Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.
Mastercard's origins trace back to 1966 when a consortium of banks formed the Interbank Card Association (ICA) to establish a payment system that allowed customers to use a single card across multiple merchants. In 1969, the ICA introduced "Master Charge: The Interbank Card," adopting the iconic overlapping red and yellow circles.
In 1979, "Master Charge" was officially renamed MasterCard to reflect its global aspirations. The company continued to expand internationally, becoming the first payment card issued in the People's Republic of China in 1987.
Mastercard has been a pioneer in technology, being the first to use holograms for security in 1983. In 2006, it transitioned to a private share corporation and launched its IPO. Today, it continues to innovate with chip technology, contactless payments, and tokenization.
Cardholders are not held responsible for unauthorized charges made on their card, providing peace of mind against fraud.
Provides 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide, including reporting lost or stolen cards, emergency card replacement, and cash advances.
Offers monitoring of credit files for potential fraud, alerts for suspicious activity, and access to a resolution specialist if fraud is detected.
Access to unique and exclusive experiences related to travel, entertainment, golf, cuisine, and fashion available to cardholders.
The entry-level tier offering essential financial protection, convenience, and core benefits like Zero Liability and Global Service.
Offers enhanced perks particularly in travel and lifestyle, including trip planning assistance, lowest hotel rate guarantees, and partner discounts (e.g., Lyft, ShopRunner).
The highest tier providing the most comprehensive suite of premium benefits, including a 24/7 personal concierge, luxury hotel upgrades, and elevated airport experiences.