Japan Credit Bureau – JCB, is a credit card company based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1961, JCB established dominance over the Japanese credit card market when it purchased Osaka Credit Bureau in 1968. JCB cards are now accepted by 11 million merchants in 189 countries, and are commonly accepted at hotels and upscale shopping outlets in major cities around the world. JCB also operates a network of membership lounges targeting Japanese, Chinese, and Korean travelers in Europe, Asia, and North America.
In the United States, JCB is accepted primarily at businesses concerned with travel and hospitality. On August 23, 2006, JCB announced an alliance with the Discover Network. The two companies have signed a long-term agreement that will lead to acceptance of Discover Network brand cards at JCB point-of-sale terminals in Japan and of JCB cards on the PULSE network in the U.S. This partnership is expected to be fully operational by 2008.