Modern Issuer Processing | API-First Card Infrastructure

Whether you’re a fintech scaling into new markets or a bank reimagining your tech stack, modern issuer processing is the foundation for the future of cards.

But not all platforms are created equal. Cloud-native issuer processing gives you the flexibility, control, and speed to create card programs that keep you ahead without compromise.

This is your go-to guide for understanding what modern issuer processing really means, what it unlocks, and how to start your move from legacy to leadership.

Why legacy systems hold you back

Still running on a legacy issuer processor?

You’re not alone, but you’re at risk. Traditional processors were built for a different era. Today’s customers expect instant issuance, real-time controls, and embedded finance at their fingertips. Legacy platforms can’t deliver.

You may be outgrowing your provider if:

You’re slowed down by long integration timelines and delayed change requests
You can’t launch the products your customers want fast enough
You’re scaling into new geographies and can’t localize quickly
You’re stuck paying for features you don’t use

Legacy systems are particularly dangerous when it comes to speed and compliance. Many require manual processes, limiting your ability to adapt quickly or maintain competitive features. And in a regulated environment, the inability to meet new requirements efficiently could put your program at risk.

Read: Should you be thinking about card issuing?

What Is a Modern Issuer Processor?

A modern issuer processor supports real-time payments, instant card issuance, and dynamic configuration via APIs. But there’s one big differentiator that separates good from great: cloud-native architecture.

While many platforms today advertise modern features, the reality is that only a true cloud-native issuer processor offers the resilience, modularity, and scalability needed to support innovation at pace.

Benefits of a cloud-native issuer processor include:

Unlimited scalability with no hardware constraints
Faster time to market with instant API integrations
Higher resilience and fewer outages
Continuous innovation with frequent, low-risk updates
Stronger security with real-time compliance and threat response

Read: Are You Using a Modern Card Issuing Platform?

Cloud-Native vs. Cloud-Based: What’s the Difference?

Not every "cloud" solution is created equal.

Some processors run on cloud-hosted infrastructure but are still built on legacy frameworks. That’s the equivalent of putting a jet engine on a horse cart.

Cloud-based issuer processing usually means the vendor has moved their systems into the cloud, but still relies on outdated architecture. Cloud-native issuer processing is different. It means the system was designed from day one to run in the cloud, using microservices, containerization, and continuous integration/deployment practices.

Advantages of cloud-native issuer processing include:

Real-time ledgers and transaction visibility
Plug-and-play integrations with fraud tools, wallets, and ERP systems
Seamless virtual card issuance and physical card provisioning
Multi-currency, multi-market deployments from day one

LegacyProcessorChart

Read: Lifting Off from Legacy to the Cloud White Paper

What You Can Build with Episode Six

Cloud-native platforms let you build with precision and speed.

Whether you're launching commercial card services or embedded payments for a gig economy platform, you need a card issuing API that can keep up.

With our platform, you can enable:

Commercial virtual cards with dynamic spend controls
Prepaid card solutions with real-time reloads
Debit card services with enhanced transaction logic
Virtual card issuance for marketplaces and fintech apps
Flexible credit products for B2B or B2C use cases

Read: 5 Reasons Your Customers Will Love Modern Commercial Cards 
Read: 4 Ways to Benefit SMEs by Modernizing Your Tech Stack

Serving banks and fintechs alike

Issuer processing is no longer just for big banks or core banking stacks.

Today, challenger banks, B2B fintechs, and even non-financial brands are building card programs from scratch or migrating away from outdated platforms.

Whether you’re a global institution or a growth-stage disruptor, your needs are the same:

Flexibility

Speed

Resilience

Control

With cloud-native issuer processing, you’re not limited by product type or volume. You can build a consumer prepaid card in one market and a commercial card in another, all on one platform.

Read: A New Approach to Banking Technology Transformation – Q&A with Brian Muse-McKenney

Read: Next-Gen Card Issuing Solutions

How to migrate from your legacy processor

It sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right partner, you can take a phased or parallel approach that avoids disruption while accelerating delivery.

Steps in your migration plan:

Build a cross-functional governance team

Plan a dual-state transition with old and new systems

Allocate resources without burning out current staff

Confirm compatibility with your tech stack

Set realistic timelines and milestones

Coordinate with vendors and integration partners

Berkeley Payment: A Real-World Success Story

Episode Six helped Berkeley Payment migrate 300,000 cards from a legacy issuer processor in under 5 months.

The results speak for themselves:

300% improvement in API response times
40% increase in throughput
Zero outages over 3 months

This kind of impact is only possible with a cloud-native issuer processor that’s built for performance, scale, and reliability.

Ready to build without limits?

With our platform, you’re not just buying technology.

You’re unlocking possibility. Whether you need a flexible credit card product, virtual card issuance, or scalable B2B fintech solutions, we’ve built a cloud-native issuer processing platform designed to help you lead.

Meet with our team to see how Episode Six can support your next card launch.

Book a strategy session

FAQs

What is a cloud-native issuer processor?

A cloud-native issuer processor is built entirely using cloud technologies like microservices and APIs, allowing for real-time configuration, continuous updates, and global scalability. Unlike cloud-hosted legacy platforms, cloud-native systems are optimized for speed, security, and resilience from the ground up.

How is cloud-based issuer processing different?

Cloud-based issuer processing typically refers to legacy systems that have been migrated to the cloud but still run on outdated frameworks. These platforms don’t provide the same level of agility, configurability, or performance as cloud-native issuer processing.

Is Episode Six a good fit for fintechs and banks?

Yes. Our platform supports both traditional banks and B2B fintech solutions. Our modular design and flexible configurations allow organizations to create and manage card products across consumer, commercial, and niche use cases with ease.

Can I issue physical and virtual cards from the same platform?

Absolutely. With our platform, you can manage virtual card issuance, physical cards, commercial virtual cards, and even tokenized products… all from a single card issuing platform.

How long does migration to a modern card issuer typically take?

It depends on your program complexity, but most migrations can be completed in 4–6 months with a phased or parallel approach. We have helped companies migrate portfolios of 300,000+ cards in under five months, as seen with our client Berkeley Payment.

What kinds of products can I build?

You can build prepaid card solutions, debit card services, commercial card services, installment products, flexible credit lines, and more. And it’s all configurable in real time and ready for any market.

Episode Six is a global provider of enterprise-grade card issuing and ledger infrastructure for financial technology companies, banks, and brands.

We deliver the innovative capabilities needed to compete with disruptors and lead the market. Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience are built into the core of our platform, ensuring clients maintain a market-leading position.

What is modern issuer processing?

Build faster. Scale smarter. Leave legacy behind.