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MasterCard International PIN Debit Network Shows Strong Growth
Purchase NY, April 04, 2005 - MasterCard International today announced strong growth in PIN debit worldwide for the fourth quarter and full-year of 2004, resulting in more than 562.6 million cards issued as of December 31, 2004, an 8 percent increase over 2003.
Merchant acceptance of MasterCard PIN debit cards likewise grew substantially in 2004. Consumers can now make PIN debit POS transactions with their MasterCard and Maestro branded card at more than 8.4 million merchant locations globally. Furthermore, Cirrus, the world's largest PIN-based ATM brand, is unsurpassed in offering safe, secure access to cash and other banking services at more than 1 million ATMs around the world. This represents an 8.7 percent increase from December 2003.
“The sizable growth of MasterCard's PIN debit and ATM card programs is a reflection of the value and convenience they offer to financial institutions, merchants and cardholders,” said Richard G. Lyons, SVP, MasterCard International. “It's also a sign that the marketplace is taking notice of the unique benefits MasterCard offers as a provider of the only global debit network and as a 'one stop shop' debit solution. It's exciting momentum that we plan to build on this year.”
Strong Regional Results:
• Europe continues to be the largest cardholder base for Maestro with almost 258 million cards as of December 31, 2004, a 7.6 percent increase over the same date in 2003. The region's PIN debit gross dollar volume (GDV) surpassed $1.1 trillion for year-end 2004. Maestro purchase transactions for 2004 totaled 5.4 billion.
• The number of Maestro cards issued in Asia/Pacific rose to 148.1 million as of December 31, 2004. GDV for PIN debit activity in the region was nearly $144 billion, with purchase volume at $29.4 billion. Maestro purchase transactions for the year totaled 571.4 million.
• Maestro card numbers increased 28.8 percent to almost 81 million cards in Latin America as of December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. GDV for PIN debit activity in the region for the year was $45.8 billion, with purchase volume at more than $8.2 billion. Maestro purchase transactions for 2004 totaled 387.2 million.
• The South Asia, Middle East and Africa region also experienced exceptional card growth, with more than a 44 percent increase to 29.4 million cards by the end of 2004,compared to the end of 2003. GDV for PIN debit activity in the region for the year-end was $68.2 billion, with purchase volume at $5.3 billion. Maestro purchase transactions over the same period totaled 68.4 million.
• In the United States, PIN debit purchase transactions grew 456 percent for the fourth quarter of 2004 compared to 2003. As of December 31, 2004, there were nearly 1.5 million merchant locations accepting MasterCard and Maestro, as well as 383,000 Cirrus ATMs.
Note to Editors
The data in this press release is provided by the member financial institutions of MasterCard International Incorporated and its affiliates (“MasterCard”) and is subject to revision and amendment by such members subsequent to the date of its release. In addition, a portion of the data relating to accounts and cards reflects the impact of routine portfolio changes among members and other practices that may lead to over counting of the underlying data in certain circumstances.
Information denominated in U.S. dollars is calculated by applying an established U.S. dollar/local currency exchange rate for each local currency in which Maestro and/or Cirrus volumes are reported.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members' credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment cards brands including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus® and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Priceless® advertising campaign is now seen in 96 countries and in 48 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com or refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
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