
Stripe Issuing
enterpriseAPI-powered card issuing service for generating virtual and physical cards with seamless integration into payment processing.
Webhook-based real-time authorization decisions for fully programmable card controls
Stripe Issuing is a robust API-first platform that allows businesses to programmatically create, manage, and control virtual and physical payment cards. It offers advanced features like real-time spend limits, just-in-time funding, and customizable authorization decisions via webhooks. Designed for platforms embedding card issuance, it integrates seamlessly with Stripe's payment ecosystem for fraud prevention and transaction insights.
Pros
- Seamless API integration with full programmability for custom controls
- Rapid virtual card issuance with real-time fraud detection and limits
- Comprehensive analytics and just-in-time funding to optimize cash flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-developers due to API-heavy implementation
- Usage-based pricing can become costly at high volumes
- Geographic limitations on physical card issuance and BIN sponsorship
Best For
Fintech platforms, marketplaces, and SaaS companies needing scalable, programmable card issuance for users or employees.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10 per virtual card, higher for physical (~$25+), 0.4-0.5% + interchange per transaction, plus platform fees based on volume.
Galileo
enterpriseScalable card issuing and processing platform that powers debit, credit, and prepaid programs for banks and fintechs.
Real-time, event-driven APIs enabling instant card issuance, controls, and 3DS authentication in a unified platform.
Galileo (galileo-ft.com) is a leading fintech infrastructure provider offering a modern API platform for card issuance and payment processing. It enables businesses to rapidly launch virtual and physical debit/credit card programs, manage accounts, and handle transactions at scale. The platform includes tools for compliance, fraud prevention, and real-time data insights, powering major fintechs like Chime and Current.
Pros
- Highly scalable infrastructure supporting millions of cards and transactions daily
- Comprehensive API suite covering full card lifecycle from issuance to settlement
- Built-in compliance, KYC/AML, and advanced fraud detection tools
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and requires sales negotiation
- Integration demands developer expertise due to API complexity
- Geared toward enterprise-scale programs, less ideal for very small startups
Best For
Mid-to-large fintech companies and financial institutions needing robust, scalable card issuance backend.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on transaction volume, accounts issued, and services; typically includes setup fees, per-account charges, and interchange sharing—contact sales for quotes.
Lithic
specializedDeveloper-focused card issuing platform providing instant issuance, program management, and compliance tools.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Funding, which settles transactions only upon authorization to minimize idle capital.
Lithic is an API-first card issuing platform that enables businesses to create, manage, and scale virtual and physical card programs with Visa and Mastercard support. It offers advanced features like just-in-time funding, granular spend controls, tokenization, and automated compliance tools, allowing seamless integration into fintech apps or marketplaces. Designed for developers, Lithic abstracts the complexities of banking partnerships and regulatory requirements, supporting charge, credit, and debit products.
Pros
- Highly flexible API for custom card programs and rapid issuance
- Just-in-time funding reduces capital requirements
- Strong compliance and risk management built-in
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be high for low volumes
- Developer-centric interface lacks no-code options
- Primarily US-focused with limited global BIN sponsorship
Best For
Fintech platforms and marketplaces needing scalable, programmable card issuing without managing banking partnerships.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically volume-based with per-card fees ($0.25-$1+), interchange pass-through, and minimum commitments starting at $10K+ monthly.
Adyen Issuing
enterpriseGlobal card issuing solution integrated with unified commerce platform for issuing Visa and Mastercard products.
Unified commerce platform combining card issuing, payments processing, and acquiring in one API-driven solution
Adyen Issuing is a robust platform for issuing virtual and physical cards, enabling businesses to launch branded card programs with real-time controls and fraud prevention. It integrates seamlessly with Adyen's unified payments ecosystem, supporting global transactions, dynamic spend limits, and customizable card designs. Designed for scalability, it handles high-volume issuing for fintechs and enterprises while ensuring compliance across multiple regions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Adyen's acquiring and processing stack
- Global compliance and multi-currency support
- Advanced real-time controls and risk management tools
Cons
- Enterprise-focused pricing may deter smaller businesses
- API-heavy interface requires technical expertise
- Limited out-of-box customization for niche card programs
Best For
Fintech platforms and large enterprises seeking scalable, integrated card issuing with full payments infrastructure.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with setup fees, interchange revenue sharing, and per-transaction costs; not publicly listed.
Highnote
specializedEmbedded finance platform specializing in customizable credit and charge card issuing programs.
Unified platform combining card issuing, real-time processing, and embedded ledgering to simplify operations
Highnote is a modern, API-first platform designed for businesses to issue and manage virtual and physical debit or credit cards at scale. It provides end-to-end tools for card lifecycle management, transaction processing, ledgering, and compliance, enabling fintechs and brands to launch card programs without needing a banking license. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing payment ecosystems and emphasizes developer-friendly customization.
Pros
- Comprehensive API suite for rapid card program launches
- Built-in ledgering, processing, and compliance tools reduce vendor fragmentation
- Strong security features including SOC 2 compliance and tokenization
Cons
- Pricing is opaque and requires custom quotes
- US-market focused with limited international support
- Requires developer expertise for full customization
Best For
Fintech startups and brands seeking a scalable, API-driven card issuing solution without building infrastructure from scratch.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features; contact sales for quotes, no public tiers available.
Pismo
enterpriseCloud-native core banking platform with full card issuing, processing, and digital wallet capabilities.
Unified platform combining card issuing, processing, and core banking in a single, vendor-agnostic API stack
Pismo is a cloud-native SaaS platform providing end-to-end financial infrastructure, with robust card issuance capabilities for virtual and physical cards via modern APIs. It handles the full card lifecycle, including issuance, authorization, tokenization, and 3D Secure, while integrating seamlessly with core banking and payments. Designed for scalability, it supports global compliance standards and high-volume processing for fintechs and banks.
Pros
- API-first architecture enables rapid integration and customization
- Comprehensive card lifecycle management with global compliance support
- Scalable cloud-native platform backed by Visa for reliability
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to developer-heavy focus and limited no-code options
- Custom enterprise pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for startups
- Relies on custom integrations for full functionality, no extensive pre-built UI
Best For
Mid-to-large fintechs and banks needing a scalable, API-driven platform for high-volume card programs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on transaction volume; typically starts at $500K+ annually with per-transaction fees.
i2c
enterpriseAgile payment processing and card issuing software supporting real-time transactions and multi-product programs.
Unified single-stack platform combining card issuance, core processing, lending, and digital wallets for rapid product launches without silos.
i2c provides a cloud-native, API-first platform for card issuance and management, enabling financial institutions to issue physical, virtual, and tokenized cards at scale. It handles full lifecycle management including program setup, personalization, fulfillment, and transaction processing across multiple card networks. The solution integrates advanced fraud prevention, analytics, and digital wallet support for seamless user experiences.
Pros
- Highly scalable architecture supporting millions of cards and transactions
- API-driven integrations for quick customization and ecosystem connectivity
- Robust built-in fraud detection and risk management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial implementation for non-enterprise users
- Pricing lacks transparency and requires custom quotes
- Primarily geared toward larger institutions, less ideal for startups
Best For
Mid-to-large financial institutions and fintechs needing a scalable, end-to-end card issuance platform with global payment processing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features; typically includes setup fees, monthly platform subscriptions, and per-transaction costs—contact sales for quotes.
Rapyd
enterpriseGlobal fintech platform offering card issuing alongside payments, wallets, and cross-border disbursements.
Global issuance platform supporting cards in 100+ countries with instant virtual card provisioning and local BIN sponsorship.
Rapyd is a global fintech platform specializing in payment infrastructure, with robust card issuance capabilities for virtual and physical cards via Visa and Mastercard networks. It enables businesses to launch customizable card programs quickly, manage real-time controls, and handle compliance across 100+ countries. Beyond issuance, it integrates seamlessly with payments, payouts, and wallets for a full-stack solution.
Pros
- Extensive global coverage with issuance in 100+ countries and multi-currency support
- Highly customizable API for card controls, branding, and integration with payments ecosystem
- Strong compliance tools and fast time-to-market for card programs
Cons
- Pricing is custom and opaque, often requiring sales negotiation
- API-heavy interface demands developer expertise, less intuitive for non-technical users
- Broader payments focus may overwhelm businesses seeking pure card issuance simplicity
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises expanding globally who need integrated card issuance with payments and require high customization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically volume-based with interchange pass-through, platform fees starting at 0.5-1.5% + fixed per-card fees.
Solid
specializedEmbedded finance platform providing card issuing APIs for virtual cards and banking services.
One-click virtual card issuance with instant activation via API
Solid (solidfi.com) is a modern card issuance platform that enables businesses to issue virtual and physical cards via API, supporting Visa and Mastercard networks. It offers end-to-end card lifecycle management, including issuance, controls, freezing, and transaction monitoring, with built-in compliance tools for KYC/AML. Primarily targeted at fintechs and platforms embedding payments in Europe.
Pros
- Robust API for fast virtual and physical card issuance
- Strong compliance and risk management features
- Seamless integration with banking and payment rails
Cons
- Limited global coverage outside Europe
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for smaller teams
- Documentation could be more comprehensive for advanced customizations
Best For
European fintechs and SaaS platforms needing scalable embedded card issuance without building from scratch.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume; typically starts at €5,000/month for mid-tier usage with per-card and transaction fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed card issuance tools showcase a range of strengths, with Marqeta emerging as the clear leader, offering modern virtual/physical card creation, real-time controls, and just-in-time funding tailored for fintechs. Stripe Issuing stands out for its seamless API integration into payment processing, while Galileo impresses with its scalability for diverse debit, credit, and prepaid programs, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.
Ready to elevate your card issuance? Start with Marqeta to leverage its powerful capabilities and streamline your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison