Find The Right Card for You

Mastercard offers three main types of cards: credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. Each Mastercard card type works differently and suits different spending needs.

The three main types of Mastercard cards are:

1. Credit cards let you borrow and repay over time, with rewards and benefits.
2. Debit cards draw funds directly from your bank account for everyday spending.
3. Prepaid cards are loaded with funds in advance and do not require a bank account.

Banks and financial institutions issue Mastercard cards, so availability and features vary by market across the Middle East and Africa.

The difference between a credit, debit, and prepaid card is where the money for each payment comes from. A credit card uses borrowed funds, a debit card uses your bank account, and a prepaid card uses funds loaded in advance.

Each card type suits a different way of managing money:

1. A credit card suits you if you want to repay over time and earn rewards and benefits.
2. A debit card suits you if you want to spend only the money you already have.
3. A prepaid card suits you if you want control over your spending without a bank account.

To choose the right Mastercard card, start with how you want to pay, then compare the benefits that matter to you.

Follow these steps to choose the right Mastercard card:

1. Choose a card type: Decide whether a credit, debit, or prepaid card suits how you manage money.
2. Compare card benefits: Review rewards, travel benefits, and offers across the Mastercard card range.
3. Consider specialised features: Check whether options such as Touch Card or Passion Cards are relevant to you.
4. Contact a card issuer: Ask a participating bank in your market about availability, fees, and eligibility.

The best Mastercard card for travel depends on how often you travel and which benefits you need. Premium credit cards in the Mastercard World range offer the widest set of travel benefits.

Mastercard cards with travel benefits include:

1. World Elite Mastercard® offers VIP lounge access at eligible airports and concierge service.
2. World Mastercard® offers rewards and benefits with seamless payments on the global Mastercard Network.
3. Platinum Mastercard offers value offers and select travel benefits.
4. World Debit Mastercard is designed for cardholders who want to travel more and travel well.

Travel benefits depend on your card issuer and market. Confirm the benefits with your card issuer before you apply.

Mastercard cards can offer security protection, rewards, and access to experiences, depending on the card type and card issuer.

Benefits available across Mastercard cards can include:

1. Mastercard Zero Liability protection covers you against unauthorised transactions in shops, online, and in app.
2. Global emergency services help you report a lost or stolen card 24 hours a day.
3. Rewards and offers are available on many cards, including travel, dining, and retail offers.
4. Priceless® experiences give you access to culture, dining, sports, and entertainment experiences.

Benefits vary by card, card issuer, and market. Zero Liability protection is subject to conditions.

Yes, you can use your Mastercard card internationally wherever Mastercard is accepted, in stores, online, and at ATMs. Some card issuers may limit international use or apply fees, depending on your card and market.

To prepare for international use: Check with your card issuer about international usage, fees, and spending limits before you travel.

If your card is lost or stolen abroad, call +1 636 722 7111 for 24/7 assistance.

Yes, you can use your Mastercard card internationally wherever Mastercard is accepted, in stores, online, and at ATMs. Some card issuers may limit international use or apply fees, depending on your card and market. To prepare for international use: Check with your card issuer about international usage, fees, and spending limits before you travel. If your card is lost or stolen abroad, call +1 636 722 7111 for 24/7 assistance.

No, Mastercard does not issue cards directly. Mastercard is a payments technology company. Participating banks and financial institutions issue Mastercard cards.

The card issuer decides card availability, fees, eligibility, and many card features. Availability and features therefore vary by market across the Middle East and Africa.

To get a Mastercard card: Contact a card issuing bank in your country through the Mastercard Get a Card page.