# Card Programs

[API Documentation](/api/card-program/card-program-object)

A card program consists of a group of card accounts that share common characteristics, rules, and features.
It establishes the framework that defines how your cards function, what features they provide,
and which customer segments they serve.

A card program determines everything from transaction processing and spending controls to rewards
structures and cardholder experiences.

A single platform on Column can support multiple card programs, each designed for specific needs. This
flexibility allows you to serve different customer segments and use cases while managing everything
through a unified infrastructure.

## Card Program Types

### Debit Card Programs

Debit card programs are linked to underlying bank accounts. When a cardholder makes a purchase, funds are immediately
debited from their associated bank account. Debit cards provide direct access to account balances and can include
overdraft capabilities.

### Charge Card Programs

Charge card programs require full payment at the end of each billing cycle. Unlike credit cards,
charge cards don't permit revolving balances.

Charge card programs set a `credit_policy` of `cardholder_secured`, `platform_secured`, or `unsecured`.

#### Secured Charge Card Programs

Secured charge cards require deposits to collateralize a line of credit to a cardholder.
Column supports two different securitization models:

- #### Cardholder-Secured Charge Card Programs (`cardholder_secured`)
  Each card account has a corresponding collateral account and the account owner is responsible for funding a
  collateral deposit up to the maximum credit limit. A card account's spend limit will then be the minimum of
  the collateral deposit account balance and maximum allowed line of credit.

- #### Platform-Secured Charge Card Programs (`platform_secured`)
  The card program has a single collateral account that the card program operator maintains with the expectation
  that the account is always collateralized to cover total credit extended across all card accounts within the
  card program for a given period of time. The card account spend limit will be the maximum limit set on a card account.

#### Unsecured Charge Card Programs (`unsecured`)

Unsecured charge cards extend credit to cardholders without requiring collateral deposits. Like all charge cards,
the full balance must be paid at the end of each billing cycle, but no collateral is required to secure the credit line.

### Credit Card Programs

Credit card programs allow cardholders to borrow money up to a predetermined credit limit. Unlike charge cards,
credit cards permit revolving balances, meaning cardholders can carry a balance from month to month by making minimum
payments.

Like charge card programs, credit card programs set a `credit_policy` of `cardholder_secured`, `platform_secured`, or
`unsecured`.