We’ve been making history for nearly 50 years

A group of banks creates the Interbank Card Association (ICA).

ICA acquires the Master Charge name and interlocking circles trademark.

Master Charge becomes MasterCard.

MasterCard is the first payment card issued in the People’s Republic of China, the first to introduce a laser hologram on cards and the first MasterCard business card is launched.

MasterCard, in partnership with Europay International, launches Maestro^®, the world’s first global online debit program.

The “Priceless” advertising campaign is launched.

MasterCard launches MasterCard Advisors, a global professional services organization focused solely on payments.

MasterCard integrates with Europay International and becomes a private share corporation.

MasterCard transitions to a new corporate governance and ownership structure and begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol MA.

MasterCard Europe and Europay France integrate operations.

MasterCard acquires Orbiscom, DataCash, the prepaid program management business of Travelex (Access Prepaid), Trevica and Truaxis.

MasterCard Labs is established, which serves as our incubator for new ideas.

MasterCard introduces MasterPass™; establishes HomeSend joint venture with eServGlobal and Bics; and acquires Provus, C-SAM, Pinpoint and 5One.