What's MasterCard?

One name that is recognized nearly everywhere in the world is MasterCard. The familiar red and orange circles have been a part of this organization’s identity since its beginning. What started out as Master Charge in 1967 changed in 1979 to MasterCard and after that to MasterCard International. Most recently, the name has been changed to MasterCard Worldwide. Although the name had changed several times, the organization’s commitment to service has not.

Known primarily for its credit card, MasterCard Worldwide is an organization consisting of numerous financial members from around the world. Among other things, these members have agreed to be issuers of the card known as MasterCard. Members and consumers alike benefit in many ways by being associated with MasterCard. Among most important benefit is that MasterCard is recognized globally and accepted at millions of establishments in the US and abroad.

When you choose MasterCard you have plenty of options. You can apply for a basic credit card that you can use anywhere that accepts MasterCard. If you prefer to keep a closer eye on your budget, MasterCard offers a debit card. The benefit of using a debit card is that charges are only approved IF you have funds to cover the full amount of the purchase.

Another option you have with MasterCard is purchasing personalized gift cards and prepaid gift cards. These types of cards make great gifts when you’ve run out of gift ideas. They’re also safer to use than cash and they offer more flexibility than you’d get if you purchased a gift card from one particular store. These gift cards are available in many denominations and need only be activated prior to use. They are accepted anywhere that accepts a debit-type MasterCard.

The newest addition to the MasterCard family of cards is the PayPass. With the PayPass, you need not swipe your card, enter your PIN or sign a receipt. All you need to do is tap the card against a PayPass reader and your transaction is complete. This technology is only now in the early stages but over 23 million establishments are trying it out. And early results are promising!

With MasterCard, you can make purchases, pay your bills, get money from an ATM and more. There are so many benefits associated with using your MasterCard that it really doesn’t make sense to use any other card. If you are part of the minority who don’t yet have a MasterCard, perhaps it’s time you apply!