Madrid – December 1, 2016—Mastercard today announced it will bring its Spanish customers and cardholders Apple Pay, which is transforming mobile payments as an easy, secure and private way to pay that’s fast and convenient.

Mastercard is working with several partners in Spain, including Banco Santander as the first bank, Carrefour as the first retailer and Ticket Restaurant as the first prepaid company to join this launch offering consumers the ability to use their Mastercard cards with Apple Pay.

For consumers and merchants alike, every purchase made using a Mastercard with Apple Pay will offer the security, benefits and guarantees of any Mastercard transaction. Moreover, Mastercard aims to remove friction from payments while offering a great level of convenience to consumers using their cards digitally with Apple Pay.

“Apple Pay and the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) give consumers a simple, convenient and secure way to shop,” said Ovidio Egido, General Manager at Mastercard in Spain. “Mastercard was first in the world to offer contactless and mobile payment solutions to consumers and in Spain we have seen contactless transactions increase by 145% from Q3 2015 to Q3 2016. We are very pleased that Mastercard cardholders will be able to make easy and private payments with Apple Pay in Spain, with the assurance that every purchase is secure and they will receive the same guarantees and benefits they expect from their Mastercard.”
Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you use a Mastercard credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, thanks in part to Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by credit and debit cards. In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and later, and Apple Watch.

Online shopping in apps and on websites accepting Apple Pay is as simple as the touch of a finger with Touch ID, so there’s no need to manually fill out lengthy account forms or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information. When paying for goods and services on the go in apps or Safari, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later, iPhone SE, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later. You can also use Apple Pay in Safari on any Mac introduced in or after 2012 running macOS Sierra and confirm the payment with iPhone 6 or later or Apple Watch, or with Touch ID on the new MacBook Pro.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: apple.com/es/apple-pay

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

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Decision Intelligence™ leverages machine learning technology to increase approvals for genuine transactions and deliver overall better consumer shopping experience

PURCHASE, N.Y. – November 30, 2016 – Mastercard today introduced Decision Intelligence, a comprehensive decision and fraud detection service. The solution uses artificial intelligence technology to help financial institutions increase the accuracy of real-time approvals of genuine transactions and reduce false declines. 

This is the first use of AI being implemented on a global scale directly on the Mastercard network.

Current decision-scoring products are focused primarily on risk assessment, working within predefined rules. Decision Intelligence is a radical new approach that goes much further. It takes a broader view in assessing, scoring and learning from each transaction. That score then enables the card issuer to apply the intelligence to the next transaction.

“We are solving a major consumer pain point of being falsely declined when trying to make a purchase,” said Ajay Bhalla, president of enterprise risk and security, Mastercard. “By using AI technology on our global network, we’re helping financial institutions and merchants improve approval rates – and the consumer experience.”

How It Works

Building on other proprietary services, Decision Intelligence is a new way of solving an old problem using sophisticated algorithms to provide a predictive score to the issuer, based on intelligent analysis. They then incorporate that information into their existing fraud mitigation efforts. Alternatively, issuers can activate the holistic Mastercard tool, which makes data-driven, real-time decisions tailored to the account, including defined alert and decline thresholds.

The smart technology behind Decision Intelligence examines how a specific account is used over time to detect normal and abnormal shopping spending behaviors. In doing so, it leverages account information like customer value segmentation, risk profiling, location, merchant, device data, time of day, and type of purchase made.

Delivering Value in Every Tap, Dip or Swipe

Over the last few years, the industry has been increasingly focused on protecting payments and combating fraud, which is why striking the right balance in approving transactions and managing fraud is important.

“We estimate that in the U.S. alone, the value of false declines is more than 13 times the total amount lost to actual card fraud,” said Al Pascual, senior vice president, research director and head of fraud and security at Javelin Strategy & Research. “Applying machine learning to decision-scoring is a new way of creating a positive consumer experience, while also minimizing fraud.”

The addition of AI as a core component of the Mastercard network will deliver an enhanced fraud score for every transaction. This new functionality can help improve the accuracy of real-time approvals of genuine transactions and reduce false declines. In specific verticals, like fuel or ATM, the information could be used in real-time to react to potential concerns much quicker, reducing operational expenses like chargebacks.

This technology is a core feature on the enhanced World Elite platform and it also supports all Mastercard brands and products across all markets.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry.  We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

Media Contact :

Jane Khodos

+1 914 327 0820

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PAC-MAN, Galaga, SPACE INVADERS, EverWing, TRACK & FIELD 100M and Words with Friends: Frenzy…and many more titles rolling out, starting today.
By Andrea Vaccari, Product Manager, Messenger 

Messenger just got way more fun — or competitive — depending on how you look at it, with the ability to play games right in your messaging conversations. So when you’re looking for a reason to connect with your best friend who lives on the other side of the world, you can kick off a round of Words with Friends: Frenzy; or try again to beat your roommate at PAC-MAN just once; and of course, you always have time to challenge your brother to EverWing, SPACE INVADERS, TRACK & FIELD 100M, Galaga, and many other Instant Games. This gaming experience will first roll out to 30 countries, and is available for newer iOS and Android operating systems.

We’ve made it very simple to start playing: In the latest version of the app, open a conversation with a friend (or friends!), tap on the game controller icon just below where you type your message, and choose a game to start playing right away. After you finish a round, people in the conversation will see your score and will have the opportunity to challenge you back. People can also discover games within the Messenger search field, or on Facebook News Feed where they can play solo or challenge friends back in Messenger. Games on Messenger are the first to be rolled out on Facebook’s new Instant Games cross-platform gaming experience.

Social, fun and competitive, games on Messenger feature score-based leaderboards, in-context chat, and group thread conversations to challenge, celebrate and congratulate.

The 1 billion people who use Messenger every month connect, banter and share in so many ways. They do this by sending Stickers when words aren’t enough, tapping on Instant Video to share smiles with Mom after an awesome day, or making a quick voice call to let friends know they’re running late. Now they can connect and compete over their favorite games. We think this is just the beginning for games on Messenger — look for new titles to be added, and for new ways to play. Game on!

CUPERTINO, California — November 30, 2016 — In honor of World AIDS Day, Apple® is offering more ways than ever for customers to join (RED) in its mission to create an AIDS-free generation. Apple is the world’s largest corporate contributor to the Global Fund, and this year marks its 10th anniversary supporting (RED) in the fight to end AIDS.

(RED)’s critical work addresses the disparity in access to life-saving medication in sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest prevalence of AIDS on the planet. The money raised by (RED) funds programs that offer counseling, testing, prevention and, most crucially, the life-saving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn babies.

“The gift of life is the most important gift that anyone can give,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Thanks to the vision and dedication of (RED), an AIDS-free generation is within our reach. We want to leave the world better than we found it, and that’s why our longtime partnership with (RED) remains so important to us.” 

This year, Apple customers can support the fight while playing the games they love, shopping for loved ones ahead of the holiday season or listening to an exclusive (RED) holiday album from The Killers. 

For the next week, a range of the most popular games across the App Store® — spanning from racing and sports titles to strategy, puzzle and action games — are offering limited-edition, custom (RED) content, exclusively available on the App Store. All proceeds from the associated in-app purchases go to the Global Fund. 

The 20 participating games include Angry Birds 2, Angry Birds POP!, Best Fiends, Best Fiends Forever, Boom Beach, Candy Crush Jelly Saga, Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, CSR2, Episode, Farm Heroes Saga, FarmVille: Tropic Escape, FIFA Mobile, Hay Day, MARVEL Contest of Champions, PewDiePie’s Tuber Simulator, Plants vs. Zombies Heroes, SimCity BuildIt, War Dragons and YAHTZEE With Buddies. 

Over 400 Apple Stores on five continents will turn their logos red or feature (RED) window decals to raise visibility for World AIDS Day in Apple's most widespread implementation of support for (RED) at its stores. Apple Store employees will share all the ways our customers can join us in supporting (RED) and the fight against AIDS.

Customers around the world can also easily donate directly to (RED) through iTunes®. In the US, iTunes Movies is offering a free download of The Lazarus Effect, the documentary about the mission of (RED). 

The Killers’ holiday album, Don’t Waste Your Wishes, is exclusively available on iTunes featuring all 10 of their holiday singles, as well as a new track, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” with 100 percent of the proceeds in the US going to the Global Fund. 

Over the past 10 years, 70 million lives have been impacted by (RED)-supported Global Fund grants. At the start of Apple’s partnership with (RED), 1,200 babies were born with HIV every day, and today, UNAIDS predicts that number could be near zero by the year 2020, with the end of AIDS by 2030.

With the life-saving medication costing as little as 30 cents a day, every person can make a difference. Through these efforts we’ll get that much closer to helping (RED) create an AIDS-free generation.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

Press Contacts:

Lisa Israel

Apple

(408) 974-2118

Fred Sainz

Apple

(669) 227-0492

Apple, the Apple logo, App Store, iPhone, Apple Pay, Apple Store and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Mastercard Identity Check Mobile allows cardholders to authenticate online payment by scanning their fingerprint or by taking a selfie.

Technology eliminates the need to remember passwords to confirm online payments, while improving the security in these transactions.

The application is now available in Brazil and Mexico, following successful implementations in 14 countries around the world.

Typically, existing identity verification methods take shoppers away from a merchant’s website or mobile app where they are often required to remember and enter a password. The process can be time consuming, resulting in a shopper abandoning their purchase or having the transaction declined if they enter their password incorrectly.

Mastercard Identity Check Mobile eliminates the need for cardholders to remember passwords, dramatically speeding up the digital checkout experience while also improving security. The cardholder can verify their identity using the fingerprint scanner or via facial recognition technology by taking a “selfie” photo on their smartphone.

“We are focusing our efforts on simplifying the online payment experience, without compromising security,” said Ajay Bhalla, president of Enterprise Risk & Security, Mastercard. “We find ourselves before a milestone in payments’ evolution. Following the revolution in physical purchases with innovations like Chip technology, contactless payments, and wearables, we are now making Identity Check a reality for online purchases in Latin America after earlier rollouts this year in the U.S. and Europe.”

This launch takes place after successful trials in the Netherlands, the U.S. and Canada concluded that consumers prefer biometrics payments  instead of the current password-based systems.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry.  We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

Media Contacts: 

Jane Khodos

+1 (914) 327 0820

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Roberta Isfer

+1 (305) 539 2342

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Mastercard cardholders can help fight cancer this holiday season

Purchase, NY (November 28, 2016) – With the holiday season beginning, there is no better time to support and encourage the act of giving. Knowing how passionate people are about causes—especially the fight against cancer—Mastercard is partnering on two different opportunities for its cardholders to help raise life-saving funds for Stand Up To Cancer’s innovative cancer research.

See a Movie, Make a Difference
When the family has had enough of holiday shopping, take some time out for a movie and help make a difference at the same time. Beginning November 25, 2016, when moviegoers use their U.S. Mastercard in Masterpass to purchase movie tickets on Fandango or in the Fandango app through December 31, 2016, Mastercard will donate $10 for each transaction to Stand Up To Cancer, up to a total of $500,000.

Masterpass is a digital payment service from Mastercard that enables consumers to look no further than their own trusted bank to make fast, simple and secure digital payments – across devices and channels – anywhere they want to shop: online, in-app, and in-store using contactless technology. Masterpass helps you skip the movie lines and make the process of buying a ticket on Fandango easier than ever, and leverages the most advanced methods of payment security available today. For more information on Masterpass, visit www.masterpass.com.

Give Even More this Giving Tuesday
Mastercard encourages cardholders to take a moment after the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to celebrate Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, by making a donation to Stand Up To Cancer. Starting November 29, 2016, Mastercard will donate $2 for every $1 our cardholders donate using a U.S. Mastercard through SU2C.org through December 31, 2016, up to a maximum of $200,000.

“This holiday season, we’re encouraging our cardholders to donate to an organization we’ve been proud to collaborate with over the past seven years—Stand Up To Cancer,” said Maripi Jalandoni, executive vice president, U.S. marketing, Mastercard. “It is a Priceless Cause we know many people hold close to their hearts, and together, we can do more good and raise more critical dollars to support life-saving cancer research.”

“We are so grateful to Mastercard for their ceaseless commitment to Stand Up To Cancer. It is because of the incredible support we receive from Mastercard and their consumers that Stand Up To Cancer is able to carry out the accelerated cancer research programs that are helping to save more lives,” said Stand Up To Cancer co-founder Rusty Robertson. “During this year’s season of giving, everyone can help, through the simple acts of seeing a movie with loved ones, or making a donation.”

The donations driven by Mastercard and its generous cardholders have helped provide support for translational cancer research conducted in the Stand Up To Cancer model. For more information about the company’s support for SU2C, visit  http://www.standup2cancer.org/supporters/visionaries.

About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry.  We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

About the Stand Up To Cancer Initiative
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in the United States in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. Noreen Fraser and the late Laura Ziskin are also co-founders.  Sung Poblete, Ph.D., R.N., has served as SU2C’s president since 2011.

For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, visit: www.standup2cancer.org.

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Mastercard Media Contact:

Robyn Cottelli

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914.249.1347