A brief history of Mastercard

Discover the fascinating history of Mastercard, the birth of credit cards, and how digital banking with bunq is changing the future of banking. Join now!

7 October 2023

1 minute read

Let's take a trip down memory lane, back to the birth of the credit card. Specifically, let's explore the history of Mastercard, one of the world's leading financial services corporations.

The Birth of Credit Cards

The concept of credit isn't new. It's been around for centuries! However, the modern plastic credit card that you carry in your wallet? That's more recent. Mastercard, originally known as Interbank/Master Charge, was created in 1966 by several California banks to compete with BankAmericard (now Visa).

The Evolution of Mastercard

Mastercard has continued to evolve, introducing new features and benefits to make your life easier. For instance, did you know that Mastercard was the first card to provide online purchases in 1994? Now, that's a game-changer!

Digital Banking with bunq

Fast forward to today, where digital banking is the new norm. With bunq, you can manage your finances right from your smartphone with your very own bunq virtual Mastercards via ApplePay or Google Wallet. You can make instant payments, automate your savings, and even invest easily.

Cashback with bunq

But here's the best part: with bunq cashback, you get to earn a massive 2% interest when you use your Mastercard on public transport, and 1% when you spent at bars and restaurants. It's like having a permanent discount on everything you buy.

The Future of Banking

The future of banking is here, and it's digital. With bunq, you're not just getting a bank account; you're getting a tool that helps you manage your money better. So why wait? Join bunq today and experience the future of banking.

From the creation of the credit card to the rise of digital banking, financial technology has come a long way. And with bunq, it's clear that the journey is just beginning.

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Find your perfect fit

Easy Card icon
Easy Card

Free

Get a international credit card in less than 5 minutes. Add it to Apple/Google Pay and start making payments today.

Easy Savings icon
Easy Savings

Free

Get a Savings Account and start growing your money faster with 3.36%* interest. No minimum deposit is required!

Easy Bank icon
Easy Bank

€3.99/month

Everything you expect from a mobile bank, and more. Open a bank account in just 5 minutes with your phone and ID.

Easy Bank Pro icon
Easy Bank Pro

€9.99/month

Enjoy full control over your money wherever you go, with true borderless banking, easy budgeting, powerful cards, and much more.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon
Easy Bank Pro XL

€18.99/month

Discover the full power of mobile banking, with worldwide Travel Insurance, priority support and more trees planted when using your card.

Find your perfect fit

Easy Card icon
Easy Card

Free

Get a international credit card in less than 5 minutes. Add it to Apple/Google Pay and start making payments today.

Easy Savings icon
Easy Savings

Free

Get a Savings Account and start growing your money faster with 3.36%* interest. No minimum deposit is required!

Easy Bank icon
Easy Bank

€3.99/month

Everything you expect from a mobile bank, and more. Open a bank account in just 5 minutes with your phone and ID.

Easy Bank Pro icon
Easy Bank Pro

€9.99/month

Enjoy full control over your money wherever you go, with true borderless banking, easy budgeting, powerful cards, and much more.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon
Easy Bank Pro XL

€18.99/month

Discover the full power of mobile banking, with worldwide Travel Insurance, priority support and more trees planted when using your card.

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Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.