It all began with a forgotten wallet…
In 1949, businessman Frank McNamara forgot his wallet while dining out at a New York City restaurant. It was an embarrassment he resolved never to face again. Luckily, his wife rescued him and paid the tab.
February 1950. McNamara 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. This event was hailed as the "First Supper," paving the way for the world's first multipurpose charge card.
In its first year of business, Diners Club® grew to 10,000 members from New York's business elite, with 28 restaurants and two hotels prepared to accept monthly billing in respect of this select clientele.
In the 1950s, Diners Club led the way in credit card innovation by introducing a travel insurance policy. The cardboard card turned plastic in the 1960s, and bewitched Audrey Hepburn in the classic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
In the 1970s, Diners Club launched its first range of corporate cards and, one decade later, lived up to its reputation as the pioneer of the industry with the introduction of Club Rewards®.
On December 31, 2009, BMO® Financial Group acquired the Diners Club North American franchise. The agreement gives BMO Financial Group exclusive rights to issue Diners Club Cards to corporate and personal clients in the U.S. and Canada.
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