MASTERCARD INC, 10-K filed on 2/11/2022
Annual Report
v3.22.0.1
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Feb. 08, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Document Type 10-K    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
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    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 317.9
Entity Central Index Key 0001141391    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Class A Common Stock      
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share    
Trading Symbol MA    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   969,729,455  
One Point One Percent Notes Due 2022 [Member]      
Title of 12(b) Security 1.1% Notes due 2022    
Trading Symbol MA22    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Senior Notes due December 2027      
Title of 12(b) Security 2.1% Notes due 2027    
Trading Symbol MA27    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Senior Notes due December 2030      
Title of 12(b) Security 2.5% Notes due 2030    
Trading Symbol MA30    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Class B Common Stock      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   7,746,984  
v3.22.0.1
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Firm ID 238
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location New York, New York
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Net revenue $ 18,884 $ 15,301 $ 16,883
Operating Expenses:      
General and administrative 7,087 5,910 5,763
Advertising and marketing 895 657 934
Depreciation and amortization 726 580 522
Provision for litigation 94 73 0
Total operating expenses 8,802 7,220 7,219
Operating income 10,082 8,081 9,664
Other Income (Expense):      
Investment income 11 24 97
Gains (losses) on equity investments, net 645 30 167
Interest expense (431) (380) (224)
Other income (expense), net 0 5 27
Total other income (expense) 225 (321) 67
Income before income taxes 10,307 7,760 9,731
Income tax expense 1,620 1,349 1,613
Net Income $ 8,687 $ 6,411 $ 8,118
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 8.79 $ 6.40 $ 7.98
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares) 988 1,002 1,017
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 8.76 $ 6.37 $ 7.94
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares) 992 1,006 1,022
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net Income $ 8,687 $ 6,411 $ 8,118
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustments (442) 345 10
Income tax effect 55 (59) 13
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax effect (387) 286 23
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 269 (177) 36
Income tax effect (60) 40 (8)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges, net of income tax effect 209 (137) 28
Cash flow hedges 6 (189) 14
Income tax effect (1) 42 (3)
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges 5 4 0
Income tax effect (1) (1) 0
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect 9 (144) 11
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 57 (12) (21)
Income tax effect (14) 2 3
Reclassification adjustment for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (2) (1) (1)
Income tax effect 0 0 0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of income tax effect 41 (11) (19)
Investment securities available-for-sale (1) (1) 3
Income tax effect 0 0 (1)
Investment securities available-for-sale, net of income tax effect (1) (1) 2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax effect (129) (7) 45
Comprehensive Income $ 8,558 $ 6,404 $ 8,163
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,421 $ 10,113
Restricted cash for litigation settlement 586 586
Investments 473 483
Accounts receivable 3,006 2,646
Settlement assets 1,319 1,706
Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,873 1,696
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,271 1,883
Total current assets 16,949 19,113
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 1,907 1,902
Deferred income taxes 486 491
Goodwill 7,662 4,960
Other intangible assets, net 3,671 1,753
Other assets 6,994 5,365
Total Assets 37,669 33,584
Liabilities, Redeemable Non-controlling Interests and Equity    
Accounts payable 738 527
Settlement obligations 913 1,475
Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,873 1,696
Accrued litigation 840 842
Accrued expenses 6,642 5,430
Current portion of long-term debt 792 649
Other current liabilities 1,364 1,228
Total current liabilities 13,162 11,847
Long-term debt 13,109 12,023
Deferred income taxes 395 86
Other liabilities 3,591 3,111
Total Liabilities 30,257 27,067
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests 29 29
Stockholders’ Equity    
Additional paid-in-capital 5,061 4,982
Class A treasury stock, at cost, 425 and 409 shares, respectively (42,588) (36,658)
Retained earnings 45,648 38,747
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (809) (680)
Mastercard Incorporated Stockholders' Equity 7,312 6,391
Non-controlling interests 71 97
Total Equity 7,383 6,488
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Non-controlling Interests and Equity 37,669 33,584
Class A Common Stock    
Stockholders’ Equity    
Common stock value 0 0
Class B Common Stock    
Stockholders’ Equity    
Common stock value $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Treasury Stock, Shares 425,000,000 409,000,000
Class A Common Stock    
Common stock, par value $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares 3,000,000,000 3,000,000,000
Common stock, issued 1,397,000,000 1,396,000,000
Common stock, outstanding 972,000,000 987,000,000
Class B Common Stock    
Common stock, par value $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares 1,200,000,000 1,200,000,000
Common stock, issued 8,000,000 8,000,000
Common stock, outstanding 8,000,000 8,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement 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, 2018 $ 5,418 $ 5,395 $ 4,580 $ (25,750) $ 27,283 $ (718) $ 23 $ 0 $ 0
Net income 8,118 8,118     8,118        
Activity related to non-controlling interests 1           1    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (9) (9)     (9)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) 45 45       45      
Dividends (1,408) (1,408)     (1,408)        
Purchases of treasury stock (6,463) (6,463)   (6,463)          
Share-based payments 215 215 207 8          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 5,917 5,893 4,787 (32,205) 33,984 (673) 24 0 0
Net income 6,411 6,411     6,411        
Activity related to non-controlling interests 73           73    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (7) (7)     (7)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) (7) (7)       (7)      
Dividends (1,641) (1,641)     (1,641)        
Purchases of treasury stock (4,459) (4,459)   (4,459)          
Share-based payments 201 201 195 6          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 6,488 6,391 4,982 (36,658) 38,747 (680) 97 0 0
Net income 8,687 8,687     8,687        
Activity related to non-controlling interests (9)           (9)    
Acquisition of non-controlling interest (139) (122) (122)       (17)    
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments (5) (5)     (5)        
Other comprehensive income (loss) (129) (129)       (129)      
Dividends (1,781) (1,781)     (1,781)        
Purchases of treasury stock (5,934) (5,934)   (5,934)          
Share-based payments 205 205 201 4          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 7,383 $ 7,312 $ 5,061 $ (42,588) $ 45,648 $ (809) $ 71 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Activities      
Net income $ 8,687 $ 6,411 $ 8,118
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Amortization of customer and merchant incentives 1,371 1,072 1,141
Depreciation and amortization 726 580 522
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net (645) (30) (167)
Share-based compensation 273 254 250
Deferred income taxes (69) 73 (7)
Other 36 14 24
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable (397) (86) (246)
Income taxes receivable (87) (2) (202)
Settlement assets 390 1,288 (444)
Prepaid expenses (2,087) (1,552) (1,661)
Accrued litigation and legal settlements (1) (73) (662)
Restricted security deposits held for customers 177 326 290
Accounts payable 100 26 (42)
Settlement obligations (568) (1,242) 477
Accrued expenses 1,355 (114) 657
Long-term taxes payable (52) (37) 2
Net change in other assets and liabilities 254 316 133
Net cash provided by operating activities 9,463 7,224 8,183
Investing Activities      
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale (389) (220) (643)
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity (294) (198) (215)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale 83 361 1,098
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale 291 140 376
Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity 296 121 383
Purchases of property and equipment (407) (339) (422)
Capitalized software (407) (369) (306)
Purchases of equity investments (228) (214) (467)
Proceeds from sales of equity investments 186 0 0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (4,436) (989) (1,440)
Settlement of interest rate derivative contracts 0 (175) 0
Other investing activities 33 3 (4)
Net cash used in investing activities (5,272) (1,879) (1,640)
Financing Activities      
Purchases of treasury stock (5,904) (4,473) (6,497)
Dividends paid (1,741) (1,605) (1,345)
Proceeds from debt, net 2,024 3,959 2,724
Payment of debt (650) 0 (500)
Acquisition of redeemable non-controlling interests 0 (49) 0
Acquisition of non-controlling interest (133) 0 0
Contingent consideration paid (64) 0 (199)
Tax withholdings related to share-based payments (133) (150) (161)
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options 61 97 126
Other financing activities (15) 69 (15)
Net cash used in financing activities (6,555) (2,152) (5,867)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (153) 257 (44)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (2,517) 3,450 632
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - beginning of period 12,419 8,969 8,337
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - end of period $ 9,902 $ 12,419 $ 8,969
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment instead of cash and checks. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services through its family of well-known and trusted brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company operates a multi-rail payments network that provides choice and flexibility for consumers and merchants. Through its unique and proprietary core global payments network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions. The Company has additional payment capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). Using these capabilities, the Company offers integrated payment products and services and captures new payment flows. The Company’s value-added services include, among others, cyber and intelligence solutions to allow all parties to transact easily and with confidence, as well as other services that provide proprietary insights, drawing on Mastercard’s principled use of consumer and merchant data. The Company’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’s payment solutions are designed to ensure safety and security for the global payments ecosystem.
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 sheet.  At December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no significant VIEs which required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date on which the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 2021, 2020 and 2019, net losses from non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statement 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, 2021 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 goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is primarily generated from assessing customers based on the dollar volume of activity, or gross dollar volume (“GDV”), on the products that carry the Company’s brands, from fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as from value-added products and services that are often integrated and sold with the Company’s payment offerings.
Volume-based revenue (domestic assessments and cross-border volume fees) is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is primarily based on the related volume generated on the cards. Certain volume-based revenue is based upon information reported by customers. Transaction-based revenue (transaction processing) is primarily based on the number and type of transactions and is recognized as revenue in the same period in which the related transactions occur. Other payment-related products and services are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related services 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 and 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 that could be either fixed or variable-based. 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 as a reduction of gross revenue. Variable rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue 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.
Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed data analytic and consulting services 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 sheet.
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 is primarily derived from data analytic and consulting services. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
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 statement 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, which represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce, and customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, customer relationships 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 fair value, primarily discounted cash flows analysis, relief-from-royalty and multi-period excess earnings for estimating the fair value of its intangible assets. 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, then 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. 
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 statement 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 statement 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 statement of operations.
Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the 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. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically 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.
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 sheet. 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 sheet. The Company records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statement 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 - 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 which are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows:
Restricted cash for litigation settlement - The Company has restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the U.S. merchant class litigation. The funds continue to be restricted for payments until the litigation matter is resolved.
Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires certain customers to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or other 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 sheet. 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 sheet. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet. These security deposits are typically held for the duration of the agreement with the customers.
Other restricted cash balances - The Company has other restricted cash balances which include contractually restricted deposits, as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage. These funds are classified on the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.
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 non-recurring basis, when a change in fair value or impairment is evidenced. The Company classifies these recurring and non-recurring 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 and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include nonmarketable securities, debt and other financial instruments. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring 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.
Contingent consideration - Certain business combinations involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones. These liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management’s judgment. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date and subsequent periods is determined utilizing an income approach based on a Monte Carlo technique and is recorded in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes to projected performance milestones of the acquired businesses could result in a higher or lower contingent consideration liability. The changes in fair value as a result of updated assumptions are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
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 non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
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 statement of comprehensive income. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement 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 statement 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 sheet 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 sheet 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 statement of operations. Securities that are not for use in current operations are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, include 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 statement 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 statement 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 statement 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, which 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 statement 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 statement 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. 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 statement 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 statement of operations as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Hedged items are measured on the consolidated balance sheet 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 sheet 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.
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, however, in some circumstances, funds may not settle until subsequent business days. In addition, the Company may receive or post funds in advance of transactions related to certain payment capabilities over its multi-rail payments network. The Company classifies the balances arising from these various activities as settlement assets and settlement obligations.
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 statement of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Furniture and fixtures and equipment
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 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 sheet.
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 sheet 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 sheet.
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement 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 statement 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 statement of operations.
Advertising and marketing - Expenses incurred to promote Mastercard’s brand, products and services are recognized in advertising and marketing on the consolidated statement of operations. The timing of recognition is dependent on the type of advertising or marketing expense.
Foreign currency remeasurement and translation - Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to functional currencies using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are remeasured at the weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement 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.
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 statement 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 sheet. The redeemable non-controlling interests are considered temporary and reported outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheet 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
Accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination - In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued accounting guidance that requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2022 with early adoption permitted. The Company will early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2022 and does not expect the impacts to be material.
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions Business Combination
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Business Combination Disclosure Acquisitions
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company acquired several businesses for total consideration of $4.7 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, representing both cash and contingent consideration. 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 and contingent consideration. The residual value allocated to goodwill is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and a majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes.
On March 5, 2021, Mastercard acquired a majority of the Corporate Services business of Nets Denmark A/S (“Nets”) for €3.0 billion (approximately $3.6 billion as of the date of acquisition) in cash consideration based on a €2.85 billion enterprise value, adjusted for cash and net working capital at closing. The business acquired is primarily comprised of clearing and instant payment services and e-billing solutions. In relation to this acquisition, the Company’s preliminary estimate of net assets acquired primarily relates to intangible assets, including goodwill of $2.1 billion, of which $0.8 billion is expected to be deductible for local tax purposes. The goodwill arising from this acquisition is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise through geographic, product and customer expansion, the underlying technology and workforce acquired.
On June 9, 2021, Mastercard acquired a 100% equity interest in Ekata, Inc. (“Ekata”) for cash consideration of $861 million, based on an $850 million enterprise value, adjusted for cash and net working capital at closing. The acquisition of Ekata is expected to broaden the Company’s digital identity verification capabilities. The residual value allocated to goodwill is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and none of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for local tax purposes.
Mastercard acquired additional businesses in 2021 for consideration of $272 million. These businesses were not considered individually material to Mastercard.
Among the businesses acquired in 2020, the largest acquisition relates to Finicity Corporation (“Finicity”), an open-banking provider, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. On November 18, 2020, Mastercard acquired 100% equity interest in Finicity for cash consideration of $809 million. In addition, the Finicity sellers earned additional contingent consideration of $64 million upon meeting 2021 revenue targets in accordance with terms of the purchase agreement. The additional businesses acquired in 2020 and the businesses acquired in 2019 were not considered individually material to Mastercard.
The Company is evaluating and finalizing the purchase accounting for the businesses acquired during 2021. In 2021, the Company finalized the purchase accounting for businesses acquired during 2020. The estimated and final fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for the years ended December 31.
202120202019
(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$253 $$54 
Other current assets41 14 143 
Other intangible assets2,071 237 395 
Goodwill2,842 844 1,076 
Other assets15 11 48 
Total assets5,222 1,112 1,716 
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities112 15 121 
Deferred income taxes 398 23 52 
Other liabilities12 32 
Total liabilities522 46 205 
Net assets acquired$4,700 $1,066 $1,511 
The following table summarizes the identified intangible assets acquired during the years ended December 31:
202120202019202120202019
Acquisition Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in millions)(in years)
Developed technologies$433 $122 $199 11.76.37.7
Customer relationships1,614 114 178 19.212.012.6
Other24 18 7.11.05.0
Other intangible assets$2,071 $237 $395 17.59.09.7
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.
Pending Acquisition
As of December 31, 2021, Mastercard has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dynamic Yield LTD. This acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.
v3.22.0.1
Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Revenue Mastercard’s core 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 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. Revenue recognized from domestic assessments, cross-border volume fees and transaction processing are derived from Mastercard’s payments network services. Revenue is primarily generated by charging fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as by assessing customers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity, or GDV, on the products that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is generally derived from information accumulated by Mastercard’s systems or reported by customers. In addition, the Company generates other revenues from value-added products and services, often integrated and sold with the Company’s payment offerings, that are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related transactions occur or services are performed.
The price structure for Mastercard’s products and services is dependent on the nature of volumes, types of transactions and type of products and services offered to customers. Net revenue can be impacted by the following:
domestic or cross-border transactions
geographic region or country in which the transaction occurs
volumes/transactions subject to tiered rates
switched or not switched by the Company
amount of usage of the Company’s other products or services
amount of rebates and incentives provided to customers
The Company classifies its net revenue into the following five categories:
Domestic assessments are fees charged to issuers and acquirers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity on cards and other devices that carry the Company’s brands where the merchant country and the country of issuance are the same. Revenue from domestic assessments is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards or other devices that carry the Company’s brands.
Cross-border volume fees are charged to issuers and acquirers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity on cards and other devices that carry the Company’s brands where the merchant country and the country of issuance are different. Revenue from cross-border volume is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards or other devices that carry the Company’s brands.
Transaction processing revenue is recognized for both domestic and cross-border transactions in the period in which the related transactions occur. Transaction processing includes the following:
Switched transaction revenue is generated from the following products and services:
Authorization, which is the process by which a transaction is routed to the issuer for approval. In certain circumstances, such as when the issuer’s systems are unavailable or cannot be contacted, Mastercard or others approve such transactions on behalf of the issuer in accordance with either the issuer’s instructions or applicable rules (also known as “stand-in”).
Clearing, which is the determination and exchange of financial transaction information between issuers and acquirers after a transaction has been successfully conducted at the point of interaction. Transactions are cleared among customers through Mastercard’s central and regional processing systems.
Settlement, which facilitates the exchange of funds between parties.
Connectivity fees are charged to issuers, acquirers and other financial institutions for network access, equipment and the transmission of authorization and settlement messages. These fees are based on the size of the data being transmitted and the number of connections to the Company’s network.
Other processing fees include issuer and acquirer processing solutions, payment gateways for e-commerce merchants, mobile gateways for mobile-initiated transactions, and safety and security.
Other revenues consist of value-added products and services that are often sold with the Company’s payment service offerings and are recognized in the period in which the related services are performed or transactions occur. Other revenues include the following:
Cyber and intelligence solutions fees are for products and services offered to prevent, detect and respond to fraud and to ensure the safety of transactions made primarily on Mastercard products.
Data analytics and consulting fees are for insights, analytics, and test and learn capabilities as well as Mastercard’s advisory and managed services.
Loyalty and rewards solutions fees are charged to issuers for benefits provided directly to consumers with Mastercard-branded cards, such as access to a global airline lounge network, global and local concierge services, individual insurance coverages, emergency card replacement, emergency cash advance services and a 24-hour cardholder service center. Loyalty and reward solution fees also include rewards campaigns and management services.
Program management services provided to prepaid card issuers consist of foreign exchange margin, commissions, load fees and ATM withdrawal fees paid by cardholders on the sale and encashment of prepaid cards.
Batch and real-time account-based payment services relating to ACH transactions and other ACH related services.
Other payment-related products and services and platforms, including account and transaction enhancement services, open banking and digital identity solutions, rules compliance and publications.
Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue) are provided to customers and can be either fixed or variable-based. 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 as a reduction of gross revenue. Variable rebates and incentives are typically tied to customer performance, such as volume thresholds, and are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term.
The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by source and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 202120202019
(in millions)
Revenue by source:
Domestic assessments$8,158 $6,656 $6,781 
Cross-border volume fees4,664 3,512 5,606 
Transaction processing10,799 8,731 8,469 
Other revenues6,224 4,717 4,124 
Gross revenue29,845 23,616 24,980 
Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue)(10,961)(8,315)(8,097)
Net revenue$18,884 $15,301 $16,883 
Net revenue by geographic region:
North American Markets$6,594 $5,424 $5,843 
International Markets12,068 9,701 10,869 
Other 1
222 176 171 
Net revenue$18,884 $15,301 $16,883 
1Includes revenues managed by corporate functions.
The Company’s customers are generally billed weekly, however the frequency 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 sheet from contracts with customers at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Receivables from contracts with customers
Accounts receivable
$2,829 $2,505 
Contract assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets134 59 
Other assets487 245 
Deferred revenue 1
Other current liabilities482 355 
Other liabilities180 143 
1    Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1.5 billion, $1.1 billion and $994 million, respectively.
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 assessing 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 revenues primarily from other value-added services comprised of both batch and real-time account-based payments services, cyber and intelligence solutions, consulting fees, loyalty programs, gateway services, processing, and other payment-related products and services. At December 31, 2021, the estimated
aggregate consideration allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations for these other value-added services is $1.3 billion, which is expected to be recognized through 2024. 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.
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
 202120202019
 (in millions, except per share data)
Numerator
Net income$8,687 $6,411 $8,118 
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding988 1,002 1,017 
Dilutive stock options and stock units
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1
992 1,006 1,022 
Earnings per Share
Basic$8.79 $6.40 $7.98 
Diluted$8.76 $6.37 $7.94 
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.
v3.22.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheet that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$7,421 $10,113 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash for litigation settlement586 586 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,873 1,696 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets22 24 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$9,902 $12,419 
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
202120202019
 (in millions)
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$1,820 $1,349 $1,644 
Cash paid for interest399 311 199 
Cash paid for legal settlements98 149 668 
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Dividends declared but not yet paid479 439 403 
Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets15 154 468 
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired4,969 1,106 1,662 
Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions522 46 205 
v3.22.0.1
Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments Investments
The Company’s investments on the consolidated balance sheet include both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities (see Investments section below). The Company classifies its investments in equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies within other assets on the consolidated balance sheet (see Equity Investments section below).
Investments
Investments on the consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Available-for-sale securities 1
$314 $321 
Held-to-maturity securities 2
159 162 
Total investments $473 $483 
1See Available-for-Sale Securities section below for further detail.
2The cost of these securities approximates fair value.
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 were as follows:
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair ValueAmortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair Value
(in millions)
Municipal securities$$— $— $$10 $— $— $10 
Government and agency securities98 — — 98 64 — — 64 
Corporate securities214 — — 214 246 — 247 
Total$314 $ $ $314 $320 $1 $ $321 
The Company’s corporate and municipal available-for-sale investment securities held at December 31, 2021 and 2020, primarily carried a credit rating of A- or better. Corporate securities are comprised of commercial paper and corporate bonds. Municipal securities are comprised of state tax-exempt bonds and are diversified across states and sectors. Government and agency securities include U.S. government bonds, U.S. government sponsored agency bonds and foreign government bonds which are denominated in the national currency of the issuing country. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The maturity distribution based on the contractual terms of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities at December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
(in millions)
Due within 1 year$132 $132 
Due after 1 year through 5 years182 182 
Total$314 $314 
Investment income on the consolidated statement of operations primarily consists of interest income generated from cash, cash equivalents, time deposits and available-for-sale investment securities, as well as realized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities. The realized gains and losses from the sales of available-for-sale securities for 2021, 2020 and 2019 were not material.
Equity Investments
Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet 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, 2020PurchasesSales
Changes in Fair Value 1
Other 2
Balance at December 31, 2021
(in millions)
Marketable securities $476 $— $(165)$91 $225 $627 
Nonmarketable securities 696 228 (21)554 (250)1,207 
Total equity investments $1,172 $228 $(186)$645 $(25)$1,834 
1Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
2Includes translational impact of currency and $227 million of transfers between equity investment categories due to changes to the existence of readily determinable fair values.
The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s Nonmarketable securities at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Measurement alternative
$952 $539 
Equity method
255 157 
Total Nonmarketable securities$1,207 $696 
The following table summarizes the total carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments, including cumulative unrealized gains and losses, at December 31:
2021
(in millions)
Initial cost basis
$448 
Adjustments:
Upward adjustments514 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)(10)
Carrying amount, end of period$952 
Unrealized gains and losses included in the carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments still held as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Upward adjustments$468 $21 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)$(2)$(3)
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements The Company classifies its fair value measurements of financial instruments into a three-level hierarchy (the “Valuation Hierarchy”). Financial instruments are categorized for fair value measurement purposes as recurring or non-recurring in nature.
Financial Instruments - Recurring Measurements
The distribution of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the Valuation Hierarchy were as follows:
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 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:
Municipal securities$— $$— $$— $10 $— $10 
Government and agency securities35 63 — 98 26 38 — 64 
Corporate securities— 214 — 214 — 247 — 247 
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts— — — 19 — 19 
Interest rate contracts — — — — — — 
Marketable securities 3:
Equity securities627 — — 627 476 — — 476 
Deferred compensation plan 4:
Deferred compensation assets89 — — 89 78 — — 78 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts$— $15 $— $15 $— $28 $— $28 
Interest rate contracts— — — — — — 
Deferred compensation plan 5:
Deferred compensation liabilities89 — — 89 81 — — 81 
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 municipal securities, non-U.S. government and agency securities and corporate 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 have been classified within Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value is based on observable inputs such as broker quotes relating to foreign exchange for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details.
3The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the 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 sheet.
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 sheet.
Financial Instruments - Non-Recurring Measurements
Nonmarketable Securities
The Company’s Nonmarketable securities are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring 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.
Debt
The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt based on market quotes. These debt securities are classified as Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as they are not traded in active markets. At December 31, 2021, the carrying value and fair value of total long-term debt (including the current portion) was $13.9 billion and $15.3 billion, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value and fair value of long-term debt (including the current portion) was $12.7 billion and $14.8 billion, respectively. See Note 15 (Debt) for further details.
Other Financial Instruments
Certain other financial instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheet 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, restricted cash, time deposits, accounts receivable, settlement assets, restricted security deposits held for customers, accounts payable, settlement obligations and other accrued liabilities.
v3.22.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$1,326 $1,086 
Prepaid income taxes92 78 
Other853 719 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$2,271 $1,883 
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$3,798 $3,220 
Equity investments1,834 1,172 
Income taxes receivable645 553 
Other717 420 
Total other assets$6,994 $5,365 
Customer and merchant incentives represent payments made to customers and merchants under business agreements. Payments directly related to entering into such an agreement are generally deferred and amortized over the life of the agreement.
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Building, building equipment and land$615 $522 
Equipment1,456 1,321 
Furniture and fixtures96 99 
Leasehold improvements371 380 
Operating lease right-of-use assets983 970 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets3,521 3,292 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,614)(1,390)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$1,907 $1,902 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the above property, equipment and right-of-use assets was $424 million, $400 million and $336 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Balance sheet location
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$671 $748 
Other current liabilities127 125 
Other liabilities645 726 
Operating lease amortization expense for 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $122 million, $123 million and $99 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases was 8.8 years and 9.1 years and the weighted-average discount rate for operating leases was 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively.
The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2021 based on lease term:
Operating Leases
(in millions)
2022$145 
2023130 
2024109 
202583 
202675 
Thereafter322 
Total operating lease payments864 
Less: Interest(92)
Present value of operating lease liabilities$772 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Beginning balance$4,960 $4,021 
Additions2,842 844 
Foreign currency translation(140)95 
Ending balance$7,662 $4,960 
The Company performed its annual qualitative assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2021 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, 2021.
v3.22.0.1
Other Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(in millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Capitalized software$2,929 $(1,288)$1,641 $2,276 $(1,126)$1,150 
Customer relationships2,272 (429)1,843 743 (322)421 
Other59 (38)21 44 (41)
Total5,260 (1,755)3,505 3,063 (1,489)1,574 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships166 — 166 179 — 179 
Total$5,426 $(1,755)$3,671 $3,242 $(1,489)$1,753 
The increase in the gross carrying amount of amortized intangible assets in 2021 was primarily related to businesses acquired in 2021 and software additions. See Note 2 (Acquisitions) for further details. 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 2021, it was determined that the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.
Amortization on the assets above amounted to $424 million, $303 million and $285 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table sets forth the estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2021 for the years ending December 31:
(in millions)
2022$429 
2023378 
2024355 
2025347 
2026 and thereafter1,996 
Total$3,505 
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
 (in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$4,730 $3,998 
Personnel costs980 727 
Income and other taxes337 208 
Other595 497 
Total accrued expenses$6,642 $5,430 
Customer and merchant incentives represent amounts to be paid to customers under business agreements. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, long-term customer and merchant incentives included in other liabilities were $1,835 million and $1,215 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s provision for litigation was $840 million and $842 million, respectively. These amounts are not included in the accrued expenses table above and are separately reported as accrued litigation on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information regarding the Company’s accrued litigation.
v3.22.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 $175 million, $150 million and $127 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, 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, Vocalink has a defined benefit pension plan (the “Vocalink 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 Company has agreed to make contributions of £15 million (approximately $20 million as of December 31, 2021) annually until September 2022. The term “Pension Plans” includes the non-U.S. Plans and the Vocalink 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 (collectively the “Plans”). The Company recognizes the funded status of its Plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, on the consolidated balance sheet. The following table sets forth the Plans’ funded status, key assumptions and amounts recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31:
 Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
 2021202020212020
 ($ in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$604 $531 $70 $64 
Service cost14 13 
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss(6)43 (7)
Benefits paid(17)(18)(4)(4)
Transfers in— — 
Foreign currency translation (12)23 — — 
Benefit obligation at end of year596 604 62 70 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year617 518   
Actual gain on plan assets63 56 — — 
Employer contributions32 34 
Benefits paid(17)(18)(4)(4)
Transfers in— — 
Foreign currency translation (11)22 — — 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year688 617   
Funded status at end of year$92 $13 $(62)$(70)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Noncurrent assets$105 $28 $— $— 
Other liabilities, short-term— — (3)(4)
Other liabilities, long-term(13)(15)(59)(66)
$92 $13 $(62)$(70)
Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(38)$12 $$
Prior service credit(2)(4)
Balance at end of year$(37)$13 $ $5 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations
Discount rate
Non-U.S. Plans0.90 %0.70 %**
Vocalink Plan1.75 %1.55 %**
Postretirement Plan**2.75 %2.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
Non-U.S. Plans1.50 %1.50 %**
Vocalink Plan3.20 %2.75 %**
Postretirement Plan**3.00 %3.00 %
* Not applicable
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s aggregated Pension Plan assets exceed the benefit obligations. For plans where the benefit obligations exceeded plan assets, the projected benefit obligation was $116 million and $112 million, the accumulated benefit obligation was $115 million and $111 million and plan assets were $104 million and $97 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Information on the Pension Plans were as follows as of December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Projected benefit obligation$596 $604 
Accumulated benefit obligation592 601 
Fair value of plan assets688 617 
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s projected benefit obligation related to its Pension Plans decreased $8 million, primarily attributable to actuarial gains related to higher discount rate assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s projected benefit obligation related to its Pension Plans increased $73 million, primarily attributable to actuarial losses related to lower discount rate assumptions.
Components of net periodic benefit cost recorded in earnings were as follows for the Plans for each of the years ended December 31:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)
Service cost$14 $13 $11 $$$
Interest cost13 
Expected return on plan assets(19)(18)(18)— — — 
Amortization of actuarial loss(1)— — — — 
Amortization of prior service credit— — — (1)(1)(1)
Net periodic benefit cost$3 $4 $7 $2 $2 $2 
The service cost component is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Net periodic benefit cost, excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)
Current year actuarial loss (gain)$(50)$$12 $(7)$$
Amortization of prior service credit— — — 
Total other comprehensive loss (income)$(50)$5 $12 $(5)$8 $10 
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)$(47)$9 $19 $(3)$10 $12 
Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
Discount rate
Non-U.S. Plans0.70 %0.70 %1.80 %***
Vocalink Plan1.55 %1.55 %2.00 %***
Postretirement Plan***2.50 %3.25 %4.25 %
Expected return on plan assets
Non-U.S. Plans1.60 %1.60 %2.10 %***
Vocalink Plan3.20 %3.20 %3.75 %***
Rate of compensation increase
Non-U.S. Plans1.50 %1.50 %1.50 %***
Vocalink Plan2.75 %2.75 %2.50 %***
Postretirement Plan***3.00 %3.00 %3.00 %
* Not applicable
The Company’s discount rate assumptions are based on yield curves derived from high quality corporate bonds, which are matched to the expected cash flows of each respective plan. The expected return on plan assets assumptions are derived using the current and expected asset allocations of the Pension Plans’ assets and considering historical as well as expected returns on various classes of plan assets. The rates of compensation increases are determined by the Company, based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
The following additional assumptions were used at December 31 in accounting for the Postretirement Plan:
20212020
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.75 %7.00 %
Ultimate trend rate 5.00 %5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate78
Assets
Plan assets are managed taking into account the timing and amount of future benefit payments. The Vocalink Plan assets are managed with the following target asset allocations: cash and cash equivalents 42%, U.K. government securities 18%, fixed income 17%, equity 15% and real estate 8%. For the non-U.S. Plans, the assets are concentrated primarily in insurance contracts.
The Valuation Hierarchy of the Pension Plans’ assets is determined using a consistent application of the categorization measurements for the Company’s financial instruments. See Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for additional information.
The following tables set forth by level, within the Valuation Hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair ValueQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents 1
$246 $— $— $246 $59 $— $— $59 
Mutual funds 2
185 102 — 287 270 117 — 387 
Insurance contracts 3
— 104 — 104 — 96 — 96 
Total$431 $206 $— $637 $329 $213 $— $542 
Investments at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) 4
51 75 
Total Plan Assets$688 $617 
1Cash and cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of the shares held by the Plans.
2Certain mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the value of the shares held by the Plans, and are therefore included in Level 1. Certain other mutual funds are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2.
3Insurance contracts are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors.
4Investments at NAV include mutual funds (comprised primarily of credit investments) and other investments (comprised primarily of real estate investments) and are valued using the net asset value provided by the administrator as a practical expedient, and therefore these investments are not included in the valuation hierarchy. These investments have quarterly redemption frequencies with redemption notice periods ranging from 60 to 90 days.
The following table summarizes expected benefit payments (as of December 31, 2021) through 2031 for the Pension Plans and the Postretirement Plan, including those payments expected to be paid from the Company’s general assets. Actual benefit payments may differ from expected benefit payments.
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
(in millions)
2022$27 $
202318 
202421 
202521 
202619 
2027 - 2031124 19 
v3.22.0.1
Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020Effective
Interest Rate
(in millions)
2021 USD Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2031$750 $— 2.112 %
1.900 %Senior Notes due March 2031600 — 1.981 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due March 2051700 — 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 Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2021— 650 2.236 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due November 2026750 750 3.044 %
3.800 %Senior Notes due November 2046600 600 3.893 %
2015 EUR Notes 1
1.100 %Senior Notes due December 2022793 859 1.265 %
2.100 %Senior Notes due December 2027906 982 2.189 %
2.500 %Senior Notes due December 2030170 184 2.562 %
2014 USD Notes3.375 %Senior Notes due April 20241,000 1,000 3.484 %
14,019 12,775 
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(116)(103)
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 2
(2)— 
Total debt outstanding13,901 12,672 
Less: Current portion 3
(792)(649)
Long-term debt$13,109 $12,023 
1€1.650 billion euro-denominated debt issued in December 2015.
2In 2021, the Company entered into an interest rate swap which is accounted for as a fair value hedge. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
32015 EUR Notes due December 2022 and 2016 USD Notes due November 2021 are classified as current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
In March 2021, the Company issued $600 million principal amount of notes due March 2031 and $700 million principal amount of notes due March 2051. In November 2021, the Company also issued $750 million principal amount of notes due November 2031. The two issuances in 2021 are collectively referred to as the “2021 USD Notes”. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $2.024 billion.
In March 2020, the Company issued $1 billion principal amount of notes due March 2027, $1.5 billion principal amount of notes due March 2030 and $1.5 billion principal amount notes due March 2050 (collectively the “2020 USD Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2020 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $3.959 billion.
In May 2019, the Company issued $1 billion principal amount of notes due June 2029 and $1 billion principal amount of notes due June 2049. In December 2019, the Company also issued $750 million principal amount of notes due March 2025. The two issuances in 2019 are collectively referred to as the “2019 USD Notes”. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2019 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $2.724 billion.
The outstanding debt, described above, is not subject to any financial covenants and it 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.
Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2021 are summarized below.
(in millions)
2022$793 
2023— 
20241,000 
2025750 
2026750 
Thereafter10,726 
Total$14,019 
As of December 31, 2021, the Company has a commercial paper program (the “Commercial Paper Program”) under which the Company is authorized to issue up to $6 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 $6 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which previously expired on November 13, 2025, was amended and extended on November 13, 2021 for an additional year and now expires on November 12, 2026. The amendment and extension did not result in material changes to the terms and conditions of the Credit Facility. 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, 2021 and 2020.
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 from time to time. The Company had no borrowings under the Credit Facility and the Commercial Paper Program at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 and 2020. 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 2021, 2020 and 2019.
The Company declared total per share dividends on its Class A and Class B Common Stock during the years ended December 31 as summarized below: 
202120202019
(in millions, except per share data)
Dividends declared per share $1.81 $1.64 $1.39 
Total dividends declared$1,781 $1,641 $1,408 
Ownership and Governance Structure
Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31:
20212020
Equity OwnershipGeneral Voting PowerEquity OwnershipGeneral Voting Power
Public Investors (Class A stockholders)88.4 %89.2 %88.2 %88.9 %
Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders)0.8 %— %0.8 %— %
Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders)10.8 %10.8 %11.0 %11.1 %
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. Under the terms of the donation, Mastercard Foundation became able to resell the donated shares in May 2010 to the extent necessary to meet charitable disbursement requirements pursuant to Canadian tax law. Under such current law, Mastercard Foundation must annually disburse at least 3.5% of its assets not used in its charitable activities and administration in the previous eight quarters (“Disbursement Quota”). However, Mastercard Foundation obtained permission from the Canada Revenue Agency to, until December 31, 2021, meet its cumulative Disbursement Quota obligations over a period of time that, on average, demonstrates compliance with the requirement for such established time period. Mastercard Foundation will be permitted to sell all of its remaining shares beginning May 1, 2027, subject to certain conditions.
Common Stock Activity
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock for the years ended December 31:
 Outstanding Shares
 Class AClass B
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 20181,018.6 11.8 
Purchases of treasury stock(26.4)— 
Share-based payments3.2 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.6 (0.6)
Balance at December 31, 2019996.0 11.2 
Purchases of treasury stock(14.3)— 
Share-based payments2.3 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock2.9 (2.9)
Balance at December 31, 2020986.9 8.3 
Purchases of treasury stock(16.5)— 
Share-based payments1.2 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.5 (0.5)
Balance at December 31, 2021972.1 7.8 
The Company’s Board of Directors have approved share repurchase programs authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its Class A Common Stock. The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase authorizations of its Class A common stock for the years ended December 31:
202120202019
(In millions, except per share data)
Board authorization$8,000 $6,000 $8,000 
Dollar-value of shares repurchased$5,904 $4,473 $6,497 
Shares repurchased16.5 14.3 26.4 
Average price paid per share$356.82 $312.68 $245.89 
As of December 31, 2021, the remaining authorization under the share repurchase programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors was $11.9 billion.
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
December 31, 2020Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2021
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(352)$(387)$— $(739)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
(175)209 — 34 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
— (1)
Interest rate contracts 4
(133)— (128)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 5
(20)43 (2)21 
Investment securities available-for-sale— (1)— (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(680)$(131)$2 $(809)

December 31, 2019Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2020
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(638)$286 $— $(352)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
(38)(137)— (175)
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate contracts 4
11 (147)(133)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 5
(9)(10)(1)(20)
Investment securities available-for-sale(1)— — 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(673)$(9)$2 $(680)
1During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. During 2020, 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 partially offset by the depreciation of the Brazilian real.
2During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. During 2020, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the net investment hedge was driven by the appreciation of the euro. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
3Beginning in 2021, certain 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 statement of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
4In 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. In the first quarter of 2020, in connection with the issuance of the 2020 USD Notes, these contracts were settled for a loss of $175 million, or $136 million net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cumulative loss will be reclassified as an adjustment to interest expense over the respective terms of the 2020 USD Notes. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
5During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Plans was driven primarily by a net actuarial gain within the Pension Plans. During 2020, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Plans was driven primarily by an actuarial loss within the Postretirement Plan. See Note 14 (Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans) for additional information.
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 5, 2012 (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 four years. For Options granted, a participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination. In the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than seven months after receiving the award, however, 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:
202120202019
Risk-free rate of return0.9 %1.0 %2.6 %
Expected term (in years)6.006.006.00
Expected volatility26.1 %19.3 %19.6 %
Expected dividend yield0.5 %0.6 %0.6 %
Weighted-average fair value per Option granted$91.70 $80.92 $53.09 
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, 2021:
OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in years)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20215.7 $137 
Granted0.3 $363 
Exercised(0.6)$96 
Forfeited/expired— $259 
Outstanding at December 31, 20215.4 $152 5.3$1,109 
Exercisable at December 31, 20214.2 $122 4.6$986 
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 20215.3 $152 5.3$1,109 
As of December 31, 2021, there was $26 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
Restricted Stock Units
For RSUs granted on or after March 1, 2020, the awards generally vest ratably over four years. For RSUs granted before March 1, 2020, the awards generally vest after three years. A participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment. In the event of termination due to job elimination (as defined by the Company), however, 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, 2021:
UnitsWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20212.5 $231 
Granted0.8 $358 
Converted(1.0)$199 
Forfeited(0.1)$282 
Outstanding at December 31, 20212.2 $291 $781 
RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20212.1 $289 $751 
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, 2021, there was $283 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
Performance Stock Units
PSUs vest after three years, however, awards granted on or after March 1, 2019 are subject to a mandatory one-year post-vest hold. A participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment. In the event of termination due to job elimination (as defined by the Company), however, 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, 2021:
UnitsWeighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20210.4 $259 
Granted0.2 $385 
Converted(0.1)$226 
Other(0.1)$231 
Outstanding at December 31, 20210.4 $334 $128 
PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20210.4 $334 $128 
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. During the year ended December 31, 2020, performance targets related to PSU awards granted in 2018 (“2018 PSU Awards”) were adjusted to exclude certain pandemic-related financial impacts deemed outside of the Company’s control. The adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2020 required the Company to apply modification accounting to the 2018 PSU Awards which had an immaterial impact on compensation expense. As of December 31, 2021, there was $34 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
Additional Information
The following table includes additional share-based payment information for each of the years ended December 31:
202120202019
(in millions, except weighted-average fair value)
Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs$273 $254 $250 
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards57 53 53 
Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised36 68 69 
Options:
Total intrinsic value of Options exercised169 317 317 
RSUs:
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 358 288 226 
Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock360 330 394 
PSUs:
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted385 291 231 
Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock32 92 85 
v3.22.0.1
Commitments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments Commitments
At December 31, 2021, 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 Company has accrued $17 million of these future payments as of December 31, 2021.
(in millions)
2022$424 
2023202 
2024114 
202548 
2026
Thereafter
Total$792 
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 are as follows:
202120202019
(in millions)
United States$4,261 $3,304 $4,213 
Foreign6,046 4,456 5,518 
Income before income taxes$10,307 $7,760 $9,731 
The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is comprised of the following components:
202120202019
(in millions)
Current
Federal$663 $439 $642 
State and local51 56 81 
Foreign976 781 897 
1,690 1,276 1,620 
Deferred
Federal(31)106 40 
State and local(4)— 
Foreign(35)(42)(47)
(70)73 (7)
Income tax expense$1,620 $1,349 $1,613 
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, is as follows:
202120202019
AmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercent
(in millions, except percentages)
Income before income taxes$10,307 $7,760 $9,731 
Federal statutory tax2,164 21.0 %1,630 21.0 %2,044 21.0 %
State tax effect, net of federal benefit60 0.6 %57 0.7 %65 0.7 %
Foreign tax effect(283)(2.7)%(193)(2.5)%(208)(2.1)%
U.S. tax benefits 1
(132)(1.3)%— — %— — %
Windfall benefit(67)(0.7)%(119)(1.5)%(129)(1.3)%
Other, net 2
(122)(1.2)%(26)(0.3)%(159)(1.7)%
Income tax expense$1,620 15.7 %$1,349 17.4 %$1,613 16.6 %
1Refer to the description below for the components that represent U.S. tax benefits.
2Included within the impact of other is $27 million of tax benefits for 2019 relating to the carryback of certain foreign tax credits.
The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were 15.7%, 17.4% and 16.6%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for 2021 was lower than the effective income tax rate for 2020, primarily due to the recognition of U.S. tax benefits, the majority of which were discrete, resulting from a higher foreign derived intangible income deduction and greater utilization of foreign tax credits in the U.S. In addition, a more favorable geographic mix of earnings in 2021 contributed to the Company’s lower effective tax rate. These benefits were partially offset by a lower discrete tax benefit related to share-based payments in 2021.
The effective income tax rate for 2020 was higher than the effective income tax rate for 2019, primarily due to higher discrete tax benefits in 2019, partially offset by a more favorable geographic mix of earnings in 2020. The 2019 discrete tax benefits related to a favorable court ruling, a reduction to the Company’s transition tax liability and additional foreign tax credits which can be carried back under U.S. tax reform transition rules issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.
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 2021, 2020 and 2019, the impact of the incentive grant received from the Ministry of Finance resulted in a reduction of MAPPL’s income tax liability of $300 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, $260 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, and $300 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, respectively.
Indefinite Reinvestment
As of December 31, 2021 the Company had immaterial deferred tax liabilities related to the tax effect of the estimated foreign exchange impact on unremitted earnings. The Company expects that foreign withholding taxes associated with future repatriation of these earnings will not be material. Earnings of approximately $1.1 billion remain permanently reinvested and the Company estimates that immaterial U.S. federal and state and local income tax benefits would result, primarily from foreign exchange, if these earnings were to be repatriated.
Deferred 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 are as follows:
20212020
(in millions)
Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued liabilities$497 $324 
Compensation and benefits260 218 
State taxes and other credits40 47 
Net operating and capital losses136 147 
Unrealized gain/loss - 2015 EUR Notes24 58 
U.S. foreign tax credits333 276 
Intangible assets206 182 
Other items137 142 
Less: Valuation allowance(415)(353)
Total Deferred Tax Assets1,218 1,041 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other accruals114 78 
Gains on equity investments153 60 
Goodwill and intangible assets571 216 
Property, plant and equipment174 183 
Previously taxed earnings and profits61 
Other items112 38 
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities1,127 636 
Net Deferred Tax Assets $91 $405 
The valuation allowance balance at December 31, 2021 and 2020 primarily relates to the Company’s ability to recognize future tax benefits associated with the carry forward of U.S. foreign tax credits generated in the current and prior periods and certain foreign losses. The recognition of the 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 foreign losses is dependent on the timing and character of future taxable income in such jurisdictions.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
202120202019
(in millions)
Beginning balance$388 $203 $164 
Additions:
Current year tax positions17 19 22 
Prior year tax positions192 37 
Reductions:
Prior year tax positions(31)(10)(11)
Settlements with tax authorities(15)(12)(2)
Expired statute of limitations(3)(4)(7)
Ending balance$360 $388 $203 
As of December 31, 2021, the amount of unrecognized tax benefit was $360 million. This amount, if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased in 2020 primarily due to a prior year tax issue resulting from a refund claim filed in 2020.
The Company is subject to tax in the U.S., 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 are 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 2011. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had a net income tax-related interest payable of $20 million and $24 million, respectively, in its consolidated balance sheet. Tax-related interest income/(expense) in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was not material. In addition, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amounts the Company has recognized for penalties payable in its consolidated balance sheet were not material.
v3.22.0.1
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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, except as discussed below, it is not possible to determine the probability of loss or estimate damages, and therefore, Mastercard has not established reserves for any of these proceedings.  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 existence in many such proceedings of 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 or 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, financial position and cash flows.
United States. In June 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 plaintiffs filed a consolidated class action complaint that seeks treble damages.
In July 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 February 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 merchant 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 October 2012, the parties entered into a definitive settlement agreement with respect to the merchant class litigation (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 December 2013, and objectors to the settlement appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In June 2016, the court of appeals vacated the class action certification, reversed the settlement approval and sent the case back to the district court for further proceedings. The court of appeals’ ruling was based primarily on whether the merchants were adequately represented by counsel in the settlement. As a result of the appellate court ruling, the district 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 September 2018, the parties to the Damages Class litigation entered into a class settlement agreement to resolve the Damages Class claims. The time period during which Damages Class members were permitted to opt out of the class settlement agreement ended in July 2019 with merchants representing slightly more than 25% of the Damages Class interchange volume choosing to opt out of the settlement. The district court granted final approval of the settlement in December 2019. The district court’s settlement approval order has been appealed and oral argument on the appeal is scheduled for March 2022. Mastercard has commenced settlement negotiations with a number of the opt-out merchants and has reached settlements and/or agreements in principle to settle a number of these claims. The Damages Class settlement agreement does not relate to the Rules Relief Class claims. Separate settlement negotiations with the Rules Relief Class are ongoing. Briefing on summary judgment motions in the Rules Relief Class and opt-out merchant cases was completed in December 2020. In September 2021, the district court granted the Rules Relief Class’s motion for class certification.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Mastercard had accrued a liability of $783 million as a reserve for both the Damages Class litigation and the opt-out merchant cases. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Mastercard had $586 million in a qualified cash settlement fund related to the Damages Class litigation and classified as restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet. The reserve as of December 31, 2021 for both the Damages Class litigation and the opt-out merchants represents Mastercard’s best estimate of its probable liabilities in these matters. The portion of the accrued liability relating to both the opt-out merchants and the Damages Class litigation settlement 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 May 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. Approximately £1 billion (approximately $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2021) of unresolved damages claims remain.
In January 2017, Mastercard received a liability judgment in its favor on all significant matters in a separate action brought by ten of the U.K. Merchant claimants. Three of the U.K. Merchant claimants appealed the judgment, and these appeals were combined with Mastercard’s appeal of a 2016 judgment in favor of one U.K. merchant. In July 2018, the U.K. appellate court heard the appeals of
the four merchant claimants and ruled against both Mastercard and Visa on two of the three legal issues being considered. The parties appealed the rulings to the U.K. Supreme Court. In June 2020, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled against Mastercard and Visa with respect to one of the liability issues being considered by the Court related to U.K domestic interchange fees. Additionally, the U.K Supreme Court set out the legal standard that should be applied by lower trial courts with respect to determining whether interchange was exemptible under applicable law, and provided guidance to lower courts with regard to the legal standard that should be applied in assessing merchants’ damages claims. The U.K. Supreme Court sent three of the merchant cases back to the trial court solely for the purpose of determining damages issues which is scheduled to commence in January 2023.
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. The majority of these merchant claims generally had been stayed pending the decision of the U.K. Supreme Court, and a number of those matters are now progressing with motion practice and discovery. In one of the actions involving multiple merchant plaintiff claims, in November 2021 the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment on certain liability issues. The plaintiffs were granted permission to appeal that ruling. In 2021 and 2020, Mastercard incurred charges of $94 million and $28 million, respectively, to reflect both the litigation settlements and estimated attorneys’ fees with a number of U.K. merchants as well as settlements with a number of Pan-European merchants.
In September 2016, a proposed collective action was filed in the United Kingdom on behalf of U.K. consumers seeking damages for intra-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 £14 billion (approximately $19 billion as of December 31, 2021). In July 2017, the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ application for the case to proceed as a collective action. In April 2019, the U.K. appellate court granted the plaintiffs’ appeal of the trial court’s decision and sent the case back to the trial court for a re-hearing on the plaintiffs’ collective action application. In December 2020, the U.K. Supreme Court rejected Mastercard’s appeal of this ruling. In March 2021, the trial court held a re-hearing on the plaintiffs’ collective action application, during which Mastercard sought to narrow the scope of the proposed class. In August 2021, the trial court issued a decision in which it granted class certification but agreed with Mastercard’s argument and narrowed the scope of the class. The plaintiffs did not appeal the trial court’s decision narrowing the class.
ATM Non-Discrimination Rule Surcharge Complaints
In October 2011, a trade association of independent Automated Teller Machine (“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 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 putative classes of users of ATM services (the “ATM Consumer Complaints”).  The claims in these actions largely mirror the allegations made in the ATM Operators Complaint, although these complaints seek damages on behalf of consumers of ATM services who pay allegedly inflated ATM fees at both bank and non-bank 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 January 2012, the plaintiffs in the ATM Operators Complaint and the ATM Consumer Complaints filed amended class action complaints that largely mirror their prior complaints. In February 2013, the district court granted Mastercard’s motion to dismiss the complaints for failure to state a claim. On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the district court’s order in August 2015 and sent the case back for further proceedings. In September 2019, the plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification in which the plaintiffs, in aggregate, allege over $1 billion in damages against all of the defendants. In August 2021, the trial court issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ request for class certification. Visa and Mastercard’s request for permission to appeal the certification decision to the appellate court was granted. Briefing on the appeal is expected to take place over the course of 2022. Mastercard intends to vigorously defend against both the plaintiffs’ liability and damages claims.
U.S. Liability Shift Litigation
In March 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, and the defendants have filed a motion to dismiss. In September 2016, the district court denied the Network Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, but granted such a motion for EMVCo and the Bank Defendants. In May 2017, the district court transferred the case to New York so that discovery could be coordinated with the U.S. merchant class interchange litigation described above. In August 2020, the district court issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ request for class certification. In January 2021, the Network Defendants’ request for permission to appeal the district court’s certification decision to the appellate court was denied. The plaintiffs have submitted expert reports that allege aggregate damages in excess of $1 billion against the four Network Defendants. The Network Defendants have submitted expert reports rebutting both liability and damages. Briefing on summary judgment is expected to occur in 2022.
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 June 2018, the district court granted Mastercard’s motion to stay the proceedings until the Federal Communications Commission makes a decision on the application of the TCPA to online fax services. In December 2019, the FCC issued a declaratory ruling clarifying that the TCPA does not apply to faxes sent to online fax services that are received via e-mail. As a result of the ruling, the stay of the litigation was lifted in January 2020. In January 2021, the magistrate judge serving on the district court issued an opinion recommending that the district court judge deny plaintiffs’ class certification motion. In light of an appellate court decision, issued subsequent to the magistrate’s recommendation, the district court judge instructed the parties to re-brief the motion for class certification, and the motion has been fully briefed. In December 2021, the trial court narrowed the scope of the potential class as it denied the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification of a class of all fax recipients (both stand-alone faxes and online faxes sent via email). However, the court granted class certification for a narrower class of online fax recipients only. Mastercard has filed a motion for reconsideration of the part of the trial court’s order granting partial certification.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Investigation
In June 2020, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition (“FTC”) informed Mastercard that it has initiated a formal investigation into compliance with the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In particular, the investigation focuses on Mastercard’s compliance with the debit routing provisions of the Durbin Amendment.  The FTC has issued a subpoena and Mastercard is cooperating with it in the investigation.
U.K. Prepaid Cards Matter
In 2019, Mastercard was informed by the U.K. Payment Systems Regulator (“PSR”) that Mastercard was a target of its investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by public sector prepaid card program managers in the U.K. This matter focused exclusively on historic behavior. In March 2021, the PSR announced the resolution and settlement of this investigation. As part of the resolution, Mastercard agreed to pay a maximum fine of £32 million. This matter has no prospective impact on Mastercard’s on-going business. In connection with this matter, in the fourth quarter of 2020, Mastercard recorded a litigation charge of $45 million. In January 2022, the PSR issued a decision which concludes the matter and which requires that Mastercard pay its previously agreed fine in March 2022.
v3.22.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 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. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically 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 a failed 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 failures.
As part of its policies, Mastercard requires certain customers that are not in compliance with the Company’s risk standards to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or other 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, from time to time, the Company 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:
20212020
(in millions)
Gross settlement exposure$59,571 $52,360 
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure(7,710)(6,021)
Net settlement exposure
$51,861 $46,339 
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 of $361 million and $370 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which the Company has risk mitigation arrangements for $287 million and $294 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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.
v3.22.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Foreign Currency Derivatives [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 principally through the use of both foreign exchange derivative contracts and foreign currency denominated debt. 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.
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 subsequently reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings.
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. In 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. In the first quarter of 2020, in connection with the issuance of the 2020 USD Notes, these contracts were settled at a loss of $136 million, after tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2021, a cumulative loss of $128 million, after tax, remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with these contracts and will be reclassified as an adjustment to interest expense over the respective terms of the 2020 USD Notes due in March 2030 and March 2050.
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 statement of operations. Gains or losses related to the net settlements of interest rate swaps are also recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations. The periodic cash settlements are included in operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.
During the fourth quarter of 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 year ended December 31, 2021 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 designated as an excluded component and recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations over the hedge period. The amounts recognized in earnings related to forward points for 2021 were not material.
In 2015, the Company designated its €1.65 billion euro-denominated debt as a net investment hedge for a portion of its net investment in its European operations. During 2021, 2020 and 2019 the Company recorded a pre-tax net foreign currency gain of $155 million, loss of $177 million and gain of $36 million, respectively, in other comprehensive income (loss).
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had a net foreign currency gain of $34 million and loss of $175 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 statement 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, 2021December 31, 2020
 NotionalFair ValueNotionalFair Value
(in millions)
Derivative assets:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$102 $$— $— 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
                    **— — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
124 483 19 
Total Derivative Assets$226 $14 $483 $19 
Derivative liabilities:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$104 $$— $— 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
1,000 — — 
Foreign exchange contracts in a net investment hedge 1
1,473 — — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
406 1,016 28 
Total Derivative Liabilities$2,983 $23 $1,016 $28 
1Foreign exchange derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value and are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
2Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value and are included within prepaid and other current assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
** As of December 31, 2021, the total notional of interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge is $1.0 billion.
The pre-tax gain (loss) related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCIGain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI
Year ended December 31,Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsYear ended December 31,
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)(in millions)
Derivative financial instruments in a cash flow hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts$$— $— Net revenue$$— $— 
Interest rate contracts$— $(189)$14 Interest expense$(6)$(4)$— 
Derivative financial instruments in a net investment hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts $114 $— $— 
The Company estimates that $1 million, pre-tax, of the net deferred loss on cash flow hedges recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2021 will be reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations within the next 12 months. The term of the foreign exchange derivative contracts designated in hedging relationships are generally less than 18 months.
The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statement of operations for non-designated derivative contracts is summarized below:
 Year ended December 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:202120202019
 (in millions)
Foreign exchange derivative contracts
General and administrative$(10)$40 $(39)
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. 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.
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting Segment Reporting
Mastercard has concluded it has one reportable operating segment, “Payment Solutions.” Mastercard’s Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision-maker. All of the Company’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.
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 32% of total revenue in 2021, 33% in 2020 and 32% in 2019. No individual country, other than the U.S., generated more than 10% of total revenue in those periods. Mastercard did not have any individual customer that generated greater than 10% of net revenue in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
The following table reflects the geographical location of the Company’s property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net, as of December 31:
202120202019
(in millions)
United States$1,117 $1,185 $1,147 
Other countries790 717 681 
Total$1,907 $1,902 $1,828 
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment instead of cash and checks. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services through its family of well-known and trusted brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company operates a multi-rail payments network that provides choice and flexibility for consumers and merchants. Through its unique and proprietary core global payments network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions. The Company has additional payment capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). Using these capabilities, the Company offers integrated payment products and services and captures new payment flows. The Company’s value-added services include, among others, cyber and intelligence solutions to allow all parties to transact easily and with confidence, as well as other services that provide proprietary insights, drawing on Mastercard’s principled use of consumer and merchant data. The Company’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’s payment solutions are designed to ensure safety and security for the global payments ecosystem.
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 sheet.  At December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no significant VIEs which required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date on which the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 2021, 2020 and 2019, net losses from non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statement 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, 2021 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 goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is primarily generated from assessing customers based on the dollar volume of activity, or gross dollar volume (“GDV”), on the products that carry the Company’s brands, from fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as from value-added products and services that are often integrated and sold with the Company’s payment offerings.
Volume-based revenue (domestic assessments and cross-border volume fees) is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is primarily based on the related volume generated on the cards. Certain volume-based revenue is based upon information reported by customers. Transaction-based revenue (transaction processing) is primarily based on the number and type of transactions and is recognized as revenue in the same period in which the related transactions occur. Other payment-related products and services are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related services 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 and 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 that could be either fixed or variable-based. 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 as a reduction of gross revenue. Variable rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue 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.
Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed data analytic and consulting services 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 sheet.
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 is primarily derived from data analytic and consulting services. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
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 statement 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, which represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce, and customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, customer relationships 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 fair value, primarily discounted cash flows analysis, relief-from-royalty and multi-period excess earnings for estimating the fair value of its intangible assets. 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, then 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. 
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 statement 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 statement 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 statement of operations.
Settlement and Other Risk Management Policy
Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the 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. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically 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.
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 sheet. 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 sheet. The Company records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statement 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 - 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 which are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows:
Restricted cash for litigation settlement - The Company has restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the U.S. merchant class litigation. The funds continue to be restricted for payments until the litigation matter is resolved.
Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires certain customers to enter into risk mitigation arrangements, including cash collateral and/or other 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 sheet. 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 sheet. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet. These security deposits are typically held for the duration of the agreement with the customers.
Other restricted cash balances - The Company has other restricted cash balances which include contractually restricted deposits, as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage. These funds are classified on the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.
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 non-recurring basis, when a change in fair value or impairment is evidenced. The Company classifies these recurring and non-recurring 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 and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include nonmarketable securities, debt and other financial instruments. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring 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.
Contingent Consideration, Policy Contingent consideration - Certain business combinations involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones. These liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management’s judgment. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date and subsequent periods is determined utilizing an income approach based on a Monte Carlo technique and is recorded in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes to projected performance milestones of the acquired businesses could result in a higher or lower contingent consideration liability. The changes in fair value as a result of updated assumptions are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
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 non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
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 statement of comprehensive income. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement 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 statement 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 sheet 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 sheet 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 statement of operations. Securities that are not for use in current operations are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, include 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 statement 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 statement 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 statement 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, which 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 statement 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 statement 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. 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 statement 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 statement of operations as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Hedged items are measured on the consolidated balance sheet 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 sheet 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.
Settlement Due From/Due To Customers Policy 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, however, in some circumstances, funds may not settle until subsequent business days. In addition, the Company may receive or post funds in advance of transactions related to certain payment capabilities over its multi-rail payments network. The Company classifies the balances arising from these various activities as settlement assets and settlement obligations.
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 statement of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Furniture and fixtures and equipment
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 sheet.
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 sheet 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 sheet.Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement 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 statement 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 statement 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 statement 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 - Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to functional currencies using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are remeasured at the weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement 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.
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 statement 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 sheet. The redeemable non-controlling interests are considered temporary and reported outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheet 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Policy
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
Accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination - In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued accounting guidance that requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2022 with early adoption permitted. The Company will early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2022 and does not expect the impacts to be material.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Useful lives of Company's assets
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Furniture and fixtures and equipment
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Building, building equipment and land$615 $522 
Equipment1,456 1,321 
Furniture and fixtures96 99 
Leasehold improvements371 380 
Operating lease right-of-use assets983 970 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets3,521 3,292 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,614)(1,390)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$1,907 $1,902 
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions Business Combination (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed The estimated and final fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for the years ended December 31.
202120202019
(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$253 $$54 
Other current assets41 14 143 
Other intangible assets2,071 237 395 
Goodwill2,842 844 1,076 
Other assets15 11 48 
Total assets5,222 1,112 1,716 
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities112 15 121 
Deferred income taxes 398 23 52 
Other liabilities12 32 
Total liabilities522 46 205 
Net assets acquired$4,700 $1,066 $1,511 
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:
202120202019202120202019
Acquisition Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in millions)(in years)
Developed technologies$433 $122 $199 11.76.37.7
Customer relationships1,614 114 178 19.212.012.6
Other24 18 7.11.05.0
Other intangible assets$2,071 $237 $395 17.59.09.7
v3.22.0.1
Revenue (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by source and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 202120202019
(in millions)
Revenue by source:
Domestic assessments$8,158 $6,656 $6,781 
Cross-border volume fees4,664 3,512 5,606 
Transaction processing10,799 8,731 8,469 
Other revenues6,224 4,717 4,124 
Gross revenue29,845 23,616 24,980 
Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue)(10,961)(8,315)(8,097)
Net revenue$18,884 $15,301 $16,883 
Net revenue by geographic region:
North American Markets$6,594 $5,424 $5,843 
International Markets12,068 9,701 10,869 
Other 1
222 176 171 
Net revenue$18,884 $15,301 $16,883 
1Includes revenues managed by corporate functions.
The following table sets forth the location of the amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet from contracts with customers at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Receivables from contracts with customers
Accounts receivable
$2,829 $2,505 
Contract assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets134 59 
Other assets487 245 
Deferred revenue 1
Other current liabilities482 355 
Other liabilities180 143 
1    Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1.5 billion, $1.1 billion and $994 million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
 202120202019
 (in millions, except per share data)
Numerator
Net income$8,687 $6,411 $8,118 
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding988 1,002 1,017 
Dilutive stock options and stock units
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1
992 1,006 1,022 
Earnings per Share
Basic$8.79 $6.40 $7.98 
Diluted$8.76 $6.37 $7.94 
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.
v3.22.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheet that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$7,421 $10,113 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash for litigation settlement586 586 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,873 1,696 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets22 24 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$9,902 $12,419 
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheet that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$7,421 $10,113 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Restricted cash for litigation settlement586 586 
Restricted security deposits held for customers1,873 1,696 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets22 24 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$9,902 $12,419 
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
202120202019
 (in millions)
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$1,820 $1,349 $1,644 
Cash paid for interest399 311 199 
Cash paid for legal settlements98 149 668 
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Dividends declared but not yet paid479 439 403 
Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets15 154 468 
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired4,969 1,106 1,662 
Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions522 46 205 
v3.22.0.1
Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments On the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Investments on the consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Available-for-sale securities 1
$314 $321 
Held-to-maturity securities 2
159 162 
Total investments $473 $483 
1See Available-for-Sale Securities section below for further detail.
2The 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 were as follows:
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair ValueAmortized Cost Gross Unrealized GainGross Unrealized Loss Fair Value
(in millions)
Municipal securities$$— $— $$10 $— $— $10 
Government and agency securities98 — — 98 64 — — 64 
Corporate securities214 — — 214 246 — 247 
Total$314 $ $ $314 $320 $1 $ $321 
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, 2021 was as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
(in millions)
Due within 1 year$132 $132 
Due after 1 year through 5 years182 182 
Total$314 $314 
Equity Method Investments
The following table is a summary of the activity related to the Company’s equity investments:
 Balance at December 31, 2020PurchasesSales
Changes in Fair Value 1
Other 2
Balance at December 31, 2021
(in millions)
Marketable securities $476 $— $(165)$91 $225 $627 
Nonmarketable securities 696 228 (21)554 (250)1,207 
Total equity investments $1,172 $228 $(186)$645 $(25)$1,834 
1Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
2Includes translational impact of currency and $227 million of transfers between equity investment categories due to changes to the existence of readily determinable fair values.
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value
The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s Nonmarketable securities at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Measurement alternative
$952 $539 
Equity method
255 157 
Total Nonmarketable securities$1,207 $696 
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, at December 31:
2021
(in millions)
Initial cost basis
$448 
Adjustments:
Upward adjustments514 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)(10)
Carrying amount, end of period$952 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in the Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments
Unrealized gains and losses included in the carrying value of the Company’s Measurement alternative investments still held as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Upward adjustments$468 $21 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)$(2)$(3)
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 were as follows:
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 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:
Municipal securities$— $$— $$— $10 $— $10 
Government and agency securities35 63 — 98 26 38 — 64 
Corporate securities— 214 — 214 — 247 — 247 
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts— — — 19 — 19 
Interest rate contracts — — — — — — 
Marketable securities 3:
Equity securities627 — — 627 476 — — 476 
Deferred compensation plan 4:
Deferred compensation assets89 — — 89 78 — — 78 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments 2:
Foreign exchange contracts$— $15 $— $15 $— $28 $— $28 
Interest rate contracts— — — — — — 
Deferred compensation plan 5:
Deferred compensation liabilities89 — — 89 81 — — 81 
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 municipal securities, non-U.S. government and agency securities and corporate 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 have been classified within Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value is based on observable inputs such as broker quotes relating to foreign exchange for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details.
3The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the 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 sheet.
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 sheet
v3.22.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$1,326 $1,086 
Prepaid income taxes92 78 
Other853 719 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$2,271 $1,883 
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$3,798 $3,220 
Equity investments1,834 1,172 
Income taxes receivable645 553 
Other717 420 
Total other assets$6,994 $5,365 
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets
The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:
Asset CategoryEstimated Useful Life
Buildings30 years
Building equipment
10 - 15 years
Furniture and fixtures and equipment
3 - 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of improvement or lease term
Right-of-use assetsShorter of life of the asset or lease term
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Building, building equipment and land$615 $522 
Equipment1,456 1,321 
Furniture and fixtures96 99 
Leasehold improvements371 380 
Operating lease right-of-use assets983 970 
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets3,521 3,292 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,614)(1,390)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$1,907 $1,902 
Operating Lease ROU Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows at December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Balance sheet location
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net$671 $748 
Other current liabilities127 125 
Other liabilities645 726 
Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities
The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2021 based on lease term:
Operating Leases
(in millions)
2022$145 
2023130 
2024109 
202583 
202675 
Thereafter322 
Total operating lease payments864 
Less: Interest(92)
Present value of operating lease liabilities$772 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Beginning balance$4,960 $4,021 
Additions2,842 844 
Foreign currency translation(140)95 
Ending balance$7,662 $4,960 
v3.22.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth net intangible assets, other than goodwill, at December 31:
20212020
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(in millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Capitalized software$2,929 $(1,288)$1,641 $2,276 $(1,126)$1,150 
Customer relationships2,272 (429)1,843 743 (322)421 
Other59 (38)21 44 (41)
Total5,260 (1,755)3,505 3,063 (1,489)1,574 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships166 — 166 179 — 179 
Total$5,426 $(1,755)$3,671 $3,242 $(1,489)$1,753 
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 sheet at December 31, 2021 for the years ending December 31:
(in millions)
2022$429 
2023378 
2024355 
2025347 
2026 and thereafter1,996 
Total$3,505 
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020
 (in millions)
Customer and merchant incentives$4,730 $3,998 
Personnel costs980 727 
Income and other taxes337 208 
Other595 497 
Total accrued expenses$6,642 $5,430 
v3.22.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations The following table sets forth the Plans’ funded status, key assumptions and amounts recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31:
 Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
 2021202020212020
 ($ in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$604 $531 $70 $64 
Service cost14 13 
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss(6)43 (7)
Benefits paid(17)(18)(4)(4)
Transfers in— — 
Foreign currency translation (12)23 — — 
Benefit obligation at end of year596 604 62 70 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year617 518   
Actual gain on plan assets63 56 — — 
Employer contributions32 34 
Benefits paid(17)(18)(4)(4)
Transfers in— — 
Foreign currency translation (11)22 — — 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year688 617   
Funded status at end of year$92 $13 $(62)$(70)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Noncurrent assets$105 $28 $— $— 
Other liabilities, short-term— — (3)(4)
Other liabilities, long-term(13)(15)(59)(66)
$92 $13 $(62)$(70)
Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(38)$12 $$
Prior service credit(2)(4)
Balance at end of year$(37)$13 $ $5 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations
Discount rate
Non-U.S. Plans0.90 %0.70 %**
Vocalink Plan1.75 %1.55 %**
Postretirement Plan**2.75 %2.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
Non-U.S. Plans1.50 %1.50 %**
Vocalink Plan3.20 %2.75 %**
Postretirement Plan**3.00 %3.00 %
* Not applicable
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets Information on the Pension Plans were as follows as of December 31:
20212020
(in millions)
Projected benefit obligation$596 $604 
Accumulated benefit obligation592 601 
Fair value of plan assets688 617 
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
Components of net periodic benefit cost recorded in earnings were as follows for the Plans for each of the years ended December 31:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)
Service cost$14 $13 $11 $$$
Interest cost13 
Expected return on plan assets(19)(18)(18)— — — 
Amortization of actuarial loss(1)— — — — 
Amortization of prior service credit— — — (1)(1)(1)
Net periodic benefit cost$3 $4 $7 $2 $2 $2 
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)
Current year actuarial loss (gain)$(50)$$12 $(7)$$
Amortization of prior service credit— — — 
Total other comprehensive loss (income)$(50)$5 $12 $(5)$8 $10 
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)$(47)$9 $19 $(3)$10 $12 
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
202120202019202120202019
Discount rate
Non-U.S. Plans0.70 %0.70 %1.80 %***
Vocalink Plan1.55 %1.55 %2.00 %***
Postretirement Plan***2.50 %3.25 %4.25 %
Expected return on plan assets
Non-U.S. Plans1.60 %1.60 %2.10 %***
Vocalink Plan3.20 %3.20 %3.75 %***
Rate of compensation increase
Non-U.S. Plans1.50 %1.50 %1.50 %***
Vocalink Plan2.75 %2.75 %2.50 %***
Postretirement Plan***3.00 %3.00 %3.00 %
* Not applicable
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates
The following additional assumptions were used at December 31 in accounting for the Postretirement Plan:
20212020
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.75 %7.00 %
Ultimate trend rate 5.00 %5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate78
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The following tables set forth by level, within the Valuation Hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair ValueQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents 1
$246 $— $— $246 $59 $— $— $59 
Mutual funds 2
185 102 — 287 270 117 — 387 
Insurance contracts 3
— 104 — 104 — 96 — 96 
Total$431 $206 $— $637 $329 $213 $— $542 
Investments at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) 4
51 75 
Total Plan Assets$688 $617 
1Cash and cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of the shares held by the Plans.
2Certain mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the value of the shares held by the Plans, and are therefore included in Level 1. Certain other mutual funds are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2.
3Insurance contracts are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors.
4Investments at NAV include mutual funds (comprised primarily of credit investments) and other investments (comprised primarily of real estate investments) and are valued using the net asset value provided by the administrator as a practical expedient, and therefore these investments are not included in the valuation hierarchy. These investments have quarterly redemption frequencies with redemption notice periods ranging from 60 to 90 days.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
The following table summarizes expected benefit payments (as of December 31, 2021) through 2031 for the Pension Plans and the Postretirement Plan, including those payments expected to be paid from the Company’s general assets. Actual benefit payments may differ from expected benefit payments.
Pension PlansPostretirement Plan
(in millions)
2022$27 $
202318 
202421 
202521 
202619 
2027 - 2031124 19 
v3.22.0.1
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instruments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
20212020Effective
Interest Rate
(in millions)
2021 USD Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2031$750 $— 2.112 %
1.900 %Senior Notes due March 2031600 — 1.981 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due March 2051700 — 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 Notes2.000 %Senior Notes due November 2021— 650 2.236 %
2.950 %Senior Notes due November 2026750 750 3.044 %
3.800 %Senior Notes due November 2046600 600 3.893 %
2015 EUR Notes 1
1.100 %Senior Notes due December 2022793 859 1.265 %
2.100 %Senior Notes due December 2027906 982 2.189 %
2.500 %Senior Notes due December 2030170 184 2.562 %
2014 USD Notes3.375 %Senior Notes due April 20241,000 1,000 3.484 %
14,019 12,775 
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(116)(103)
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 2
(2)— 
Total debt outstanding13,901 12,672 
Less: Current portion 3
(792)(649)
Long-term debt$13,109 $12,023 
1€1.650 billion euro-denominated debt issued in December 2015.
2In 2021, the Company entered into an interest rate swap which is accounted for as a fair value hedge. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
32015 EUR Notes due December 2022 and 2016 USD Notes due November 2021 are classified as current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2021 are summarized below.
(in millions)
2022$793 
2023— 
20241,000 
2025750 
2026750 
Thereafter10,726 
Total$14,019 
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 and 2020. Dividend and voting rights are to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance.
Dividends Declared
The Company declared total per share dividends on its Class A and Class B Common Stock during the years ended December 31 as summarized below: 
202120202019
(in millions, except per share data)
Dividends declared per share $1.81 $1.64 $1.39 
Total dividends declared$1,781 $1,641 $1,408 
Schedule of Ownership and Governance Structure
Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31:
20212020
Equity OwnershipGeneral Voting PowerEquity OwnershipGeneral Voting Power
Public Investors (Class A stockholders)88.4 %89.2 %88.2 %88.9 %
Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders)0.8 %— %0.8 %— %
Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders)10.8 %10.8 %11.0 %11.1 %
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 for the years ended December 31:
 Outstanding Shares
 Class AClass B
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 20181,018.6 11.8 
Purchases of treasury stock(26.4)— 
Share-based payments3.2 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.6 (0.6)
Balance at December 31, 2019996.0 11.2 
Purchases of treasury stock(14.3)— 
Share-based payments2.3 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock2.9 (2.9)
Balance at December 31, 2020986.9 8.3 
Purchases of treasury stock(16.5)— 
Share-based payments1.2 — 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock0.5 (0.5)
Balance at December 31, 2021972.1 7.8 
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:
202120202019
(In millions, except per share data)
Board authorization$8,000 $6,000 $8,000 
Dollar-value of shares repurchased$5,904 $4,473 $6,497 
Shares repurchased16.5 14.3 26.4 
Average price paid per share$356.82 $312.68 $245.89 
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]  
Schedule of 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, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
December 31, 2020Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2021
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(352)$(387)$— $(739)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
(175)209 — 34 
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts 3
— (1)
Interest rate contracts 4
(133)— (128)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 5
(20)43 (2)21 
Investment securities available-for-sale— (1)— (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(680)$(131)$2 $(809)

December 31, 2019Increase / (Decrease)ReclassificationsDecember 31, 2020
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1
$(638)$286 $— $(352)
Translation adjustments on net investment hedges 2
(38)(137)— (175)
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate contracts 4
11 (147)(133)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans 5
(9)(10)(1)(20)
Investment securities available-for-sale(1)— — 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(673)$(9)$2 $(680)
1During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. During 2020, 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 partially offset by the depreciation of the Brazilian real.
2During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the net investment hedges was driven by the depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar. During 2020, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the net investment hedge was driven by the appreciation of the euro. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
3Beginning in 2021, certain 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 statement of operations when the underlying hedged transactions impact earnings. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
4In 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. In the first quarter of 2020, in connection with the issuance of the 2020 USD Notes, these contracts were settled for a loss of $175 million, or $136 million net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cumulative loss will be reclassified as an adjustment to interest expense over the respective terms of the 2020 USD Notes. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information.
5During 2021, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Plans was driven primarily by a net actuarial gain within the Pension Plans. During 2020, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Plans was driven primarily by an actuarial loss within the Postretirement Plan. See Note 14 (Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans) for additional information.
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
202120202019
Risk-free rate of return0.9 %1.0 %2.6 %
Expected term (in years)6.006.006.00
Expected volatility26.1 %19.3 %19.6 %
Expected dividend yield0.5 %0.6 %0.6 %
Weighted-average fair value per Option granted$91.70 $80.92 $53.09 
Summary of Stock Option Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in years)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20215.7 $137 
Granted0.3 $363 
Exercised(0.6)$96 
Forfeited/expired— $259 
Outstanding at December 31, 20215.4 $152 5.3$1,109 
Exercisable at December 31, 20214.2 $122 4.6$986 
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 20215.3 $152 5.3$1,109 
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
UnitsWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20212.5 $231 
Granted0.8 $358 
Converted(1.0)$199 
Forfeited(0.1)$282 
Outstanding at December 31, 20212.2 $291 $781 
RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20212.1 $289 $751 
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity
The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
UnitsWeighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 20210.4 $259 
Granted0.2 $385 
Converted(0.1)$226 
Other(0.1)$231 
Outstanding at December 31, 20210.4 $334 $128 
PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 20210.4 $334 $128 
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:
202120202019
(in millions, except weighted-average fair value)
Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs$273 $254 $250 
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards57 53 53 
Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised36 68 69 
Options:
Total intrinsic value of Options exercised169 317 317 
RSUs:
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 358 288 226 
Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock360 330 394 
PSUs:
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted385 291 231 
Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock32 92 85 
v3.22.0.1
Commitments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements
At December 31, 2021, 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 Company has accrued $17 million of these future payments as of December 31, 2021.
(in millions)
2022$424 
2023202 
2024114 
202548 
2026
Thereafter
Total$792 
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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 are as follows:
202120202019
(in millions)
United States$4,261 $3,304 $4,213 
Foreign6,046 4,456 5,518 
Income before income taxes$10,307 $7,760 $9,731 
Components of Income Tax Provision
The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is comprised of the following components:
202120202019
(in millions)
Current
Federal$663 $439 $642 
State and local51 56 81 
Foreign976 781 897 
1,690 1,276 1,620 
Deferred
Federal(31)106 40 
State and local(4)— 
Foreign(35)(42)(47)
(70)73 (7)
Income tax expense$1,620 $1,349 $1,613 
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, is as follows:
202120202019
AmountPercentAmountPercentAmountPercent
(in millions, except percentages)
Income before income taxes$10,307 $7,760 $9,731 
Federal statutory tax2,164 21.0 %1,630 21.0 %2,044 21.0 %
State tax effect, net of federal benefit60 0.6 %57 0.7 %65 0.7 %
Foreign tax effect(283)(2.7)%(193)(2.5)%(208)(2.1)%
U.S. tax benefits 1
(132)(1.3)%— — %— — %
Windfall benefit(67)(0.7)%(119)(1.5)%(129)(1.3)%
Other, net 2
(122)(1.2)%(26)(0.3)%(159)(1.7)%
Income tax expense$1,620 15.7 %$1,349 17.4 %$1,613 16.6 %
1Refer to the description below for the components that represent U.S. tax benefits.
2Included within the impact of other is $27 million of tax benefits for 2019 relating to the carryback of certain foreign tax credits.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
20212020
(in millions)
Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued liabilities$497 $324 
Compensation and benefits260 218 
State taxes and other credits40 47 
Net operating and capital losses136 147 
Unrealized gain/loss - 2015 EUR Notes24 58 
U.S. foreign tax credits333 276 
Intangible assets206 182 
Other items137 142 
Less: Valuation allowance(415)(353)
Total Deferred Tax Assets1,218 1,041 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other accruals114 78 
Gains on equity investments153 60 
Goodwill and intangible assets571 216 
Property, plant and equipment174 183 
Previously taxed earnings and profits61 
Other items112 38 
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities1,127 636 
Net Deferred Tax Assets $91 $405 
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
202120202019
(in millions)
Beginning balance$388 $203 $164 
Additions:
Current year tax positions17 19 22 
Prior year tax positions192 37 
Reductions:
Prior year tax positions(31)(10)(11)
Settlements with tax authorities(15)(12)(2)
Expired statute of limitations(3)(4)(7)
Ending balance$360 $388 $203 
v3.22.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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:
20212020
(in millions)
Gross settlement exposure$59,571 $52,360 
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure(7,710)(6,021)
Net settlement exposure
$51,861 $46,339 
v3.22.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Foreign Currency Derivatives [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, 2021December 31, 2020
 NotionalFair ValueNotionalFair Value
(in millions)
Derivative assets:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$102 $$— $— 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
                    **— — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
124 483 19 
Total Derivative Assets$226 $14 $483 $19 
Derivative liabilities:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts in a cash flow hedge 1
$104 $$— $— 
Interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge 2
1,000 — — 
Foreign exchange contracts in a net investment hedge 1
1,473 — — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts 1
406 1,016 28 
Total Derivative Liabilities$2,983 $23 $1,016 $28 
1Foreign exchange derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value and are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
2Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value and are included within prepaid and other current assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
** As of December 31, 2021, the total notional of interest rate contracts in a fair value hedge is $1.0 billion.
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 OCIGain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI
Year ended December 31,Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsYear ended December 31,
202120202019202120202019
(in millions)(in millions)
Derivative financial instruments in a cash flow hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts$$— $— Net revenue$$— $— 
Interest rate contracts$— $(189)$14 Interest expense$(6)$(4)$— 
Derivative financial instruments in a net investment hedge relationship:
Foreign exchange contracts $114 $— $— 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income for the Contracts to Purchase and Sell Foreign Currency Summary
The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statement of operations for non-designated derivative contracts is summarized below:
 Year ended December 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:202120202019
 (in millions)
Foreign exchange derivative contracts
General and administrative$(10)$40 $(39)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographic Region (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
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:
202120202019
(in millions)
United States$1,117 $1,185 $1,147 
Other countries790 717 681 
Total$1,907 $1,902 $1,828 
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Buildings  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated Useful Life 30 years
Minimum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 20.00%
Minimum | Building equipment  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated Useful Life 10 years
Minimum | Furniture and fixtures and equipment  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated Useful Life 3 years
Maximum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 50.00%
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%
Maximum | Building equipment  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated Useful Life 15 years
Maximum | Furniture and fixtures and equipment  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]  
Estimated Useful Life 5 years
Other | Minimum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life 1 year
Other | Maximum  
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life 20 years
Partnership | Minimum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 5.00%
Partnership | Maximum  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Historical Cost Method Ownership Percentage 5.00%
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions Narrative (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jun. 09, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 05, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 05, 2021
EUR (€)
Nov. 18, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Total consideration, representing both cash and contingent consideration         $ 4,700 $ 1,100 $ 1,500
Goodwill         7,662 $ 4,960 $ 4,021
Additional businesses acquired, consideration transferred         272    
Nets Denmark A/S, Corporate Services              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Total consideration, representing both cash and contingent consideration | €     € 2,850        
Definitive agreements to acquire business   $ 3,600 € 3,000        
Goodwill   2,100          
Expected tax deductible amount of goodwill   $ 800          
Ekata Inc.              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Total consideration, representing both cash and contingent consideration $ 850            
Interests acquired (percent) 100.00%            
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross $ 861            
Finicity Corporation (“Finicity”)              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Total consideration, representing both cash and contingent consideration       $ 809      
Interests acquired (percent)       100.00%      
Contingent consideration         $ 64    
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:      
Goodwill $ 7,662 $ 4,960 $ 4,021
2021 Acquisitions      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents 253    
Other current assets 41    
Other intangible assets 2,071    
Goodwill 2,842    
Other assets 15    
Total assets 5,222    
Liabilities:      
Other current liabilities 112    
Deferred income taxes 398    
Other liabilities 12    
Total liabilities 522    
Net assets acquired $ 4,700    
2020 Acquisitions      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents   6  
Other current assets   14  
Other intangible assets   237  
Goodwill   844  
Other assets   11  
Total assets   1,112  
Liabilities:      
Other current liabilities   15  
Deferred income taxes   23  
Other liabilities   8  
Total liabilities   46  
Net assets acquired   $ 1,066  
2019 Acquisitions      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents     54
Other current assets     143
Other intangible assets     395
Goodwill     1,076
Other assets     48
Total assets     1,716
Liabilities:      
Other current liabilities     121
Deferred income taxes     52
Other liabilities     32
Total liabilities     205
Net assets acquired     $ 1,511
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
2021 Acquisitions      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets $ 2,071    
Weighted-Average Useful Life 17 years 6 months    
2021 Acquisitions | Developed technologies      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets $ 433    
Weighted-Average Useful Life 11 years 8 months 12 days    
2021 Acquisitions | Customer relationships      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets $ 1,614    
Weighted-Average Useful Life 19 years 2 months 12 days    
2021 Acquisitions | Other      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets $ 24    
Weighted-Average Useful Life 7 years 1 month 6 days    
2020 Acquisitions      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets   $ 237  
Weighted-Average Useful Life   9 years  
2020 Acquisitions | Developed technologies      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets   $ 122  
Weighted-Average Useful Life   6 years 3 months 18 days  
2020 Acquisitions | Customer relationships      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets   $ 114  
Weighted-Average Useful Life   12 years  
2020 Acquisitions | Other      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets   $ 1  
Weighted-Average Useful Life   1 year  
2019 Acquisitions      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets     $ 395
Weighted-Average Useful Life     9 years 8 months 12 days
2019 Acquisitions | Developed technologies      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets     $ 199
Weighted-Average Useful Life     7 years 8 months 12 days
2019 Acquisitions | Customer relationships      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets     $ 178
Weighted-Average Useful Life     12 years 7 months 6 days
2019 Acquisitions | Other      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets     $ 18
Weighted-Average Useful Life     5 years
v3.22.0.1
Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Gross revenue $ 29,845 $ 23,616 $ 24,980
Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue) (10,961) (8,315) (8,097)
Net revenue 18,884 15,301 16,883
North American Markets      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 6,594 5,424 5,843
International Markets      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 12,068 9,701 10,869
Other      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Net revenue 222 176 171
Domestic assessments      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Gross revenue 8,158 6,656 6,781
Cross-border volume fees      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Gross revenue 4,664 3,512 5,606
Transaction processing      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Gross revenue 10,799 8,731 8,469
Other revenues      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Gross revenue $ 6,224 $ 4,717 $ 4,124
v3.22.0.1
Revenue - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue recognized on performance obligations $ 1,500 $ 1,100 $ 994
Accounts Receivable      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract assets 2,829 2,505  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract assets 134 59  
Other Assets      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract assets 487 245  
Other Current Liabilities      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Deferred revenue 482 355  
Other liabilities      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Deferred revenue $ 180 $ 143  
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Narrative - Remaining Performance Obligation Narrative (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
$ in Billions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount $ 1.3
Network Services  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period 10 years
v3.22.0.1
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, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Numerator      
Net income $ 8,687 $ 6,411 $ 8,118
Denominator      
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 988 1,002 1,017
Dilutive stock options and stock units 4 4 5
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 992 1,006 1,022
Earnings per Share      
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 8.79 $ 6.40 $ 7.98
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 8.76 $ 6.37 $ 7.94
v3.22.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,421 $ 10,113    
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 9,902 12,419 $ 8,969 $ 8,337
Restricted cash for litigation settlement        
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]        
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 586 586    
Restricted security deposits held for customers        
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]        
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents 1,873 1,696    
Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]        
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 22 $ 24    
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flows (Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]      
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 1,820 $ 1,349 $ 1,644
Cash paid for interest 399 311 199
Cash paid for legal settlements 98 149 668
Dividends declared but not yet paid 479 439 403
Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets 15 154 468
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired 4,969 1,106 1,662
Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions $ 522 $ 46 $ 205
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale securities $ 314 $ 321
Held-to-maturity securities 2 159 162
Investments $ 473 $ 483
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investment Identifier [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost $ 314 $ 320
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 1
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities 314 321
Municipal securities    
Investment Identifier [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 2 10
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 0
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities 2 10
Government and agency securities    
Investment Identifier [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 98 64
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 0
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities 98 64
Corporate securities    
Investment Identifier [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 214 246
Gross Unrealized Gain 0 1
Gross Unrealized Loss 0 0
Available-for-sale securities $ 214 $ 247
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Maturity Distribution Based on Contractual Terms of Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Available-For-Sale Amortized Cost    
Due within 1 year $ 132  
Due after 1 year through 5 years 182  
Amortized Cost 314 $ 320
Available-For-Sale Fair Value    
Due within 1 year 132  
Due after 1 year through 5 years 182  
Total $ 314 $ 321
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investments [Roll Forward]      
Marketable securities, beginning balance $ 476    
Marketable securities, Purchases (Sales), Net 0    
Marketable Securities, Sales (165)    
Marketable securities, Changes in Fair Value 91    
Marketable Securities, Other Changes 225    
Marketable securities, ending balance 627 $ 476  
Nonmarketable securities, beginning balance 696    
Nonmarketable Securities, Purchases (Sales), Net 228    
Nonmarketable Securities, Sales (21)    
Nonmarketable securities, Changes in Fair Value 554    
Non-marketable securities, Other (250)    
Nonmarketable securities, ending balance 1,207 696  
Total equity investments, beginning balance 1,172    
Total equity investments, Purchases (Sales), net 228    
Total equity investments, Sales (186) 0 $ 0
Total equity investments, Changes in Fair Value 645    
Total equity investments, Other (25)    
Total equity investments, ending balance 1,834 $ 1,172  
Equity Method Investments, Translation Impact of Currency $ 227    
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Measurement alternative $ 952 $ 539
Equity method 255 157
Total Nonmarketable securities $ 1,207 $ 696
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Initial cost basis $ 448  
Upward adjustments 514  
Downward adjustments (including impairment) (10)  
Measurement alternative $ 952 $ 539
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in the Carrying Value of Measurement Alternative Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]    
Upward adjustments $ 468 $ 21
Downward adjustments (including impairment) $ (2) $ (3)
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Distribution of Financial Instruments, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets $ 89 $ 78
Deferred compensation plan 89 81
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation assets 89 78
Deferred compensation plan 89 81
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
Municipal securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 2 10
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 2 10
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Government and agency securities    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 98 64
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 35 26
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 63 38
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 214 247
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 214 247
Corporate 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]    
Investment securities available for sale 627 476
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 627 476
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Investment securities available for sale 0 0
Foreign exchange contracts    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 8 19
Derivative instruments 15 28
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 8 19
Derivative instruments 15 28
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]    
Foreign exchange contracts 6 0
Derivative instruments 8 0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 0 0
Derivative instruments 0 0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 6 0
Derivative instruments 8 0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3    
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]    
Foreign exchange contracts 0 0
Derivative instruments $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Narrative Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Total debt outstanding $ 13,901 $ 12,672
Fair Value    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, fair value $ 15,300 $ 14,800
v3.22.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Prepaid Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]    
Customer and merchant incentives $ 1,326 $ 1,086
Prepaid income taxes 92 78
Other 853 719
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 2,271 $ 1,883
v3.22.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]    
Customer and merchant incentives $ 3,798 $ 3,220
Equity investments 1,834 1,172
Income taxes receivable 645 553
Other 717 420
Total other assets $ 6,994 $ 5,365
v3.22.0.1
Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets $ 3,521 $ 3,292
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,614) (1,390)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 1,907 1,902
Building, building equipment and land    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 615 522
Equipment    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 1,456 1,321
Furniture and fixtures    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 96 99
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 371 380
Operating lease right-of-use assets    
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets $ 983 $ 970
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense including amortization for capital leases $ 424 $ 400 $ 336
Operating lease amortization expense $ 122 $ 123 $ 99
Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating lease 8 years 9 months 18 days 9 years 1 month 6 days  
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 2.60% 2.70%  
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Operating Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 671 $ 748
Other current liabilities 127 125
Other liabilities $ 645 $ 726
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
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Operating Leases after Adoption of ASC Topic 842:  
2022 $ 145
2023 130
2024 109
2025 83
2026 75
Thereafter 322
Total operating lease payments 864
Less: Interest (92)
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 772
v3.22.0.1
Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 4,960 $ 4,021
Additions 2,842 844
Foreign currency translation (140) 95
Ending balance $ 7,662 $ 4,960
v3.22.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 5,260 $ 3,063
Accumulated Amortization (1,755) (1,489)
Net Carrying Amount 3,505 1,574
Unamortized intangible assets:    
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) 5,426 3,242
Accumulated Amortization (1,755) (1,489)
Net Carrying Amount 3,671 1,753
Capitalized software    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 2,929 2,276
Accumulated Amortization (1,288) (1,126)
Net Carrying Amount 1,641 1,150
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 2,272 743
Accumulated Amortization (429) (322)
Net Carrying Amount 1,843 421
Unamortized intangible assets:    
Customer relationships 166 179
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 59 44
Accumulated Amortization (38) (41)
Net Carrying Amount $ 21 $ 3
v3.22.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]      
Amortization expense on intangible assets $ 424 $ 303 $ 285
v3.22.0.1
Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
2022 $ 429  
2023 378  
2024 355  
2025 347  
2026 and thereafter 1,996  
Net Carrying Amount $ 3,505 $ 1,574
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]    
Customer and merchant incentives $ 4,730 $ 3,998
Personnel costs 980 727
Income and other taxes 337 208
Other 595 497
Total accrued expenses $ 6,642 $ 5,430
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]    
Accrued litigation $ 840 $ 842
Accrued customer and merchant incentives $ 1,835 $ 1,215
v3.22.0.1
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans Narrative (Details)
£ in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Total expense related to defined contribution plans $ 175 $ 150 $ 127  
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Projected benefit obligation increase (decrease) $ (8) $ 73    
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.75% 7.00%   6.75%
Ultimate trend rate 5.00% 5.00%   5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 7 years 8 years    
Plan assets at fair value $ 637 $ 542    
2022 27      
2023 18      
2024 21      
2025 21      
2026 19      
2027 - 2031 124      
Cash and cash equivalents        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 246 59    
Mutual funds        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 287 387    
Insurance contracts        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 104 96    
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]        
Benefit Obligation, beginning 70 64    
Service cost 1 1 1  
Interest cost 2 2 2  
Actuarial (gain) loss (7) 7    
Benefits paid (4) (4)    
Transfers in 0 0    
Foreign currency translation 0 0    
Benefit Obligation, ending 62 70 64  
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Actual gain on plan assets 0 0    
Employer contributions 4 4    
Benefits paid (4) (4)    
Transfers in 0 0    
Foreign currency translation 0 0    
Funded status at end of year (62) (70)    
Noncurrent assets 0 0    
Other liabilities, short-term (3) (4)    
Other liabilities, long-term (59) (66)    
Total amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet (62) (70)    
Net actuarial (gain) loss 2 9    
Prior service credit (2) (4)    
Balance at end of year $ 0 $ 5    
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate 2.75% 2.50%   2.75%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase 3.00% 3.00%   3.00%
Expected return on plan assets $ 0 $ 0 0  
Amortization of actuarial loss 0 0 0  
Amortization of prior service credit (1) (1) (1)  
Net periodic benefit cost 2 2 2  
Current year actuarial loss (gain) (7) 7 9  
Amortization of prior service credit 2 1 1  
Total other comprehensive loss (income) (5) 8 10  
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income) $ (3) $ 10 $ 12  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate 2.50% 3.25% 4.25%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%  
Plan assets at fair value $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
2022 3      
2023 3      
2024 3      
2025 4      
2026 4      
2027 - 2031 19      
Pension Plan        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]        
Benefit Obligation, beginning 604 531    
Service cost 14 13 11  
Interest cost 9 9 13  
Actuarial (gain) loss (6) 43    
Benefits paid (17) (18)    
Transfers in 4 3    
Foreign currency translation (12) 23    
Benefit Obligation, ending 596 604 531  
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Actual gain on plan assets 63 56    
Employer contributions 32 34    
Benefits paid (17) (18)    
Transfers in 4 5    
Foreign currency translation (11) 22    
Funded status at end of year 92 13    
Noncurrent assets 105 28    
Other liabilities, short-term 0 0    
Other liabilities, long-term (13) (15)    
Total amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet 92 13    
Net actuarial (gain) loss (38) 12    
Prior service credit 1 1    
Balance at end of year (37) 13    
Projected benefit obligation 596 604    
Accumulated benefit obligation 592 601    
Fair value of plan assets 688 617    
Expected return on plan assets (19) (18) (18)  
Amortization of actuarial loss (1) 0 1  
Amortization of prior service credit 0 0 0  
Net periodic benefit cost 3 4 7  
Current year actuarial loss (gain) (50) 5 12  
Amortization of prior service credit 0 0 0  
Total other comprehensive loss (income) (50) 5 12  
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income) (47) $ 9 19  
Plan assets at fair value $ 688   $ 518  
Pension Plan | Foreign Plan [Member]        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate 0.90% 0.70%   0.90%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase 1.50% 1.50%   1.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate 0.70% 0.70% 1.80%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Expected return on plan assets 1.60% 1.60% 2.10%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%  
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value $ 431 $ 329    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 246 59    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mutual funds        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 185 270    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Insurance contracts        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 206 213    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Mutual funds        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 102 117    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Insurance contracts        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 104 96    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Mutual funds        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Insurance contracts        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Plan assets at fair value 0 0    
Investments at Net Asset Value (NAV)        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Total Plan Assets 688 $ 617    
Vocalink Plan        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Expected future employer contributions $ 20     £ 15
Vocalink Plan | Non-government fixed income        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Plan assets, target allocation (percent) 17.00%     17.00%
Vocalink Plan | Cash and cash equivalents        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Plan assets, target allocation (percent) 42.00%     42.00%
Vocalink Plan | Government and agency securities        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Plan assets, target allocation (percent) 18.00%     18.00%
Vocalink Plan | Other        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Plan assets, target allocation (percent) 8.00%     8.00%
Vocalink Plan | Equity Securities        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Plan assets, target allocation (percent) 15.00%     15.00%
Vocalink Plan | Pension Plan        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate 1.75% 1.55%   1.75%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase 3.20% 2.75%   3.20%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate 1.55% 1.55% 2.00%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Expected return on plan assets 3.20% 3.20% 3.75%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase 2.75% 2.75% 2.50%  
Pension Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets | Pension Plan        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Projected benefit obligation $ 116 $ 112    
Accumulated benefit obligation 115 111    
Fair value of plan assets 104 97    
Mutual funds | Investments at Net Asset Value (NAV)        
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]        
Alternative Investment $ 51 $ 75    
v3.22.0.1
Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt, gross $ 14,019 $ 12,775  
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (116) (103)  
Less: Cumulative hedge accounting fair value adjustments 2 (2) 0  
Total debt outstanding 13,901 12,672  
Less: current portion (792) (649)  
Long-term debt $ 13,109 12,023  
Senior Notes | November 2031 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.00%    
Effective Interest Rate 2.112%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 750 0  
Senior Notes | March 2031 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 1.90%    
Effective Interest Rate 1.981%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 600 0  
Senior Notes | 2051 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.013%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 700 0  
Senior Notes | 2027 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.30%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.42%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000 1,000  
Senior Notes | 2030 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.35%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.43%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,500 1,500  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due March 2050      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.85%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.896%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,500 1,500  
Senior Notes | 2029 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.03%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000 1,000  
Senior Notes | 2049 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.65%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.689%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000 1,000  
Senior Notes | 2025 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.00%    
Effective Interest Rate 2.147%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 750 750  
Senior Notes | 2028 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.50%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.598%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 500 500  
Senior Notes | 2048 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.95%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.99%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 500 500  
Senior Notes | 2021 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.00%    
Effective Interest Rate 2.236%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 650  
Senior Notes | 2026 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.95%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.044%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 750 750  
Senior Notes | 2046 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.80%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.893%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 600 600  
Senior Notes | 2022 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 1.10%    
Effective Interest Rate 1.265%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 793 859  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due December 2027      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.10%    
Effective Interest Rate 2.189%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 906 982  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due December 2030      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 2.50%    
Effective Interest Rate 2.562%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 170 184  
Senior Notes | 2024 Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument stated rate (percent) 3.375%    
Effective Interest Rate 3.484%    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000 $ 1,000  
Senior Notes | 2015 Euro Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt, gross | €     € 1,650
v3.22.0.1
Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2021
Nov. 30, 2021
Mar. 31, 2021
May 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Commercial paper program     $ 6,000,000,000      
Revolving Credit Facility            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Credit facility     6,000,000,000      
Senior Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Proceeds from issuance of debt $ 3,959,000,000          
Senior Notes | March 2031 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount         $ 600,000,000  
Senior Notes | 2051 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount         $ 700,000,000  
Senior Notes | November 2031 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount       $ 750,000,000    
Senior Notes | 2021 USD Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Proceeds from issuance of debt     $ 2,024,000,000.000      
Senior Notes | 2027 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount 1,000,000,000          
Senior Notes | 2030 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount 1,500,000,000          
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due March 2050            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount $ 1,500,000,000          
Senior Notes | 2029 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount           $ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes | 2049 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount           $ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes | 2025 Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Aggregate principal amount   $ 750,000,000        
Senior Notes | 2019 USD Notes            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Proceeds from issuance of debt   $ 2,724,000,000        
v3.22.0.1
Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
2022 $ 793  
2023 0  
2024 1,000  
2025 750  
2026 750  
Thereafter 10,726  
Total $ 14,019 $ 12,775
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - Mastercard Foundation
shares in Millions
5 Months Ended
May 31, 2006
shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Required Disbursement by charitable entity 3.50%
Class A Common Stock  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Issuance and donation of shares 135
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Classes of Capital Stock) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued 0 0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding 0 0
Public Investors (Class A Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity Ownership 88.40% 88.20%
General Voting Power 89.20% 88.90%
Principal or Affiliate Members (Class B Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity Ownership 0.80% 0.80%
General Voting Power 0.00% 0.00%
The MasterCard Foundation (Class A Stockholders)    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Equity Ownership 10.80% 11.00%
General Voting Power 10.80% 11.10%
Class A Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common Stock, Authorized Shares 3,000,000,000 3,000,000,000
Class B Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common Stock, Authorized Shares 1,200,000,000 1,200,000,000
Preferred Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Preferred Stock, Par Value Per Share $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Preferred Stock, Authorized Shares 300,000,000 300,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dividends Payable [Line Items]      
Annual dividends declared $ 1,781 $ 1,641 $ 1,408
  Common Stock      
Dividends Payable [Line Items]      
Cash dividends declared on Class A and Class B common stock, per share $ 1.81 $ 1.64 $ 1.39
Retained Earnings      
Dividends Payable [Line Items]      
Annual dividends declared $ 1,781 $ 1,641 $ 1,408
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Statement of Changes in Common Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Purchases of treasury stock (16.5) (14.3) (26.4)
  Common Stock | Class A Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 986.9 996.0 1,018.6
Purchases of treasury stock (16.5) (14.3) (26.4)
Share-based payments 1.2 2.3 3.2
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 0.5 2.9 0.6
Balance 972.1 986.9 996.0
  Common Stock | Class B Common Stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 8.3 11.2 11.8
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (0.5) (2.9) (0.6)
Balance 7.8 8.3 11.2
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Share Repurchase Authorization (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]      
Remaining authorization $ 11,900,000,000    
Class A Common Stock      
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]      
Board authorization 8,000,000,000 $ 6,000,000,000 $ 8,000,000,000
Dollar-value of shares repurchased $ 5,904,000,000 $ 4,473,000,000 $ 6,497,000,000
Shares repurchased (in shares) 16.5 14.3 26.4
Average price per share (in dollars per share) $ 356.82 $ 312.68 $ 245.89
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 5,917 $ 6,488 $ 5,917 $ 5,418
Increase / (Decrease)   (131) (9)  
Reclassifications   2 2  
Ending balance   7,383 6,488 5,917
Loss on settlement of treasury rate locks, pre-tax 175      
Loss on settlement of treasury rate locks, after-tax 136      
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (638) (352) (638)  
Increase / (Decrease)   (387) 286  
Reclassifications   0 0  
Ending balance   (739) (352) (638)
Translation Adjustments on Net Investment Hedge        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (38) (175) (38)  
Increase / (Decrease)   209 (137)  
Reclassifications   0 0  
Ending balance   34 (175) (38)
Cash Flow Hedges        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 11 (133) 11  
Increase / (Decrease)   0 (147)  
Reclassifications   5 3  
Ending balance   (128) (133) 11
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange contracts        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   0    
Increase / (Decrease)   5    
Reclassifications   (1)    
Ending balance   4 0  
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (9) (20) (9)  
Increase / (Decrease)   43 (10)  
Reclassifications   (2) (1)  
Ending balance   21 (20) (9)
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1 0 1  
Increase / (Decrease)   (1) (1)  
Reclassifications   0 0  
Ending balance   (1) 0 1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ (673) (680) (673)  
Ending balance   $ (809) $ (680) $ (673)
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments - Narrative (Details)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
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
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 26
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 1 year 10 months 24 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) granted on or after March 1, 2020  
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 before March 1, 2020  
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)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 283
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 2 years 7 months 6 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 $ 34
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years 1 year 6 months
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Valuation of Awards) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]      
Risk-free rate of return 0.90% 1.00% 2.60%
Expected term (in years) 6 years 6 years 6 years
Expected volatility 26.10% 19.30% 19.60%
Expected dividend yield 0.50% 0.60% 0.60%
Weighted-average fair value per option granted $ 91.70 $ 80.92 $ 53.09
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]  
Options outstanding at beginning of period | shares 5.7
Options granted | shares 0.3
Options exercised | shares (0.6)
Options forfeited/expired | shares 0.0
Options outstanding at end of period | shares 5.4
Options exercisable at the end of the period | shares 4.2
Options vested and expected to vest at the end of the period | shares 5.3
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 $ 137
Weighted-average exercise price, options granted | $ / shares 363
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercised | $ / shares 96
Weighted-average exercise price, options forfeited/expired | $ / shares 259
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding at the end of the period | $ / shares 152
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at the end of the period | $ / shares 122
Weighted-average exercise price, options vested and expected to vest at he end of the period | $ / shares $ 152
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options outstanding at he end of the period, in years 5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable at he end of the period, in years 4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options vested and expected to vest at he end of the period, in years 5 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding at he end of the period | $ $ 1,109
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at he end of the period | $ 986
Aggregate intrinsic value, options vested and expected to vest at he end of the period | $ $ 1,109
v3.22.0.1
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, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
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 2.5    
Granted 0.8    
Converted (1.0)    
Forfeited (0.1)    
Outstanding end of period 2.2 2.5  
RSUs units expected to vest at the end of the period 2.1    
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, beginning of period $ 231    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted 358 $ 288 $ 226
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted 199    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited/expired 282    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, end of period 291 $ 231  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at the end of the period $ 289    
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 $ 781    
Aggregate intrinsic value, units expected to vest at the end of the period $ 751    
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 0.4    
Granted 0.2    
Converted (0.1)    
Other (0.1)    
Outstanding end of period 0.4 0.4  
RSUs units expected to vest at the end of the period 0.4    
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, beginning of period $ 259    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted 385 $ 291 $ 231
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted 226    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, other 231    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding, end of period 334 $ 259  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at the end of the period $ 334    
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 $ 128    
Aggregate intrinsic value, units expected to vest at the end of the period $ 128    
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Payments Schedule of Additional Share-Based Payment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs $ 273 $ 254 $ 250
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards 57 53 53
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit 36 68 69
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 169 $ 317 $ 317
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted $ 358 $ 288 $ 226
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock $ 360 $ 330 $ 394
Performance stock units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted $ 385 $ 291 $ 231
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock $ 32 $ 92 $ 85
v3.22.0.1
Commitments Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Future minimum payments operating leases, sponsorship, licensing and other agreements, accrued $ 17
v3.22.0.1
Commitments Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Sponsorship, Licensing & Other  
2022 $ 424
2023 202
2024 114
2025 48
2026 3
Thereafter 1
Total $ 792
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2010
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
Effective income tax rate   15.70% 17.40% 16.60%
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   $ 300 $ 260 $ 300
Earning Per Share Diluted Impact Of Incentive Grant Received Reducing Income Tax Liability   $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.29
Earnings permanently reinvested   $ 1,100    
Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the effective tax rate   360    
Net tax-related interest payable   $ 20 $ 24  
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
United States $ 4,261 $ 3,304 $ 4,213
Foreign 6,046 4,456 5,518
Income before income taxes $ 10,307 $ 7,760 $ 9,731
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Components of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current      
Federal $ 663 $ 439 $ 642
State and local 51 56 81
Foreign 976 781 897
Current 1,690 1,276 1,620
Deferred      
Federal (31) 106 40
State and local (4) 9 0
Foreign (35) (42) (47)
Deferred (70) 73 (7)
Income tax expense $ 1,620 $ 1,349 $ 1,613
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Amount      
Income before income taxes $ 10,307 $ 7,760 $ 9,731
Federal statutory tax 2,164 1,630 2,044
State tax effect, net of federal benefit 60 57 65
Foreign tax effect (283) (193) (208)
U.S. tax benefits (132) 0 0
Windfall benefit (67) (119) (129)
Other, net (122) (26) (159)
Income tax expense $ 1,620 $ 1,349 $ 1,613
Percent      
Federal statutory tax 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State tax effect, net of federal benefit 0.60% 0.70% 0.70%
Foreign tax effect (2.70%) (2.50%) (2.10%)
U.S. tax benefits (1.30%) 0.00% 0.00%
Windfall benefit (0.70%) (1.50%) (1.30%)
Other, net (1.20%) (0.30%) (1.70%)
Income tax expense 15.70% 17.40% 16.60%
Other foreign tax credit benefits     $ 27
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Tax Assets    
Accrued liabilities $ 497 $ 324
Compensation and benefits 260 218
State taxes and other credits 40 47
Net operating and capital losses 136 147
Unrealized gain/loss - 2015 EUR Notes 24 58
U.S. foreign tax credits 333 276
Intangible assets 206 182
Other items 137 142
Less: Valuation allowance (415) (353)
Total Deferred Tax Assets 1,218 1,041
Deferred Tax Liabilities    
Prepaid expenses and other accruals 114 78
Gains on equity investments 153 60
Goodwill and intangible assets 571 216
Property, plant and equipment 174 183
Previously taxed earnings and profits 3 61
Other items 112 38
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 1,127 636
Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 91 $ 405
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Beginning balance $ 388 $ 203 $ 164
Current year tax positions 17 19 22
Prior year tax positions 4 192 37
Prior year tax positions (31) (10) (11)
Settlements with tax authorities (15) (12) (2)
Expired statute of limitations (3) (4) (7)
Ending balance $ 360 $ 388 $ 203
v3.22.0.1
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (Details)
£ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 30 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
Sep. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2018
claimant
Jan. 31, 2017
claimant
Mar. 31, 2016
USD ($)
claimant
Oct. 31, 2011
plaintiff
Feb. 28, 2011
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
fax
claimant
Dec. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
fax
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
claimant
Dec. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
claimant
Jul. 31, 2019
Legal And Regulatory                              
Accrued litigation               $ 842,000,000 $ 840,000,000   $ 842,000,000        
Restricted cash for litigation settlement               586,000,000 586,000,000   586,000,000        
Provision for litigation                 $ 94,000,000   73,000,000 $ 0      
Loss Contingency, Unsolicited Advertisements | fax                 381,000 381,000          
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Per Claim                 $ 500            
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 Lawsuit Settlement                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Accrued litigation               783,000,000 783,000,000   783,000,000        
Maximum | U.S. Merchant Litigation - Class Litigation                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Percentage of Opt Out Merchants to Terminate                             25.00%
U.K. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Provision for litigation                 $ 94,000,000   $ 28,000,000        
U.K. Merchant claimants                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Number of claimants in case | claimant     4 10                      
U.K. Merchant claimants | U.K. Merchant Claimants, Sent Back To Trial Court, Liability And Damages Issues                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number | claimant                 3         3  
Proposed U.K. Interchange Collective Action                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)                 $ 19,000,000,000 £ 14,000          
ATM Operators Complaint                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Number of claimants in case | plaintiff           13                  
Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)   $ 1,000,000,000                          
U.S. Liability Shift Litigation                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number | claimant         4                    
Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)         $ 1,000,000,000                    
U.K. Prepaid Cards Matter                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party | £ £ 32                            
Litigation charge               $ 45,000,000              
Pending Litigation | U.K. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss                 $ 1,200,000,000         £ 1,000  
Appealing judgment | U.K. Merchant claimants                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant                         3    
Judicial Ruling | 2016 U.K. Merchant Claimants | Unfavorable Regulatory Action                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant                         1    
Judicial Ruling | 2017 U.K. Merchant Claimants                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant     3                        
Judicial Ruling | 2017 U.K. Merchant Claimants | Unfavorable Regulatory Action                              
Legal And Regulatory                              
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant     2                        
v3.22.0.1
Settlement and Other Risk Management Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]    
Travelers cheques outstanding, notional value $ 361 $ 370
Travelers cheques covered by collateral arrangements $ 287 $ 294
v3.22.0.1
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, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross settlement exposure $ 59,571 $ 52,360
Risk mitigation arrangements applied to settlement exposure (7,710) (6,021)
Net settlement exposure $ 51,861 $ 46,339
v3.22.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Narrative (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
EUR (€)
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Payments for settlement of derivative instrument   $ 0 $ 175 $ 0  
Euro-denominated debt designated as hedge of net investment in European foreign operations denominated in euros   2,983 1,016    
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge   $ 114 0 0  
Terms of the foreign currency forward contracts   18 months      
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%      
Euro-Denominated Debt          
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge   $ 155 (177) $ 36  
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Risk          
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Cash flow hedge, gain (loss), before reclassification, after tax   (128)      
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Risk          
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Payments for settlement of derivative instrument $ 136        
Cash flow hedge, gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months   1      
Net Investment Hedging          
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Euro-denominated debt designated as hedge of net investment in European foreign operations denominated in euros | €         € 1,650
Net Investment Hedging | Euro-Denominated Debt          
Foreign Exchange Risk Management          
Net foreign currency gain (loss), after tax   $ 34 $ (175)    
v3.22.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Fair Value of Company's Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
EUR (€)
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount $ 226 $ 483  
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 14 19  
Derivative liability notional amount 2,983 1,016  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 23 28  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount 124 483  
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 1 19  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative liability notional amount 406 1,016  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 8 28  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount 102 0  
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 7 0  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative liability notional amount 104 0  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 3 0  
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Other Current Assets      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount   0  
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 6 0  
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Other Current Liabilities      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative liability notional amount 1,000 0  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 8 0  
Net Investment Hedging      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative liability notional amount | €     € 1,650
Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Derivative liability notional amount 1,473 0  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability $ 4 $ 0  
v3.22.0.1
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, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax $ 6 $ (189) $ 14
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI (5) (4) 0
Pre-tax, net foreign currency gain (loss) of net investment hedge 114 0 0
Foreign exchange contracts      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax 6 0 0
Foreign exchange contracts | Net revenue      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI 1 0 0
Interest rate contracts      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, before tax 0 (189) 14
Interest rate contracts | Interest expense      
Foreign Exchange Risk Management      
Realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI $ (6) $ (4) $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income for the Contracts to Purchase and Sell Foreign Currency Summary (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Exchange Risk Management        
Gain (loss) for contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency $ (136)      
General and administrative | Foreign exchange contracts        
Foreign Exchange Risk Management        
Gain (loss) for contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency   $ (10) $ 40 $ (39)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]      
Percentage of revenue generated in the U.S. 32.00% 33.00% 32.00%
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 1,907 $ 1,902 $ 1,828
United States      
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net 1,117 1,185 1,147
Other countries      
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment      
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 790 $ 717 $ 681