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Creating and maintaining a credit card processing network is a complex and resource-intensive endeavor. Here are a few key reasons why banks and credit card companies typically rely on established networks like Visa and Mastercard:

1. Infrastructure and Technology: Building a global payment processing infrastructure requires significant investment in technology and security. Visa and Mastercard have already established robust, secure, and reliable networks that can handle billions of transactions daily.

2. Network Effects: Visa and Mastercard benefit from network effects, meaning their value increases as more users and merchants join. This widespread acceptance makes it easier for cardholders to use their cards anywhere in the world.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Payment networks must comply with various international regulations and standards. Established networks have the expertise and resources to navigate these complex regulatory environments.

4. Fraud Prevention and Security: Visa and Mastercard invest heavily in fraud prevention and security measures. Developing and maintaining these systems independently would be costly and challenging for individual banks.

5. Economies of Scale: Established networks can spread their costs over a vast number of transactions, reducing the per-transaction cost. This makes it more economical for banks to use existing networks rather than creating their own.

While some banks and financial institutions do create their own networks (e.g., American Express and Discover), these are exceptions rather than the rule due to the significant challenges involved.