Mastercard strengthens commitment to secure digital payments, brings Apple Pay to customers

By Pavithra R

Mastercard announced bringing its customers Apple Pay, a safer, more secure and private way to pay, helping customers avoid handing their payment card to someone else, touching physical buttons or exchanging cash while using the power of the iPhone to protect every transaction.

Customers simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. APple pay purchases are secured with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. 

Initially, Apple Pay will be available to Citibanamex and Banorte Mastercard cardholders, who will be able to make in-app purchases as well buy in-store and pay in any terminal that accepts contactless payments. The service will soon be made available to Inbursa Mastercard cardholders.

“We are pleased to partner with our issuers to bring Apple Pay to Mexico. The way we shop is evolving. Consumers are more than ever moving away from cash and opting for contactless and digital payments experiences; and this is exactly what Apple Pay provides. With this launch, Mastercard continues to strengthen its commitment to more secure digital payments and offer to Mexican cardholders a safe and seamless shopping experience,” said Kiki Del Valle, Senior Vice-President, Digital Payments, Mastercard Latin America & Caribbean.

Customers can use Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch to make purchases through apps without having to create accounts or repeatedly enter shipping and billing information. Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers will not be stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element. 

To set up Apple Pay on iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap +, and follow the steps to add Mastercard’s credit or debit cards. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone and Apple Watch, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by Mastercard cards.

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. The firm is committed to building a more inclusive digital economy that works for everyone. It is also making Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) central to its business model.