Mastercard, Amazon team to digitise payments acceptance in MEA

By Gloria Methri

Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have signed a multi-year commercial partnership agreement to digitise payment acceptance in the Middle East and Africa.

As part of the collaboration, the payment service provider (PSP) will adopt Mastercard Gateway as a payment solution available in 40 markets in the region. Integrating the solution will enable merchants to offer fast, seamless, and secure transactions as well as convenient payment choices to customers.

The partnership is poised to benefit thousands of Amazon Payment Services merchants, including Amazon online stores for shoppers across the UAE and Egypt. In addition, it will open new opportunities for building synergies with entities such as telcos and governments to enhance their checkout options, driving a faster and more secure transaction rate for their customers.

According to the Mastercard Payment Industry Insights Index, 95% of Middle Eastern and African consumers are considering using emerging payment methods, such as wearables, biometrics, digital wallets, QR codes, and contactless payments. Additionally, 61% of consumers would avoid businesses that do not accept electronic payments.

Notably, banks in the region that migrated to digital channels have also seen the share of digital transactions increase from 70% to 90% over two years.

“We are proud to partner with Amazon Payment Services to scale payment acceptance and accelerate digitisation of payments with innovation solutions,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

The two organisations have also signed an innovation agreement to develop Secure Card on File, Click to Pay, and token authentication services to provide multi-rail checkout options to merchants, and a faster checkout experience to end customers.

Peter George, Managing Director, Amazon Payment Services, Middle East & North Africa, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Mastercard to deliver on our common goal of shaping the future of online payments in the region. Implementing Mastercard Gateway will empower us to expand our reach as a PSP and reduce the burden of integration since the advanced technology solution is connected to all major acquirers around the world.”

Mastercard Gateway offers a single connection to help customers accept payments globally and expand into new markets with ease while protecting them from risk and fraud. Powered by frictionless digital checkout solutions, it removes the need for manual card and password entry for online shoppers. As one of the largest gateways in the region, it is utilised by many financial players. It allows its partners to accept a wide range of digital transactions, including all leading card brands and non-card payment options.

Amazon Payment Services continues to enable online payments in MENA, supporting over 4,000 merchants and businesses across the region. The company’s services are available for businesses in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.