Frequently asked questions

By Audience
  • How do you define "brand identity?"

    This year, Mastercard introduced the evolution of our brand identity, which includes a new brand mark, as well as a comprehensive design system that brings a forward-thinking, sophisticated, and inclusive brand expression to every touch point around the world. Over time, the new brand mark and design system will be incorporated into all Mastercard products, communications, and experiences.

  • Why are you re-branding? And why now?

    To reflect our readiness and optimism about the future, we are introducing an evolution of our brand identity—simplified, modernized, and optimized for use in digital contexts. The new brand mark is designed to work seamlessly across all digital platforms, retail channels, and connected devices, bringing simplicity and clarity with an increased emphasis on the red and yellow circles. The design system is meant to harmonize the brand expression across all touch points globally.

  • Can you describe how the logo has changed?

    From the very beginning (1968), Mastercard's brand mark has relied on extraordinarily simple elements: two interlocking circles in red and yellow. The new brand mark preserves and builds on that iconic foundation, providing a crisper look that signals modernity and simplicity—and has flexible configurations more suited for digital contexts.

  • Why is the company name written in lowercase in the logo? In written materials, why is the "c" in Mastercard now lowercase?

    The all-lowercase typography is a design cue that signals simplicity and modernity. For "Mastercard" it also serves to de-emphasize the word "card" in our name as a nod to our much broader extension into the digital world, which includes "Masterpass."

  • Will the new brand mark and the corporate logo be different?

    No. We have simplified our brand architecture. Now, the new logo will represent both Mastercard the company and the full suite of Mastercard products and services.

  • What is the timeline for rolling out the new identity?

    The evolved brand identity will be rolled out to all Mastercard products, communications, and experiences, starting with Masterpass, and across Mastercard beginning with the launch of the new Design Center on Sept 30, and continuing into 2017.

  • What about PowerPoint? Has that been updated to include the new brand?

    The new Mastercard PowerPoint template will be released to all employees in September/October of 2016. There will be programming included to help transfer old presentations over to the new template. Please expect additional communications about PowerPoint and the new design system.

  • Are the Masterpass and Mastercard names going to merge at some point? More specifically, will Masterpass replace Mastercard?

    Masterpass is an important digital offering from Mastercard. There are no plans to merge the names.

  • Will a consumer see a Masterpass logo at the point of sale?

    Online and in-app, consumers should look for the Masterpass button. At retail locations, consumers should look for the combination of the Mastercard brand mark and contactless symbol to determine if they can use Masterpass.

  • How can you be sure the branding changes won't confuse consumers?

    In global market research, we found that 81% of consumers spontaneously recognized the new symbol without the inclusion of the Mastercard brand name. We are confident that the evolved branding will be embraced and recognized by consumers, especially through rapidly expanding digital and social media channels.

  • Who designed the evolved branding and logo?

    Michael Bierut and Luke Hayman of Pentagram, one of the industry's most respected design firms, have been working with the Brand Strategy & Design and CX & Design teams to develop the brand mark and design system.

  • Where can I go to view or download the new logo and other branding materials?

    The brand mark and other design assets are available online at the Mastercard Design Center at designcenter.mastercard.com. External parties can also access brand assets at Mastercard Brand Center (brand.mastercard.com)

  • I need to create a name for my new product / program / service. How do I do that?

    New guidelines for product naming are now available in the Design Center asset library. All naming projects, internal and external, must be managed in concert with the Brand Strategy & Design team by contacting askdesigncenter@mastercard.com.

  • Can I create a logo for my internal product, program or department/business group?

    No. Identity graphics, logos, or any specialized type treatment to represent Mastercard internal products, programs, or departments/business groups undermine the unity and harmony of the new brand identity system. When presenting an internal program or department with a printed communication such as a brochure, or other applications such as a website, premium item, etc., set the name of the program or department in regular type/text without unique symbols, arrangements, or changes in color, weight, or size.

  • I need to create a logo for my new product / program / service. How do I do that?

    New guidelines for non-standard logos are now available in the Design Center asset library. All logo development projects, internal and external, must be managed in concert with the Brand Strategy & Design team by contacting askdesigncenter@mastercard.com.

  • I need to create a new icon(s) for my communication. How do I do that?

    We have a new icon style as part of the design system. You can access icons from the Design Center asset library, or create new ones with the iconography guidelines contained in the Brand Design Style Guide.

  • I need a fact sheet, brochure, or white paper template. Where do I find that?

    The Design Center asset library will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to create a variety of materials. A few key templates are now available. More will be added in the coming months. If you need help creating something different, reach out to us by contacting askdesigncenter@mastercard.com

  • Where do I find images to use in my communications?

    The former Image Library will now be housed in the new Design Center image library. We have updated our collection of images as well as content and style guidelines for brand imagery overall. More images will be added over the coming months.

  • I'm creating a communication that will be used for internal purposes only. Does the new design system apply to internal projects?

    Absolutely! The design system is intended to represent our brand across all touch points, and the employee audience is of utmost importance.

  • Where can I get "Priceless" brand assets?

    The foundational suite of standards, assets, and guidelines for "Priceless" properties are available in the Design Center asset library.

  • How can I get support to leverage the new brand identity? Is there a help desk?

    Please check out our Quick Start Packets on this website. You can also reach out to us by contacting askdesigncenter@mastercard.com

  • How do I get access to this site for my design agency?

    Dedicated password registration for "external" users is available for the Mastercard Design Center through Mastercard Connect. Contact us at askdesigncenter@mastercard.com to register your agency.

  • How much will the rebrand cost issuers?

    Issuers should not incur additional expenses related to the implementation of the new branding because they will be asked to make the changes over time as their existing stock of cards and marketing materials is depleted.

  • Customer business depends on the recognizability of the Mastercard acceptance mark. Will changing it confuse consumers?

    The new brand mark preserves and builds on our iconic interlocking red and yellow circles. In global market research, we found that 81% of consumers spontaneously recognized the new symbol without the inclusion of the Mastercard brand name. We are confident the new brand mark, with its modernity and simplicity, will be recognized and embraced by consumers, [as well as reflect positively on our partners].

  • Will Issuers need to issue new cards with the logos immediately? What about other materials that include the brand?

    Issuers will not be required to make any changes immediately. Through April 4, 2017, implementation will take place through the normal course of business. For example, while card printers will be ready to print the new logo on cards starting in the fall, issuers may continue to use their existing card stock until it is depleted. Beginning April 4, 2017, issuers will be required to include the new logo on any newly created materials that use Mastercard branding.

  • First, there was the introduction of EMV chip cards in the United States. And then the changes that will take place because of the BIN initiative. Do you think this is a good time to ask issuers to accept additional changes?

    We understand there are many pressures and requirements necessary to keep pace with changes across the payments space. That's why we are including ample time to phase in the new brand mark in the normal course of business and are not expecting any existing branded material to go unused.

  • Where can customers go to view or download the new logo and other branding materials?

    The logo and other branding materials will be available online at the Mastercard Brand Center: brand.mastercard.com, starting September 30, 2016.

  • How will the change impact our digital wallet partners?

    Wallet partners will be expected to update Mastercard brand assets as early as possible within their normal update/coding cycles.

  • Who is responsible for making changes to the logo / cards in mobile wallets?

    Issuers create and supply the digital artwork that represents their card programs in mobile wallets and should update digital card images to synchronize with card plastic brand updates. Optionally, issuers can update digital card images in advance of plastic brand updates.

  • When will the premium (silver) logo be available?

    The Premium (silver) brand mark is in development and will be available starting in November.

  • How will this change impact the Maestro and Cirrus brands?

    The Maestro and Cirrus logos have also been updated to align with the Mastercard and Masterpass logos. Check the Design Center asset library and the Brand Center at brand.mastercard.com for updates and posting of these assets.

  • How will issuers / acquirers learn about the specifics of the change that are relevant for their business?

    The Global Operations Bulletin, published on the first of each month, will include important information and updates.

  • Will merchants and acquirers need to implement materials or acceptance marks with the evolved logos immediately?

    Acquirers and merchants will not be required to make any changes immediately. Through April 4, 2017, implementation should occur through the normal course of business. For example, merchants may continue to use their existing acceptance marks and signage. After September 30, 2016, signage/decal vendors will begin making the new Mastercard acceptance logo available, plus digital acceptance marks and brand mark artwork will be available then at www.mastercardbrandcenter.com. We encourage merchants to use the new acceptance mark at their earliest convenience to ensure a better and more consistent consumer experience. Beginning April 4, 2017, issuers will be required to include the new logo on any newly created materials that use Mastercard branding.

  • First, there was the introduction of EMV chip cards in the United States. And then the changes that will take place because of the BIN initiative. Do you think this is a good time to ask merchants to accept additional changes?

    We understand that there are many pressures and requirements necessary to keep pace with changes across the payments space. That's why we are including ample time to phase in the new brand mark in the normal course of business and are not expecting any existing branded material to go unused.

  • Where can I go to view or download the new logo and other branding materials?

    The logo and other branding materials will be available online at the Mastercard Brand Center: brand.mastercard.com starting September 30, 2016.

  • Will merchants be mandated to display a new acceptance mark (e.g., decals for in-person locations and online)?

    Over time, merchants will be expected to display the new acceptance mark, but no immediate action is required. However, we encourage all merchants to update acceptance signage in the normal course of business as that will help ensure a better and more consistent consumer experience. Online merchants will be expected to update the Mastercard acceptance mark at their earliest opportunity within normal update/coding cycles.

  • Who will incur the costs of new signage / decals?

    Since there is not a replacement policy for existing signage or decals, no incremental cost is anticipated. However, merchants are expected to update acceptance signage to include the new Mastercard acceptance mark when producing new signage or decals after September 30, 2016.