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A credit card gives you the power to buy goods or services now and pay for them later. It represents an approval by a bank or company to use their money. Credit card issuers are usually banks, even though the card may bear another company name or logo. When applying for a credit card, you will find that companies are looking for an assurance that you will be able to pay them back. Therefore, they typically ask for personal information such as your income and social security number (to check your credit history). They will use this information to decide whether they are comfortable extending you credit, and how much they will offer you.
Trade names such as VISA and MasterCard are not actually card issuers. They are termed "membership associations." Banks use them for their payment processing services, policy setting and marketing assistance. Therefore, you won't get an application from VISA, but instead from a specific bank offering you a VISA card. (on the other hand, American Express is an actual company, so you could get an application from American Express)
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