<Tr> <Th> Parent </Th> <Td> Discover Financial, Bank_of_Montreal (North American operations) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> www.dinersclub.com </Td> </Tr> <P> Diners Club International (DCI), founded as Diners Club, is a charge card company owned by Discover Financial Services . Formed in 1950 by Frank X . McNamara, Ralph Schneider, Matty Simmons, and Alfred Bloomingdale, it was the first independent credit card company in the world, and it established the concept of a self - sufficient company producing credit cards for travel and entertainment . Diners Club International and its franchises service individuals from around the globe with operations in 59 countries . </P> <P> The idea for Diners Club was conceived at the Majors Cabin Grill restaurant in New York City in 1949 . Diners Club cofounder Frank McNamara was dining with clients and realized he had left his wallet in another suit . His wife paid the tab, and McNamara thought of a multipurpose charge card as a way to avoid similar embarrassments in the future . He discussed the idea with the restaurant owner at the table, and the following day with his lawyer Ralph Schneider and friend Alfred Bloomingdale . </P>

Can you still get a diners club card