Pulse (interbank network)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States |
| Owner | Capital One |
| Parent | Discover Financial Services |
Pulse is an American interbank electronic funds transfer (EFT) system that connects over 4,400 financial institutions, providing access to upwards of 380,000 ATMs and point-of-sale terminals across the United States. It operates in competition with networks such as First Data's STAR and Fidelity National Information Services's NYCE. Owned by Capital One, which has issued the Discover Card since 2025, Pulse benefits from Discover's collaboration with China UnionPay, allowing its cards enhanced acceptance outside major metropolitan areas.
History
The origins of Pulse trace back to software managing the Take Your Money Everywhere network in the central United States, established following deregulation that permitted banks to share infrastructure. Initially backed by First City Bank and later Texas Commerce Bank, Pulse was incorporated in 1981 to manage its regional EFT switching operations. The company launched Pulse Pay in 1995, a service facilitating the use of ATM cards at retail point-of-sale locations.
Pulse grew through strategic acquisitions, including Louisiana's Gulfnet in 1997 and Cincinnati's MoneyStation in 2000. Before being acquired by Discover Financial Services in 2005, Pulse merged with Wisconsin's Tyme Corporation in 2002. Additionally, Pulse holds a residential mortgage license in California (MLS-18827).