WorldFirst, Ant International’s digital cross-border payment and treasury account service for global businesses, has launched a Mastercard-enabled virtual card solution to support SME growth by simplifying global transactions and lowering operational costs.
Recognising that SMEs need to overcome a wide range of hurdles before they can capitalise on the e-commerce boom, including high entry barriers, rising operational costs, and fierce competition, WorldFirst has unveiled the new ‘World Card’ in partnership with Mastercard.
Through the launch, the entities are aiming to enhance global operational efficiency for customers, while enabling small businesses to achieve enhanced levels of success and capitalise on the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry, where market size is projected to reach $12.9trillion in 2032.
Using World Card, customers can make payments anywhere Mastercard is accepted globally, in over 150 currencies across more than 210 countries and regions. Customers will also be able to create multiple cards for specific expenses, teams or projects later this year. All spending can be tracked in one central dashboard, enabling precise control over expenditure.
The card boasts no foreign exchange fees for cross-border payments with 15 major currencies when paying from WorldFirst account balance, including USD, CNH, EUR, GBP, JPY, SGD, HKD, AUD, NZD, and CAD.
“With the launch of the World Card, WorldFirst and Mastercard are giving ambitious businesses a smarter way to manage spending,” explained Jane Prokop, EVP and global head of SMEs at Mastercard. “Today’s small businesses often have global ambitions, but outdated payment processes can hold them back. The new solution offers the ease, security, and international reach they need to scale without borders. Together, we’re helping them simplify operations, stay on top of spending, and expand into new markets.”
2025 will see a full-scale rollout of the World Card to markets across Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa. WorldFirst says that World Card will also begin to support Apple Pay and Google Pay in the coming months.
Physical cards on the way
Later this year, WorldFirst and Mastercard will also launch a physical World Card, enabling in-person transactions while serving as a backup when digital payments aren’t possible. The physical card will retain the digital version’s benefits, including multi-currency support, cashback and security through unified platform management, while ensuring compatibility with chip-card POS terminals.
“WorldFirst enables business growth by delivering solutions featuring global coverage, secure transactions and operational efficiency – essential foundations for SMEs’ success in today’s digital economy,” added Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst and VP of Ant International.
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Mastercard and industry leaders to pioneer innovative solutions like World Card, empowering SMEs and drive inclusive growth.”
