Mastercard
2 comparisons available
About Mastercard
Mastercard Incorporated is the world's second-largest payment network, processing approximately $9 trillion in payments annually across 3.3 billion cards in 210+ countries and territories. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, Mastercard went public in 2006 and has grown into one of the S&P 500's best-performing stocks. Like Visa, Mastercard operates as a payment network — it does not issue cards or extend credit; banks license the Mastercard network for their cards. Mastercard is accepted at 100+ million merchant locations worldwide. Key tiers include Mastercard Standard, World Mastercard, and World Elite Mastercard (flagship). Mastercard has made significant investments in cybersecurity (NuData), open banking (Finicity acquisition), and digital identity. In fiscal 2023, Mastercard generated $25.1 billion in revenue with 46%+ net margins. The Mastercard Priceless Cities program offers cardholders exclusive experiences in 40+ cities globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mastercard better than Visa?
For everyday consumers, there's no meaningful difference — both networks are accepted at virtually identical locations. The rewards, interest rates, and benefits on your specific card are set by your bank, not by Mastercard or Visa. Choice of Visa vs Mastercard should not drive your card decision; instead, focus on the issuing bank, APR, rewards rate, and annual fee.
What is World Elite Mastercard?
World Elite Mastercard is Mastercard's premium tier for high-spend credit cards. Benefits vary by issuing bank but typically include: Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services (luxury travel booking), Lyft credits ($5/month), ShopRunner membership (free 2-day shipping), Priceless Cities experiences, and enhanced travel insurance. Compare to Visa Infinite at the same premium tier — both offer strong travel benefits, and the specific perks depend on the issuing bank's card.