Mastercard stories
Tighter fraud controls and easier integration are aimed at banks and corporate users as Citi becomes the first issuer to use the new tools.
Businesses will get tighter spend limits and transaction checks as Mastercard rolls out new virtual card controls, with Citi first to go live globally.
Users could soon spend digital dollar balances at shops as the firms seek to make stablecoins usable on existing card networks.
Half of firms may be losing up to 20% on international transfers, with fragmented provider setups driving extra fees and slower settlement.
UnionPay cardholders in Azerbaijan will soon be able to pay at more merchants as Bir expands acceptance across its banking and eCommerce network.
Gaps in existing rules are prompting banks and fintechs to seek common standards as AI-led payments expand rapidly across Asia Pacific.
Banks and fintechs may soon keep more payments inside their own apps, as Apple's wider NFC access loosens iPhone wallet restrictions.
Fresh capital will help Databricks expand its AI tools as enterprises look to control costs and deploy models more effectively.
Travellers in New Zealand and Australia can now buy airport lounge access as digital gifts, widening LoungePair's reach through existing rewards channels.
Banks and fintechs could cut manual chargeback work by more than 80% as the new API tie-up links card issuing with dispute automation.
Businesses may see credit card rewards shrink as the Reserve Bank of Australia's surcharge ban and lower fees prompt banks to trim offers.
Small businesses can now access automated expense tracking and cash back as Intuit ties the new card directly to QuickBooks accounts.
Nearly 6 million Zilch users will see retail offers and rewards embedded in their payments journey as Rezolve Ai widens Reward's reach.
Australia-based users can now spend USDG balances on Mastercard's network without a physical card, via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Canadians can now earn card rewards on rent and other household bills as the platform broadens access to recurring payments.
Support from 40 firms signals growing industry backing for a vendor-neutral standard as AI agents prepare to pay for services online.
UK online merchants with under EUR 2 million revenue can now access a no-code checkout with no monthly fee, aimed at easing payments costs.
The deal gives Nium specialist wallet and on-chain expertise as demand rises for payments that link cards, transfers and stablecoins.
Shoppers with spare card headroom can now spread bigger purchases over 12 months, as Float enters the UK with Visa and Mastercard support.
Financial institutions across Asia Pacific are being shown how AI agents, digital identity and tokenisation could reshape secure payments in coming years.
