[mwexler]

Actually, the issuing banks will get some of the transaction fees as well, so they make out both ways. The "CC companies" are better thought of as networks (Visa, etc.) and they live mostly on those transaction fees, as you mention. The networks don't issue any cards, and they carry debit and other transactions as well, so not quite right to call them "CC companies".

[ChemicalWarfare]

Probably splitting hairs at this point, but yes, the issuing bank will typically get a per-tx interchange fee from the merchant bank. Merchant bank will charge the merchant to recoup that cost.

Yea 'CC Companies' is not the most accurate term, but when someone uses that term in a casual conversation I typically know what they mean :)