Over Four Decades of MasterCard

Electronic payments now dominate the transaction landscape worldwide and MasterCard Worldwide has evolved from a small consortium of banks in the 60’s to a renowned leader in the Global Payments Network. Early on, MasterCard saw the opportunity in international markets by expanding into Japan, Mexico and Europe in 1968. Hitting their stride in the 80’s, MasterCard was the first player to issue a plastic card in China. The first online debit product, Maestro(R) was also launched in a partnership with Europay International. The last two decades have brought about enormous innovations in the electronic transaction field with leaders like MasterCard bringing safer, more efficient, faster and more convenient product to the masses. In 2006, MasterCard became more transparent as it put out an IPO to the markets based on a three prong vertical model of network-branded franchise, program manager/processor and advisory services. The company is strategically located around the globe and committed to growth through innovation, product diversification and solid partnerships.

MasterCard and Electronic Transactions

The world of online and electronic payments has all but overtaken the dogged paper check traditions of our forefathers. Security, Safety, Control, Expedience and Convenience have become the common buzz words of the industry. It used to be that bank wire transfers were the main method of “electronically” transferring funds from one location to another. Now, credit cards, debit cards and a newer player, PREPAID debit cards have become the most popular avenue chosen by many individual and corporate consumers alike. Whether visiting a retail merchant in person, purchasing products over a land line or adding-to-cart online, plastic cards have become the most desirable means of obtaining goods and services in today’s fast-paced environment. Through their vast electronic network, MasterCard has been an integral part of aiding merchants grow their companies as well as helping consumers with a fast, easy, safe and efficient means of purchasing products and services.

Future Products of MasterCard

Accessing funds, whether on credit or from one’s own account is the mainstay of the economy. MasterCard offers various card products in just about every category that are designed to help people and corporations get necessary funds. As a Network-Branded card, MasterCard emblazons its red, gold and white logo on a variety of credit, debit and prepaid debit cards, some with technology beyond that of the traditional magnetic stripe. PayPass(TM) is a “contactless” product that allows people to just Tap and Go(TM). MasterCard also innovated the Payment Gateway system that intelligently connects all parties to a transaction including issuers, suppliers and purchasers. Chip Solutions is an all-encompassing platform that offers complete and customizable solutions in the ever changing chip technology markets. Although the average person is not yet effected by some of these advancements and most credit, debit and prepaid cards still use a magnetic stripe, look for some of these products in the not-too-distant future.

MasterCard Worldwide Debit Cards

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Green Dot Prepaid MasterCard GreenDot knows prepaid cards. Did you know that Green Dot runs one of the biggest networks of prepaid reload locations? They make it easy for you to put cash onto your card. Read More

Walmart MoneyCard MasterCard Prepaid Card Retail giant Walmart wants to further add value to its customers by offering the prepaid Walmart MoneyCard Mastercard. You can actually get the MoneyCard in either Visa or MasterCard depending on your preference. There are also four designs to choose from – grey, black, blue or gold all displaying the Walmart logo and insignia. You can load money on the prepaid MoneyCard in a variety of ways including a visit to a Walmart store (cash or check) cashier or MoneyCenter Express machine, direct deposit of a pay or benefits check, online bank transfer or by purchasing a MoneyPak or Cash Reload card. Read More

AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard with (No Direct Deposit) The AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard comes in several options. The option reviewed here is the version which does not require that you use direct deposit. Although we typically recommend using direct deposit (where appropriate), we understand that there are situations where you just want a shopping card or want to use a card for “lighter” use than as your primary banking account. The AccountNow MasterCard without direct deposit may fit your needs. Read More

Bank Freedom MasterCard Prepaid Expense Card The Bank Freedom MasterCard Prepaid Expense Card helps you manage, control, and track employee spending in real-time. Small busineses and even larger businesses can use the Expense Card to manage and control employee spending. There’s no credit check so you don’t worry if your business has bad credit or no credit history. Since it’s prepaid, you never have to worry about excessive employee spending, overspending your budget, overdraft fees or over-the-limit fees. Read More

Western Union MoneyWise Prepaid Mastercard The Western Union MoneyWise prepaid MasterCard offers one of the lowest fee values found in the prepaid card realm. If you desire a low fee card that is straight forward and simple to use, then check out the MoneyWise Mastercard. The MoneWise prepaid card is really a great way to pay for your everyday expenses. Read More

BuyRight.Com BuyRight.com has come up with a pretty compelling package – a card that let’s you earn tons of reward points (and use them to buy stuff like cell phone minutes, calling cards, etc.). Read More

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