Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network enabling electronic payments between consumers, merchants, and financial institutions. Like Visa, Mastercard does not issue cards or provide credit directly; instead, it offers the infrastructure and standards that support transaction processing and payment authentication. The company’s network supports credit, debit, and prepaid payment products issued by banks and other partners. Mastercard generates revenue from fees associated with payment volumes, cross-border activity, and value-added services such as fraud prevention, data analytics, and consulting. Founded in the 1960s, Mastercard operates globally and works closely with financial institutions, merchants, and governments. The company invests in digital payments innovation, including tokenisation, real-time payments, and cybersecurity tools. Mastercard’s leadership manages network operations, technology development, and strategic partnerships to support evolving payment ecosystems.