MasterCard Paper Dispels Myths and Highlights Benefits of Electronic Payment Networks

MasterCard Paper Dispels Myths and Highlights Benefits of Electronic Payment
Networks

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the ongoing discussion and
debate about the role of credit in today's economic environment, MasterCard
Worldwide has issued a paper that dispels misperceptions about payment systems
and explains the tremendous economic value that electronic payments bring to
the economy as a whole and their role in advancing commerce.

The paper, entitled "Benefits of Open Payment Systems and the Role of
Interchange," underscores the enormous benefits delivered by electronic
payments, which have become so ingrained in everyday life they are often taken
for granted or misunderstood. Few people ever stop to consider the complex
and sophisticated system that allows transactions to occur within seconds,
almost anywhere in the world.

"Perhaps the easiest way to grasp the value of electronic payments is to
envision a world without them. Clearly, if electronic payments came to a
sudden halt, many facets of commerce - travel, trade and the Internet just to
name a few - would face dire consequences," MasterCard President and CEO
Robert W. Selander says in the introduction.

The paper also discusses the role of interchange - a relatively small fee paid
for the benefits merchants get from card acceptance. Interchange is critical
to ensuring the system provides maximum benefits to all participants,
including consumers and merchants in a fiercely competitive marketplace.

MasterCard has created this brochure as a resource for all those interested in
the payments industry. To access the paper, please visit,
http://www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/ourcompany/interchange.html.

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic
link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants
worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and
markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year,
and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial
institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including
MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard serves consumers and
businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information
go to www.mastercard.com.

Contacts:
Sharon Gamsin, MasterCard Worldwide, +1 914-249-5622,
sgamsin@mastercard.com

SOURCE MasterCard Worldwide

Sharon Gamsin, MasterCard Worldwide, +1-914-249-5622, sgamsin@mastercard.com