Mastercard (NYSE:MA) (NYSE: MA) is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses. The company facilitates the authorization, clearing and settlement of electronic payment transactions, while generally not issuing cards or extending credit itself. Its network supports payments made in stores, online and through mobile devices.
Mastercard’s products and services include consumer and commercial payment cards, digital payment solutions, payment processing, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, identity verification, data and analytics, and open banking tools. The company also provides technology and services designed to help businesses and governments distribute funds, manage expenses and enable digital payments.
Mastercard traces its roots to the Interbank Card Association, formed in 1966. The organization introduced the Master Charge brand in 1969 and adopted the Mastercard name in 1979. Today, Mastercard serves customers and partners across numerous markets worldwide, with operations spanning North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Michael Miebach has served as Mastercard’s chief executive officer since 2021. The company is headquartered in Purchase, New York.
