MASTERCARD INC, 10-K filed on 2/12/2025
Annual Report
v3.25.0.1
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Feb. 07, 2025
Jun. 28, 2024
Document Type 10-K    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2024    
Document Annual Report true    
Entity File Number 001-32877    
Entity Registrant Name Mastercard Incorporated    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-4172551    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10577    
Entity Address, State or Province NY    
Entity Address, City or Town Purchase,    
Entity Address, Address Line One 2000 Purchase Street    
City Area Code 914    
Local Phone Number 249-2000    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 364.4
Entity Central Index Key 0001141391    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Class A Common Stock      
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share    
Trading Symbol MA    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   904,889,521  
Senior Notes due December 2027      
Title of 12(b) Security 2.1% Notes due 2027    
Trading Symbol MA27    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
One Point Zero Percent Notes Due 2029      
Title of 12(b) Security 1.0% Notes due 2029    
Trading Symbol MA29A    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Senior Notes due December 2030      
Title of 12(b) Security 2.5% Notes due 2030    
Trading Symbol MA30    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Class B Common Stock      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   6,818,985  
v3.25.0.1
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Firm ID 238
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location New York, New York
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Net revenue $ 28,167 $ 25,098 $ 22,237
Operating Expenses:      
General and administrative 10,193 8,927 8,078
Advertising and marketing 815 825 789
Depreciation and amortization 897 799 750
Provision for litigation 680 539 356
Total operating expenses 12,585 11,090 9,973
Operating income 15,582 14,008 12,264
Other Income (Expense):      
Investment income 327 274 61
Gains (losses) on equity investments, net (29) (61) (145)
Interest expense (646) (575) (471)
Other income (expense), net 20 (7) 23
Total other income (expense) (328) (369) (532)
Income before income taxes 15,254 13,639 11,732
Income tax expense 2,380 2,444 1,802
Net Income $ 12,874 $ 11,195 $ 9,930
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 13.91 $ 11.86 $ 10.26
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares) 925 944 968
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 13.89 $ 11.83 $ 10.22
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares) 927 946 971
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net Income $ 12,874 $ 11,195 $ 9,930
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustments (456) 328 (712)
Income tax effect 17 (33) 37
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax effect (439) 295 (675)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 147 (165) 353
Income tax effect (33) 37 (78)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges, net of income tax effect 114 (128) 275
Cash flow hedges 161 (41) 1
Income tax effect (12) 10 0
Reclassification adjustments for cash flow hedges (178) 35 (10)
Income tax effect 0 (8) 2
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect (29) (4) (7)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 23 (18) (45)
Income tax effect (4) 5 14
Reclassification adjustments for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 0 (1) (1)
Income tax effect 0 0 0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of income tax effect 19 (14) (32)
Investment securities available-for-sale 1 6 (6)
Income tax effect 0 (1) 1
Investment securities available-for-sale, net of income tax effect 1 5 (5)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax effect (334) 154 (444)
Comprehensive Income $ 12,540 $ 11,349 $ 9,486
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,442 $ 8,588
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 492 32
Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,874 1,845
Investments 330 592
Accounts receivable 3,773 4,060
Settlement assets 1,821 1,233
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,992 2,611
Total current assets 19,724 18,961
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 2,138 2,061
Deferred income taxes 1,614 1,355
Goodwill 9,193 7,660
Other intangible assets, net 5,453 4,086
Other assets 9,959 8,325
Total Assets 48,081 42,448
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 929 834
Settlement obligations 2,316 1,399
Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,874 1,845
Accrued litigation 930 723
Accrued expenses 10,393 8,517
Short-term debt 750 1,337
Other current liabilities 2,028 1,609
Total current liabilities 19,220 16,264
Long-term debt 17,476 14,344
Deferred income taxes 317 369
Other liabilities 4,553 4,474
Total Liabilities 41,566 35,451
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests 0 22
Stockholders’ Equity    
Additional paid-in-capital 6,442 5,893
Class A treasury stock, at cost, 497 and 475 shares, respectively (71,431) (60,429)
Retained earnings 72,907 62,564
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1,433) (1,099)
Mastercard Incorporated Stockholders' Equity 6,485 6,929
Non-controlling interests 30 46
Total Equity 6,515 6,975
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Non-controlling Interests and Equity 48,081 42,448
Class A Common Stock    
Stockholders’ Equity    
Common stock value 0 0
Class B Common Stock    
Stockholders’ Equity    
Common stock value $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Treasury stock (in shares) 497,000,000 475,000,000
Class A Common Stock    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares) 3,000,000,000 3,000,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares) 1,404,000,000 1,402,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) 907,000,000 927,000,000
Class B Common Stock    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares) 1,200,000,000 1,200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares) 7,000,000 7,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) 7,000,000 7,000,000
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Mastercard Incorporated Stockholders' Equity
Additional Paid-In Capital
Class A Treasury Stock
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Non- Controlling Interests
Class A Common Stock
  Common Stock
Class B Common Stock
  Common Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 7,383 $ 7,312 $ 5,061 $ (42,588) $ 45,648 $ (809) $ 71 $ 0 $ 0
Net Income 9,930 9,930     9,930        
Activity related to non-controlling interests (13)           (13)    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (3) (3)     (3)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) (444) (444)       (444)      
Dividends (1,968) (1,968)     (1,968)        
Purchases of treasury stock (8,773) (8,773)   (8,773)          
Share-based payments 244 244 237 7          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022 6,356 6,298 5,298 (51,354) 53,607 (1,253) 58 0 0
Net Income 11,195 11,195     11,195        
Activity related to non-controlling interests (12)           (12)    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (7) (7)     (7)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) 154 154       154      
Dividends (2,231) (2,231)     (2,231)        
Purchases of treasury stock (9,088) (9,088)   (9,088)          
Share-based payments 608 608 595 13          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2023 6,975 6,929 5,893 (60,429) 62,564 (1,099) 46 0 0
Net Income 12,874 12,874     12,874        
Activity related to non-controlling interests (16)           (16)    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (5) (5)     (5)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) (334) (334)       (334)      
Dividends (2,526) (2,526)     (2,526)        
Purchases of treasury stock (11,025) (11,025)   (11,025)          
Share-based payments 572 572 549 23          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 6,515 $ 6,485 $ 6,442 $ (71,431) $ 72,907 $ (1,433) $ 30 $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Operating Activities      
Net Income $ 12,874 $ 11,195 $ 9,930
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Amortization of customer incentives 1,830 1,622 1,586
Depreciation and amortization 897 799 750
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net 29 61 145
Share-based compensation 526 460 295
Deferred income taxes (527) (236) (651)
Other 191 22 44
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable 186 (546) (481)
Income taxes receivable (165) (171) 12
Settlement assets (593) 40 48
Prepaid expenses (3,225) (2,438) (2,175)
Accrued litigation and legal settlements 205 (375) 240
Restricted security deposits held for customers 29 277 (305)
Accounts payable 75 (99) 190
Settlement obligations 922 282 201
Accrued expenses 1,587 571 1,188
Long-term taxes payable (163) (129) (121)
Net change in other assets and liabilities 102 645 299
Net cash provided by operating activities 14,780 11,980 11,195
Investing Activities      
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale (508) (300) (267)
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity (108) (347) (239)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale 199 87 54
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale 262 191 211
Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity 378 157 265
Purchases of property and equipment (474) (371) (442)
Capitalized software (720) (717) (655)
Purchases of equity investments (42) (89) (88)
Proceeds from sales of equity investments 125 44 7
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (2,511) 0 (313)
Other investing activities (3) (6) (3)
Net cash used in investing activities (3,402) (1,351) (1,470)
Financing Activities      
Purchases of treasury stock (11,035) (9,032) (8,753)
Dividends paid (2,448) (2,158) (1,903)
Proceeds from debt, net 3,960 1,554 1,123
Payment of debt (1,336) 0 (724)
Tax withholdings related to share-based payments (178) (89) (141)
Cash proceeds from employee stock plans 224 237 90
Other financing activities (23) 0 (20)
Net cash used in financing activities (10,836) (9,488) (10,328)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (199) 128 (103)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 343 1,269 (706)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - beginning of period 10,465 9,196 9,902
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - end of period $ 10,808 $ 10,465 $ 9,196
v3.25.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Mastercard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mastercard International Incorporated (“Mastercard International” and together with Mastercard Incorporated, “Mastercard” or the “Company”), is a technology company in the global payments industry. Mastercard connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide by enabling electronic payments and making those payment transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services using its family of well-known and trusted brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company operates a payments network that provides choice and flexibility for consumers, merchants and Mastercard customers. Through its unique and proprietary global payments network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions. The Company has additional payments capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). Using these capabilities, the Company offers consumer and commercial payment products, captures new payment flows and provides services and solutions. The Company’s services and solutions include, among others, security solutions, consumer acquisition and engagement services, and business and market insights, all of which draw on Mastercard’s principled and responsible use of secure data. The Company’s capabilities strengthen, reinforce and complement each other and are fundamentally interdependent. For the global payments network, Mastercard’s franchise model sets the standards and ground-rules that balance value and risk across all stakeholders and allows for interoperability among them. The Company employs a multi-layered approach to help protect the global payments ecosystem in which it operates.
Mastercard is not a financial institution. The Company does not issue cards, extend credit, determine or receive revenue from interest rates or other fees charged to account holders by issuers, or establish the rates charged by acquirers in connection with merchants’ acceptance of the Company’s products. In most cases, account holder relationships belong to, and are managed by, the Company’s financial institution customers.
Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation and basis of presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mastercard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in VIEs for which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are not consolidated and are accounted for as marketable, equity method or measurement alternative method investments and recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant VIEs that required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2024 presentation. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported net revenue, operating income or net income. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Non-controlling interests represent the equity interest not owned by the Company and are recorded for consolidated entities in which the Company owns less than 100% of the interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest are accounted for as equity transactions, and upon loss of control, retained ownership interests are remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. For 2024, 2023 and 2022, net income/(losses) attributable to non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statements of operations within other income (expense).
Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. These financial statements were prepared using information reasonably available as of December 31, 2024 and through the date of this Report. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue recognition - Revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
Revenue from the Company’s payment network is primarily generated by charging fees to customers (issuers, acquirers and other market participants) for providing switching and other network-related services, as well as by charging fees to customers based primarily on the gross dollar volume of activity (GDV, which includes both domestic and cross-border volume) on the cards that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is recognized in the period in which the related transactions and volume occur. Certain volume-based revenue is determined from information reported by customers.
Revenue from the Company’s value-added services and solutions is generated through either fixed or transaction-based fees. These services and solutions can be integrated and sold with the Company’s payment network services or can be sold on a stand-alone basis. For those contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price (“SSP”). The SSP is the price at which the Company would sell a promised product or service separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. Revenue from the Company’s value-added services and solutions is recognized in the period in which the related services and solutions are performed or transactions occur. For services provided to customers where delivery involves the use of a third-party, the Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis if it acts as the principal, controlling the service to the customer, or on a net basis if it acts as the agent, arranging for the service to be provided.
Mastercard has business agreements with certain customers that provide for rebates and incentives within net revenue that could be either fixed or variable. Fixed incentives typically represent payments to a customer directly related to entering into an agreement, which are generally capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement on a straight-line basis. Capitalized customer incentives are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Variable rebates and incentives are recorded primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term. Variable rebates and incentives are calculated based upon estimated customer performance, such as volume thresholds, and the terms of the related business agreements. Customer incentives to be paid to customers under business agreements are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Certain of the Company’s contracts may include options to receive additional value-added services and solutions. The Company accounts for the option as a distinct performance obligation if the option provides a material right to the customer. Material rights are incremental to the standard offerings, which a customer would not have received without entering into the contract. If a material right exists in a contract, revenue allocated to the option is deferred and recognized as revenue when those future products or services are transferred or when the option expires. The value of the option is based on observable prices in the contract or on a relative SSP basis.
Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed value-added services and solutions performed for customers in connection with Mastercard’s payments network service arrangements. Collection for these services typically occurs over the contractual term. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company defers the recognition of revenue when consideration has been received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations. As these performance obligations are satisfied, revenue is subsequently recognized. Deferred revenue primarily relates to certain value-added services and solutions. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Business combinations - The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company measures the tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and contingent consideration at fair value as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Measurement period adjustments, if any, to the preliminary estimated fair value of the intangibles assets as of the acquisition date are recorded in goodwill.
Goodwill and other intangible assets - Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill and customer relationships. Goodwill represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, intangible assets acquired in business combinations (including customer relationships and acquired technology) and other intangible assets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, on a straight-line basis, which range from one to twenty years. Capitalized software includes internal and external costs incurred directly related to the design, development and testing phases of each capitalized software project.
The valuation methods for goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in business combinations involve assumptions concerning comparable company multiples, discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. The Company uses various valuation techniques to determine the fair value of its intangible assets, primarily discounted cash flows analysis, relief-from-royalty and multi-period excess earnings. As the assumptions employed to measure these assets are based on
management’s judgment using internal and external data, these fair value determinations are classified in Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy (as defined in Fair value subsection below).
Impairment of assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter, or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment evaluation for goodwill utilizes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. The qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, operating environment, financial performance and other relevant events. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then the Company is required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge.
The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, then a quantitative assessment is required.  If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the carrying value, the asset is not impaired. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, the asset is impaired and the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge.
Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recorded.
Impairment charges, if any, are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Litigation - The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and accrues a loss contingency when the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Loss contingencies are recorded in provision for litigation on the consolidated statements of operations. These judgments are subjective based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of its defenses and consultation with in-house and external legal counsel. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the payment network transactions between its customers. Settlement exposure is the outstanding settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. For those transactions the Company guarantees, the guarantee will cover the full amount of the settlement obligation to the extent the settlement obligation is not otherwise satisfied. The duration of the settlement exposure is short-term and generally limited to a few days.
The Company also enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable.
The Company accounts for each of its guarantees by recording the guarantee at its fair value at the inception or modification date through earnings.
Settlement assets/obligations - The Company operates systems for settling payment transactions among participants in the payments ecosystem in which the Company operates. Settlement is generally completed on a same-day basis. In some circumstances, however, funds may not settle until subsequent business days. In addition, the Company may receive or post funds in advance of transactions related to certain payments capabilities. The Company classifies the balances arising from these various activities as settlement assets and settlement obligations.
Income taxes - The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are displayed separately as noncurrent assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Valuation allowances are provided against assets which are not more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes all material tax positions, including uncertain tax positions in which it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based on its technical merits and if challenged by the relevant taxing authorities. At each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions are reassessed to determine whether subsequent developments require a change in the amount of recognized tax benefit. The allowance for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company
records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision.
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include certain investments with daily liquidity and with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - The Company classifies cash and cash equivalents as restricted when it is unavailable for withdrawal or use in its general operations. The Company has the following types of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (“restricted cash”) that are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows:
Restricted cash - Restricted cash includes cash segregated to meet regulatory commitments, cash within qualified legal settlement funds and cash restricted for other general business purposes, including contractually restricted deposits as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage.
Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires certain customers to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or forms of credit enhancement such as letters of credit and guarantees, for settlement of their transactions. Certain risk mitigation arrangements for settlement, such as standby letters of credit and bank guarantees, are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company also holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit from certain customers as collateral for settlement of their transactions, which are recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheets. The amount of these security deposits and the duration held are determined by the risk profile of the individual customer and the Company’s risk management practices.
Fair value - The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company also measures certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, when a change in fair value or impairment is evidenced. The Company classifies these recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy (“Valuation Hierarchy”).
The Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the Valuation Hierarchy are as follows: 
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and cannot be directly corroborated by observable market data.
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include investment securities available-for-sale, marketable securities, derivative instruments and deferred compensation. The Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include nonmarketable securities. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, equipment and right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.
Investment securities - The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the date of acquisition.
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Investments in debt securities that are available to meet the Company’s current operational needs are classified as current assets and the securities that are not available for current operational needs are classified as noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of changes in equity. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses.
The Company evaluates its debt securities for impairment on an ongoing basis. When there has been a decline in fair value of a debt security below the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes an impairment if: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; or (3) it does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The credit loss component of the impairment is recognized as an allowance and recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of
operations while the non-credit related loss remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized from a sale or subsequent impairment.
Held-to-maturity securities:
Time deposits - The Company classifies time deposits with original maturities greater than three months as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities that mature within one year are classified as current assets within investments on the consolidated balance sheets while held-to-maturity securities with maturities of greater than one year are classified as other assets. Time deposits are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets and are intended to be held until maturity.
Equity investments - The Company holds equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies.
Marketable equity securities - Marketable equity securities are strategic investments in publicly traded companies and are measured at fair value using quoted prices in their respective active markets with changes recorded through gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Marketable equity securities that are expected to be held as part of the Company’s long-term investment strategy are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, include strategic investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market values. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its nonmarketable equity investments when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments are accounted for under the measurement alternative method or equity method.
Measurement alternative method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the measurement alternative method of accounting when it does not exercise significant influence, generally when it holds less than 20% ownership in the entity or when the interest in a limited partnership or limited liability company is less than 5% and the Company has no significant influence over the operations of the investee. Investments in companies that Mastercard does not control, but that are not in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock, are also accounted for under the measurement alternative method of accounting. Measurement alternative investments are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Fair value adjustments, as well as impairments, are included in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Equity method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of the investee, generally when it holds between 20% and 50% ownership in the entity. The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments accounted for under the equity method is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The amortization of the excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments and Mastercard’s share of net earnings or losses of entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting is included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
In addition, investments in flow-through entities such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies are also accounted for under the equity method when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of the investee, generally when the investment ownership percentage is equal to or greater than 5% of the outstanding ownership interest. The Company’s share of net earnings or losses for these investments are included in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative and hedging instruments - The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts are included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value of the contracts are based on inputs that are observable based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments, realized and unrealized gains and losses from the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized in current earnings.
The Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments are required to meet established accounting criteria. In addition, an effectiveness assessment is required to demonstrate that the derivative is expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposure both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. The method of assessing hedge effectiveness and measuring hedge results is formally documented at hedge inception and assessed at least quarterly throughout the designated hedge period.
The Company may designate derivative instruments as cash flow, fair value and net investment hedges, as follows:
Cash flow hedges - Fair value adjustments to derivative instruments are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are subsequently reclassified to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. For hedges that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and any gains and losses remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings when the underlying forecasted transaction occurs. Any amounts excluded from effectiveness testing of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will no longer occur, the associated gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations in current earnings.
Fair value hedges - Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current-period earnings, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability (“hedged item”) that is attributable to the hedged risk. All amounts recognized in earnings are recorded to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Hedged items are measured on the consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amount adjusted for any changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk (“basis adjustments”). The Company defers the amortization of any basis adjustments until the end of the derivative instrument’s term. If the hedge designation is discontinued for reasons other than derecognition of the hedged item, the remaining basis adjustments are amortized in accordance with applicable GAAP for the hedged item.
Net investment hedges - The Company has numerous investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company may use foreign currency denominated debt and/or derivative instruments to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the hedging instruments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets as a cumulative translation adjustment component of equity. Gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings only if the Company sells or substantially liquidates its net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Amounts excluded from effectiveness testing of net investment hedges are recognized in earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the net investment hedge each quarter.
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company determines if a contract is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. The Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are primarily related to operating leases for office space, automobiles and other equipment. Leases are included in property, equipment and right-of-use assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In addition, ROU assets include initial direct costs incurred by the lessee as well as any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and exclude lease incentives. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined by using the rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments for a similar term and in a similar economic environment. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Leases with a term of one year or less are excluded from ROU assets and liabilities.
The Company excludes variable lease payments in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, other than those that depend on an index, a rate or are in-substance fixed payments. Lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. When available, consideration is allocated to the separate lease and nonlease components in a lease contract on a relative standalone price basis using observable standalone prices.
Pension and other postretirement plans - The Company recognizes the funded status of its single-employer defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans as assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date.
Overfunded plans, if any, are aggregated and recorded in other assets, while underfunded plans are aggregated and recorded as accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs or credits and gains or losses previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The service cost component is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Defined contribution plans - The Company’s contributions to defined contribution plans are recorded as employees render service to the Company. The charge is recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising and marketing - Expenses incurred to promote Mastercard’s brand, products and services are recognized in advertising and marketing on the consolidated statements of operations. The timing of recognition is dependent on the type of advertising or marketing expense.
Foreign currency remeasurement and translation - Revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than applicable functional currency of an entity are converted to the functional currency at the exchange rate on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Where a non-U.S. currency is the functional currency, translation from that functional currency to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Treasury stock - The Company records the repurchase of shares of its common stock at cost on the trade date of the transaction. These shares are considered treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock is included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares. The Company also records an excise tax of 1% on the fair market value of net repurchases of shares of its common stock within treasury stock.
Share-based payments - The Company measures share-based compensation expense at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award and uses the straight-line method of attribution, net of estimated forfeitures, for expensing awards over the requisite employee service period. The Company estimates the fair value of its non-qualified stock option awards (“Options”) using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is determined and fixed on the grant date based on the Company’s stock price, adjusted for the exclusion of dividend equivalents. The Monte Carlo simulation valuation model is used to determine the grant date fair value of performance stock units (“PSUs”) granted. All share-based compensation expenses are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Redeemable non-controlling interests - The Company’s business combinations may include provisions allowing non-controlling equity owners the ability to require the Company to purchase additional interests in the subsidiary at their discretion. The interests are initially recorded at fair value and in subsequent reporting periods are accreted or adjusted to the estimated redemption value. The adjustments to the redemption value are recorded to retained earnings or additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The redeemable non-controlling interests are considered temporary and reported outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheets at the greater of the carrying amount adjusted for the non-controlling interest’s share of net income (loss) or its redemption value.
Earnings per share - The Company calculates basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and unvested stock units using the treasury stock method. The Company may be required to calculate EPS using the two-class method as a result of its redeemable non-controlling interests. If redemption value exceeds the fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interests, the excess would be a reduction to net income for the EPS calculation.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures - In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The guidance includes improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses - In November 2024, the FASB issued accounting guidance to improve the disclosures of a public business entity’s expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods after December 15, 2027. The Company is in the process of evaluating when it will adopt this guidance.
v3.25.0.1
Acquisitions Business Combination
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]  
Business Combination Disclosure Acquisitions
In 2024, the Company acquired businesses for total cash consideration of $2.8 billion. In December 2024, Mastercard acquired a 100% equity interest in RF Ultimate Parent, Inc. (“Recorded Future”), a global threat intelligence company, for cash consideration of $2.7 billion. This acquisition is expected to add threat intelligence capabilities to Mastercard’s identity, fraud prevention, real-time decisioning and cybersecurity services. The net assets acquired primarily relate to intangible assets, including goodwill of $1.7 billion that is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for local tax purposes.
In 2023, the Company did not complete any material business acquisitions.
In 2022, Mastercard acquired a 100% equity interest in Dynamic Yield LTD (“Dynamic Yield”) for cash consideration of $325 million. The net assets acquired primarily relate to intangible assets, including goodwill of $200 million that is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for local tax purposes.
These acquisitions align with the Company’s strategy to grow, diversify and build the Company’s business. Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for the valuation techniques Mastercard utilizes to fair value the respective components of business combinations.
The Company is evaluating and finalizing the purchase accounting for the businesses acquired during 2024. In 2023, the Company finalized the purchase accounting for the business acquired during 2022. The fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for the years ended December 31.
202420232022
(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$270 **$11 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
79 **
Goodwill1,736 **200 
Other intangible assets, net
1,361 **125 
Other assets20 **
Total assets3,466 **352 
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities413 **15 
Deferred income taxes 207 **
Other liabilities65 **
Total liabilities685 **27 
Net assets acquired$2,781 
**
$325 
** No material business acquisitions completed in 2023.
The following table summarizes the identified intangible assets acquired during the years ended December 31:
202420232022202420232022
Acquisition Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in millions)(in years)
Developed technologies$530 **$100 8.9**7.8
Customer relationships781 **25 15.0**17.0
Other
50 **— 9.0**
Other intangible assets, net
$1,361 **$125 12.4**9.6
** No material business acquisitions completed in 2023.
Proforma information related to these acquisitions was not included because the impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations was not considered to be material.
v3.25.0.1
Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Revenue
Mastercard is a payments network service provider that generates revenue from a wide range of payments solutions provided to customers. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services (i.e., fees charged to customers). The Company disaggregates its net revenue from contracts with customers into two categories: (i) payment network and (ii) value-added services and solutions. The Company’s net revenue categories, payment network and value-added services and solutions, are recognized net of rebates and incentives provided to customers. Rebates and incentives can be either fixed or variable and are attributed to the category of revenue to which they pertain.
Payment network
Mastercard’s payment network involves four participants in addition to the Company: account holders (a person or entity who holds a card or uses another device enabled for payment), issuers (the account holders’ financial institutions), merchants and acquirers (the merchants’ financial institutions). Revenue from the Company’s payment network is primarily generated by charging fees to customers (issuers, acquirers and other market participants) for providing switching and other network-related services, as well as by charging fees to customers based primarily on the gross dollar volume of activity (GDV, which includes both domestic and cross-border volume) on the cards that carry the Company’s brands. As a payments network service provider, the Company provides its customers with continuous access to its global payments network and stands ready to provide transaction processing over the contractual term. Consideration is variable and is recognized as revenue in the period in which volumes and transactions occur.
Value-added services and solutions
The Company generates revenues from value-added services and solutions through either fixed or transaction-based fees. These services and solutions can be integrated and sold with the Company’s payment network services or can be sold on a stand-alone basis. These services and solutions primarily include security solutions, consumer acquisition and engagement services, business and market insights, digital and authentication solutions, processing and gateway, ACH batch and real-time account-based payments and solutions, and open banking. Revenue from these services and solutions is recognized in the period in which the related services and solutions are performed or transactions occur.
The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by category and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 202420232022
(in millions)
Net revenue by category:
Payment network$17,335 $15,824 $14,358 
Value-added services and solutions10,832 9,274 7,879 
Net revenue$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
Net revenue by geographic region:
Americas 1
$12,375 $11,135 $10,156 
Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa
15,792 13,963 12,081 
Net revenue$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
1Americas includes the United States, Canada and Latin America. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation.
The Company’s customers are generally billed weekly, with certain billings occurring on a monthly and quarterly basis. The frequency of billing is dependent upon the nature of the performance obligation and the underlying contractual terms. The Company does not typically offer extended payment terms to customers. The following table sets forth the location of the amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets from contracts with customers at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Receivables from contracts with customers
Accounts receivable
$3,491 $3,851 
Contract assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets210 133 
Other assets460 387 
Deferred revenue 1, 2
Other current liabilities890 459 
Other liabilities449 318 
1    Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in 2024 was $2.8 billion.
2 During 2024, the increase in deferred revenue is primarily driven by the acquisition of Recorded Future.

The Company’s remaining performance periods for its contracts with customers for its payments network services are typically long-term in nature (generally up to 10 years). As a payments network service provider, the Company provides its customers with continuous access to its global payments network and stands ready to provide transaction processing and related services over the contractual term. Consideration is variable as the Company generates volume- and transaction-based revenues from charging fees on its customers’ current period activity. The Company has elected the optional exemption to not disclose the remaining performance obligations related to its payments network services. The Company also earns revenue from value-added services and solutions. At December 31, 2024, the estimated aggregate consideration allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations for these services and solutions is $1.4 billion, which is expected to be recognized through 2029. The estimated remaining performance obligations related to these revenues are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including modifications and terminations and are not expected to be material to any future annual period.
v3.25.0.1
Earnings Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share
The components of basic and diluted EPS for common shares for each of the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 202420232022
 (in millions, except per share data)
Numerator
Net income$12,874 $11,195 $9,930 
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding925 944 968 
Dilutive stock options and stock units
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1
927 946 971 
Earnings per Share
Basic$13.91 $11.86 $10.26 
Diluted$13.89 $11.83 $10.22 
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
1For the years presented, the calculation of diluted EPS excluded a minimal amount of anti-dilutive share-based payment awards.
v3.25.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
The following table provides the components of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheets that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$8,442 $8,588 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 1
492 32 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,874 1,845 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$10,808 $10,465 
1During 2024, the Company increased its Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balance primarily as a result of cash segregated to meet regulatory commitments, as the Company is subject to systemic importance regulation in the European Union. The increase was also attributable to restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the ATM non-discrimination rule surcharge complaints. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information.
v3.25.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]  
Supplemental Cash Flows Supplemental Cash Flows
The following table includes supplemental cash flow disclosures for each of the years ended December 31:
202420232022
 (in millions)
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$3,252 $2,746 $2,506 
Cash paid for interest571 477 414 
Cash paid for legal settlements496 929 114 
v3.25.0.1
Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments Investments
The Company’s investments on the consolidated balance sheets include both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities (see Investments section below). The Company’s strategic investments in equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies are classified within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets (see Equity Investments section below).
Investments
Investments on the consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Available-for-sale securities
$292 $286 
Held-to-maturity securities 1
38 306 
Total investments $330 $592 
1Held-to-maturity securities represent investments in time deposits that mature within one year. The cost of these securities approximates fair value.
Investment income on the consolidated statements of operations primarily consists of interest income generated from cash, cash equivalents, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment securities, as well as realized gains and losses on the Company’s investment securities. The realized gains and losses from the sales of available-for-sale securities for 2024, 2023 and 2022 were not material.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The major classes of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and their respective amortized cost basis and fair values at December 31 were as follows:
 20242023
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair ValueAmortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair Value
(in millions)
Government and agency securities$80 $— $— $80 $86 $— $— $86 
Corporate securities187 — 188 200 (1)200 
Asset-backed securities24 — — 24 — — — — 
Total$291 $1 $ $292 $286 $1 $(1)$286 
The Company’s government and agency securities include U.S. government bonds, U.S. government sponsored agency bonds and foreign government bonds that are denominated in the national currency of the issuing country. Corporate securities held at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and asset-backed securities held at December 31, 2024, primarily carried a credit rating of A- or better. Corporate securities are comprised of commercial paper and corporate bonds. The gross unrealized gains and losses on the available-for-sale securities are primarily driven by changes in interest rates. For the available-for-sale securities in gross unrealized loss positions, the Company (1) does not intend to sell the securities, (2) more likely than not, will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the unrealized losses and (3) expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of changes in equity.
The maturity distribution based on the contractual terms of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities at December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
(in millions)
Due within 1 year$134 $134 
Due after 1 year through 5 years157 158 
Total$291 $292 
Equity Investments
Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets are equity investments with readily determinable fair values (“Marketable securities”) and equity investments without readily determinable fair values (“Nonmarketable securities”). Marketable securities are equity interests in publicly traded companies and are measured using unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets. Nonmarketable securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investments of the same issuer (“Measurement alternative”).
The following table is a summary of the activity related to the Company’s equity investments:
 Balance at December 31, 2023PurchasesSales
Changes in Fair Value 1
Other 2
Balance at December 31, 2024
(in millions)
Marketable securities $506 $— $(104)$(28)$(137)$237 
Nonmarketable securities 1,223 42 (21)(1)127 1,370 
Total equity investments $1,729 $42 $(125)$(29)$(10)$1,607 
1Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
2Includes reclasses between Marketable and Nonmarketable securities as well as translational impact of currency.
The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s Nonmarketable securities at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Measurement alternative
$1,140 $1,008 
Equity method
230 215 
Total Nonmarketable securities$1,370 $1,223 
The following table summarizes the total carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments, including cumulative unrealized gains and losses through December 31:
2024
(in millions)
Initial cost basis
$693 
Cumulative adjustments 1:
Upward adjustments645 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)(198)
Carrying amount, end of period$1,140 
1Includes immaterial translational impact of currency.
The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses included in the carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments and Marketable securities for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
Measurement alternative investments:
Upward adjustments$11 $$114 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)$(9)$(145)$(23)
Marketable securities:
Unrealized gains (losses), net$(34)$97 $(213)
v3.25.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value, cost or amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company classifies its fair value measurements of financial instruments into a three-level hierarchy (the “Valuation Hierarchy”).
Financial Instruments - Carried at Fair Value
Financial instruments carried at fair value are categorized for fair value measurement purposes as recurring or non-recurring in nature.
Recurring Measurements
The distribution of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the Valuation Hierarchy was as follows:
 December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
TotalQuoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(in millions)
Assets
Investment securities available-for-sale 1:
Government and agency securities$36 $44 $— $80 $33 $53 $— $86 
Corporate securities— 188 — 188 — 200 — 200 
Asset-backed securities— 24 — 24 — — — — 
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts— 206 — 206 — 36 — 36 
Marketable securities 3:
Equity securities237 — — 237 506 — — 506 
Deferred compensation plan 4:
Deferred compensation assets107 — — 107 93 — — 93 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts$— $36 $— $36 $— $104 $— $104 
Interest rate contracts— 63 — 63 — 79 — 79 
Deferred compensation plan 5:
Deferred compensation liabilities105 — — 105 91 — — 91 
1The Company’s U.S. government securities are classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale non-U.S. government and agency securities, corporate and asset-backed securities are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, benchmark yields and issuer spreads for similar assets in active markets and are therefore included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy.
2The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative asset and liability contracts measured at fair value are based on observable inputs such as broker quotes for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details.
3The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets.
4The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where assets are invested primarily in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust, which is restricted for payments to participants of the plan. The Company has elected to use the fair value option for these mutual funds, which are measured using quoted prices of identical instruments in active markets and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
5The deferred compensation liabilities are measured at fair value based on the quoted prices of identical instruments to the investment vehicles selected by the participants. These are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Nonrecurring Measurements
Nonmarketable Securities
The Company’s Nonmarketable securities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods after initial recognition under the equity method or measurement alternative method. Nonmarketable securities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value that require management’s judgment. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its Nonmarketable securities when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. See Note 7 (Investments) for further details.
Financial Instruments - Not Carried at Fair Value
Debt
Debt instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt based on either market quotes or observable market data. Debt is classified as Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as it is generally not traded in active markets. At December 31, 2024, the carrying value and fair value of debt was $18.2 billion and $16.8 billion, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value and fair value of debt was $15.7 billion and $14.7 billion, respectively. See Note 15 (Debt) for further details.
Other Financial Instruments
Certain other financial instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at cost or amortized cost basis, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, accounts receivable, settlement assets, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, accounts payable, settlement obligations and other accrued liabilities.
v3.25.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Customer incentives
$1,854 $1,570 
Other1,138 1,041 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$2,992 $2,611 
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Customer incentives
$6,550 $5,170 
Equity investments1,607 1,729 
Income taxes receivable1,002 783 
Other800 643 
Total other assets$9,959 $8,325 
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Buildings, building equipment and land$709 $678 
Equipment2,118 1,940 
Furniture and fixtures101 90 
Leasehold improvements436 398 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,167 1,192 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets4,531 4,298 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,393)(2,237)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$2,138 $2,061 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the above property, equipment and right-of-use assets was $519 million, $482 million and $473 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as follows at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Balance sheet location
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$681 $686 
Other current liabilities133 142 
Other liabilities627 633 
Operating lease amortization expense was $145 million, $141 million and $137 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases was 8.0 years and 8.2 years and the weighted-average discount rate for operating leases was 3.5% and 3.3%, respectively.
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2024 based on lease term:
(in millions)
2025$161 
2026139 
2027105 
202887 
202969 
Thereafter328 
Total operating lease payments889 
Less: Interest(129)
Present value of operating lease liabilities$760 
v3.25.0.1
Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
20242023
(in millions)
Beginning balance$7,660 $7,522 
Additions1,736 46 
Foreign currency translation(203)92 
Ending balance$9,193 $7,660 
The increase in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2024 was primarily related to the acquisition of Recorded Future in 2024.
The Company performed its annual qualitative assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2024 and determined a quantitative assessment was not necessary. The Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired and had no accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2024.
v3.25.0.1
Other Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]  
Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth net intangible assets, other than goodwill, at December 31:
20242023
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(in millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Capitalized software 1
$4,797 $(1,640)$3,157 $3,917 $(1,530)$2,387 
Customer relationships2,804 (720)2,084 2,165 (641)1,524 
Other99 (40)59 51 (38)13 
Total7,700 (2,400)5,300 6,133 (2,209)3,924 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships153 — 153 162 — 162 
Total$7,853 $(2,400)$5,453 $6,295 $(2,209)$4,086 
1Includes technology acquired in business combinations.
The increase in the gross carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets in 2024 was primarily related to the acquisition of Recorded Future in 2024 as well as software additions to support the continued growth of the Company. Certain intangible assets are denominated in foreign currencies. As such, the change in intangible assets includes a component attributable to foreign currency translation. Based on the qualitative assessment performed in 2024, it was determined that the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.
Amortization on the finite-lived intangible assets above amounted to $523 million, $457 million and $414 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table sets forth the estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024:
(in millions)
2025$698 
2026706 
2027641 
2028580 
2029542 
Thereafter2,133 
Total$5,300 
v3.25.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
 (in millions)
Customer incentives
$7,627 $6,219 
Personnel costs1,681 1,258 
Income and other taxes454 486 
Other631 554 
Total accrued expenses$10,393 $8,517 
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, long-term customer incentives included in other liabilities were $2,820 million and $2,777 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s provision for litigation was $930 million and $723 million, respectively. These amounts are separately reported as accrued litigation on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information regarding the Company’s accrued litigation.
v3.25.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries maintain various pension and other postretirement plans that cover substantially all employees worldwide.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans. The primary plan is the Mastercard Savings Plan, a 401(k) plan for substantially all of the Company’s U.S. employees, which is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. In addition, the Company has several defined contribution plans outside of the U.S. The Company’s total expense for its defined contribution plans was $287 million, $253 million and $204 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Plans
The Company sponsors pension and postretirement plans for certain non-U.S. employees (the “non-U.S. Plans”) that cover various benefits specific to their country of employment. Additionally, the Company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom (the “U.K. Plan”) which was permanently closed to new entrants and future accruals as of July 21, 2013, however, plan participants’ obligations are adjusted for future salary changes. The term “Pension Plans” includes the non-U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan.
The Company maintains a postretirement plan providing health coverage and life insurance benefits for substantially all of its U.S. employees hired before July 1, 2007 (the “Postretirement Plan”).
The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the Pension Plans and its Postretirement Plan. The benefit obligation associated with the Postretirement Plan is immaterial. The following table sets forth the components of the Pension Plans recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Fair value of plan assets$454 $449 
Projected benefit obligation410 420 
Accumulated benefit obligation408 419 
Funded Status
4429
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, for the Postretirement Plan was $10 million and $8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, for the Pension Plans was $(14) million, and $(35) million, respectively.
v3.25.0.1
Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Debt Debt
Debt consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023Effective
Interest Rate
(in millions)
Senior Notes
2024 USD Notes
4.100 %
Senior Notes due January 2028
$750 $— 4.262 %
4.350 %
Senior Notes due January 2032
1,150 — 4.446 %
4.550 %
Senior Notes due January 2035
1,100 — 4.633 %
4.875 %
Senior Notes due May 2034
1,000 — 5.047 %
2023 USD Notes4.875 %Senior Notes due March 2028750 750 5.003 %
4.850 %Senior Notes due March 2033750 750 4.923 %
2022 EUR Notes 1
1.000 %Senior Notes due February 2029781 830 1.138 %
2021 USD Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2031750 750 2.112 %
1.900 %Senior Notes due March 2031600 600 1.981 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due March 2051700 700 3.013 %
2020 USD Notes3.300 %Senior Notes due March 20271,000 1,000 3.420 %
3.350 %Senior Notes due March 20301,500 1,500 3.430 %
3.850 %Senior Notes due March 20501,500 1,500 3.896 %
2019 USD Notes2.950 %Senior Notes due June 20291,000 1,000 3.030 %
3.650 %Senior Notes due June 20491,000 1,000 3.689 %
2.000 %Senior Notes due March 2025750 750 2.147 %
2018 USD Notes3.500 %Senior Notes due February 2028500 500 3.598 %
3.950 %Senior Notes due February 2048500 500 3.990 %
2016 USD Notes2.950 %Senior Notes due November 2026750 750 3.044 %
3.800 %Senior Notes due November 2046600 600 3.893 %
2015 EUR Notes 2
2.100 %Senior Notes due December 2027833 885 2.189 %
2.500 %Senior Notes due December 2030156 166 2.562 %
2014 USD Notes3.375 %Senior Notes due April 2024— 1,000 3.484 %
Other Debt
2023 INR Term Loan 3
9.430 %Term Loan due July 2024— 338 9.780 %
18,420 15,869 
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(131)(109)
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 4
(63)(79)
Total debt outstanding18,226 15,681 
Less: Short-term debt 5
(750)(1,337)
Long-term debt$17,476 $14,344 
1€750 million euro-denominated debt issued in February 2022.
2€950 million euro-denominated debt remaining of the €1.650 billion issued in December 2015.
3INR28.1 billion Indian rupee-denominated loan issued in July 2023.
4The Company has an interest rate swap that is accounted for as a fair value hedge. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
5The 2019 USD Notes due March 2025 are classified as short-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the 2014 USD Notes due April 2024 and the INR Term Loan due July 2024 were classified as short-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, on the consolidated balance sheets.
Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of debt outstanding at December 31, 2024 are summarized below.
(in millions)
2025$750 
2026750 
20271,833 
20282,000 
20291,781 
Thereafter11,306 
Total$18,420 
Senior Notes
During 2024, the Company issued a total of $4 billion of debt, as follows:
In May 2024, the Company issued $1 billion principal amount of notes due May 2034
In September 2024, the Company issued $750 million principal amount of notes due January 2028, $1,150 million principal amount of notes due January 2032 and $1,100 million principal amount of notes due January 2035
The issuances in 2024 are collectively referred to as the “2024 USD Notes”. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $3.96 billion.
In March 2023, the Company issued $750 million principal amount of notes due March 2028 and $750 million principal amount of notes due March 2033 (collectively the “2023 USD Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $1.489 billion.
In February 2022, the Company issued €750 million ($781 million and $830 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) principal amount of notes due February 2029 (the “2022 EUR Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 EUR Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were €743 million ($843 million as of the date of settlement).
The Senior Notes described above are not subject to any financial covenants and may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at the Company’s option at any time for a specified make-whole amount. These notes are senior unsecured obligations and would rank equally with any future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.
Indian Rupee (“INR”) Term Loan
In July 2022, the Company entered into an unsecured INR22.7 billion term loan originally due July 2023 (the “2022 INR Term Loan”). The net proceeds of the 2022 INR Term Loan, after deducting issuance costs, were INR22.6 billion ($284 million as of the date of settlement).
In April 2023, the Company entered into an additional unsecured INR4.97 billion term loan, also originally due July 2023 (the “April 2023 INR Term Loan”). The net proceeds of the April 2023 INR Term Loan, after deducting issuance costs, were INR4.96 billion ($61 million as of the date of settlement).
In July 2023, the Company modified and combined the 2022 INR Term Loan and April 2023 INR Term Loan (the “2023 INR Term Loan”), increasing the total unsecured loans to INR28.1 billion ($342 million as of the date of settlement). The 2023 INR Term Loan matured in July 2024.
The Company obtained the INR Term Loans to serve as economic hedges to offset possible changes in the value of INR-denominated monetary assets due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Commercial Paper Program and Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a commercial paper program (the “Commercial Paper Program”) under which the Company is authorized to issue up to $8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issuance. The Commercial Paper Program is available in U.S. dollars.
In conjunction with the Commercial Paper Program, the Company has a committed five-year unsecured $8 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which previously was set to expire on November 8, 2028, was extended and now expires on November 7, 2029. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are available in U.S. dollars and/or euros. The facility fee under
the Credit Facility is determined according to the Company’s credit rating and is payable on the average daily commitment, regardless of usage, per annum. In addition to the facility fee, interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility would be based on prevailing market interest rates plus applicable margins that fluctuate based on the Company’s credit rating. The Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions. The Company was in compliance in all material respects with the covenants of the Credit Facility at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Borrowings under the Commercial Paper Program and the Credit Facility are to be used to provide liquidity for general corporate purposes, including providing liquidity in the event of one or more settlement failures by the Company’s customers. The Company may borrow and repay amounts under the Commercial Paper Program and Credit Facility for business continuity purposes. The Company had no borrowings under the Credit Facility or the Commercial Paper Program at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity
Classes of Capital Stock
Mastercard’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the following classes of capital stock:
ClassPar Value Per ShareAuthorized Shares
(in millions)
Dividend and Voting Rights
A$0.00013,000 One vote per share
Dividend rights
B$0.00011,200 Non-voting
Dividend rights
Preferred$0.0001300 No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Dividend and voting rights are to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance.
Dividends
The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend on its Class A and Class B Common Stock during each of the four quarters of 2024, 2023 and 2022. The total per share dividends declared during the years ended December 31 are summarized below: 
202420232022
(in millions, except per share data)
Dividends declared per share $2.74 $2.37 $2.04 
Total dividends declared$2,526 $2,231 $1,968 
Ownership and Governance Structure
Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31:
20242023
Equity OwnershipGeneral Voting PowerEquity OwnershipGeneral Voting Power
Public Investors (Class A stockholders)89.9 %90.6 %88.8 %89.5 %
Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders)9.3 %9.4 %10.4 %10.5 %
Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders)0.7 %— %0.8 %— %
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
Class B Common Stock Conversions
Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A common stock.  Entities eligible to hold Mastercard’s Class B common stock are defined in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (generally the Company’s principal or affiliate customers), and they are restricted from retaining ownership of shares of Class A common stock.  Class B stockholders are required to subsequently sell or otherwise transfer any shares of Class A common stock received pursuant to such a conversion. 
Mastercard Foundation
In connection and simultaneously with its 2006 initial public offering (the “IPO”), the Company issued and donated 135 million newly authorized shares of Class A common stock to Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation is a private charitable foundation incorporated in Canada that is controlled by directors who are independent of the Company and its principal customers. Historically, Mastercard Foundation had been restricted from selling or otherwise transferring its shares of Class A common stock prior to May 1, 2027, except to the extent necessary to satisfy its charitable disbursement requirements. In July 2023, pursuant to an application in consultation with the Company, Mastercard Foundation received court approval to advance that date to January 1, 2024. As a result, Mastercard Foundation is now permitted to sell all or part of its remaining shares, subject to certain conditions. In March 2024, Mastercard Foundation began selling shares pursuant to an orderly and structured plan to diversify its Mastercard shares over a seven-year period, while committing to remain a long-term Mastercard stockholder and retaining a significant holding of Mastercard shares in its portfolio.
Common Stock Activity
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock:
 Outstanding Shares
 Class AClass B
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2021972.1 7.8 
Purchases of treasury stock(25.7)— 
Share-based payments1.8 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.2 (0.2)
Balance at December 31, 2022948.4 7.6 
Purchases of treasury stock(23.8)— 
Share-based payments2.3 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.4 (0.4)
Balance at December 31, 2023927.3 7.2 
Purchases of treasury stock(23.0)— 
Share-based payments1.9 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.4 (0.4)
Balance at December 31, 2024906.6 6.8 
The Company’s Board of Directors have approved share repurchase programs of its Class A Common Stock authorizing the Company to repurchase shares. The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase authorizations of its Class A common stock for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(In millions, except per share data)
Board authorization$12,000 $11,000 $9,000 
Dollar-value of shares repurchased
$10,954 $9,032 $8,753 
Shares repurchased23.0 23.8 25.7 
Average price paid per share$475.35 $379.49 $340.60 
As of December 31, 2024, the remaining authorization under the share repurchase programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors was $15.2 billion.
The Company repurchased an additional $959 million dollar-value of shares in 2025, through February 7, 2025. As of February 7, 2025, the remaining authorization under the share repurchase programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors was $14.2 billion.
v3.25.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
December 31, 2023Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2024
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(1,119)$(439)$— $(1,558)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
181 114 — 295 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
(17)149 (183)(51)
Interest rate contracts(118)— (113)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(25)19 — (6)
Investment securities available-for-sale(1)— — 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$(1,099)$(156)$(178)$(1,433)

December 31, 2022Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2023
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(1,414)$295 $— $(1,119)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
309 (128)— 181 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
(8)(31)22 (17)
Interest rate contracts(123)— (118)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(11)(13)(1)(25)
Investment securities available-for-sale(6)— (1)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$(1,253)$128 $26 $(1,099)
1During 2024, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro, Brazilian real, and British pound against the U.S. dollar. During 2023, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the appreciation of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar.
2During 2024, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the depreciation of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar. During 2023, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the appreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
3Certain foreign exchange derivative contracts are designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]  
Share-based Payments Share-Based Payments
In May 2006, the Company granted the following awards under the Mastercard Incorporated 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as of June 22, 2021 (the “LTIP”). The LTIP is a stockholder-approved plan that permits the grant of various types of equity awards to employees. The Company has granted Options, RSUs and PSUs under the LTIP. The Company uses the straight-line method of attribution for expensing all equity awards. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, with estimates adjusted as appropriate.
There are approximately 116 million shares of Class A common stock authorized for equity awards under the LTIP. Although the LTIP permits the issuance of shares of Class B common stock, no such shares have been authorized for issuance. Shares issued as a result of Option exercises and the conversions of RSUs and PSUs were funded primarily with the issuance of new shares of Class A common stock.
Stock Options
Options expire ten years from the date of grant and vest ratably over three years for awards granted on or after March 1, 2022. For awards granted before March 1, 2022, they vest ratably over four years. For Options granted, a participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination; however, in the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than seven months after receiving the award, the participant retains all of their awards without providing additional service to the Company. Retirement eligibility is dependent upon age and years of service. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period as stated in the LTIP.
The fair value of each Option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per Option granted for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
Risk-free rate of return4.2 %4.2 %1.6 %
Expected term (in years)6.006.006.00
Expected volatility28.7 %29.5 %24.6 %
Expected dividend yield0.6 %0.6 %0.6 %
Weighted-average fair value per Option granted$164.66 $123.22 $86.92 
The risk-free rate of return was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant. The expected term and the expected volatility were based on historical Mastercard information. The expected dividend yields were based on the Company’s expected annual dividend rate on the date of grant.
The following table summarizes the Company’s Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in years)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20243.0 $217 
Granted0.2 $476 
Exercised(1.1)$163 
Forfeited— $418 
Outstanding at December 31, 20242.1 $273 5.2$524 
Exercisable at December 31, 20241.6 $230 4.2$461 
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 20242.1 $273 5.2$524 
As of December 31, 2024, there was $16 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Restricted Stock Units
For RSUs granted on or after March 1, 2022, the awards generally vest ratably over three years. For RSUs granted on or after March 1, 2020 but before March 1, 2022, the awards generally vest ratably over four years. A participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment; however, in the event of termination due to job elimination (as defined by the Company), a participant will retain a pro-rata portion of the unvested awards for services performed through the date of termination. In the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than seven months after receiving the award, the participant retains all of their awards without providing additional service to the Company. Compensation expense is recognized over the shorter of the vesting periods stated in the LTIP or the date the individual becomes eligible to retire but not less than seven months.
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
UnitsWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20242.2 $344 
Granted1.0 $472 
Converted(1.0)$338 
Forfeited(0.1)$391 
Outstanding at December 31, 20242.1 $403 $1,081 
RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20242.0 $403 $1,034 
The fair value of each RSU is the closing stock price on the New York Stock Exchange of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the exclusion of dividend equivalents. Upon vesting, a portion of the RSU award may be withheld to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding taxes. The remaining RSUs will be settled in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock after the vesting period. As of December 31, 2024, there was $378 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
Performance Stock Units
PSUs vest after three years and are subject to a mandatory one-year post-vest hold, during which they are eligible for dividend equivalents. A participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment; however, in the event of termination due to job elimination (as defined by the Company), a participant will retain a pro-rata portion of the unvested awards for services performed through the date of termination. In the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than seven months after receiving the award, the participant retains all of their awards without providing additional service to the Company.
The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
UnitsWeighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20240.6 $365 
Granted0.2 $512 
Converted(0.3)$385 
Other0.1 $335 
Outstanding at December 31, 20240.6 $396 $325 
PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20240.6 $396 $321 
Since 2013, PSUs containing performance and market conditions have been issued. Performance measures used to determine the actual number of shares that vest after three years include net revenue growth, EPS growth and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”).  Relative TSR is considered a market condition, while net revenue and EPS growth are considered performance conditions.  The Monte Carlo simulation valuation model is used to determine the grant-date fair value. 
Compensation expense for PSUs is recognized over the requisite service period, or the date the individual becomes eligible to retire but not less than seven months, if it is probable that the performance target will be achieved and subsequently adjusted if the probability assessment changes. As of December 31, 2024, there was $37 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Additional Information
The following table includes additional share-based payment information for each of the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions, except weighted-average fair value)
Share-based compensation expense
$526 $460 $295 
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards111 99 61 
Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised77 95 49 
Options
Total intrinsic value of Options exercised354 487 231 
RSUs
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 472 350 340 
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested340 235 305 
Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock477 253 420 
PSUs
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted512 365 335 
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested99 12 — 
Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock122 14 — 
v3.25.0.1
Commitments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments Commitments
At December 31, 2024, the Company had the following future minimum payments due under noncancelable agreements, primarily related to sponsorships to promote the Mastercard brand and licensing arrangements. The amount accrued related to these future payments as of December 31, 2024 was not material.
(in millions)
2025$735 
2026595 
2027406 
2028248 
202962 
Thereafter27 
Total$2,073 
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
Components of Income and Income Tax Expense
The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
202420232022
(in millions)
United States$6,168 $4,506 $4,228 
Foreign9,086 9,133 7,504 
Income before income taxes$15,254 $13,639 $11,732 
The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 was comprised of the following components:
202420232022
(in millions)
Current
Federal$1,093 $991 $1,024 
State and local144 127 133 
Foreign1,670 1,563 1,296 
Total current
2,907 2,681 2,453 
Deferred
Federal(197)(180)(661)
State and local(14)(18)(40)
Foreign(316)(39)50 
Total deferred
(527)(237)(651)
Income tax expense$2,380 $2,444 $1,802 
Effective Income Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, was as follows:
202420232022
AmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercent
($ in millions)
Income before income taxes$15,254 $13,639 $11,732 
Federal statutory tax3,203 21.0 %2,864 21.0 %2,464 21.0 %
State tax effect, net of federal benefit90 0.6 %82 0.6 %72 0.6 %
Foreign tax effect(649)(4.3)%(393)(2.9)%(347)(3.0)%
Valuation allowance - U.S. foreign tax credit— — %327 2.4 %(333)(2.8)%
U.S. tax expense on foreign operations82 0.5 %39 0.3 %111 0.9 %
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction(195)(1.3)%(144)(1.1)%(129)(1.1)%
Windfall benefit(93)(0.6)%(88)(0.6)%(68)(0.6)%
Other, net(58)(0.4)%(243)(1.8)%32 0.3 %
Income tax expense$2,380 15.6 %$2,444 17.9 %$1,802 15.4 %
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were 15.6%, 17.9% and 15.4%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for 2024 was lower than the effective income tax rate for 2023, primarily due to a discrete tax expense in 2023 related to changes in the valuation allowance associated with the U.S. foreign tax credits deferred tax asset. In 2023, the treatment of foreign taxes paid under the U.S. tax regulations published in 2022 changed due to the foreign tax legislation enacted in Brazil and Notice 2023-55 (the “Notice”), released by the U.S. Department of Treasury (“Treasury”). Therefore, the Company recognized a total $327 million discrete tax expense in 2023 to establish the valuation allowance. This discrete tax expense was partially offset by the Company’s ability to claim more U.S. foreign tax credits generated in 2022 and 2023 due to the Notice. Additionally, a change in the Company’s geographic mix of earnings in 2024 contributed to the lower effective income tax rate compared to the prior year.
The effective income tax rate for 2023 was higher than the effective income tax rate for 2022, primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance associated with the deferred tax asset related to U.S. foreign tax credits. In 2022, the Company recognized a discrete tax benefit of $333 million to release the valuation allowance resulting from U.S. tax regulations published in the first quarter of 2022 (the “2022 Regulations”). In 2023, the treatment of foreign taxes paid under the 2022 Regulations changed due to foreign tax legislation enacted in Brazil and the Notice released by Treasury. Therefore, the Company recognized a total $327 million discrete tax expense in 2023 to establish the valuation allowance. The discrete tax expense recognized in 2023 was partially offset by the Company’s ability to claim more U.S. foreign tax credits generated in 2022 and 2023 due to the Notice.
Singapore Income Tax Rate
In connection with the expansion of the Company’s operations in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, the Company’s subsidiary in Singapore, Mastercard Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (“MAPPL”) received an incentive grant from the Singapore Ministry of Finance in 2010. The incentive had provided MAPPL with, among other benefits, a reduced income tax rate for the 10-year period commencing January 1, 2010 on taxable income in excess of a base amount. The Company continued to explore business opportunities in this region, resulting in an expansion of the incentives being granted by the Ministry of Finance, including a further reduction to the income tax rate on taxable income in excess of a revised fixed base amount commencing July 1, 2011 and continuing through December 31, 2025. Without the incentive grant, MAPPL would have been subject to the statutory income tax rate on its earnings. For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the impact of the incentive grant received from the Ministry of Finance resulted in a reduction of MAPPL’s income tax liability of $644 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, $571 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, and $454 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, respectively.
Indefinite Reinvestment
As of December 31, 2024 the Company does not accrue taxes on $3.8 billion of foreign earnings that remain permanently reinvested outside the U.S. The Company expects that taxes associated with any future repatriation of these earnings are immaterial.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
20242023
(in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities$939 $863 
Compensation and benefits371 335 
Net operating losses468 149 
U.S. foreign tax credits736 635 
Property and equipment
432 277 
Intangible assets160 182 
Lease liabilities
134 158 
Other items236 203 
Less: Valuation allowance(871)(758)
Total deferred tax assets
2,605 2,044 
Deferred tax liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other accruals195 211 
Gains on equity investments112 112 
Goodwill and intangible assets760 518 
Right-of-use lease assets
116 138 
Other items125 79 
Total deferred tax liabilities
1,308 1,058 
Net deferred tax assets
$1,297 $986 
The changes in the Company’s valuation allowance on deferred tax assets were as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2021
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2022
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2023
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2024
(in millions)
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward 1
$333 $— $(333)$— $308 $327 $635 $101 $— $736 
Net operating and capital losses 2
82 23 114 12 (3)123 11 135 
Total$415 $23 $(324)$114 $320 $324 $758 $112 $1 $871 
1The 2022 activity resulted in a full release of the valuation allowance associated with the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward due to final U.S. tax regulations published in 2022. The 2023 activity resulted in the establishment of the valuation allowance associated with the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward due to foreign tax legislation enacted in Brazil and the Notice released by Treasury.
2Capital losses are included within other items in the deferred tax assets section of the components of the Deferred Income Taxes table above.
The recognition of foreign tax credits is dependent upon the realization of future foreign source income in the appropriate foreign tax credit basket in accordance with U.S. federal income tax law. The recognition of the net operating and capital losses is dependent on the timing and character of future taxable income in the applicable jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a foreign tax credit carryforward and tax effected net operating loss carryforwards of $736 million and $468 million, respectively. The foreign tax credits begin to expire in 2029 and the majority of the net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
202420232022
(in millions)
Beginning balance$431 $414 $360 
Additions:
Current year tax positions37 23 22 
Prior year tax positions 1
34 16 65 
Reductions:
Prior year tax positions 1
(189)(7)(14)
Settlements with tax authorities— — (13)
Expired statute of limitations(9)(15)(6)
Ending balance$304 $431 $414 
1Includes immaterial translational impact of currency.
As of December 31, 2024, the amount of unrecognized tax benefit was $304 million. This amount, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense by $246 million. In 2024, the decrease in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits was primarily due to the withdrawal of a prior year refund claim, which had no impact on the consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
The Company is subject to tax in the United States, Belgium, Singapore, the United Kingdom and various other foreign jurisdictions, as well as state and local jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted after considering facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits, developments in case law and closing of statutes of limitation. Within the next twelve months, the Company believes that the resolution of certain federal, foreign and state and local examinations is reasonably possible and that a change in estimate, reducing unrecognized tax benefits, may occur.  While such a change may be significant, it is not possible to provide a range of the potential change until the examinations progress further or the related statutes of limitation expire. The Company has effectively settled its U.S. federal income tax obligations through 2014. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014.
v3.25.0.1
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings [Abstract]  
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
Mastercard is a party to legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters in the ordinary course of business.  Some of these proceedings are based on complex claims involving substantial uncertainties and unascertainable damages.  Accordingly, it is not possible to determine the probability of loss or estimate damages, and therefore, Mastercard has not established liabilities for any of these proceedings, except as discussed below.  When the Company determines that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, Mastercard records a liability and discloses the amount of the liability if it is material. When a material loss contingency is only reasonably possible, Mastercard does not record a liability, but instead discloses the nature and the amount of the claim, and an estimate of the loss or range of loss, if such an estimate can be made. Unless otherwise stated below with respect to these matters, Mastercard cannot provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss based on one or more of the following reasons: (1) actual or potential plaintiffs have not claimed an amount of monetary damages or the amounts are unsupportable or exaggerated, (2) the matters are in early stages, (3) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions, (4) there are significant factual issues to be resolved, (5) the proceedings involve multiple defendants or potential defendants whose share of any potential financial responsibility has yet to be determined and/or (6) there are novel legal issues presented. Furthermore, except as identified with respect to the matters below, Mastercard does not believe that the outcome of any individual existing legal or regulatory proceeding to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition and overall business.  However, an adverse judgment or other outcome or settlement with respect to any proceedings discussed below could result in fines or payments by Mastercard and/or could require Mastercard to change its business practices. In addition, an adverse outcome in a regulatory proceeding could lead to the filing of civil damage claims and possibly result in significant damage awards. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on Mastercard’s results of operations, financial condition and overall business.
Interchange Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings
Mastercard’s interchange fees and other practices are subject to regulatory, legal review and/or challenges in a number of jurisdictions, including the proceedings described below. When taken as a whole, the resulting decisions, regulations and legislation with respect to interchange fees and acceptance practices may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s prospects for future growth and its overall results of operations and financial condition.
United States. In 2005, the first of a series of complaints were filed on behalf of merchants (the majority of the complaints were styled as class actions, although a few complaints were filed on behalf of individual merchant plaintiffs) against Mastercard International, Visa U.S.A., Inc., Visa International Service Association and a number of financial institutions. Taken together, the claims in the complaints were generally brought under both Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibit monopolization and attempts or conspiracies to monopolize a particular industry, and some of these complaints contain unfair competition law claims under state law. The complaints allege, among other things, that Mastercard, Visa, and certain financial institutions conspired to set the price of interchange fees, enacted point-of-sale acceptance rules (including the “no surcharge” rule) in violation of antitrust laws and engaged in unlawful tying and bundling of certain products and services, resulting in merchants paying excessive costs for the acceptance of Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards. The cases were consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in MDL No. 1720 (the “U.S. MDL Litigation Cases”). The plaintiffs filed a consolidated class action complaint seeking treble damages.
In 2006, the group of purported merchant class plaintiffs filed a supplemental complaint alleging that Mastercard’s initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock in May 2006 (the “IPO”) and certain purported agreements entered into between Mastercard and financial institutions in connection with the IPO: (1) violate U.S. antitrust laws and (2) constituted a fraudulent conveyance because the financial institutions allegedly attempted to release, without adequate consideration, Mastercard’s right to assess them for Mastercard’s litigation liabilities. The class plaintiffs sought treble damages and injunctive relief including, but not limited to, an order reversing and unwinding the IPO.
In 2011, Mastercard and Mastercard International entered into each of: (1) an omnibus judgment sharing and settlement sharing agreement with Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc. and Visa International Service Association and a number of financial institutions; and (2) a Mastercard settlement and judgment sharing agreement with a number of financial institutions.  The agreements provide for the apportionment of certain costs and liabilities which Mastercard, the Visa parties and the financial institutions may incur, jointly and/or severally, in the event of an adverse judgment or settlement of one or all of the U.S. MDL Litigation Cases.  Among a number of scenarios addressed by the agreements, in the event of a global settlement involving the Visa parties, the financial institutions and Mastercard, Mastercard would pay 12% of the monetary portion of the settlement. In the event of a settlement involving only Mastercard and the financial institutions with respect to their issuance of Mastercard cards, Mastercard would pay 36% of the monetary portion of such settlement. 
In 2012, the parties entered into a definitive settlement agreement with respect to the U.S. MDL Litigation Cases (including with respect to the claims related to the IPO) and the defendants separately entered into a settlement agreement with the individual
merchant plaintiffs. The settlements included cash payments that were apportioned among the defendants pursuant to the omnibus judgment sharing and settlement sharing agreement described above. Mastercard also agreed to provide class members with a short-term reduction in default credit interchange rates and to modify certain of its business practices, including its no surcharge rule. The court granted final approval of the settlement in 2013. Following an appeal by objectors and as a result of a reversal of the settlement approval by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the case was sent back to the district court for further proceedings. The court divided the merchants’ claims into two separate classes - monetary damages claims (the “Damages Class”) and claims seeking changes to business practices (the “Rules Relief Class”). The court appointed separate counsel for each class.
In 2018, the parties to the Damages Class litigation entered into a class settlement agreement to resolve the Damages Class claims, with merchants representing slightly more than 25% of the Damages Class interchange volume choosing to opt out of the settlement. The Damages Class settlement agreement became final in August 2023. Since 2018, Mastercard has reached settlements or agreements in principle to settle with over 250 opt-out merchants. These opt-out merchant settlements, along with the Damages Class settlement, represent over 90% of Mastercard’s U.S. interchange volume.
Approximately 65 individual opt-out merchants continue to litigate, seeking treble damages and attorneys’ fees and costs. During the first quarter of 2024, the district court denied the defendants’ motions for summary judgment with respect to these ongoing individual opt-out merchant cases, sending the cases back to their original jurisdictions for trials. In October 2024, the remaining opt-out merchants submitted expert reports on liability and damages issues. The aggregate single damages claimed by these merchants total approximately $12 billion with respect to their Mastercard purchase volume. Mastercard would be responsible for 36% of any Mastercard-related judgment pursuant to the December 2011 judgment and settlement sharing agreement discussed above. The first trial in the opt-out merchant cases, which will involve six of the larger opt-out merchants, has been scheduled for October 2025.
In 2021, the district court granted the Rules Relief Class’s motion for class certification. In March 2024, the parties to the Rules Relief Class litigation entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the Rules Relief Class claims. The court held a preliminary settlement approval hearing in June 2024, and subsequently issued a decision denying approval of the settlement. The parties are in ongoing settlement discussions. The court has not yet scheduled a trial date.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Mastercard had accrued a liability of $559 million and $596 million, respectively, for the U.S. MDL Litigation Cases. The liability as of December 31, 2024 represents Mastercard’s best estimate of its probable liabilities in these matters and does not represent an estimate of a loss, if any, if the matters were litigated to a final outcome. Mastercard cannot estimate the potential liability if that were to occur.
Europe. Since 2012, a number of United Kingdom (“U.K.”) merchants filed claims or threatened litigation against Mastercard seeking damages for excessive costs paid for acceptance of Mastercard credit and debit cards arising out of alleged anti-competitive conduct with respect to, among other things, Mastercard’s cross-border interchange fees and its U.K. and Ireland domestic interchange fees (the “U.K. Merchant claimants”). In addition, Mastercard has faced similar filed or threatened litigation by merchants with respect to interchange rates in other countries in Europe (the “Pan-European Merchant claimants”). Mastercard has resolved a substantial amount of these damages claims through settlement or judgment. Following these settlements, approximately £0.3 billion (approximately $0.4 billion as of December 31, 2024) of unresolved damages claims remain. Mastercard continues to litigate with the remaining U.K. and Pan-European Merchant claimants and it has submitted statements of defense disputing liability and damages claims. A number of those matters are now progressing with motion practice and discovery. A hearing involving multiple merchant cases was completed in March 2024 concerning certain liability issues with respect to merchant claims for damages related to post-Interchange Fee Regulation consumer interchange fees as well as commercial and inter-regional interchange fees.
In a separate matter, Mastercard and Visa were served with a proposed collective action complaint in the U.K. on behalf of merchants seeking damages for commercial card transactions in both the U.K. and the European Union. In December 2023, the plaintiffs filed a revised collective action application claiming damages against Mastercard in excess of £1 billion (approximately $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024). In June 2024, the court granted the plaintiffs’ collective action application. Mastercard’s request for permission to appeal this ruling was denied.
In 2016, a proposed collective action was filed in the United Kingdom on behalf of U.K. consumers seeking damages for intra-European Economic Area (“EEA”) and domestic U.K. interchange fees that were allegedly passed on to consumers by merchants between 1992 and 2008. The complaint, which seeks to leverage the European Commission’s 2007 decision on intra-EEA interchange fees, claims damages in an amount that exceeds £10 billion (approximately $13 billion as of December 31, 2024). In 2021, the trial court issued a decision in which it granted class certification to the plaintiffs but narrowed the scope of the class. Since January 2023, the trial court has held hearings on various issues, including whether any causal connection existed between the levels of Mastercard’s intra-EEA interchange fees and U.K. domestic interchange fees and regarding Mastercard’s request to narrow the number of years of damages sought by the plaintiffs on statute of limitations grounds. In February 2024, the trial court ruled in
Mastercard’s favor, finding no causal connection between the levels of Mastercard’s intra-EEA interchange fees and U.K. domestic interchange fees. In June 2024, the trial court ruled in Mastercard’s favor with respect to its request to dismiss five years of the plaintiffs’ damages claims on statute of limitations grounds. The plaintiffs’ request for permission to appeal this ruling was granted. In December 2024, the parties entered into a settlement agreement to resolve this matter. The parties have submitted supporting papers to the court seeking approval of the settlement, and the court has scheduled a hearing on settlement approval for late February 2025. Mastercard recorded an accrual of £200 million ($251 million as of December 31, 2024) in connection with this settlement agreement.
Mastercard has been named as a defendant in a proposed consumer collective action filed in Portugal on behalf of Portuguese consumers. The complaint, which seeks to leverage the 2019 resolution of the European Commission’s investigation of Mastercard’s central acquiring rules and interregional interchange fees, claims damages of approximately €0.4 billion (approximately $0.4 billion as of December 31, 2024) for interchange fees that were allegedly passed on to consumers by Portuguese merchants for a period of approximately 20 years. Mastercard has submitted a statement of defense that disputes both liability and damages.
Australia. In 2022, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (“ACCC”) filed a complaint targeting certain agreements entered into by Mastercard and certain Australian merchants related to Mastercard’s debit program. The ACCC alleges that by entering into such agreements, Mastercard engaged in conduct with the purpose of substantially lessening competition in the supply of debit card acceptance services. The ACCC seeks both declaratory relief and monetary fines and costs. A hearing on liability issues has been scheduled for March 2025.
ATM Non-Discrimination Rule Surcharge Complaints
In 2011, a trade association of independent ATM operators and 13 independent ATM operators filed a complaint styled as a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against both Mastercard and Visa (the “ATM Operators Class Complaint”).  Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of non-bank operators of ATM terminals that operate in the United States with the discretion to determine the price of the ATM access fee for the terminals they operate. Plaintiffs allege that Mastercard and Visa have violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by imposing rules that require ATM operators to charge non-discriminatory ATM surcharges for transactions processed over Mastercard’s and Visa’s respective networks that are not greater than the surcharge for transactions over other networks accepted at the same ATM.  Plaintiffs seek both injunctive and monetary relief equal to treble the damages they claim to have sustained as a result of the alleged violations and their costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. 
Subsequently, multiple related complaints were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging both federal antitrust and multiple state unfair competition, consumer protection and common law claims against Mastercard and Visa on behalf of different putative classes of users of ATM services.  The claims in these actions largely mirror the allegations made in the ATM Operators Class Complaint, although these complaints seek damages on behalf of consumers of ATM services who pay allegedly inflated ATM fees at both bank (“Bank ATM Consumer Class Complaint”) and non-bank (“Non-bank ATM Consumer Class Complaint”) ATM operators as a result of the defendants’ ATM rules.  Plaintiffs seek both injunctive and monetary relief equal to treble the damages they claim to have sustained as a result of the alleged violations and their costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. 
In 2019, the plaintiffs in all three class complaints filed with the district court their motions for class certification. In 2023, the D.C. Circuit Court affirmed the district court’s previous order granting class certification. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the defendants’ appeal of the certification decision.
In May 2024, Mastercard executed a settlement agreement with the class lawyers representing the Bank ATM Consumer Class, subject to court approval. At a hearing held in January 2025, the court indicated that it intends to provide final approval of the settlement. During the first quarter of 2024, Mastercard recorded an accrual of $93 million in connection with this matter. The litigation with the ATM Operators Class and Non-bank ATM Consumer Class is ongoing. The plaintiffs in these two remaining class complaints, in aggregate, allege over $1 billion in single damages against all of the defendants.
U.S. Liability Shift Litigation
In 2016, a proposed U.S. merchant class action complaint was filed in federal court in California alleging that Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover (the “Network Defendants”), EMVCo, and a number of issuing banks (the “Bank Defendants”) engaged in a conspiracy to shift fraud liability for card present transactions from issuing banks to merchants not yet in compliance with the standards for EMV chip cards in the United States (the “EMV Liability Shift”), in violation of the Sherman Act and California law. Plaintiffs allege damages equal to the value of all chargebacks for which class members became liable as a result of the EMV Liability Shift on October 1, 2015. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, attorney’s fees and costs and an injunction against future violations of governing law. The district court denied the Network Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, but granted such a motion for EMVCo and the Bank Defendants. In 2017, the district court transferred the case to New York so that discovery could be coordinated with the U.S. MDL Litigation Cases described above. In 2020, the district court issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ request for class certification. The plaintiffs have submitted expert reports that allege aggregate single damages in excess of $1 billion against the four Network Defendants. The Network Defendants submitted expert reports rebutting both liability and damages and all briefs on summary judgment have been submitted. In September 2024, the district court denied the Network Defendants’ motion for summary judgment.
Telephone Consumer Protection Class Action
Mastercard is a defendant in a Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) class action pending in Florida. The plaintiffs are individuals and businesses who allege that approximately 381,000 unsolicited faxes were sent to them advertising a Mastercard co-brand card issued by First Arkansas Bank (“FAB”). The TCPA provides for uncapped statutory damages of $500 per fax. Mastercard has asserted various defenses to the claims, and has notified FAB of an indemnity claim that it has (which FAB has disputed). In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued a declaratory ruling clarifying that the TCPA does not apply to faxes sent to online fax services that are received online via email. In 2021, the trial court granted plaintiffs’ request for class certification, but narrowed the scope of the class to stand alone fax recipients only. Mastercard’s request to appeal that decision was denied. Briefing on plaintiffs’ motion to amend the class definition and Mastercard’s cross-motion to decertify the stand alone fax recipient class was completed in April 2023 and the parties await the court’s decision.
U.S. Department of Justice Investigation
In March 2023, Mastercard received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division (“DOJ”) seeking documents and information regarding a potential violation of Sections 1 or 2 of the Sherman Act. The CID focuses on Mastercard’s U.S. debit program and competition with other payment networks and technologies. Mastercard is cooperating with the DOJ in connection with the CID.
European Commission Investigation
In August 2024, Mastercard received a formal request for information from the European Commission seeking documents and information in connection with an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behavior of certain card scheme services in the European Union/EEA. The request focuses on Mastercard’s practices regarding network fees related to acquirers. Mastercard is cooperating with the European Commission in connection with the request.
v3.25.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]  
Settlement and Other Risk Management Settlement and Other Risk Management
Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the payment network transactions between its customers (“settlement risk”). Settlement exposure is the settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. For those transactions the Company guarantees, the guarantee will cover the full amount of the settlement obligation to the extent the settlement obligation is not otherwise satisfied. The duration of the settlement exposure is short-term and generally limited to a few days.
Gross settlement exposure is estimated using the average daily payment volume during the three months prior to period end multiplied by the estimated number of days of exposure. The Company has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards, to provide a framework for managing the Company’s settlement risk and exposure. In the event of failed settlement by a customer, Mastercard may pursue one or more remedies available under the Company’s rules to recover potential losses. Historically, the Company has experienced a low level of losses from customer settlement failures.
As part of its policies, Mastercard requires certain customers that do not meet the Company’s risk standards to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or forms of credit enhancement such as letters of credit and guarantees. This requirement is based on a review of the individual risk circumstances for each customer. Mastercard monitors its credit risk portfolio and the adequacy of its risk mitigation arrangements on a regular basis. Additionally, the Company periodically reviews its risk management methodology and standards. As such, the amounts of estimated settlement exposure are revised as necessary.
The Company’s estimated settlement exposure was as follows at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Gross settlement exposure$78,385 $75,023 
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure
(13,466)(12,167)
Net settlement exposure
$64,919 $62,856 
Mastercard also provides guarantees to customers and certain other counterparties indemnifying them from losses stemming from failures of third parties to perform duties. This includes guarantees of Mastercard-branded travelers cheques issued, but not yet cashed. In addition, the Company enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. Certain indemnifications do not provide a stated maximum exposure. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable. Historically, payments made by the Company under these types of contractual arrangements have not been material.
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]  
Derivative and Hedging Instruments Derivative and Hedging Instruments
The Company monitors and manages its foreign currency and interest rate exposures as part of its overall risk management program which focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results.  A primary objective of the Company’s risk management strategies is to reduce the financial impact that may arise from volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses both foreign exchange derivative contracts (when the hedge costs are economically justified) and foreign currency denominated debt to manage its currency exposure. In addition, the Company may enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company’s aggregate liability portfolio, including potential future debt issuances. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company may enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts, including forwards and options, to manage the impact of foreign currency variability on anticipated revenues and expenses, which fluctuate based on currencies other than the functional currency of the entity. The objective of these hedging activities is to reduce the effect of movement in foreign exchange rates for a portion of revenues and expenses forecasted to occur. As these contracts are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. The terms of these contracts are for generally less than 18 months.
In April 2024, the Company entered into foreign exchange derivative contracts to hedge its exposure to variability in cash flows related to foreign denominated assets. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged transactions impact earnings. Forward points are excluded from the effectiveness assessment and are amortized to general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations over the hedge period. The maximum term of these contracts was for approximately 7 years.
In addition, the Company may enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company’s aggregate liability portfolio, including potential future debt issuances, and designate such derivatives as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedging relationship. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified as an adjustment to interest expense over the respective terms of the hedged debt issuances.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company may enter into interest rate derivative contracts, including interest rate swaps, to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the fair value of the Company's fixed-rate debt and designate such derivatives as hedging instruments in a fair value hedging relationship. Changes in fair value of these contracts and changes in fair value of fixed-rate debt attributable to changes in the hedged benchmark interest rate generally offset each other and are recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses related to the net settlements of interest rate swaps are also recorded in interest
expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The periodic cash settlements are included in operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
In 2021, the Company entered into an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge related to $1.0 billion of the 3.850% Senior Notes due March 2050. In effect, the interest rate swap synthetically converts the fixed interest rate on this debt to a variable interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Overnight Index Swap Rate. The net impact to interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was not material.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company may use foreign currency denominated debt and/or foreign exchange derivative contracts to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the net investment hedge is recorded as a currency translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Forward points are excluded from the effectiveness assessment and are amortized to general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations over the hedge period. The amounts recognized in earnings related to forward points for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were not material.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had €1.3 billion and €1.6 billion euro-denominated debt outstanding designated as hedges of a portion of its net investment in its European operations. In December 2024 and 2023, the Company de-designated €400 million and €109 million of the euro-denominated debt as net investment hedges to effectively manage changes in its net investment exposures in foreign subsidiaries. The €109 million of euro-denominated debt de-designated in December 2023 was subsequently re-designated as a net investment hedge effective April 2024. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 the Company recorded pre-tax net foreign currency gains (losses) of $104 million, $(67) million and $176 million, respectively, in other comprehensive income (loss).
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had net foreign currency gains of $295 million and $181 million, after tax, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with this hedging activity.
Non-designated Derivatives
The Company may also enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts to serve as economic hedges, such as to offset possible changes in the value of monetary assets and liabilities due to foreign exchange fluctuations, without designating these derivative contracts as hedging instruments. In addition, the Company is subject to foreign exchange risk as part of its daily settlement activities. This risk is typically limited to a few days between when a payment transaction takes place and the subsequent settlement with customers. To manage this risk, the Company may enter into short duration foreign exchange derivative contracts based upon anticipated receipts and disbursements for the respective currency position. The objective of these activities is to reduce the Company’s exposure to volatility arising from gains and losses resulting from fluctuations of foreign currencies against its functional currencies. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of these contracts are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, net, along with the foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the related notional amounts:
December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
 NotionalDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesNotionalDerivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$3,951 $135 $$1,006 $$25 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
1,000 — 63 1,000 — 79 
Foreign exchange contracts in a net investment hedge 1
2,511 54 — — — — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
2,741 17 30 5,424 34 79 
Total
$10,203 $206 $99 $7,430 $36 $183 
1Foreign exchange derivative assets and liabilities are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
2Interest rate derivative liabilities are included within other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The pre-tax gain (loss) related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years ended December 31,
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Earnings
Years ended December 31,
202420232022202420232022
(in millions)(in millions)
Derivative financial instruments in a cash flow hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts 1
$161 $(41)$Net revenue$$(29)$16 
General and administrative 2
$177 $— $— 
Interest rate contracts$— $— $— Interest expense$(7)$(6)$(6)
Derivative financial instruments in a net investment hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts $43 $(98)$177 
1Includes immaterial amounts excluded from the effectiveness assessment recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
2Includes immaterial amounts excluded from the effectiveness assessment recognized in earnings.
The Company estimates that the pre-tax amount of the net deferred loss on cash flow hedges recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2024 that will be reclassified into the consolidated statements of operations within the next 12 months is not material.
The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statements of operations for non-designated derivative contracts is summarized below:
 Years ended December 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:202420232022
 (in millions)
Foreign exchange contracts
General and administrative$32 $42 $21 
The Company’s derivative financial instruments are subject to both market and counterparty credit risk. Market risk is the potential for economic losses to be incurred on market risk sensitive instruments arising from adverse changes in market factors such as foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and other related variables. Counterparty credit risk is the risk of loss due to failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations in accordance with contractual terms. The Company’s derivative contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, which contain various netting and setoff provisions. However, the Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis on the consolidated balance sheets. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, the Company enters into derivative contracts with a diversified group of selected financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. Generally, the Company does not obtain collateral related to derivatives because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties.
v3.25.0.1
Segment Reporting
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting Segment Reporting
Mastercard has concluded it has one reportable operating segment, “Payment Solutions.” The Payment Solutions segment derives its revenues from a wide range of payment solutions provided to customers. Revenue is generated from offering customers access to Mastercard’s continuous payment network, as well as by providing value-added services and solutions, whether integrated and sold with the payment network or on a stand-alone basis. Revenue is recognized when services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services (i.e., fees charged to customers). All of the segment’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent upon and supportive of the other. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of Mastercard at the consolidated level. The accounting policies of the Payment Solutions segment are the same as those described in Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies).
Mastercard’s Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”). The CODM assesses performance for the Payment Solutions segment and decides how to allocate resources, including whether to reinvest profits into the Payment Solutions segment or into other business activities such as for acquisitions, to pay dividends or for share repurchases, based on net income as reported on the consolidated statements of operations (“Consolidated Net Income”). The CODM uses
Consolidated Net Income and other measures for internal planning and forecasting purposes and in the calculation of performance-based compensation.
The following represents the selected financial information regularly reviewed by the CODM to assess performance of the Payment Solutions segment for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
Net revenue
$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
Less:
Personnel
6,673 6,022 5,263 
Professional Fees
549 495 480 
Data processing and telecommunications
1,119 1,008 926 
Foreign exchange activity
65 83 102 
Advertising and marketing
815 825 789 
Depreciation and amortization
897 799 750 
Provision for litigation
680 539 356 
Investment Income
(327)(274)(61)
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net
29 61 145 
Interest expense
646 575 471 
Other (income) expense, net
(20)(23)
Income tax expense
2,380 2,444 1,802 
Other segment items 1
1,787 1,319 1,307 
Consolidated Net Income
$12,874 $11,195 $9,930 
1Includes fulfillment costs, occupancy costs, travel and meeting expenses, and other overhead expenses.
Revenue by geographic market is based on the location of the Company’s customer that issued the card, the location of the merchant acquirer where the card is being used or the location of the customer receiving services. Revenue generated in the U.S. was approximately 30% of net revenue in 2024, 30% in 2023 and 33% in 2022. No individual country, other than the U.S., generated more than 10% of net revenue in those periods. Mastercard did not have any individual customer that generated greater than 10% of net revenue in 2024, 2023 or 2022.
The following table reflects the geographical location of the Company’s property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net, as of December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
United States$1,095 $1,027 $1,123 
Other countries1,043 1,034 883 
Total$2,138 $2,061 $2,006 
v3.25.0.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
shares
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement
Rule 10b5-1 and Non-Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
During the three months ended December 31, 2024, certain of our officers and directors adopted or terminated trading arrangements for the sale of shares of our common stock as follows.
ActionDatePlansNumber of Securities to be SoldExpiration
Rule 10b5-1 1
Non-Rule 10b5-1 2
Michael Miebach,
President and Chief Executive Officer
AdoptionNovember 18, 2024X-
Up to (i) 29,952 shares of Class A common stock underlying employee stock options and (ii) 41,891 shares of Class A common stock underlying unvested restricted stock units and vested but not yet settled performance stock units 3
The earlier of (i) the date when all securities under plan are exercised and sold and (ii) November 15, 2025
Ed McLaughlin,
President, Chief Technology Officer
AdoptionNovember 18, 2024X-Up to (i) 13,040 shares of Class A common stock underlying employee stock options and (ii) 5,034 shares of Class A common stockThe earlier of (i) the date when all securities under plan are exercised and sold and (ii) November 18, 2025
Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer
AdoptionNovember 14, 2024X-Up to (i) 33,008 shares of Class A common stock underlying employee stock options and (ii) 3,100 shares of Class A common stockThe earlier of (i) the date when all securities under plan are exercised and sold and (ii) June 30, 2025
Ling Hai, President, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa
AdoptionNovember 29, 2024X-Up to 13,456 shares of Class A common stock underlying employee stock optionsThe earlier of (i) the date when all securities under plan are exercised and sold and (ii) February 27, 2026
1Intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).
2Not intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).
3The Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement provides for the sale of a percentage of shares to be received upon future vesting of certain outstanding equity awards, net of any shares withheld by us to satisfy applicable taxes. The number of shares to be withheld, and thus the exact number of shares to be sold pursuant to Mr. Miebach’s Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, can only be determined upon the occurrence of future vesting events. For purposes of this disclosure, we have reported the maximum aggregate number of shares to be sold without subtracting any shares to be withheld upon future vesting events.
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Michael Miebach [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Name Michael Miebach
Title President and Chief Executive Officer
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true
Adoption Date November 18, 2024
Expiration Date 11/15/2025
Arrangement Duration 362 days
Ed McLaughlin [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Name Ed McLaughlin
Title President, Chief Technology Officer
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true
Adoption Date November 18, 2024
Expiration Date 11/18/2025
Arrangement Duration 365 days
Craig Vosburg [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Name Craig Vosburg
Title Chief Services Officer
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true
Adoption Date November 14, 2024
Expiration Date 06/30/2025
Arrangement Duration 228 days
Ling Hai [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Name Ling Hai
Title President, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted true
Adoption Date November 29, 2024
Expiration Date 02/27/2026
Arrangement Duration 455 days
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock Underlying Employee Stock Options [Member] | Michael Miebach [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 29,952
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock Underlying Employee Stock Options [Member] | Ed McLaughlin [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 13,040
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock Underlying Employee Stock Options [Member] | Craig Vosburg [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 33,008
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock Underlying Employee Stock Options [Member] | Ling Hai [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 13,456
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock [Member] | Michael Miebach [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 41,891
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock [Member] | Ed McLaughlin [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 5,034
Trading Arrangement, Class A Common Stock [Member] | Craig Vosburg [Member]  
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Aggregate Available 3,100
v3.25.0.1
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]  
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted true
v3.25.0.1
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block] As a technology company in the global payments industry entrusted with the safeguarding of sensitive information (including personal information), cybersecurity risk management is an integral part of our overall enterprise risk management program. A robust program to protect our network from cyber and information security threats is critical to managing risk effectively. Our network and platforms incorporate multiple layers of protection, providing greater resiliency and security protection. Our programs are assessed by third parties and incorporate benchmarking and other data from peer companies and consultants. We engage in many efforts to mitigate information security challenges, including maintaining an information security program, an enterprise resilience program and insurance coverage, as well as regularly testing our systems to address potential vulnerabilities. We work with experts across the organization (as well as through other sources such as public-private partnerships) to monitor and respond quickly to a range of cyber and physical threats, including threats and incidents associated with the use of services provided by third-party providers. Our cybersecurity program provides (among other things) a framework for handling cybersecurity threats and incidents, which includes steps for identifying the nature of a cybersecurity threat (including whether the threat is associated with a third-party provider), assessing the severity of a cybersecurity threat (including advancing to key members of management where appropriate for determination of potential materiality) and implementing cybersecurity processes and procedures.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block] As a technology company in the global payments industry entrusted with the safeguarding of sensitive information (including personal information), cybersecurity risk management is an integral part of our overall enterprise risk management program. A robust program to protect our network from cyber and information security threats is critical to managing risk effectively. Our network and platforms incorporate multiple layers of protection, providing greater resiliency and security protection.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]
Our Board and Risk Committee have specific oversight responsibilities with respect to cybersecurity and privacy risk:
Board: Understanding the issues and risks that are central to the company’s success, including cybersecurity matters
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]
Our Board and Risk Committee have specific oversight responsibilities with respect to cybersecurity and privacy risk:
Board: Understanding the issues and risks that are central to the company’s success, including cybersecurity matters
Risk Committee: Overseeing risks relating to our policies, procedures and strategic approach to information security (inclusive of cybersecurity), privacy and data protection, among other things
In general, the Audit Committee and Risk Committee coordinate to oversee our guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management and our Audit Committee discusses our financial and operational risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. In this context, the Audit Committee would be informed of a material cybersecurity incident that could have a potential impact on our financial statements.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]
Given the importance of information security and privacy to our stakeholders, our Board receives an annual report from our CSO to discuss our program for managing information security risks, including cyber and data security risks. The Risk Committee also receives periodic briefings on data privacy from the Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer. Our Risk Committee receives regular reports on our cyber readiness, our risk profile status, our cybersecurity programs, material cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies, third-party assessments of our cybersecurity program and other cybersecurity developments. The Risk Committee Chairperson provides reports to the Board on such topics. Our Board and the Risk Committee also receive information about these topics as part of regular business and legal and regulatory updates. In addition, we engage directors as part of cybersecurity and data breach incident simulations. Further, the Audit Committee would be informed of a material cybersecurity incident that could have a potential impact on our financial statements.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]
Management responsibilities
We have a core group of senior executives who are responsible for assessing and managing risk and implementing policies, procedures and strategies pertaining to security governance, data protection and privacy. These executives include:
Chief Security Officer (CSO), who develops and oversees the programs, policies and controls we have implemented across the organization to reduce and prevent logical and physical risks, including information security and cyber risks to our people, intellectual property, data and tangible property
Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer, who establishes and oversees the programs, policies, processes and controls we have implemented across the organization to ensure compliance with worldwide laws and regulations regarding how we collect, use, share, store, transfer and otherwise process data and utilize AI, while also managing our relevant engagements with regulators, policymakers and key stakeholders
Chief Data Officer, who establishes and oversees our efforts to maintain an ethical, responsible enterprise data program that adheres to our high standards for data quality, curation and governance while minimizing data risks
Data Protection Officer, who reports to the Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer and, with the support of the Global Data Protection Office, ensures that we continue to adhere to the GDPR and local privacy requirements, including by handling privacy requests from individuals and regulators
In order to be appointed to one of the roles described above, we require expertise with cybersecurity or data privacy (as applicable), as demonstrated by prior work or other cybersecurity or data privacy experience or possession of a cybersecurity or data privacy degree or certification. Each individual currently serving in these roles meets the applicable expertise requirements.
How management is informed of and monitors incidents
Our management is responsible for identifying, considering and assessing material cybersecurity risks on an ongoing basis, establishing processes to ensure that such potential cybersecurity risks are monitored, implementing appropriate mitigation measures and maintaining our cybersecurity programs. Our cybersecurity programs are under the direction of our CSO (in coordination with our Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer and Chief Data Officer, among others), who receives reports from our cybersecurity teams and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Our management, including the CSO and our cybersecurity teams, follow a risk-based escalation process to notify the Risk Committee outside of the regular reporting cycle as appropriate when they identify an emerging risk or material issue.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Chief Security Officer (CSO), who develops and oversees the programs, policies and controls we have implemented across the organization to reduce and prevent logical and physical risks, including information security and cyber risks to our people, intellectual property, data and tangible property
Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer, who establishes and oversees the programs, policies, processes and controls we have implemented across the organization to ensure compliance with worldwide laws and regulations regarding how we collect, use, share, store, transfer and otherwise process data and utilize AI, while also managing our relevant engagements with regulators, policymakers and key stakeholders
Chief Data Officer, who establishes and oversees our efforts to maintain an ethical, responsible enterprise data program that adheres to our high standards for data quality, curation and governance while minimizing data risks
Data Protection Officer, who reports to the Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer and, with the support of the Global Data Protection Office, ensures that we continue to adhere to the GDPR and local privacy requirements, including by handling privacy requests from individuals and regulators
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block] In order to be appointed to one of the roles described above, we require expertise with cybersecurity or data privacy (as applicable), as demonstrated by prior work or other cybersecurity or data privacy experience or possession of a cybersecurity or data privacy degree or certification. Each individual currently serving in these roles meets the applicable expertise requirements.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Our management is responsible for identifying, considering and assessing material cybersecurity risks on an ongoing basis, establishing processes to ensure that such potential cybersecurity risks are monitored, implementing appropriate mitigation measures and maintaining our cybersecurity programs. Our cybersecurity programs are under the direction of our CSO (in coordination with our Chief Privacy and Data Responsibility Officer and Chief Data Officer, among others), who receives reports from our cybersecurity teams and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Our management, including the CSO and our cybersecurity teams, follow a risk-based escalation process to notify the Risk Committee outside of the regular reporting cycle as appropriate when they identify an emerging risk or material issue.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] true
v3.25.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization
Organization
Mastercard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mastercard International Incorporated (“Mastercard International” and together with Mastercard Incorporated, “Mastercard” or the “Company”), is a technology company in the global payments industry. Mastercard connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide by enabling electronic payments and making those payment transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services using its family of well-known and trusted brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company operates a payments network that provides choice and flexibility for consumers, merchants and Mastercard customers. Through its unique and proprietary global payments network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions. The Company has additional payments capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). Using these capabilities, the Company offers consumer and commercial payment products, captures new payment flows and provides services and solutions. The Company’s services and solutions include, among others, security solutions, consumer acquisition and engagement services, and business and market insights, all of which draw on Mastercard’s principled and responsible use of secure data. The Company’s capabilities strengthen, reinforce and complement each other and are fundamentally interdependent. For the global payments network, Mastercard’s franchise model sets the standards and ground-rules that balance value and risk across all stakeholders and allows for interoperability among them. The Company employs a multi-layered approach to help protect the global payments ecosystem in which it operates.
Mastercard is not a financial institution. The Company does not issue cards, extend credit, determine or receive revenue from interest rates or other fees charged to account holders by issuers, or establish the rates charged by acquirers in connection with merchants’ acceptance of the Company’s products. In most cases, account holder relationships belong to, and are managed by, the Company’s financial institution customers.
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
Consolidation and basis of presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mastercard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in VIEs for which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are not consolidated and are accounted for as marketable, equity method or measurement alternative method investments and recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant VIEs that required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2024 presentation. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported net revenue, operating income or net income. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Non-controlling interests represent the equity interest not owned by the Company and are recorded for consolidated entities in which the Company owns less than 100% of the interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest are accounted for as equity transactions, and upon loss of control, retained ownership interests are remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. For 2024, 2023 and 2022, net income/(losses) attributable to non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statements of operations within other income (expense).
Use of Estimates Policy
Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. These financial statements were prepared using information reasonably available as of December 31, 2024 and through the date of this Report. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition Policy
Revenue recognition - Revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
Revenue from the Company’s payment network is primarily generated by charging fees to customers (issuers, acquirers and other market participants) for providing switching and other network-related services, as well as by charging fees to customers based primarily on the gross dollar volume of activity (GDV, which includes both domestic and cross-border volume) on the cards that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is recognized in the period in which the related transactions and volume occur. Certain volume-based revenue is determined from information reported by customers.
Revenue from the Company’s value-added services and solutions is generated through either fixed or transaction-based fees. These services and solutions can be integrated and sold with the Company’s payment network services or can be sold on a stand-alone basis. For those contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price (“SSP”). The SSP is the price at which the Company would sell a promised product or service separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. Revenue from the Company’s value-added services and solutions is recognized in the period in which the related services and solutions are performed or transactions occur. For services provided to customers where delivery involves the use of a third-party, the Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis if it acts as the principal, controlling the service to the customer, or on a net basis if it acts as the agent, arranging for the service to be provided.
Mastercard has business agreements with certain customers that provide for rebates and incentives within net revenue that could be either fixed or variable. Fixed incentives typically represent payments to a customer directly related to entering into an agreement, which are generally capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement on a straight-line basis. Capitalized customer incentives are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Variable rebates and incentives are recorded primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term. Variable rebates and incentives are calculated based upon estimated customer performance, such as volume thresholds, and the terms of the related business agreements. Customer incentives to be paid to customers under business agreements are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Certain of the Company’s contracts may include options to receive additional value-added services and solutions. The Company accounts for the option as a distinct performance obligation if the option provides a material right to the customer. Material rights are incremental to the standard offerings, which a customer would not have received without entering into the contract. If a material right exists in a contract, revenue allocated to the option is deferred and recognized as revenue when those future products or services are transferred or when the option expires. The value of the option is based on observable prices in the contract or on a relative SSP basis.
Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed value-added services and solutions performed for customers in connection with Mastercard’s payments network service arrangements. Collection for these services typically occurs over the contractual term. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company defers the recognition of revenue when consideration has been received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations. As these performance obligations are satisfied, revenue is subsequently recognized. Deferred revenue primarily relates to certain value-added services and solutions. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Business Combinations Policy Business combinations - The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company measures the tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and contingent consideration at fair value as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Measurement period adjustments, if any, to the preliminary estimated fair value of the intangibles assets as of the acquisition date are recorded in goodwill.
Intangible Assets and Impairment of Assets Policy
Goodwill and other intangible assets - Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill and customer relationships. Goodwill represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, intangible assets acquired in business combinations (including customer relationships and acquired technology) and other intangible assets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, on a straight-line basis, which range from one to twenty years. Capitalized software includes internal and external costs incurred directly related to the design, development and testing phases of each capitalized software project.
The valuation methods for goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in business combinations involve assumptions concerning comparable company multiples, discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. The Company uses various valuation techniques to determine the fair value of its intangible assets, primarily discounted cash flows analysis, relief-from-royalty and multi-period excess earnings. As the assumptions employed to measure these assets are based on
management’s judgment using internal and external data, these fair value determinations are classified in Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy (as defined in Fair value subsection below).
Impairment of assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter, or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment evaluation for goodwill utilizes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. The qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, operating environment, financial performance and other relevant events. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then the Company is required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge.
The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, then a quantitative assessment is required.  If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the carrying value, the asset is not impaired. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, the asset is impaired and the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge.
Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recorded.
Impairment charges, if any, are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Litigation Policy
Litigation - The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and accrues a loss contingency when the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Loss contingencies are recorded in provision for litigation on the consolidated statements of operations. These judgments are subjective based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of its defenses and consultation with in-house and external legal counsel. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Settlement and Other Risk Management Policy
Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the payment network transactions between its customers. Settlement exposure is the outstanding settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. For those transactions the Company guarantees, the guarantee will cover the full amount of the settlement obligation to the extent the settlement obligation is not otherwise satisfied. The duration of the settlement exposure is short-term and generally limited to a few days.
The Company also enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable.
The Company accounts for each of its guarantees by recording the guarantee at its fair value at the inception or modification date through earnings.
Settlement assets/obligations - The Company operates systems for settling payment transactions among participants in the payments ecosystem in which the Company operates. Settlement is generally completed on a same-day basis. In some circumstances, however, funds may not settle until subsequent business days. In addition, the Company may receive or post funds in advance of transactions related to certain payments capabilities. The Company classifies the balances arising from these various activities as settlement assets and settlement obligations.
Income Taxes Policy
Income taxes - The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are displayed separately as noncurrent assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Valuation allowances are provided against assets which are not more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes all material tax positions, including uncertain tax positions in which it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based on its technical merits and if challenged by the relevant taxing authorities. At each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions are reassessed to determine whether subsequent developments require a change in the amount of recognized tax benefit. The allowance for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company
records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Policy
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include certain investments with daily liquidity and with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - The Company classifies cash and cash equivalents as restricted when it is unavailable for withdrawal or use in its general operations. The Company has the following types of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (“restricted cash”) that are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows:
Restricted cash - Restricted cash includes cash segregated to meet regulatory commitments, cash within qualified legal settlement funds and cash restricted for other general business purposes, including contractually restricted deposits as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage.
Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires certain customers to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or forms of credit enhancement such as letters of credit and guarantees, for settlement of their transactions. Certain risk mitigation arrangements for settlement, such as standby letters of credit and bank guarantees, are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company also holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit from certain customers as collateral for settlement of their transactions, which are recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheets. The amount of these security deposits and the duration held are determined by the risk profile of the individual customer and the Company’s risk management practices.
Fair Value Policy
Fair value - The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company also measures certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, when a change in fair value or impairment is evidenced. The Company classifies these recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy (“Valuation Hierarchy”).
The Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the Valuation Hierarchy are as follows: 
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and cannot be directly corroborated by observable market data.
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include investment securities available-for-sale, marketable securities, derivative instruments and deferred compensation. The Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include nonmarketable securities. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, equipment and right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.
Investment Securities Policy
Investment securities - The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the date of acquisition.
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Investments in debt securities that are available to meet the Company’s current operational needs are classified as current assets and the securities that are not available for current operational needs are classified as noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of changes in equity. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses.
The Company evaluates its debt securities for impairment on an ongoing basis. When there has been a decline in fair value of a debt security below the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes an impairment if: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; or (3) it does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The credit loss component of the impairment is recognized as an allowance and recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of
operations while the non-credit related loss remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized from a sale or subsequent impairment.
Held-to-maturity securities:
Time deposits - The Company classifies time deposits with original maturities greater than three months as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities that mature within one year are classified as current assets within investments on the consolidated balance sheets while held-to-maturity securities with maturities of greater than one year are classified as other assets. Time deposits are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets and are intended to be held until maturity.
Equity investments - The Company holds equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies.
Marketable equity securities - Marketable equity securities are strategic investments in publicly traded companies and are measured at fair value using quoted prices in their respective active markets with changes recorded through gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Marketable equity securities that are expected to be held as part of the Company’s long-term investment strategy are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, include strategic investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market values. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its nonmarketable equity investments when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments are accounted for under the measurement alternative method or equity method.
Measurement alternative method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the measurement alternative method of accounting when it does not exercise significant influence, generally when it holds less than 20% ownership in the entity or when the interest in a limited partnership or limited liability company is less than 5% and the Company has no significant influence over the operations of the investee. Investments in companies that Mastercard does not control, but that are not in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock, are also accounted for under the measurement alternative method of accounting. Measurement alternative investments are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Fair value adjustments, as well as impairments, are included in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Equity method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of the investee, generally when it holds between 20% and 50% ownership in the entity. The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments accounted for under the equity method is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The amortization of the excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments and Mastercard’s share of net earnings or losses of entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting is included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
In addition, investments in flow-through entities such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies are also accounted for under the equity method when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of the investee, generally when the investment ownership percentage is equal to or greater than 5% of the outstanding ownership interest. The Company’s share of net earnings or losses for these investments are included in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments Policy
Derivative and hedging instruments - The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts are included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value of the contracts are based on inputs that are observable based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments, realized and unrealized gains and losses from the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized in current earnings.
The Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments are required to meet established accounting criteria. In addition, an effectiveness assessment is required to demonstrate that the derivative is expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposure both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. The method of assessing hedge effectiveness and measuring hedge results is formally documented at hedge inception and assessed at least quarterly throughout the designated hedge period.
The Company may designate derivative instruments as cash flow, fair value and net investment hedges, as follows:
Cash flow hedges - Fair value adjustments to derivative instruments are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are subsequently reclassified to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. For hedges that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and any gains and losses remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings when the underlying forecasted transaction occurs. Any amounts excluded from effectiveness testing of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will no longer occur, the associated gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations in current earnings.
Fair value hedges - Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current-period earnings, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability (“hedged item”) that is attributable to the hedged risk. All amounts recognized in earnings are recorded to the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of operations as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Hedged items are measured on the consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amount adjusted for any changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk (“basis adjustments”). The Company defers the amortization of any basis adjustments until the end of the derivative instrument’s term. If the hedge designation is discontinued for reasons other than derecognition of the hedged item, the remaining basis adjustments are amortized in accordance with applicable GAAP for the hedged item.
Net investment hedges - The Company has numerous investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company may use foreign currency denominated debt and/or derivative instruments to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the hedging instruments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets as a cumulative translation adjustment component of equity. Gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings only if the Company sells or substantially liquidates its net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Amounts excluded from effectiveness testing of net investment hedges are recognized in earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the net investment hedge each quarter.
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets Policy
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
Leases Policy
The Company determines if a contract is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. The Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are primarily related to operating leases for office space, automobiles and other equipment. Leases are included in property, equipment and right-of-use assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In addition, ROU assets include initial direct costs incurred by the lessee as well as any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and exclude lease incentives. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined by using the rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments for a similar term and in a similar economic environment. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Leases with a term of one year or less are excluded from ROU assets and liabilities.
The Company excludes variable lease payments in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, other than those that depend on an index, a rate or are in-substance fixed payments. Lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. When available, consideration is allocated to the separate lease and nonlease components in a lease contract on a relative standalone price basis using observable standalone prices.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Policy
Pension and other postretirement plans - The Company recognizes the funded status of its single-employer defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans as assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date.
Overfunded plans, if any, are aggregated and recorded in other assets, while underfunded plans are aggregated and recorded as accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs or credits and gains or losses previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The service cost component is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Defined Contribution Plans Policy Defined contribution plans - The Company’s contributions to defined contribution plans are recorded as employees render service to the Company. The charge is recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising and Marketing Policy
Advertising and marketing - Expenses incurred to promote Mastercard’s brand, products and services are recognized in advertising and marketing on the consolidated statements of operations. The timing of recognition is dependent on the type of advertising or marketing expense.
Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Translation Policy
Foreign currency remeasurement and translation - Revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than applicable functional currency of an entity are converted to the functional currency at the exchange rate on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Where a non-U.S. currency is the functional currency, translation from that functional currency to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Treasury Stock Policy
Treasury stock - The Company records the repurchase of shares of its common stock at cost on the trade date of the transaction. These shares are considered treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock is included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares. The Company also records an excise tax of 1% on the fair market value of net repurchases of shares of its common stock within treasury stock.
Share-based Payments Policy Share-based payments - The Company measures share-based compensation expense at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award and uses the straight-line method of attribution, net of estimated forfeitures, for expensing awards over the requisite employee service period. The Company estimates the fair value of its non-qualified stock option awards (“Options”) using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is determined and fixed on the grant date based on the Company’s stock price, adjusted for the exclusion of dividend equivalents. The Monte Carlo simulation valuation model is used to determine the grant date fair value of performance stock units (“PSUs”) granted. All share-based compensation expenses are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy Redeemable non-controlling interests - The Company’s business combinations may include provisions allowing non-controlling equity owners the ability to require the Company to purchase additional interests in the subsidiary at their discretion. The interests are initially recorded at fair value and in subsequent reporting periods are accreted or adjusted to the estimated redemption value. The adjustments to the redemption value are recorded to retained earnings or additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The redeemable non-controlling interests are considered temporary and reported outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheets at the greater of the carrying amount adjusted for the non-controlling interest’s share of net income (loss) or its redemption value.
Earnings Per Share Policy Earnings per share - The Company calculates basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and unvested stock units using the treasury stock method. The Company may be required to calculate EPS using the two-class method as a result of its redeemable non-controlling interests. If redemption value exceeds the fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interests, the excess would be a reduction to net income for the EPS calculation.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures - In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The guidance includes improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses - In November 2024, the FASB issued accounting guidance to improve the disclosures of a public business entity’s expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods after December 15, 2027. The Company is in the process of evaluating when it will adopt this guidance.
v3.25.0.1
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets Policy
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
v3.25.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Useful lives of Company's assets
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Buildings, building equipment and land$709 $678 
Equipment2,118 1,940 
Furniture and fixtures101 90 
Leasehold improvements436 398 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,167 1,192 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets4,531 4,298 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,393)(2,237)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$2,138 $2,061 
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
v3.25.0.1
Acquisitions Business Combination (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed The fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for the years ended December 31.
202420232022
(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$270 **$11 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
79 **
Goodwill1,736 **200 
Other intangible assets, net
1,361 **125 
Other assets20 **
Total assets3,466 **352 
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities413 **15 
Deferred income taxes 207 **
Other liabilities65 **
Total liabilities685 **27 
Net assets acquired$2,781 
**
$325 
** No material business acquisitions completed in 2023.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination
The following table summarizes the identified intangible assets acquired during the years ended December 31:
202420232022202420232022
Acquisition Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in millions)(in years)
Developed technologies$530 **$100 8.9**7.8
Customer relationships781 **25 15.0**17.0
Other
50 **— 9.0**
Other intangible assets, net
$1,361 **$125 12.4**9.6
** No material business acquisitions completed in 2023.
v3.25.0.1
Revenue (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by category and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 202420232022
(in millions)
Net revenue by category:
Payment network$17,335 $15,824 $14,358 
Value-added services and solutions10,832 9,274 7,879 
Net revenue$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
Net revenue by geographic region:
Americas 1
$12,375 $11,135 $10,156 
Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa
15,792 13,963 12,081 
Net revenue$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
1Americas includes the United States, Canada and Latin America. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation.
The following table sets forth the location of the amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets from contracts with customers at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Receivables from contracts with customers
Accounts receivable
$3,491 $3,851 
Contract assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets210 133 
Other assets460 387 
Deferred revenue 1, 2
Other current liabilities890 459 
Other liabilities449 318 
1    Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in 2024 was $2.8 billion.
2 During 2024, the increase in deferred revenue is primarily driven by the acquisition of Recorded Future.
v3.25.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
The components of basic and diluted EPS for common shares for each of the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 202420232022
 (in millions, except per share data)
Numerator
Net income$12,874 $11,195 $9,930 
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding925 944 968 
Dilutive stock options and stock units
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1
927 946 971 
Earnings per Share
Basic$13.91 $11.86 $10.26 
Diluted$13.89 $11.83 $10.22 
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
1For the years presented, the calculation of diluted EPS excluded a minimal amount of anti-dilutive share-based payment awards.
v3.25.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table provides the components of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheets that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$8,442 $8,588 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 1
492 32 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,874 1,845 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$10,808 $10,465 
1During 2024, the Company increased its Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balance primarily as a result of cash segregated to meet regulatory commitments, as the Company is subject to systemic importance regulation in the European Union. The increase was also attributable to restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the ATM non-discrimination rule surcharge complaints. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information.
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table provides the components of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheets that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$8,442 $8,588 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 1
492 32 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,874 1,845 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$10,808 $10,465 
1During 2024, the Company increased its Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balance primarily as a result of cash segregated to meet regulatory commitments, as the Company is subject to systemic importance regulation in the European Union. The increase was also attributable to restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the ATM non-discrimination rule surcharge complaints. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information.
v3.25.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]  
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
The following table includes supplemental cash flow disclosures for each of the years ended December 31:
202420232022
 (in millions)
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$3,252 $2,746 $2,506 
Cash paid for interest571 477 414 
Cash paid for legal settlements496 929 114 
v3.25.0.1
Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments On the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Investments on the consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Available-for-sale securities
$292 $286 
Held-to-maturity securities 1
38 306 
Total investments $330 $592 
1Held-to-maturity securities represent investments in time deposits that mature within one year. The cost of these securities approximates fair value.
Available-for-sale investment securities
The major classes of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and their respective amortized cost basis and fair values at December 31 were as follows:
 20242023
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair ValueAmortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair Value
(in millions)
Government and agency securities$80 $— $— $80 $86 $— $— $86 
Corporate securities187 — 188 200 (1)200 
Asset-backed securities24 — — 24 — — — — 
Total$291 $1 $ $292 $286 $1 $(1)$286 
Maturity Distribution Based on Contractual Terms of Investment Securities
The maturity distribution based on the contractual terms of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities at December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
(in millions)
Due within 1 year$134 $134 
Due after 1 year through 5 years157 158 
Total$291 $292 
Equity Method Investments
The following table is a summary of the activity related to the Company’s equity investments:
 Balance at December 31, 2023PurchasesSales
Changes in Fair Value 1
Other 2
Balance at December 31, 2024
(in millions)
Marketable securities $506 $— $(104)$(28)$(137)$237 
Nonmarketable securities 1,223 42 (21)(1)127 1,370 
Total equity investments $1,729 $42 $(125)$(29)$(10)$1,607 
1Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
2Includes reclasses between Marketable and Nonmarketable securities as well as translational impact of currency.
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value
The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s Nonmarketable securities at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Measurement alternative
$1,140 $1,008 
Equity method
230 215 
Total Nonmarketable securities$1,370 $1,223 
Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments
The following table summarizes the total carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments, including cumulative unrealized gains and losses through December 31:
2024
(in millions)
Initial cost basis
$693 
Cumulative adjustments 1:
Upward adjustments645 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)(198)
Carrying amount, end of period$1,140 
1Includes immaterial translational impact of currency.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in the Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments
The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses included in the carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments and Marketable securities for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
Measurement alternative investments:
Upward adjustments$11 $$114 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)$(9)$(145)$(23)
Marketable securities:
Unrealized gains (losses), net$(34)$97 $(213)
v3.25.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]  
Distribution of Financial Instruments, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The distribution of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the Valuation Hierarchy was as follows:
 December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
TotalQuoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(in millions)
Assets
Investment securities available-for-sale 1:
Government and agency securities$36 $44 $— $80 $33 $53 $— $86 
Corporate securities— 188 — 188 — 200 — 200 
Asset-backed securities— 24 — 24 — — — — 
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts— 206 — 206 — 36 — 36 
Marketable securities 3:
Equity securities237 — — 237 506 — — 506 
Deferred compensation plan 4:
Deferred compensation assets107 — — 107 93 — — 93 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts$— $36 $— $36 $— $104 $— $104 
Interest rate contracts— 63 — 63 — 79 — 79 
Deferred compensation plan 5:
Deferred compensation liabilities105 — — 105 91 — — 91 
1The Company’s U.S. government securities are classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale non-U.S. government and agency securities, corporate and asset-backed securities are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, benchmark yields and issuer spreads for similar assets in active markets and are therefore included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy.
2The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative asset and liability contracts measured at fair value are based on observable inputs such as broker quotes for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details.
3The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets.
4The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where assets are invested primarily in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust, which is restricted for payments to participants of the plan. The Company has elected to use the fair value option for these mutual funds, which are measured using quoted prices of identical instruments in active markets and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
5The deferred compensation liabilities are measured at fair value based on the quoted prices of identical instruments to the investment vehicles selected by the participants. These are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
v3.25.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Customer incentives
$1,854 $1,570 
Other1,138 1,041 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$2,992 $2,611 
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Customer incentives
$6,550 $5,170 
Equity investments1,607 1,729 
Income taxes receivable1,002 783 
Other800 643 
Total other assets$9,959 $8,325 
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Buildings, building equipment and land$709 $678 
Equipment2,118 1,940 
Furniture and fixtures101 90 
Leasehold improvements436 398 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,167 1,192 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets4,531 4,298 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,393)(2,237)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$2,138 $2,061 
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
Operating Lease ROU Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as follows at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Balance sheet location
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$681 $686 
Other current liabilities133 142 
Other liabilities627 633 
Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities
The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2024 based on lease term:
(in millions)
2025$161 
2026139 
2027105 
202887 
202969 
Thereafter328 
Total operating lease payments889 
Less: Interest(129)
Present value of operating lease liabilities$760 
v3.25.0.1
Goodwill (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
20242023
(in millions)
Beginning balance$7,660 $7,522 
Additions1,736 46 
Foreign currency translation(203)92 
Ending balance$9,193 $7,660 
v3.25.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth net intangible assets, other than goodwill, at December 31:
20242023
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(in millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Capitalized software 1
$4,797 $(1,640)$3,157 $3,917 $(1,530)$2,387 
Customer relationships2,804 (720)2,084 2,165 (641)1,524 
Other99 (40)59 51 (38)13 
Total7,700 (2,400)5,300 6,133 (2,209)3,924 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships153 — 153 162 — 162 
Total$7,853 $(2,400)$5,453 $6,295 $(2,209)$4,086 
1Includes technology acquired in business combinations.
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense The following table sets forth the estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024:
(in millions)
2025$698 
2026706 
2027641 
2028580 
2029542 
Thereafter2,133 
Total$5,300 
v3.25.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023
 (in millions)
Customer incentives
$7,627 $6,219 
Personnel costs1,681 1,258 
Income and other taxes454 486 
Other631 554 
Total accrued expenses$10,393 $8,517 
v3.25.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan The following table sets forth the components of the Pension Plans recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Fair value of plan assets$454 $449 
Projected benefit obligation410 420 
Accumulated benefit obligation408 419 
Funded Status
4429
v3.25.0.1
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt
Debt consisted of the following at December 31:
20242023Effective
Interest Rate
(in millions)
Senior Notes
2024 USD Notes
4.100 %
Senior Notes due January 2028
$750 $— 4.262 %
4.350 %
Senior Notes due January 2032
1,150 — 4.446 %
4.550 %
Senior Notes due January 2035
1,100 — 4.633 %
4.875 %
Senior Notes due May 2034
1,000 — 5.047 %
2023 USD Notes4.875 %Senior Notes due March 2028750 750 5.003 %
4.850 %Senior Notes due March 2033750 750 4.923 %
2022 EUR Notes 1
1.000 %Senior Notes due February 2029781 830 1.138 %
2021 USD Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2031750 750 2.112 %
1.900 %Senior Notes due March 2031600 600 1.981 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due March 2051700 700 3.013 %
2020 USD Notes3.300 %Senior Notes due March 20271,000 1,000 3.420 %
3.350 %Senior Notes due March 20301,500 1,500 3.430 %
3.850 %Senior Notes due March 20501,500 1,500 3.896 %
2019 USD Notes2.950 %Senior Notes due June 20291,000 1,000 3.030 %
3.650 %Senior Notes due June 20491,000 1,000 3.689 %
2.000 %Senior Notes due March 2025750 750 2.147 %
2018 USD Notes3.500 %Senior Notes due February 2028500 500 3.598 %
3.950 %Senior Notes due February 2048500 500 3.990 %
2016 USD Notes2.950 %Senior Notes due November 2026750 750 3.044 %
3.800 %Senior Notes due November 2046600 600 3.893 %
2015 EUR Notes 2
2.100 %Senior Notes due December 2027833 885 2.189 %
2.500 %Senior Notes due December 2030156 166 2.562 %
2014 USD Notes3.375 %Senior Notes due April 2024— 1,000 3.484 %
Other Debt
2023 INR Term Loan 3
9.430 %Term Loan due July 2024— 338 9.780 %
18,420 15,869 
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(131)(109)
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 4
(63)(79)
Total debt outstanding18,226 15,681 
Less: Short-term debt 5
(750)(1,337)
Long-term debt$17,476 $14,344 
1€750 million euro-denominated debt issued in February 2022.
2€950 million euro-denominated debt remaining of the €1.650 billion issued in December 2015.
3INR28.1 billion Indian rupee-denominated loan issued in July 2023.
4The Company has an interest rate swap that is accounted for as a fair value hedge. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
5The 2019 USD Notes due March 2025 are classified as short-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the 2014 USD Notes due April 2024 and the INR Term Loan due July 2024 were classified as short-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, on the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of debt outstanding at December 31, 2024 are summarized below.
(in millions)
2025$750 
2026750 
20271,833 
20282,000 
20291,781 
Thereafter11,306 
Total$18,420 
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Schedule of Classes of Capital Stock
Mastercard’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the following classes of capital stock:
ClassPar Value Per ShareAuthorized Shares
(in millions)
Dividend and Voting Rights
A$0.00013,000 One vote per share
Dividend rights
B$0.00011,200 Non-voting
Dividend rights
Preferred$0.0001300 No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Dividend and voting rights are to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance.
Dividends Declared The total per share dividends declared during the years ended December 31 are summarized below: 
202420232022
(in millions, except per share data)
Dividends declared per share $2.74 $2.37 $2.04 
Total dividends declared$2,526 $2,231 $1,968 
Schedule of Ownership and Governance Structure
Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31:
20242023
Equity OwnershipGeneral Voting PowerEquity OwnershipGeneral Voting Power
Public Investors (Class A stockholders)89.9 %90.6 %88.8 %89.5 %
Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders)9.3 %9.4 %10.4 %10.5 %
Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders)0.7 %— %0.8 %— %
Schedule of Changes in Common Stock Outstanding
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock:
 Outstanding Shares
 Class AClass B
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2021972.1 7.8 
Purchases of treasury stock(25.7)— 
Share-based payments1.8 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.2 (0.2)
Balance at December 31, 2022948.4 7.6 
Purchases of treasury stock(23.8)— 
Share-based payments2.3 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.4 (0.4)
Balance at December 31, 2023927.3 7.2 
Purchases of treasury stock(23.0)— 
Share-based payments1.9 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.4 (0.4)
Balance at December 31, 2024906.6 6.8 
Summary of Share Repurchase Authorization The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase authorizations of its Class A common stock for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(In millions, except per share data)
Board authorization$12,000 $11,000 $9,000 
Dollar-value of shares repurchased
$10,954 $9,032 $8,753 
Shares repurchased23.0 23.8 25.7 
Average price paid per share$475.35 $379.49 $340.60 
v3.25.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
December 31, 2023Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2024
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(1,119)$(439)$— $(1,558)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
181 114 — 295 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
(17)149 (183)(51)
Interest rate contracts(118)— (113)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(25)19 — (6)
Investment securities available-for-sale(1)— — 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$(1,099)$(156)$(178)$(1,433)

December 31, 2022Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2023
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(1,414)$295 $— $(1,119)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
309 (128)— 181 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
(8)(31)22 (17)
Interest rate contracts(123)— (118)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(11)(13)(1)(25)
Investment securities available-for-sale(6)— (1)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$(1,253)$128 $26 $(1,099)
1During 2024, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro, Brazilian real, and British pound against the U.S. dollar. During 2023, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the appreciation of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar.
2During 2024, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the depreciation of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar. During 2023, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the appreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
3Certain foreign exchange derivative contracts are designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Valuation of Stock Option Awards The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per Option granted for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
Risk-free rate of return4.2 %4.2 %1.6 %
Expected term (in years)6.006.006.00
Expected volatility28.7 %29.5 %24.6 %
Expected dividend yield0.6 %0.6 %0.6 %
Weighted-average fair value per Option granted$164.66 $123.22 $86.92 
Summary of Stock Option Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in years)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20243.0 $217 
Granted0.2 $476 
Exercised(1.1)$163 
Forfeited— $418 
Outstanding at December 31, 20242.1 $273 5.2$524 
Exercisable at December 31, 20241.6 $230 4.2$461 
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 20242.1 $273 5.2$524 
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
UnitsWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20242.2 $344 
Granted1.0 $472 
Converted(1.0)$338 
Forfeited(0.1)$391 
Outstanding at December 31, 20242.1 $403 $1,081 
RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20242.0 $403 $1,034 
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
UnitsWeighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20240.6 $365 
Granted0.2 $512 
Converted(0.3)$385 
Other0.1 $335 
Outstanding at December 31, 20240.6 $396 $325 
PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20240.6 $396 $321 
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan
The following table includes additional share-based payment information for each of the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions, except weighted-average fair value)
Share-based compensation expense
$526 $460 $295 
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards111 99 61 
Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised77 95 49 
Options
Total intrinsic value of Options exercised354 487 231 
RSUs
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 472 350 340 
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested340 235 305 
Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock477 253 420 
PSUs
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted512 365 335 
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested99 12 — 
Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock122 14 — 
v3.25.0.1
Commitments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements
At December 31, 2024, the Company had the following future minimum payments due under noncancelable agreements, primarily related to sponsorships to promote the Mastercard brand and licensing arrangements. The amount accrued related to these future payments as of December 31, 2024 was not material.
(in millions)
2025$735 
2026595 
2027406 
2028248 
202962 
Thereafter27 
Total$2,073 
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Income Before Income Taxes
The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
202420232022
(in millions)
United States$6,168 $4,506 $4,228 
Foreign9,086 9,133 7,504 
Income before income taxes$15,254 $13,639 $11,732 
Components of Income Tax Provision
The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 was comprised of the following components:
202420232022
(in millions)
Current
Federal$1,093 $991 $1,024 
State and local144 127 133 
Foreign1,670 1,563 1,296 
Total current
2,907 2,681 2,453 
Deferred
Federal(197)(180)(661)
State and local(14)(18)(40)
Foreign(316)(39)50 
Total deferred
(527)(237)(651)
Income tax expense$2,380 $2,444 $1,802 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, was as follows:
202420232022
AmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercent
($ in millions)
Income before income taxes$15,254 $13,639 $11,732 
Federal statutory tax3,203 21.0 %2,864 21.0 %2,464 21.0 %
State tax effect, net of federal benefit90 0.6 %82 0.6 %72 0.6 %
Foreign tax effect(649)(4.3)%(393)(2.9)%(347)(3.0)%
Valuation allowance - U.S. foreign tax credit— — %327 2.4 %(333)(2.8)%
U.S. tax expense on foreign operations82 0.5 %39 0.3 %111 0.9 %
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction(195)(1.3)%(144)(1.1)%(129)(1.1)%
Windfall benefit(93)(0.6)%(88)(0.6)%(68)(0.6)%
Other, net(58)(0.4)%(243)(1.8)%32 0.3 %
Income tax expense$2,380 15.6 %$2,444 17.9 %$1,802 15.4 %
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
20242023
(in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities$939 $863 
Compensation and benefits371 335 
Net operating losses468 149 
U.S. foreign tax credits736 635 
Property and equipment
432 277 
Intangible assets160 182 
Lease liabilities
134 158 
Other items236 203 
Less: Valuation allowance(871)(758)
Total deferred tax assets
2,605 2,044 
Deferred tax liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other accruals195 211 
Gains on equity investments112 112 
Goodwill and intangible assets760 518 
Right-of-use lease assets
116 138 
Other items125 79 
Total deferred tax liabilities
1,308 1,058 
Net deferred tax assets
$1,297 $986 
Summary of Changes to Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
The changes in the Company’s valuation allowance on deferred tax assets were as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2021
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2022
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2023
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets
Change/(Release)
Balance at December 31, 2024
(in millions)
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward 1
$333 $— $(333)$— $308 $327 $635 $101 $— $736 
Net operating and capital losses 2
82 23 114 12 (3)123 11 135 
Total$415 $23 $(324)$114 $320 $324 $758 $112 $1 $871 
1The 2022 activity resulted in a full release of the valuation allowance associated with the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward due to final U.S. tax regulations published in 2022. The 2023 activity resulted in the establishment of the valuation allowance associated with the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward due to foreign tax legislation enacted in Brazil and the Notice released by Treasury.
2Capital losses are included within other items in the deferred tax assets section of the components of the Deferred Income Taxes table above.
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
202420232022
(in millions)
Beginning balance$431 $414 $360 
Additions:
Current year tax positions37 23 22 
Prior year tax positions 1
34 16 65 
Reductions:
Prior year tax positions 1
(189)(7)(14)
Settlements with tax authorities— — (13)
Expired statute of limitations(9)(15)(6)
Ending balance$304 $431 $414 
1Includes immaterial translational impact of currency.
v3.25.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]  
Estimated Settlement Exposure and Portion of Uncollateralized Settlement Exposure for MasterCard-Branded Transactions
The Company’s estimated settlement exposure was as follows at December 31:
20242023
(in millions)
Gross settlement exposure$78,385 $75,023 
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure
(13,466)(12,167)
Net settlement exposure
$64,919 $62,856 
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]  
Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments at Fair Value and Related Notional Amounts
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the related notional amounts:
December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
 NotionalDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesNotionalDerivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$3,951 $135 $$1,006 $$25 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
1,000 — 63 1,000 — 79 
Foreign exchange contracts in a net investment hedge 1
2,511 54 — — — — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
2,741 17 30 5,424 34 79 
Total
$10,203 $206 $99 $7,430 $36 $183 
1Foreign exchange derivative assets and liabilities are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
2Interest rate derivative liabilities are included within other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Gain (Loss) Related to the Company's Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
The pre-tax gain (loss) related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years ended December 31,
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Earnings
Years ended December 31,
202420232022202420232022
(in millions)(in millions)
Derivative financial instruments in a cash flow hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts 1
$161 $(41)$Net revenue$$(29)$16 
General and administrative 2
$177 $— $— 
Interest rate contracts$— $— $— Interest expense$(7)$(6)$(6)
Derivative financial instruments in a net investment hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts $43 $(98)$177 
1Includes immaterial amounts excluded from the effectiveness assessment recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
2Includes immaterial amounts excluded from the effectiveness assessment recognized in earnings.
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income for the Contracts to Purchase and Sell Foreign Currency Summary
The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statements of operations for non-designated derivative contracts is summarized below:
 Years ended December 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:202420232022
 (in millions)
Foreign exchange contracts
General and administrative$32 $42 $21 
v3.25.0.1
Segment Reporting (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The following represents the selected financial information regularly reviewed by the CODM to assess performance of the Payment Solutions segment for the years ended December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
Net revenue
$28,167 $25,098 $22,237 
Less:
Personnel
6,673 6,022 5,263 
Professional Fees
549 495 480 
Data processing and telecommunications
1,119 1,008 926 
Foreign exchange activity
65 83 102 
Advertising and marketing
815 825 789 
Depreciation and amortization
897 799 750 
Provision for litigation
680 539 356 
Investment Income
(327)(274)(61)
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net
29 61 145 
Interest expense
646 575 471 
Other (income) expense, net
(20)(23)
Income tax expense
2,380 2,444 1,802 
Other segment items 1
1,787 1,319 1,307 
Consolidated Net Income
$12,874 $11,195 $9,930 
1Includes fulfillment costs, occupancy costs, travel and meeting expenses, and other overhead expenses.
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographical Location
The following table reflects the geographical location of the Company’s property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net, as of December 31:
202420232022
(in millions)
United States$1,095 $1,027 $1,123 
Other countries1,043 1,034 883 
Total$2,138 $2,061 $2,006 
v3.25.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details)
Dec. 31, 2024
Maximum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Historical Cost Method Ownership Percentage 20.00%
Maximum | Consolidated entities in which Company has less than 100% interest  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent 100.00%
Other | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life 1 year
Other | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life 20 years
Partnership | Maximum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Historical Cost Method Ownership Percentage 5.00%
v3.25.0.1
Acquisitions Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2023
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill $ 9,193 $ 9,193 $ 7,522 $ 7,660
Dynamic Yield LTD        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Interests acquired (percent)     100.00%  
Payments to acquire businesses, gross     $ 325  
Goodwill     $ 200  
RF Ultimate Parent, Inc.        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Total consideration $ 2,700      
Interests acquired (percent) 100.00% 100.00%    
Goodwill $ 1,700 $ 1,700    
2024 Acquisitions        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Total consideration   2,800    
Goodwill $ 1,736 $ 1,736    
v3.25.0.1
Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Assets:      
Goodwill $ 9,193 $ 7,660 $ 7,522
2022 Acquisitions      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents     11
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     7
Other intangible assets, net     125
Goodwill     200
Other assets     9
Total assets     352
Liabilities:      
Other current liabilities     15
Deferred income taxes     3
Other liabilities     9
Total liabilities     27
Net assets acquired     $ 325
2024 Acquisitions      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents 270    
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 79    
Other intangible assets, net 1,361    
Goodwill 1,736    
Other assets 20    
Total assets 3,466    
Liabilities:      
Other current liabilities 413    
Deferred income taxes 207    
Other liabilities 65    
Total liabilities 685    
Net assets acquired $ 2,781    
v3.25.0.1
Acquisitions - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2022
2024 Acquisitions    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net $ 1,361  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) 12 years 4 months 24 days  
2024 Acquisitions | Developed technologies    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net $ 530  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) 8 years 10 months 24 days  
2024 Acquisitions | Customer relationships    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net $ 781  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) 15 years  
2024 Acquisitions | Other    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net $ 50  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) 9 years  
2022 Acquisitions    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net   $ 125
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)   9 years 7 months 6 days
2022 Acquisitions | Developed technologies    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net   $ 100
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)   7 years 9 months 18 days
2022 Acquisitions | Customer relationships    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net   $ 25
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)   17 years
2022 Acquisitions | Other    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Other intangible assets, net   $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 28,167 $ 25,098 $ 22,237
Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 12,375 11,135 10,156
Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 15,792 13,963 12,081
Payment network      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 17,335 15,824 14,358
Value-added services and solutions      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 10,832 $ 9,274 $ 7,879
v3.25.0.1
Revenue - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue recognized on performance obligations $ 2,800  
Accounts Receivable    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Contract assets 3,491 $ 3,851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Contract assets 210 133
Other Assets    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Contract assets 460 387
Other Current Liabilities    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Deferred revenue 890 459
Other liabilities    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Deferred revenue $ 449 $ 318
v3.25.0.1
Revenue Narrative - Remaining Performance Obligation Narrative (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
$ in Billions
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Network Services  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period 10 years
Value-added services and solutions  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Value-added services and solutions $ 1.4
v3.25.0.1
Earnings Per Share Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Numerator      
Net Income $ 12,874 $ 11,195 $ 9,930
Denominator      
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 925 944 968
Dilutive stock options and stock units 2 2 3
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 927 946 971
Earnings per Share      
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 13.91 $ 11.86 $ 10.26
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 13.89 $ 11.83 $ 10.22
v3.25.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,442 $ 8,588    
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 10,808 10,465 $ 9,196 $ 9,902
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents        
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents        
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 492 32    
Restricted security deposits held for customers        
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents        
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 1,874 $ 1,845    
v3.25.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows (Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]      
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 3,252 $ 2,746 $ 2,506
Cash paid for interest 571 477 414
Cash paid for legal settlements $ 496 $ 929 $ 114
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities $ 292 $ 286
Held-to-maturity securities 1 38 306
Investments $ 330 $ 592
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost $ 291 $ 286
Gross Unrealized Gain 1 1
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 (1)
Available-for-sale securities 292 286
Government and agency securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 80 86
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 0
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities 80 86
Corporate securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 187 200
Gross Unrealized Gain 1 1
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 (1)
Available-for-sale securities 188 200
Asset-backed securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 24 0
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 0
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities $ 24 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Maturity Distribution Based on Contractual Terms of Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Available-For-Sale Amortized Cost    
Due within 1 year $ 134  
Due after 1 year through 5 years 157  
Amortized Cost 291 $ 286
Available-For-Sale Fair Value    
Due within 1 year 134  
Due after 1 year through 5 years 158  
Total $ 292 $ 286
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investments [Roll Forward]      
Marketable securities, beginning balance $ 506    
Nonmarketable securities, beginning balance 1,223    
Total equity investments, beginning balance 1,729    
Marketable securities, purchases 0    
Nonmarketable securities, purchases 42    
Total equity investments, purchases 42    
Marketable securities, sales (104)    
Nonmarketable securities, sales (21)    
Total equity investments, sales (125)    
Marketable securities, changes in fair value (28)    
Nonmarketable securities, changes in fair value (1)    
Total equity investments, changes in fair value (29) $ (61) $ (145)
Marketable securities, other (137)    
Nonmarketable securities, other 127    
Total equity investments, other (10)    
Marketable securities, ending balance 237 506  
Nonmarketable securities, ending balance 1,370 1,223  
Total equity investments, ending balance $ 1,607 $ 1,729  
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Measurement alternative $ 1,140 $ 1,008
Equity method 230 215
Total Nonmarketable securities $ 1,370 $ 1,223
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Initial cost basis $ 693  
Upward adjustments 645  
Downward adjustments (including impairment) (198)  
Measurement alternative $ 1,140 $ 1,008
v3.25.0.1
Investments - Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in the Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]      
Upward adjustments $ 11 $ 7 $ 114
Downward adjustments (including impairment) (9) (145) (23)
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) $ (34) $ 97 $ (213)
v3.25.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Distribution of Financial Instruments, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets $ 107 $ 93
Deferred compensation plan 105 91
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets 107 93
Deferred compensation plan 105 91
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets 0 0
Deferred compensation plan 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets 0 0
Deferred compensation plan 0 0
Government and agency securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 80 86
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 36 33
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 44 53
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Corporate securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 188 200
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 188 200
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Asset-backed securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 24 0
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 24 0
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Equity securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Marketable securities 237 506
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Marketable securities 237 506
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Marketable securities 0 0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Marketable securities 0 0
Foreign exchange contracts    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 206 36
Derivative instruments 36 104
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 0 0
Derivative instruments 0 0
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 206 36
Derivative instruments 36 104
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 0 0
Derivative instruments 0 0
Interest rate contracts    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 63 79
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 0 0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 63 79
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Narrative Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Total debt outstanding $ 18,226 $ 15,681
Fair Value    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, fair value $ 16,800 $ 14,700
v3.25.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Prepaid Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]    
Customer incentives $ 1,854 $ 1,570
Other 1,138 1,041
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 2,992 $ 2,611
v3.25.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]    
Customer incentives $ 6,550 $ 5,170
Equity investments 1,607 1,729
Income taxes receivable 1,002 783
Other 800 643
Total other assets $ 9,959 $ 8,325
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment, and Right-of-Use Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets $ 4,531 $ 4,298
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,393) (2,237)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 2,138 2,061
Buildings, building equipment and land    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 709 678
Equipment    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 2,118 1,940
Furniture and fixtures    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 101 90
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 436 398
Operating lease right-of-use assets    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets $ 1,167 $ 1,192
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense including amortization for capital leases $ 519 $ 482 $ 473
Operating lease amortization expense $ 145 $ 141 $ 137
Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating lease 8 years 8 years 2 months 12 days  
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 3.50% 3.30%  
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Operating Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 681 $ 686
Other current liabilities 133 142
Other liabilities $ 627 $ 633
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other liabilities Other liabilities
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)
Dec. 31, 2024
Buildings  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 30 years
Building equipment | Minimum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 10 years
Building equipment | Maximum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 15 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures | Minimum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 3 years
Equipment and furniture and fixtures | Maximum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 5 years
v3.25.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Operating Leases after Adoption of ASC Topic 842:  
2025 $ 161
2026 139
2027 105
2028 87
2029 69
Thereafter 328
Total operating lease payments 889
Less: Interest (129)
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 760
v3.25.0.1
Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 7,660 $ 7,522
Additions 1,736 46
Foreign currency translation (203) 92
Ending balance $ 9,193 $ 7,660
v3.25.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 7,700 $ 6,133
Accumulated Amortization (2,400) (2,209)
Net Carrying Amount 5,300 3,924
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) 7,853 6,295
Accumulated Amortization (2,400) (2,209)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total 5,453 4,086
Capitalized software    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 4,797 3,917
Accumulated Amortization (1,640) (1,530)
Net Carrying Amount 3,157 2,387
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 2,804 2,165
Accumulated Amortization (720) (641)
Net Carrying Amount 2,084 1,524
Customer relationships 153 162
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 99 51
Accumulated Amortization (40) (38)
Net Carrying Amount $ 59 $ 13
v3.25.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]      
Amortization expense on intangible assets $ 523 $ 457 $ 414
v3.25.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
2025 $ 698  
2026 706  
2027 641  
2028 580  
2029 542  
Thereafter 2,133  
Net Carrying Amount $ 5,300 $ 3,924
v3.25.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]    
Customer incentives $ 7,627 $ 6,219
Personnel costs 1,681 1,258
Income and other taxes 454 486
Other 631 554
Total accrued expenses $ 10,393 $ 8,517
v3.25.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]      
Accrued customer and merchant incentives $ 2,820 $ 2,777  
Accrued litigation 930 723  
Payment toward legal settlements $ 496 $ 929 $ 114
v3.25.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Total expense related to defined contribution plans $ 287 $ 253 $ 204
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Other comprehensive income (loss), defined benefit plan, after reclassification adjustment, before tax 10 8  
Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Other comprehensive income (loss), defined benefit plan, after reclassification adjustment, before tax $ (14) $ (35)  
v3.25.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Fair value of plan assets $ 454 $ 449
Projected benefit obligation 410 420
Accumulated benefit obligation 408 419
Funded Status $ 44 $ 29
v3.25.0.1
Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions, ₨ in Billions
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2023
INR (₨)
Feb. 28, 2022
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2015
EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Long-term debt, gross $ 18,420   $ 15,869          
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (131)   (109)          
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 4 (63)   (79)          
Total debt outstanding 18,226   15,681          
Less: Short-term debt (750)   (1,337)          
Long-term debt $ 17,476   14,344          
Senior Notes due January 2028 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.10% 4.10%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   0          
Effective interest rate, percent 4.262% 4.262%            
Senior Notes due January 2032 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.35% 4.35%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,150   0          
Effective interest rate, percent 4.446% 4.446%            
Senior Notes due January 2035 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.55% 4.55%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,100   0          
Effective interest rate, percent 4.633% 4.633%            
Senior Notes due May 2034 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.875% 4.875%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000   0          
Effective interest rate, percent 5.047% 5.047%            
Senior Notes due March 2028 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.875% 4.875%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   750          
Effective interest rate, percent 5.003% 5.003%            
Senior Notes due March 2033 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 4.85% 4.85%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   750          
Effective interest rate, percent 4.923% 4.923%            
Senior Notes due February 2029 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 1.00% 1.00%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 781   830     € 750    
Effective interest rate, percent 1.138% 1.138%            
Senior Notes due November 2031 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.00% 2.00%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   750          
Effective interest rate, percent 2.112% 2.112%            
Senior Notes due March 2031 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 1.90% 1.90%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 600   600          
Effective interest rate, percent 1.981% 1.981%            
Senior Notes due March 2051 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95% 2.95%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 700   700          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.013% 3.013%            
Senior Notes due March 2027 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.30% 3.30%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000   1,000          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.42% 3.42%            
Senior Notes due March 2030 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.35% 3.35%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,500   1,500          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.43% 3.43%            
Senior Notes due March 2050 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.85% 3.85%         3.85%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,500   1,500          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.896% 3.896%            
Senior Notes due June 2029 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95% 2.95%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000   1,000          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.03% 3.03%            
Senior Notes due June 2049 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.65% 3.65%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000   1,000          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.689% 3.689%            
Senior Notes due March 2025 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.00% 2.00%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   750          
Effective interest rate, percent 2.147% 2.147%            
Senior Notes due February 2028 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.50% 3.50%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 500   500          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.598% 3.598%            
Senior Notes due February 2048 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.95% 3.95%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 500   500          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.99% 3.99%            
Senior Notes due November 2026 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95% 2.95%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 750   750          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.044% 3.044%            
Senior Notes due November 2046 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.80% 3.80%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 600   600          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.893% 3.893%            
Senior Notes due December 2027 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.10% 2.10%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 833   885          
Effective interest rate, percent 2.189% 2.189%            
Senior Notes due December 2030 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.50% 2.50%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 156   166          
Effective interest rate, percent 2.562% 2.562%            
Senior Notes due April 2024 | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.375% 3.375%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 0   1,000          
Effective interest rate, percent 3.484% 3.484%            
2023 INR Term Loan                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 9.43% 9.43%            
Long-term debt, gross $ 0   $ 338          
Effective interest rate, percent 9.78% 9.78%            
Short-term debt       $ 342 ₨ 28.1      
2015 Euro Notes | Senior Notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Long-term debt, gross | €   € 950           € 1,650
v3.25.0.1
Debt - Narrative (Details)
€ in Millions, ₨ in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2023
INR (₨)
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2022
INR (₨)
Feb. 28, 2022
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2022
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2024
USD ($)
May 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2023
INR (₨)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Long-term debt, gross               $ 18,420     $ 15,869    
Commercial paper program               8,000          
Revolving Credit Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Credit facility               8,000          
Notes issued 2024, USD | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued               4,000          
Proceeds from issuance of debt               3,960          
Senior Notes due May 2034 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued                   $ 1,000      
Long-term debt, gross               1,000     0    
Senior Notes due January 2028 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued                 $ 750        
Long-term debt, gross               750     0    
Senior Notes due January 2032 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued                 1,150        
Long-term debt, gross               1,150     0    
Senior Notes due January 2035 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued                 $ 1,100        
Long-term debt, gross               1,100     0    
Senior Notes due March 2028 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued     $ 750                    
Long-term debt, gross               750     750    
Senior Notes due March 2033 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt issued     750                    
Long-term debt, gross               750     750    
Notes Issued 2023, USD | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Proceeds from issuance of debt     $ 1,489                    
Senior Notes due February 2029 | Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Proceeds from issuance of debt           $ 843 € 743            
Long-term debt, gross             € 750 781     830    
INR Term Loan                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Proceeds from issuance of debt       $ 284 ₨ 22,600                
Short-term debt | ₨         ₨ 22,700                
April 2023 INR Term Loan                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Proceeds from issuance of debt $ 61 ₨ 4,960                      
Short-term debt | ₨   ₨ 4,970                      
2023 INR Term Loan                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Long-term debt, gross               $ 0     $ 338    
Short-term debt                       $ 342 ₨ 28,100
v3.25.0.1
Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Instruments [Abstract]    
2025 $ 750  
2026 750  
2027 1,833  
2028 2,000  
2029 1,781  
Thereafter 11,306  
Total $ 18,420 $ 15,869
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 5 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 07, 2025
May 31, 2006
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Remaining authorization     $ 15,200    
Subsequent Event          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Remaining authorization $ 14,200        
Dollar-value of shares repurchased $ 959        
Class A Common Stock          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Dollar-value of shares repurchased     $ 10,954 $ 9,032 $ 8,753
Class A Common Stock | Mastercard Foundation          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Issuance and donation of shares   135      
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Classes of Capital Stock) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Public Investors (Class A Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity ownership, percentage 89.90% 88.80%
General voting power, percentage 90.60% 89.50%
Principal or Affiliate Members (Class B Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity ownership, percentage 0.70% 0.80%
General voting power, percentage 0.00% 0.00%
The MasterCard Foundation (Class A Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity ownership, percentage 9.30% 10.40%
General voting power, percentage 9.40% 10.50%
Class A Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares) 3,000,000,000 3,000,000,000
Class B Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares) 1,200,000,000 1,200,000,000
Preferred Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 300,000,000 300,000,000
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dividends Payable [Line Items]      
Cash dividends declared on Class A and Class B common stock, per share $ 2.74 $ 2.37 $ 2.04
Annual dividends declared $ 2,526 $ 2,231 $ 1,968
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Statement of Changes in Common Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Class A Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Purchases of treasury stock (23.0) (23.8) (25.7)
  Common Stock | Class A Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 927.3 948.4 972.1
Purchases of treasury stock (23.0) (23.8) (25.7)
Share-based payments 1.9 2.3 1.8
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 0.4 0.4 0.2
Balance 906.6 927.3 948.4
  Common Stock | Class B Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 7.2 7.6 7.8
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (0.4) (0.4) (0.2)
Balance 6.8 7.2 7.6
v3.25.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Share Repurchase Authorization (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 07, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]        
Remaining authorization   $ 15,200,000,000    
Subsequent Event        
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]        
Dollar-value of shares repurchased $ 959,000,000      
Remaining authorization $ 14,200,000,000      
Class A Common Stock        
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]        
Board authorization   12,000,000,000 $ 11,000,000,000 $ 9,000,000,000
Dollar-value of shares repurchased   $ 10,954,000,000 $ 9,032,000,000 $ 8,753,000,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)   23.0 23.8 25.7
Average price per share (in dollars per share)   $ 475.35 $ 379.49 $ 340.60
v3.25.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 6,975 $ 6,356 $ 7,383
Increase / (Decrease) (156) 128  
Reclassifications (178) 26  
Ending balance 6,515 6,975 6,356
Loss on settlement of treasury rate locks, after-tax (32) (42) (21)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (1,119) (1,414)  
Increase / (Decrease) (439) 295  
Reclassifications 0 0  
Ending balance (1,558) (1,119) (1,414)
Translation Adjustments on Net Investment Hedge      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 181 309  
Increase / (Decrease) 114 (128)  
Reclassifications 0 0  
Ending balance 295 181 309
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange contracts      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (17) (8)  
Increase / (Decrease) 149 (31)  
Reclassifications (183) 22  
Ending balance (51) (17) (8)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (118) (123)  
Increase / (Decrease) 0 0  
Reclassifications 5 5  
Ending balance (113) (118) (123)
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (25) (11)  
Increase / (Decrease) 19 (13)  
Reclassifications 0 (1)  
Ending balance (6) (25) (11)
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (1) (6)  
Increase / (Decrease) 1 5  
Reclassifications 0 0  
Ending balance 0 (1) (6)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)      
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (1,099) (1,253)  
Ending balance $ (1,433) $ (1,099) $ (1,253)
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments - Narrative (Details)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
shares
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Class A Common Stock  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Shares reserve for future issuance | shares 116
Stock Option  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period 10 years
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 16
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 1 year 7 months 6 days
Stock Option | Minimum vesting from date of retirement eligibility  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 7 months
Stock Options Granted On or After March 1, 2022 | Vest Ratably Over Three Years  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 3 years
Stock Options Granted Before March 1, 2022 | Vest Ratably Over Four Years  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Granted On or After March 1, 2022 | Vest Ratably Over Three Years  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Granted On Or After March 1, 2020 But Before March 1, 2022 | Vest Ratably Over Four Years  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 378
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting period for retirement or disability  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 7 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum vesting from date of retirement eligibility  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 7 months
Performance Shares  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 7 months
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 37
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 1 year 7 months 6 days
Performance Shares | Vest Ratably Over Three Years  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 3 years
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Valuation of Awards) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]      
Risk-free rate of return 4.20% 4.20% 1.60%
Expected term (in years) 6 years 6 years 6 years
Expected volatility 28.70% 29.50% 24.60%
Expected dividend yield 0.60% 0.60% 0.60%
Weighted-average fair value per option granted $ 164.66 $ 123.22 $ 86.92
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]  
Options outstanding at beginning of period | shares 3.0
Options granted | shares 0.2
Options exercised | shares (1.1)
Options forfeited | shares 0.0
Options outstanding at end of period | shares 2.1
Options exercisable at the end of the period | shares 1.6
Options vested and expected to vest at the end of the period | shares 2.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]  
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding at the beginning of the period | $ / shares $ 217
Weighted-average exercise price, options granted | $ / shares 476
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercised | $ / shares 163
Weighted-average exercise price, options forfeited | $ / shares 418
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding at the end of the period | $ / shares 273
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at the end of the period | $ / shares 230
Weighted-average exercise price, options vested and expected to vest at he end of the period | $ / shares $ 273
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options outstanding at the end of the period, in years 5 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable at the end of the period, in years 4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options vested and expected to vest at the end of the period, in years 5 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding at the end of the period | $ $ 524
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at the end of the period | $ 461
Aggregate intrinsic value, options vested and expected to vest at the end of the period | $ $ 524
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Activity) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) 2.2    
Granted (in shares) 1.0    
Converted (in shares) (1.0)    
Forfeited (in shares) (0.1)    
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) 2.1 2.2  
Units expected to vest at the end of the period 2.0    
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, beginning of period $ 344    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted 472 $ 350 $ 340
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted 338    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited 391    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, end of period 403 $ 344  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at the end of the period $ 403    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]      
Aggregate intrinsic value, units outstanding at the end of the period $ 1,081    
Aggregate intrinsic value, units expected to vest at the end of the period $ 1,034    
Performance stock units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) 0.6    
Granted (in shares) 0.2    
Converted (in shares) (0.3)    
Other (in shares) 0.1    
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) 0.6 0.6  
Units expected to vest at the end of the period 0.6    
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, beginning of period $ 365    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted 512 $ 365 $ 335
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted 385    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, other 335    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, end of period 396 $ 365  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at the end of the period $ 396    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]      
Aggregate intrinsic value, units outstanding at the end of the period $ 325    
Aggregate intrinsic value, units expected to vest at the end of the period $ 321    
v3.25.0.1
Share-Based Payments Schedule of Additional Share-Based Payment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs $ 526 $ 460 $ 295
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards 111 99 61
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit 77 95 49
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 354 $ 487 $ 231
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted $ 472 $ 350 $ 340
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested $ 340 $ 235 $ 305
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock $ 477 $ 253 $ 420
Performance stock units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted $ 512 $ 365 $ 335
Total grant-date fair value of awards vested $ 99 $ 12 $ 0
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock $ 122 $ 14 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Commitments Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Sponsorship, Licensing & Other  
2025 $ 735
2026 595
2027 406
2028 248
2029 62
Thereafter 27
Total $ 2,073
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2010
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]          
Effective income tax rate   15.60% 17.90% 15.40%  
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease), amount   $ 1 $ 324 $ (324)  
Effective income tax rate on taxable income in excess of base amount, period in effect 10 years        
Impact of incentive grant received reducing income tax liability value   $ 644 $ 571 $ 454  
Earning per share diluted impact of incentive grant received reducing income tax liability   $ 0.69 $ 0.60 $ 0.47  
Earnings permanently reinvested   $ 3,800      
U.S. foreign tax credits   736 $ 635    
Net operating losses   468 149    
Unrecognized tax benefit   304 431 $ 414 $ 360
Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the effective tax rate   246      
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward          
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]          
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease), amount   $ 0 $ 327 $ (333)  
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
United States $ 6,168 $ 4,506 $ 4,228
Foreign 9,086 9,133 7,504
Income before income taxes $ 15,254 $ 13,639 $ 11,732
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Components of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Current      
Federal $ 1,093 $ 991 $ 1,024
State and local 144 127 133
Foreign 1,670 1,563 1,296
Current 2,907 2,681 2,453
Deferred      
Federal (197) (180) (661)
State and local (14) (18) (40)
Foreign (316) (39) 50
Deferred (527) (237) (651)
Income tax expense $ 2,380 $ 2,444 $ 1,802
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Amount      
Income before income taxes $ 15,254 $ 13,639 $ 11,732
Federal statutory tax 3,203 2,864 2,464
State tax effect, net of federal benefit 90 82 72
Foreign tax effect (649) (393) (347)
Valuation allowance - U.S. foreign tax credit 0 327 (333)
U.S. tax expense on foreign operations 82 39 111
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction (195) (144) (129)
Windfall benefit (93) (88) (68)
Other, net (58) (243) 32
Income tax expense $ 2,380 $ 2,444 $ 1,802
Percent      
Federal statutory tax 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State tax effect, net of federal benefit 0.60% 0.60% 0.60%
Foreign tax effect (4.30%) (2.90%) (3.00%)
Valuation allowance - U.S. foreign tax credit 0.00% 2.40% (2.80%)
U.S. tax expense on foreign operations 0.50% 0.30% 0.90%
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction (1.30%) (1.10%) (1.10%)
Windfall benefit (0.60%) (0.60%) (0.60%)
Other, net (0.40%) (1.80%) 0.30%
Income tax expense 15.60% 17.90% 15.40%
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Deferred tax assets        
Accrued liabilities $ 939 $ 863    
Compensation and benefits 371 335    
Net operating losses 468 149    
U.S. foreign tax credits 736 635    
Property and equipment 432 277    
Intangible assets 160 182    
Lease liabilities 134 158    
Other items 236 203    
Less: Valuation allowance (871) (758) $ (114) $ (415)
Total deferred tax assets 2,605 2,044    
Deferred tax liabilities        
Prepaid expenses and other accruals 195 211    
Gains on equity investments 112 112    
Goodwill and intangible assets 760 518    
Right-of-use lease assets 116 138    
Other items 125 79    
Total deferred tax liabilities 1,308 1,058    
Net deferred tax assets $ 1,297 $ 986    
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Summary of Changes to Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]      
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, beginning of period $ 758 $ 114 $ 415
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets 112 320 23
Change/(Release) 1 324 (324)
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, end of period 871 758 114
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward      
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]      
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, beginning of period 635 0 333
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets 101 308 0
Change/(Release) 0 327 (333)
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, end of period 736 635 0
Net operating and capital losses      
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]      
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, beginning of period 123 114 82
Changes to Related Gross Deferred Tax Assets 11 12 23
Change/(Release) 1 (3) 9
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, end of period $ 135 $ 123 $ 114
v3.25.0.1
Income Taxes Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 431 $ 414 $ 360
Additions      
Current year tax positions 37 23 22
Prior year tax positions 34 16 65
Reductions      
Prior year tax positions (189) (7) (14)
Settlements with tax authorities 0 0 (13)
Expired statute of limitations (9) (15) (6)
Ending balance $ 304 $ 431 $ 414
v3.25.0.1
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (Details)
£ in Millions, € in Billions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 72 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
claimant
merchant
complaint
Dec. 31, 2023
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
claimant
fax
merchant
complaint
Dec. 31, 2024
GBP (£)
fax
Dec. 31, 2024
EUR (€)
fax
Dec. 31, 2011
plaintiff
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
claimant
merchant
complaint
Dec. 31, 2024
GBP (£)
claimant
merchant
complaint
Oct. 31, 2024
USD ($)
merchant
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
complaint
Dec. 31, 2018
Legal And Regulatory                          
Accrued litigation $ 930,000,000   $ 930,000,000       $ 930,000,000       $ 723,000,000    
Number of unsolicited advertisements | fax     381,000 381,000 381,000                
Damages sought per claim     $ 500                    
2022 Mastercard and Visa Proposed Collective Action Complaint in the U.K.                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Amount of damages sought (approximately) 1,300,000,000 £ 1,000                      
Proposed U.K. Interchange Collective Action                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Amount of damages sought (approximately)     $ 13,000,000,000 £ 10,000                  
Loss contingency, claims dismissed, number of years     5 years 5 years 5 years                
Loss contingency accrual $ 251,000,000   $ 251,000,000       $ 251,000,000 £ 200          
Portugal Proposed Interchange Collective Action                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Amount of damages sought (approximately)     $ 400,000,000   € 0.4                
Complaint period     20 years 20 years 20 years                
ATM Operators Complaint                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Number of pending claims | complaint 2   2       2 2       3  
Amount of damages sought (approximately) $ 1,000,000,000                        
Loss contingency accrual                   $ 93,000,000      
Number of plaintiffs in case | plaintiff           13              
U.S. Liability Shift Litigation                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Number of pending claims | claimant 4   4       4 4          
Amount of damages sought (approximately)     $ 1,000,000,000                    
Pending Litigation | U.K. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Unresolved damages claims remaining $ 400,000,000   $ 400,000,000       $ 400,000,000 £ 300          
Event Involving Visa Parties, Member Banks and Mastercard                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Percent of settlement Mastercard would pay           12.00%              
Event Involving Member Banks and Mastercard                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Percent of settlement Mastercard would pay           36.00%              
U.S. Merchant Litigation - Class Litigation                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Number of pending claims | merchant 65   65       65 65          
Unresolved damages claims remaining                 $ 12,000,000,000        
Number of pending claims scheduled for trial | merchant                 6        
U.S. Merchant Litigation - Class Litigation | Maximum                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Percentage of opted out merchants to terminate                         25.00%
U.S. Merchant Litigation - Class Litigation | Minimum                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Percentage of Mastercard's U.S. interchange volume represented 90.00%   90.00%       90.00% 90.00%          
U.S. Merchant Litigation - Opt-Out | Minimum | Settled Litigation                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | merchant             250            
U.S. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement [Member]                          
Legal And Regulatory                          
Accrued litigation $ 559,000,000   $ 559,000,000       $ 559,000,000       $ 596,000,000    
v3.25.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management Estimated Settlement Exposure and Portion of Uncollateralized Settlement Exposure for MasterCard-Branded Transactions (Details) - Guarantee Obligations - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross settlement exposure $ 78,385 $ 75,023
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure (13,466) (12,167)
Net settlement exposure $ 64,919 $ 62,856
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Narrative (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Foreign Exchange Risk Management              
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge     $ 43 $ (98) $ 177    
Senior Notes due March 2050 | Senior Notes              
Foreign Exchange Risk Management              
Long-term debt related to interest rate swap             $ 1,000
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.85%   3.85%       3.85%
Euro-Denominated Debt              
Foreign Exchange Risk Management              
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge     $ 104 (67) $ 176    
Net Investment Hedging              
Foreign Exchange Risk Management              
Euro-denominated debt designated as hedge of net investment in European foreign operations denominated in euros $ 1,300   1,300     € 1,600  
Net Investment Hedging | Euro-Denominated Debt              
Foreign Exchange Risk Management              
Derivative, de-designated, amount 400 € 109          
Net foreign currency gain (loss), after tax $ 295   $ 295 $ 181      
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Fair Value of Company's Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Foreign Exchange Risk Management    
Notional $ 10,203 $ 7,430
Derivative Assets 206 36
Derivative Liabilities 99 183
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets, and Other Current Liabilities    
Foreign Exchange Risk Management    
Notional 2,741 5,424
Derivative Assets 17 34
Derivative Liabilities 30 79
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets, and Other Current Liabilities    
Foreign Exchange Risk Management    
Notional 3,951 1,006
Derivative Assets 135 2
Derivative Liabilities 6 25
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities    
Foreign Exchange Risk Management    
Notional 1,000 1,000
Derivative Assets 0 0
Derivative Liabilities 63 79
Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets, and Other Current Liabilities    
Foreign Exchange Risk Management    
Notional 2,511 0
Derivative Assets 54 0
Derivative Liabilities $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Gain (Loss) Related to the Company's Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax $ 161 $ (41) $ 1
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI 178 (35) 10
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge 43 (98) 177
Foreign exchange contracts      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax 161 (41) 1
Foreign exchange contracts | Net revenue      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI 8 (29) 16
Foreign exchange contracts | General and administrative      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI 177 0 0
Interest rate contracts      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax 0 0 0
Interest rate contracts | Interest expense      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI $ (7) $ (6) $ (6)
v3.25.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income for the Contracts to Purchase and Sell Foreign Currency Summary (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]      
Gain (loss) for contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency $ 32 $ 42 $ 21
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] General and administrative General and administrative General and administrative
v3.25.0.1
Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details) - merchant
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]      
Number of reportable segments 1    
Number of operating segments 1    
Percentage of revenue generated in the U.S. 30.00% 30.00% 33.00%
v3.25.0.1
Segment Reporting - Selected Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net revenue $ 28,167 $ 25,098 $ 22,237
Foreign exchange activity (32) (42) (21)
Advertising and marketing 815 825 789
Depreciation and amortization 897 799 750
Provision for litigation 680 539 356
Investment income (327) (274) (61)
Gains (losses) on equity investments, net 29 61 145
Interest expense 646 575 471
Other income (expense), net (20) 7 (23)
Income tax expense 2,380 2,444 1,802
Net Income 12,874 11,195 9,930
Payment Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net revenue 28,167 25,098 22,237
Personnel 6,673 6,022 5,263
Professional Fees 549 495 480
Data processing and telecommunications 1,119 1,008 926
Foreign exchange activity 65 83 102
Advertising and marketing 815 825 789
Depreciation and amortization 897 799 750
Provision for litigation 680 539 356
Investment income (327) (274) (61)
Gains (losses) on equity investments, net 29 61 145
Interest expense 646 575 471
Other income (expense), net (20) 7 (23)
Income tax expense 2,380 2,444 1,802
Other segment items 1,787 1,319 1,307
Net Income $ 12,874 $ 11,195 $ 9,930
v3.25.0.1
Segment Reporting - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 2,138 $ 2,061 $ 2,006
United States      
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 1,095 1,027 1,123
Other countries      
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 1,043 $ 1,034 $ 883