The Nilson Report Publishes 1,000th Issue

First Issue Detailed Starkly Different Payments Industry

CARPINTERIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nilson Report, the most widely read trade newsletter among payments industry executives, has published its 1,000th issue. The first issue framed an industry poised to explode technologically as well as globally with stories on “facecards” from Polaroid and the dawn of computerized hotel reservation systems.

“Diners Franchise cardholders totaling over 713,000 expected to reach 1,000,000 by 1972 . . . could pass U.S. membership within next 12 months . . . Carte Blanche, with over 660,000 cardholders, could become No. 2 (T&E) card in U.S. within next two years with aggressive promotion program.”

The Nilson Report established itself from that first issue as the source of statistics that define the payments industry.

Which One Is The Prestige Card?

“Surveys show Carte Blanche No. 1 in U.S. . . . followed by Amex then Diners Club – just the reverse abroad. Long-standing policy of both Carte Blanche and Amex to use magazine, billing stuffers, and merchandise offers to promote image and services could be the ‘pay-off.’”

Inaugural issue of The Nilson Report
August 1970

Carte Blanche Gains Ground on Diners Club

“Diners Franchise cardholders totaling over 713,000 expected to reach 1,000,000 by 1972 . . . could pass U.S. membership within next 12 months . . . Carte Blanche, with over 660,000 cardholders, could become No. 2 (T&E) card in U.S. within next two years with aggressive promotion program.”

Inaugural issue of The Nilson Report
August 1970

“The continued success of the newsletter has allowed us to forgo paid advertising and remain an impartial observer of the industry worldwide,” said David Robertson, publisher of The Nilson Report. “Our articles on subjects such as technology, fraud, and global expansion continue to be based on firsthand interviews and remain focused exclusively on the payments industry.”

View a pdf of Issue No. 1 of The Nilson Report.

About The Nilson Report

The Nilson Report is a highly respected source of global news and analysis covering the credit, debit and prepaid card industries. The subscription newsletter provides in-depth rankings and statistics on the current status of the industry, as well as company, personnel, and product updates. David Robertson, Publisher of the Nilson Report, is a recognized expert in the field and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Over 18,000 readers in 90 countries worldwide value The Nilson Report to track industry trends and market information.