> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://partner-docs.contro.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Launch branded card programs with the Contro Partner API

## What is Contro CaaS?

Contro's Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) platform lets partners issue and manage branded payment cards through a single API. You handle the user experience - we handle card issuance, compliance, and processing.

## Key concepts

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Partners" icon="handshake">
    Your organization. Each partner gets API keys, a prefunded balance, and access to card programs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cardholders" icon="user">
    End users who receive cards. You create cardholders, submit them for KYC, and manage their lifecycle.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Card Programs" icon="credit-card">
    Card configurations (brand, currency, region) available to your account. Browse programs and issue cards from them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cards" icon="wallet">
    Virtual or physical cards issued to cardholders. Cards can be activated, frozen, unfrozen, or cancelled.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API keys">
    Receive your sandbox (`sk_test_*`) and production (`sk_live_*`) keys from the Contro team.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create cardholders">
    Register your users as cardholders with their identity details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete KYC">
    Initiate KYC verification. Cards can only be issued after KYC approval.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Issue cards">
    Select a card program and issue cards to approved cardholders.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor activity">
    Query transactions, check balances, and receive webhook events in real time.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Quick links

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/partner/authentication">
    Set up API keys and secure your integration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/partner/quickstart">
    Issue your first card in 5 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="API reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/partner/introduction">
    Full endpoint documentation with playground
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks" icon="bell" href="/partner/webhooks">
    Subscribe to real-time event notifications
  </Card>
</CardGroup>