Mastercard is using its permissioned payments data to power a new global media network designed to deliver more precise advertising.
The platform, called Mastercard Commerce Media, combines transaction insights with Mastercard’s network of advertisers, publishers and consumers.
The company said it processed more than 160 billion transactions in 2024 and now works with 25,000 advertisers and 500 million enrolled consumers worldwide.
Commerce Media runs across Mastercard’s own channels as well as through banks and publishing outlets.
According to the company, advertisers have seen returns of up to 22 times on ad spend across categories such as retail, travel, dining, entertainment and everyday spending.
Partnerships with Citi, WPP, American Airlines and Microsoft are expected to extend the platform’s reach.
Mastercard described Citi as a force multiplier that brings scale and impact, while its work with WPP strengthens links to brands in traditional media.
With Microsoft, the company is testing agentic commerce through Copilot Studio to create real-time connected experiences driven by both humans and AI agents.
The launch comes as retail media networks continue to expand. Research firm eMarketer projects the segment will reach nearly US$100 billion in spending by 2028.
Mastercard said its platform addresses challenges such as inconsistent measurement and limited consumer insight by using proprietary card-linking technology.
This allows advertisers to track both conversion and incrementality across in-store and online purchases, supported by what Mastercard calls the highest standard of attribution.
“We understand how to connect advertisers to consumers and consumers to the products, services and experiences they value. Mastercard Commerce Media is a natural extension of the trusted connections we’re known for and the work we already do across our unique suite of services.
That means we’re not just well-positioned to bring a full-scale commerce media network to life — we’re best-positioned.”
said Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer at Mastercard.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik
