Mastercard
Networks & roles
The second-largest global card network, headquartered in the US. Operates open-loop card processing with a worldwide network of issuers and acquirers. Sets interchange rates, dispute rules, and merchant-monitoring programs (ECP, HECM); maintains the MATCH database of terminated merchants.
In practice.
Mastercard matters to merchants mostly through its rulebook: the ECP and HECM chargeback programs, registration requirements for specific business models, and its share of your card mix. Its monitoring thresholds differ from Visa, so a merchant can be fine with one scheme and in a program with the other.
Related terms: Visa · American Express · ECP · MATCH
Networks & roles