Ant International’s WorldFirst has introduced the World Card, a new virtual Mastercard-enabled payment solution aimed at assisting SMEs involved in global commerce.
The card is designed to streamline international transactions and help reduce operational costs for businesses.
The World Card allows businesses to make payments in over 150 currencies across more than 210 countries and regions where Mastercard is accepted.
WorldFirst states that foreign exchange fees are waived on payments made from a WorldFirst account balance in 15 major currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY.
The service is intended for common business expenses such as online advertising, software subscriptions, and logistics.
Security features include Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, transaction verifications like 3DS/AVS, and user-set spending limits.
Businesses will also have the capability later this year to create multiple virtual cards for different expenses or teams, with spending tracked via a central dashboard.
A cashback programme is also offered on eligible spending.
This new virtual card complements WorldFirst’s existing World Account, which provides global payment, collection, currency conversion, and treasury management services.
WorldFirst plans a broader rollout of the World Card across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa in 2025.
Support for mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay is anticipated in the coming months.
Additionally, a physical version of the World Card is planned for release in 2025 to facilitate in-person transactions.
“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.
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,”
said Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst and Vice President of Ant International.
“With the launch of the World Card, WorldFirst and Mastercard are giving ambitious businesses a smarter way to manage spending. Today’s small businesses often have global ambitions, but outdated payment processes can hold them back.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,”
said Jane Prokop, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Mastercard.
