MasterCard Incorporated, a payments and technology company, together with its subsidiaries, provides transaction processing and other payment-related services in the United States and internationally. Its payment solutions include payment programs, product development, payment processing technology, payment security, consulting, and information services and marketing. The company provides transaction processing services comprising transaction switching, which include authorization, clearing, and settlement; connectivity services, such as network access, equipment, and the transmission of authorization and settlement messages; and other payment-related services, including products used to prevent or detect fraudulent transactions, cardholder services, professional consulting and research services, compliance and penalty, account and transaction enhancement services, holograms, and publication services. It also manages and licenses payment card brands, including MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus. The company offers its payment solutions to develop and implement credit, debit, prepaid, and related payment programs and solutions for financial institutions, merchants, government entities, and telecommunications companies. MasterCard Incorporated was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York.