MasterCard Rules (PDF)

Chapter 6 Special Issuer Programs
This chapter contains information about Special Issuer Programs.
6.1 Special Issuer Programs—General Requirements..................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Prior Consent of the Corporation .................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.2 Reservation of Rights....................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.3 Cardholder Communication ............................................................................................ 6-1
6.2 Affinity and Co-Brand Card Programs...................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Program Partners............................................................................................................. 6-2
6.2.2 Ownership and Control of the Program.......................................................................... 6-2
6.2.3 Issuer Identification on Program Cards ........................................................................... 6-3
6.2.4 Program Name ................................................................................................................ 6-4
6.2.5 Multiple Partners ............................................................................................................. 6-4
6.2.6 Accept All Cards without Discrimination......................................................................... 6-4
6.2.7 Use of the MasterCard Acceptance Mark......................................................................... 6-4
6.3 Brand Value Transactions and Proprietary Accounts................................................................ 6-4
6.3.1 Proprietary Account Access............................................................................................. 6-5
6.3.2 Fees and Reporting Requirements................................................................................... 6-5
6.4 Remote Transaction Accounts .................................................................................................. 6-6
6.4.1 Remote Transaction Account Requirements .................................................................... 6-6
6.4.1.1 Remote Transaction MasterCard M/Chip Account Programs .................................. 6-6
6.5 Secured Card Programs............................................................................................................ 6-6
6.5.1 Secured Card Program Requirements.............................................................................. 6-7
6.5.2 Refund of Fees ................................................................................................................ 6-7
6.5.3 Secured Card Program Solicitation and Disclosure Requirements................................... 6-7
6.6 Prepaid Card Programs ............................................................................................................ 6-8
6.6.1 Responsibility for the Prepaid Card Program .................................................................. 6-8
6.6.2 Categories of Prepaid Card Programs.............................................................................. 6-8
6.6.2.1 Consumer Prepaid Card Programs ......................................................................... 6-8
6.6.2.2 Commercial Prepaid Card Programs....................................................................... 6-9
6.6.2.3 Government Prepaid Card Programs...................................................................... 6-9
6.6.3 Return of Unspent Value ................................................................................................. 6-9
6.6.3.1 Consumer Prepaid Card Programs ......................................................................... 6-9
6.6.3.2 Commercial Prepaid Card Programs..................................................................... 6-10
6.6.3.3 Government Prepaid Card Programs.................................................................... 6-10
6.6.4 Value Loading................................................................................................................ 6-10
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MasterCard Rules • 12 December 2012 6-i