Mastercard has launched Mastercard Pay Local, a global service that enables consumers to make card-based payments using local digital wallets
Mastercard cardholders can link their credit or debit cards to participating digital wallets, allowing them to shop with ease at merchants without the need for prepaid accounts or additional setups.
This service will initially roll out with leading wallets across Asia Pacific, including DANA in Indonesia, Touch ‘n Go in Malaysia, Bakong in Cambodia, and LankaPay in Sri Lanka. These wallets will enable consumers to make payments at over 35 million merchants worldwide that accept these wallets. Mastercard Pay Local is also aimed at regions where digital wallets are extensively used for everyday transactions, such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The service builds on existing partnerships with popular wallet providers, including Alipay and Weixin Pay in mainland China and Octopus in Hong Kong SAR. This expansion allows international visitors to pay like locals when traveling, regardless of where their Mastercard card was issued.
“Mastercard continues to set new standards for the payments industry by offering global solutions that make a local impact,” said Jorn Lambert, chief product officer at Mastercard. “Our work with domestic networks and alternative payment methods underscores our dedication to delivering meaningful innovation. With Mastercard Pay Local, we are expanding the boundaries of acceptance.”
Currently, several digital wallets accept Mastercard to fund wallets and make payments at merchant locations, such as GrabPay in Southeast Asia, Maya in the Philippines, ShopBack in Singapore, TrueMoney in Thailand, and Mercado Pago in Argentina.
In regions like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard is partnering with wallet and mobile operators such as MTN Fintech, Airtel Africa, JazzCash, and M-Pesa to significantly increase acceptance points for travelers and non-wallet users.
Mastercard launches 'Pay Local' service
Mastercard Pay Local enables seamless card payments via digital wallets, enhancing global reach for consumers and merchants alike. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
