What is Mastercard?
Mastercard is a global payment technology company that operates the payment network connecting merchants, acquiring banks, and card-issuing banks. Like Visa, Mastercard does not issue cards directly — it provides the infrastructure and rules for processing transactions.
How Mastercard Works
Mastercard's network processes transactions between the merchant's acquiring bank and the cardholder's issuing bank. When a Mastercard is used, the transaction data flows through Mastercard's network for authorisation, clearing, and settlement.
Mastercard Products
- Debit Mastercard: Linked to a bank account
- Mastercard Credit: Line of credit from the issuing bank
- Mastercard Prepaid: Pre-loaded with funds
- World and World Elite: Premium tiers with enhanced benefits
Security Features
Mastercard uses Identity Check (its 3D Secure implementation), tokenisation, and AI-powered fraud detection. Mastercard is also a founding member of the PCI SSC.
Paytia processes Mastercard transactions across phone, payment links, and IVR channels. All Mastercard payments through Paytia meet PCI DSS Level 1 compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mastercard and Visa?
Both are payment networks. The core technology is similar — differences are in the specific benefits, insurance, and rewards attached by individual card issuers.
Does Mastercard issue credit cards?
No. Mastercard provides the payment network. Banks like Barclays, HSBC, and NatWest issue the cards and set interest rates, fees, and rewards.
What is Mastercard Identity Check?
Identity Check is Mastercard's implementation of 3D Secure — an authentication protocol that verifies the cardholder's identity during online or phone transactions using their banking app or biometrics.
Related Terms
See how Paytia handles mastercard
Book a personalised demo and we'll show you how our platform works with your setup.
Request a Demo