RS2 plc has announced that its subsidiary, RS2 Financial Services GmbH, has obtained Principal Issuing Member status with both Visa and Mastercard in Europe, a development that enables the company to directly issue cards and operate payment card programmes across the region.

The approval positions the group – through its issuing brand Beyond by RS2 – among a select number of European providers offering full issuing capabilities. It marks a significant expansion of RS2’s service offering, which already includes acquiring and processing solutions.

With the new status, Beyond by RS2 can now provide a range of issuing services, including:

• BIN sponsorship, allowing businesses to launch card programmes without holding their own licence
• Co-branding solutions for organisations such as retailers and sports clubs
• A portfolio of debit, credit, prepaid, and corporate card products, available in both physical and digital formats
• Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay

The subsidiary will also offer full programme management, covering card product setup, customer support, fraud prevention, compliance, and the regulatory framework needed for businesses to operate across the EU and EEA.

RS2 said this development strengthens its position as an end-to-end payments partner by bringing issuing, acquiring, and processing capabilities under one regulated structure.

The services are targeted at banks, fintech companies, corporates, and merchants seeking scalable and compliant card solutions tailored to their business needs.