The MasterCard story begins in 1966 when a group of banks created a member-owned association that later became MasterCard. In 1968 the company extended its presence to Mexico, Japan and Europe, marking the start of its commitment to becoming the leading global payments network.
Through the 1980s, MasterCard continued to build on this promise, bringing the advantages of electronic payments to new regions and markets around the globe. MasterCard became the first payment card issued in the Peoples Republic of China, and the company also launched Maestro®, the worlds first truly global online debit program, in partnership with Europay International.
The next decade saw electronic payments become even more closely integrated into peoples lives, a behavioral shift MasterCard capitalized on by developing new technologies that improved convenience, speed and efficiency. MasterCard also launched the Priceless ad campaign, elevating its consumer brand and differentiating the companys connection to consumers. © 2006 MasterCard
