Disbursements

Mastercard supports governments to digitalize government-to-person payments (G2P), improving efficiencies, enhancing security and tackling fraud, while supporting inclusive growth for those most vulnerable in our societies. Our collaborations span across program design, digital disbursement technology, and advisory across data insights and impact measurement. Every year, we support governments to disburse billions of dollars to millions of beneficiaries worldwide.

For governments, digitizing government-to-person (G2P) payments can reduce administrative costs, improve transparency, and minimize fraud by replacing cash and checks with secure digital payments. For citizens, digitalizing G2C payments can provide convenient and secure access to funds, greater dignity and privacy when accessing social assistance, and faster receipt and usage of funds, alleviating stress and driving financial inclusion in the long-term. Data insights derived from digital programs can also enhance visibility on program effectiveness against policy objectives to foster greater trust in government.

Mastercard supports governments in the digitization of payments to recipients of social benefits, pensions, welfare, child support, unemployment insurance, tax rebates and grants, emergency aid, and refugee assistance, among others. We continue working with governments and partners to identify new areas where we can design solutions to meet the needs of their programs.

Mastercard supports governments in disbursing emergency funds and social benefits quickly and securely, offering flexible options like prepaid cards, debit cards, and near real-time transfers through Mastercard Move™. Examples include programs where governments deploy prepaid cards, or where NGOs leverage digital transfers to reach vulnerable populations during crises, enabling them to provide crucial support to asylum seekers or those affected by disaster.

With Mastercard Move, funds can be transferred in near real-time providing fast access for recipients during critical times. Virtual and physical prepaid cards can also make funds available faster than cash and check payouts. For a recurring program, once a card is received, funds can be loaded at a consistent cadence, creating a consistent timeline of payments to recipients. 

Mastercard’s digital G2P disbursements give recipients access to formal financial services that provide a safer alternative to cash, can reduce reliance on costly informal channels, and expand participation in the digital economy. By channeling benefits through secure, account‑based or prepaid solutions, Mastercard supports governments in building financial stability and resilience across economies. These digitally delivered payments can also open pathways to long‑term economic opportunity by enabling underserved populations to make payments digitally.