Mastercard has introduced Mastercard Pay Local, a global service designed to connect consumers and merchants by enabling card-based payments through local digital wallets. The new solution allows Mastercard cardholders to link their credit or debit cards to participating digital wallets, facilitating smoother shopping experiences without the need to maintain or top up prepaid accounts. Prominent wallets across the Asia Pacific, including DANA in Indonesia, Touch ‘n Go in Malaysia, and Bakong in Cambodia, are integrating Mastercard Pay Local to extend their acceptance to over 35 million merchants worldwide. The service is also expanding into regions such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where digital wallets are a staple for daily transactions.
Mastercard Pay Local offers extensive benefits for stakeholders. Micro, small, and medium enterprises gain access to larger markets with minimal infrastructure changes, while wallet operators and card issuers can broaden their customer bases and enhance acceptance points. For consumers, the service ensures smoother payment options, especially for tourists seeking local convenience. Supported by partnerships with platforms like Alipay, Weixin Pay, GrabPay, and M-Pesa, Mastercard reinforces its commitment to providing secure, inclusive, and innovative payment solutions.
