Farewell to a one-time heavyweight charge card

Once upon a time there was a fourth global heavyweight credit/charge card.

There was Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.

I had a Diners Club card for years. It had a certain caché, like an Amex Platinum card.

But Diners failed to keep pace with changing markets and became accepted in fewer and fewer shops and hotels.

I probably gave mine up 25 years ago,

Diners Club this week announced it is exiting the Australian market after almost 70 years.

A statement on the brand’s website says: “As of 15 April 2024, Diners Club will no longer offer Diners Club Business Cards issued in Australia.”

Full details at https://dinersclub.com.au/corporate.htm

It will continue to operate in other markets.

Members with Diners Club Rewards will have until July 30 to redeem or transfer their rewards balance, after which any unclaimed points will be forfeited, the website says.