Choosing a Card
How to find the card that's right for you.
There are several factors to consider, such as card features, worldwide acceptance, annual fees and more.
Interest rates
These charges will determine the costs you pay on your card over time. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the yearly interest rate or percentage rate that you pay on an outstanding balance in the form of interest. Finance charges are what you pay for the use of borrowed money. Interest is charged as a percentage of your outstanding balance (purchases and charges reduced by payments or credits posted).
Rewards
Rewards programs can enhance the value of credit and debit cards. A rewards program is typically based on accumulating points based on the purchases or transactions you make on your card. These points can be redeemed for incentives, including various products and services, airline travel, vacations and more.
Annual fees
Various card issuers charge an annual fee, which can help offset costs that issuers incur in maintaining accounts.
Worldwide acceptance
An important aspect of a card is its level acceptance. With more than 32 million acceptance locations, no card is accepted in more places and by more merchants than MasterCard.
How to apply for a card
MasterCard International does not issue cards directly. Instead, cards are issued through our member institutions.
Find a card.
Using Your Card
The advantages of worldwide access, convenience and security.
Where you can use it
MasterCard can be used in many stores, restaurants, hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, petrol stations, and other locations worldwide. In fact, MasterCard is accepted at millions of locations around the globe.
How to know if an establishment accepts MasterCard
Check for the MasterCard® logo, which is usually displayed prominently. If you do not see the MasterCard logo, ask if the card is accepted.
Shopping safely online with MasterCard
MasterCard continues to implement and enforce strict security features for online shopping. In addition, here are steps you can take.
- Check the seller's reputation.
- Learn as much as you can about companies or individuals before you do business with them.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and consumer agencies to find out about complaints.
- See if the seller's Web site has a feedback forum where other people who have done business with the seller can put information about their experience with that seller.
- Ask your friends about their favorite online merchants.
- Stay vigilant. Just because a seller has no complaints or a good reputation doesn't guarantee that things will go smoothly for you.
To learn more about an organization:
- Check their Web site for a feedback page where customers can offer complaints or praise.
- Ask others about online merchants and other organizations that they've dealt with.
Handling merchant problems
In some circumstances, you have the right to withhold payment for unsatisfactory merchandise or services. Contact your card issuer to discuss the issue and determine the proper action.
