We are a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. We work to achieve this by using secure data and networks, fostering strong partnerships, and applying our passion for innovation. Our solutions are designed to help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. We believe our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do, both internally and externally. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
Our journey began in 1966 when a group of banks formed the Interbank Card Association (ICA) to compete with Bank of America's BankAmericard. This eventually led to the creation of Master Charge: The Interbank Card in 1969, which was later rebranded as Mastercard in 1979. Over the decades, we've grown through strategic alliances, acquisitions, and a commitment to innovation. We became a publicly traded company in 2006. Today, we are the second-largest payment processor globally, facilitating transactions in over 150 currencies. We are focused on more than just cards; we are a technology company that develops tools and solutions around all points of interaction between buyers and sellers. This includes areas like real-time payments, open banking, digital identity, cyber services, and data-powered insights. We are committed to expanding the digital economy, bringing more people and businesses into the fold, and shaping the future of seamless and secure commerce.