Mastercard (MA) 10-K 14 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 11, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Document Type	10-K
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Annual Report	true
Entity File Number	001-32877
Entity Registrant Name	Mastercard Incorporated
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-4172551
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10577
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, City or Town	Purchase,
Entity Address, Address Line One	2000 Purchase Street
City Area Code	914
Local Phone Number	249-2000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 235.9
Entity Central Index Key	0001141391
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Trading Symbol	MA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		994,281,310
One Point One Percent Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.100% Notes due 2022
Trading Symbol	MA22
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Two Point One Percent Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.100% Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	MA27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Two Point Five Percent Notes Due 2030 [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.500% Notes due 2030
Trading Symbol	MA30
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,827,654

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 16,883	$ 14,950	$ 12,497
Operating Expenses
General and administrative	5,763	5,174	4,653
Advertising and marketing	934	907	771
Depreciation and amortization	522	459	436
Provision for litigation	0	1,128	15
Total operating expenses	7,219	7,668	5,875
Operating income	9,664	7,282	6,622
Other Income (Expense)
Investment income	97	122	56
Gains (losses) on equity investments, net	167	0	0
Interest expense	(224)	(186)	(154)
Other income (expense), net	27	(14)	(2)
Total other income (expense)	67	(78)	(100)
Income before income taxes	9,731	7,204	6,522
Income tax expense	1,613	1,345	2,607
Net Income	$ 8,118	$ 5,859	$ 3,915
Basic Earnings per Share	$ 7.98	$ 5.63	$ 3.67
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	1,017	1,041	1,067
Diluted Earnings per Share	$ 7.94	$ 5.60	$ 3.65
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	1,022	1,047	1,072

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 8,118	$ 5,859	$ 3,915
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	10	(319)	565
Income tax effect	13	40	2
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax effect	23	(279)	567
Translation adjustments on net investment hedge	36	96	(236)
Income tax effect	(8)	(21)	83
Translation adjustments on net investment hedge, net of income tax effect	28	75	(153)
Cash flow hedges	14	0	0
Income tax effect	(3)	0	0
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect	11	0	0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans	(22)	(18)	15
Income tax effect	3	3	(1)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of income tax effect	(19)	(15)	14
Investment securities available-for-sale	3	(3)	(3)
Income tax effect	(1)	1	2
Investment securities available-for-sale, net of income tax effect	2	(2)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax effect	45	(221)	427
Comprehensive Income	$ 8,163	$ 5,638	$ 4,342

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,988	$ 6,682
Restricted cash for litigation settlement	584	553
Investments	688	1,696
Accounts receivable	2,514	2,276
Settlement due from customers	2,995	2,452
Restricted security deposits held for customers	1,370	1,080
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,763	1,432
Total current assets	16,902	16,171
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	1,828	921
Deferred income taxes	543	570
Goodwill	4,021	2,904
Other intangible assets, net	1,417	991
Other assets	4,525	3,303
Total Assets	29,236	24,860
Liabilities, Redeemable Non-controlling Interests and Equity
Accounts payable	489	537
Settlement due to customers	2,714	2,189
Restricted security deposits held for customers	1,370	1,080
Accrued litigation	914	1,591
Accrued expenses	5,489	4,747
Current portion of long-term debt	0	500
Other current liabilities	928	949
Total current liabilities	11,904	11,593
Long-term debt	8,527	5,834
Deferred income taxes	85	67
Other liabilities	2,729	1,877
Total Liabilities	23,245	19,371
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests	74	71
Stockholders’ Equity
Additional paid-in-capital	4,787	4,580
Class A treasury stock, at cost, 395 and 368 shares, respectively	(32,205)	(25,750)
Retained earnings	33,984	27,283
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(673)	(718)
Mastercard Incorporated Stockholders' Equity	5,893	5,395
Non-controlling interests	24	23
Total Equity	5,917	5,418
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Non-controlling Interests and Equity	29,236	24,860
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock value	0	0
Total Equity	0	0
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock value	0	0
Total Equity	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Class A treasury stock, shares	395,000,000	368,000,000
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock, issued	1,391,000,000	1,387,000,000
Common stock, outstanding	996,000,000	1,019,000,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized shares	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000
Common stock, issued	11,000,000	12,000,000
Common stock, outstanding	11,000,000	12,000,000

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Additional Paid-In Capital	Class A Treasury Stock	Mastercard Incorporated Stockholders' Equity	Non- Controlling Interests	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 5,684	$ 19,418	$ (924)	$ 4,183	$ (17,021)	$ 5,656	$ 28	$ 0	$ 0
Net income	3,915	3,915				3,915
Activity related to non-controlling interests	1						1
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments	(2)	(2)				(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	427		427			427
Dividends	(967)	(967)				(967)
Purchases of treasury stock	(3,747)				(3,747)	(3,747)
Shared-based payments	186			182	4	186
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	5,497	22,364	(497)	4,365	(20,764)	5,468	29	0	0
Net income	5,859	5,859				5,859
Activity related to non-controlling interests	(6)						(6)
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments	(3)	(3)				(3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(221)		(221)			(221)
Dividends	(1,120)	(1,120)				(1,120)
Purchases of treasury stock	(4,991)				(4,991)	(4,991)
Shared-based payments	220			215	5	220
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	5,418	27,283	(718)	4,580	(25,750)	5,395	23	0	0
Net income	8,118	8,118				8,118
Activity related to non-controlling interests	1						1
Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustments	(9)	(9)				(9)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	45		45			45
Dividends	(1,408)	(1,408)				(1,408)
Purchases of treasury stock	(6,463)			0	(6,463)	(6,463)
Shared-based payments	215			207	8	215
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 5,917	$ 33,984	$ (673)	$ 4,787	$ (32,205)	$ 5,893	$ 24	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 8,118	$ 5,859	$ 3,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of customer and merchant incentives	1,141	1,235	1,001
Depreciation and amortization	522	459	437
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net	(167)	0	0
Share-based compensation	250	196	176
Deferred income taxes	(7)	(244)	86
Venezuela charge	0	0	167
Other	24	31	59
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(246)	(317)	(445)
Income taxes receivable	(202)	(120)	(8)
Settlement due from customers	(444)	(1,078)	(281)
Prepaid expenses	(1,661)	(1,769)	(1,402)
Accrued litigation and legal settlements	(662)	869	(12)
Restricted security deposits held for customers	290	(6)	94
Accounts payable	(42)	101	290
Settlement due to customers	477	849	394
Accrued expenses	657	439	589
Long-term taxes payable	2	(20)	577
Net change in other assets and liabilities	133	(261)	27
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,183	6,223	5,664
Investing Activities
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale	(643)	(1,300)	(714)
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity	(215)	(509)	(1,145)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale	1,098	604	304
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale	376	379	500
Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity	383	929	1,020
Purchases of property and equipment	(422)	(330)	(300)
Capitalized software	(306)	(174)	(123)
Purchases of equity investments	(467)	(91)	(147)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(1,440)	0	(1,175)
Other investing activities	(4)	(14)	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,640)	(506)	(1,781)
Financing Activities
Purchases of treasury stock	(6,497)	(4,933)	(3,762)
Dividends paid	(1,345)	(1,044)	(942)
Proceeds from debt	2,724	991	0
Payment of debt	(500)	0	(64)
Contingent consideration paid	(199)	0	0
Tax withholdings related to share-based payments	(161)	(80)	(47)
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options	126	104	57
Other financing activities	(15)	(4)	(6)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,867)	(4,966)	(4,764)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	(44)	(6)	200
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	632	745	(681)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - beginning of period	8,337	7,592	8,273
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents - end of period	$ 8,969	$ 8,337	$ 7,592

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Organization Mastercard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mastercard International Incorporated (“Mastercard International” and together with Mastercard Incorporated, “Mastercard” or the “Company”), is a technology company in the global payments industry that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment instead of cash and checks. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services through its family of well-known brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company is a multi-rail network that offers customers one partner to turn to for their domestic and cross-border payment needs. Through its unique and proprietary global payments network, which is referred to as the core network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions and delivers related products and services. Mastercard has additional payment capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). The Company also provides integrated value-added offerings such as cyber and intelligence products, information and analytics services, consulting, loyalty and reward programs and processing. The Company’s payment solutions offer customers choice and flexibility and are designed to ensure safety and security for the global payments system. A typical transaction on the Company’s core network involves four participants in addition to the Company: account holder (a person or entity who holds a card or uses another device enabled for payment), issuer (the account holder’s financial institution), merchant and acquirer (the merchant’s financial institution). The Company does not issue cards, extend credit, determine or receive revenue from interest rates or other fees charged to account holders by issuers, or establish the rates charged by acquirers in connection with merchants’ acceptance of the Company’s products. In most cases, account holder relationships belong to, and are managed by, the Company’s financial institution customers. Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation and basis of presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mastercard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in VIEs for which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are not consolidated and are accounted for as equity method or measurement alternative method investments and recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , there were no significant VIEs which required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date in which the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 presentation. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Prior to December 31, 2017, the Company included the financial results from its Venezuela subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements using the consolidation method of accounting. In 2017, due to foreign exchange regulations restricting access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela, an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and U.S. dollar impacted the Company’s ability to manage risk, process cross-border transactions and satisfy U.S. dollar denominated liabilities related to operations in Venezuela. As a result of these factors, Mastercard concluded that effective December 31, 2017, it did not meet the accounting criteria for consolidation of these Venezuelan subsidiaries, and therefore would transition to the measurement alternative method of accounting as of December 31, 2017. This accounting change resulted in a pre-tax charge of $167 million ( $108 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share) that was recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Non-controlling interests represent the equity interest not owned by the Company and are recorded for consolidated entities in which the Company owns less than 100% of the interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest are accounted for as equity transactions, and upon loss of control, retained ownership interests are remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. For 2019, 2018 and 2017 , net losses from non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statement of operations within other income (expense). Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Revenue recognition - Revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is primarily generated by charging fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as by assessing customers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity, or gross dollar volume, on the products that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is generally derived from transactional information accumulated by Mastercard’s systems or reported by customers. Volume-based revenue (domestic assessments and cross-border volume fees) is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards. Certain volume-based revenue is based upon information reported by customers. Transaction-based revenue (transaction processing) is primarily based on the number and type of transactions and is recognized as revenue in the same period in which the related transactions occur. Other payment-related products and services are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related services are performed or transactions occur. Mastercard has business agreements with certain customers that provide for rebates or other support when the customers meet certain volume hurdles as well as other support incentives, which are tied to performance. Rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term. Rebates and incentives are calculated based upon estimated customer performance and the terms of the related business agreements. In addition, Mastercard may make payments to a customer directly related to entering into an agreement, which are generally capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement on a straight-line basis. Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed data analytic and consulting services performed for customers in connection with Mastercard’s payment network service arrangements. Collection for these services typically occurs over the contractual term. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company defers the recognition of revenue when consideration has been received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations. As these performance obligations are satisfied, revenue is subsequently recognized. Deferred revenue is primarily derived from data analytic and consulting services. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Business combinations - The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company measures the tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, at fair value as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Measurement period adjustments, if any, to the preliminary estimated fair value of the intangibles assets as of the acquisition date will be recorded in goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets - Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill, which represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce, and customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships and other intangible assets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, on a straight-line basis, which range from one to twenty years . Capitalized software includes internal and external costs incurred directly related to the design, development and testing phases of each capitalized software project. Impairment of assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter, or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment evaluation for goodwill utilizes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. The qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, operating environment, financial performance and other relevant events. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then the Company is required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, then a quantitative assessment is required. Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recorded. Impairment charges, if any, are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Litigation - The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and accrues a loss contingency when the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Loss contingencies are recorded in provision for litigation on the consolidated statement of operations. These judgments are subjective based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of its defenses and consultation with in-house and external legal counsel. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the transactions between its customers. Settlement exposure is the outstanding settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically limited to a few days. The Company also enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable. The Company accounts for each of its guarantees by recording the guarantee at its fair value at the inception or modification date through earnings. Income taxes - The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are displayed separately as noncurrent assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Valuation allowances are provided against assets which are not more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes all material tax positions, including uncertain tax positions in which it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based on its technical merits and if challenged by the relevant taxing authorities. At each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions are reassessed to determine whether subsequent developments require a change in the amount of recognized tax benefit. The allowance for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company includes penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision. Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include certain investments with daily liquidity and with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash - The Company classifies cash and cash equivalents as restricted when it is unavailable for withdrawal or use in its general operations. The Company has the following types of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents which are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows: • Restricted cash for litigation settlement - The Company has restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the U.S. merchant class litigation. The funds continue to be restricted for payments until the litigation matter is resolved. • Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires collateral from certain customers for settlement of their transactions. The majority of collateral for settlement is in the form of standby letters of credit and bank guarantees which are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the Company holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit from certain customers as collateral for settlement of their transactions, which are recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet. These security deposits are typically held for the duration of the agreement with the customers. • Other restricted cash balances - The Company has other restricted cash balances which include contractually restricted deposits, as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage. These funds are classified on the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets. Fair value - The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company classifies these recurring fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy (“Valuation Hierarchy”). The Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the Valuation Hierarchy are as follows: • Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets • Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability • Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and cannot be directly corroborated by observable market data Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, equipment and right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. The valuation methods for goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in business combinations involve assumptions concerning comparable company multiples, discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. The Company uses various valuation techniques to determine fair value, primarily discounted cash flows analysis, relief-from-royalty, and multi-period excess earnings for estimating the fair value of its intangible assets. As the assumptions employed to measure these assets are based on management’s judgment using internal and external data, these fair value determinations are classified in Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy. Contingent consideration - Certain business combinations involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones. These liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management’s judgment. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date and subsequent periods is determined utilizing an income approach based on a Monte Carlo technique and is recorded in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes to projected performance milestones of the acquired businesses could result in a higher or lower contingent consideration liability. The changes in fair value as a result of updated assumptions will be recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Investment securities - The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the date of acquisition. • Available-for-sale debt securities: ◦ Available-for-sale securities that are available to meet the Company’s current operational needs are classified as current assets and the securities that are not available for current operational needs are classified as non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The investments in debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses. The Company evaluates its debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment on an ongoing basis. When there has been a decline in fair value of a debt security below the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment if: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; or (3) it does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of operations while the non-credit loss would remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized from a sale or an other-than-temporary impairment. • Held-to-maturity securities: ◦ Time deposits - The Company classifies time deposits with original maturities greater than three months as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities that mature within one year are classified as current assets within investments on the consolidated balance sheet while held-to-maturity securities with maturities of greater than one year are classified as non-current assets. Time deposits are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet and are intended to be held until maturity. Equity investments - The Company holds equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies. • Marketable equity securities - Marketable equity securities are strategic investments in publicly traded companies and are measured at fair value using quoted prices in their respective active markets with changes recorded through gain (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations. Securities that are not for use in current operations are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. • Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, include investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market values. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its nonmarketable equity investments when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments are accounted for under the equity method or measurement alternative method. ◦ Equity method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee, generally when it holds between 20% and 50% ownership in the entity. In addition, investments in flow-through entities such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies are also accounted for under the equity method when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee, generally when the investment ownership percentage is equal to or greater than 5% of the outstanding ownership interest. The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments accounted for under the equity method is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The amortization of the excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments and Mastercard’s share of net earnings or losses of entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting is included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of operations. ◦ Measurement alternative method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the measurement alternative method of accounting when it does not exercise significant influence, generally when it holds less than 20% ownership in the entity or when the interest in a limited partnership or limited liability company is less than 5% and the Company has no significant influence over the operation of the investee. Investments in companies that Mastercard does not control, but that are not in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock, are also accounted for under the measurement alternative method of accounting. Measurement alternative investments are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Fair value adjustments, as well as impairments, are included in gain (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations. Derivative and hedging instruments - The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts are included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value of the contracts are based on inputs, which are observable based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. As the Company does not designate foreign exchange contracts as hedging instruments, realized and unrealized gains and losses from the change in fair value of the contracts are recognized immediately in current-period earnings. The Company’s foreign exchange contracts are not entered into for trading or speculative purposes. The Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments are required to meet established accounting criteria. In addition, an effectiveness assessment is required to demonstrate that the derivative is expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposure both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. The method of assessing hedge effectiveness and measuring hedge results is formally documented at hedge inception and assessed at least quarterly throughout the designated hedge period. For cash flow hedges, the fair value adjustments are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains and losses deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) are then recognized in current-period earnings when earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged forecasted transaction. The Company has numerous investments in its foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the foreign currency denominated debt are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheet as part of the cumulative translation adjustment component of equity. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the net investment hedge each quarter. Settlement due from/due to customers - The Company operates systems for clearing and settling payment transactions among customers. Net settlements are generally cleared daily among customers through settlement cash accounts by wire transfer or other bank clearing means. However, some transactions may not settle until subsequent business days, resulting in amounts due from and due to customers. Property, equipment and right-of-use assets - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statement of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life Buildings 30 years Building equipment 10 - 15 years Furniture and fixtures and equipment 3 - 5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of life of improvement or lease term Right-of-use assets Shorter of life of the asset or lease term The Company determines if a contract is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. The Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are primarily related to operating leases for office space, automobiles and other equipment. Leases are included in property, equipment and right-of-use assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In addition, ROU assets include initial direct costs incurred by the lessee as well as any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and exclude lease incentives. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined by using the rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments for a similar term and in a similar economic environment. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Leases with a term of one year or less are excluded from ROU assets and liabilities. The Company excludes variable lease payments in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, other than those that depend on an index, a rate or are in-substance fixed payments. Lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. When available, consideration is allocated to the separate lease and nonlease components in a lease contract on a relative standalone price basis using observable standalone prices. Pension and other postretirement plans - The Company recognizes the funded status of its single-employer defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans as assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date. Overfunded plans, if any, are aggregated and recorded in other assets, while underfunded plans are aggregated and recorded as accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations. These costs in

Acquisitions Business Combinati

Acquisitions Business Combination (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure	In 2019 and 2017 , the Company acquired several businesses in separate transactions for total consideration of $1.5 billion in each year, representing both cash and contingent consideration. There were no acquisitions in 2018 . These acquisitions align with the Company’s strategy to grow, diversify and build the Company’s business. Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for the valuation techniques Mastercard utilizes to fair value the respective components of business combinations. The residual value allocated to goodwill is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and a portion of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The Company is evaluating and finalizing the purchase accounting for businesses acquired during 2019 . In 2018 , the Company finalized the purchase accounting for businesses acquired during 2017 . The preliminary estimated and final fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for 2019 and 2017 , respectively. There were no acquisitions in 2018. 2019 2017 (in millions) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 54 $ 111 Other current assets 143 110 Other intangible assets 395 488 Goodwill 1,076 1,135 Other assets 48 91 Total assets 1,716 1,935 Liabilities: Other current liabilities 121 234 Deferred income taxes 52 64 Other liabilities 32 66 Total liabilities 205 364 Net assets acquired $ 1,511 $ 1,571 The following table summarizes the identified intangible assets acquired for 2019 and 2017: 2019 2017 2019 2017 Acquisition Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in millions) (in years) Developed technologies $ 199 $ 319 7.7 7.5 Customer relationships 178 166 12.6 9.9 Other 18 3 5.0 1.4 Other intangible assets $ 395 $ 488 9.7 8.3 Pro forma information related to the acquisitions was not included because the impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations was not considered to be material. The businesses acquired in 2019 were not individually significant to Mastercard. For the businesses acquired in 2017, the largest acquisition relates to Vocalink, a payment systems and ATM switching platform operator, located principally in the U.K. On April 28, 2017, Mastercard acquired 92.4% controlling interest in Vocalink for cash consideration of £719 million ( $929 million ). In addition, the Vocalink sellers earned additional contingent consideration of £169 million ( $219 million ) upon meeting 2018 revenue targets in accordance with terms of the purchase agreement. Refer to Note 8 (Fair Value Measurements) for additional information related to the fair value of contingent consideration. A majority of Vocalink’s shareholders have retained a 7.6% ownership for at least three years , which is recorded as redeemable non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheet. These remaining shareholders have a put option to sell their ownership interest to Mastercard on the third and fifth anniversaries of the transaction and quarterly thereafter (the “Third Anniversary Option” and “Fifth Anniversary Option”, respectively). The Third Anniversary Option is exercisable at a fixed price of £58 million (approximately $76 million as of December 31, 2019 ) (“Fixed Price”). The Fifth Anniversary Option is exercisable at the greater of the Fixed Price or fair value. Additionally, Mastercard has a call option to purchase the remaining interest from Vocalink’s shareholders on the fifth anniversary of the transaction and quarterly thereafter, which is exercisable at the greater of the Fixed Price or fair value. The fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interests was determined utilizing a market approach, which extrapolated the consideration transferred that was discounted for lack of control and marketability. Pending Acquisition In August 2019, Mastercard entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the majority of the Corporate Services business of Nets Denmark A/S, for €2.85 billion (approximately $3.19 billion as of December 31, 2019 ) after adjusting for cash and certain other liabilities at closing. The pending acquisition primarily comprises the clearing and instant payment services, and e-billing solutions of Nets Denmark A/S’s Corporate Services business. While the Company anticipates completing the acquisition in the first half of 2020, the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Revenue (Notes)

Revenue (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Mastercard’s business model involves four participants in addition to the Company: account holders, issuers (the account holders’ financial institutions), merchants and acquirers (the merchants’ financial institutions). Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenue recognized from domestic assessments, cross-border volume fees and transaction processing are derived from Mastercard’s payment network services. Revenue is primarily generated by charging fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as by assessing customers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity, or gross dollar volume, on the products that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is generally derived from transactional information accumulated by Mastercard’s systems or reported by customers. In addition, the Company recognizes revenue from other payment-related products and services in the period in which the related transactions occur or services are performed. The price structure for Mastercard’s products and services is dependent on the nature of volumes, types of transactions and type of products and services offered to customers. Net revenue can be impacted by the following: • domestic or cross-border transactions • geographic region or country in which the transaction occurs • volumes/transactions subject to tiered rates • processed or not processed by the Company • amount of usage of the Company’s other products or services • amount of rebates and incentives provided to customers The Company classifies its net revenue into the following five categories: Domestic assessments are fees charged to issuers and acquirers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity on cards and other devices that carry the Company’s brands where the merchant country and the country of issuance are the same. Revenue from domestic assessments is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards or other devices that carry the Company’s brands. Cross-border volume fees are charged to issuers and acquirers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity on cards and other devices that carry the Company’s brands where the merchant country and the country of issuance are different. Revenue from cross-border volume is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards or other devices that carry the Company’s brands. Transaction processing revenue is recognized for both domestic and cross-border transactions in the period in which the related transactions occur. Transaction processing includes the following: • Switched transaction revenue is generated from the following products and services: ◦ Authorization is the process by which a transaction is routed to the issuer for approval. In certain circumstances, such as when the issuer’s systems are unavailable or cannot be contacted, Mastercard or others approve such transactions on behalf of the issuer in accordance with either the issuer’s instructions or applicable rules (also known as “stand-in”). ◦ Clearing is the determination and exchange of financial transaction information between issuers and acquirers after a transaction has been successfully conducted at the point of interaction. Transactions are cleared among customers through Mastercard’s central and regional processing systems. ◦ Settlement is facilitating the exchange of funds between parties. • Connectivity fees are charged to issuers, acquirers and other financial institutions for network access, equipment and the transmission of authorization and settlement messages. These fees are based on the size of the data being transmitted and the number of connections to the Company’s network. • Other processing fees include issuer and acquirer processing solutions; payment gateways for e-commerce merchants; mobile gateways for mobile-initiated transactions; and safety and security. Other revenues consist of value-added service offerings that are typically sold with the Company’s payment service offerings and are recognized in the period in which the related services are performed or transactions occur. Other revenues include the following: • Data analytics and consulting fees. • Cyber and intelligence fees are for products and services offered to prevent, detect and respond to fraud and to ensure the safety of transactions made primarily on Mastercard products. • Loyalty and rewards solutions fees are charged to issuers for benefits provided directly to consumers with Mastercard-branded cards, such as access to a global airline lounge network, global and local concierge services, individual insurance coverages, emergency card replacement, emergency cash advance services and a 24-hour cardholder service center. Loyalty and reward solution fees also include rewards campaigns and management services. • Program management services provided to prepaid card issuers consist of foreign exchange margin, commissions, load fees and ATM withdrawal fees paid by cardholders on the sale and encashment of prepaid cards. • Batch and real-time account-based payment services relating to ACH transactions and other ACH related services. • Other payment-related products and services, including account and transaction enhancement services, rules compliance and publications. Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue) are provided to customers that meet certain volume targets and can be in the form of a rebate or other support incentives, which are tied to performance. Rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term. In addition, Mastercard may make incentive payments to a customer directly related to entering into an agreement, which are generally capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement on a straight-line basis. The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by source and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Revenue by source: Domestic assessments $ 6,781 $ 6,138 Cross-border volume fees 5,606 4,954 Transaction processing 8,469 7,391 Other revenues 4,124 3,348 Gross revenue 24,980 21,831 Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue) (8,097 ) (6,881 ) Net revenue $ 16,883 $ 14,950 Net revenue by geographic region: North American Markets $ 5,843 $ 5,312 International Markets 10,869 9,514 Other 1 171 124 Net revenue $ 16,883 $ 14,950 1 Includes revenues managed by corporate functions. Receivables from contracts with customers of $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, are recorded within accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s customers are generally billed weekly, however the frequency is dependent upon the nature of the performance obligation and the underlying contractual terms. The Company does not typically offer extended payment terms to customers. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 in the amounts of $48 million and $152 million , respectively. The comparable amounts included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets at December 31, 2018 were $40 million and $92 million , respectively. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 in the amounts of $238 million and $106 million , respectively. The comparable amounts included in other current liabilities and other liabilities at December 31, 2018 were $218 million and $101 million , respectively. In 2019 and 2018 , revenue recognized from the satisfaction of such performance obligations was $904 million in each year. The Company’s remaining performance periods for its contracts with customers for its payment network services are typically long-term in nature (generally up to 10 years ). As a payment network service provider, the Company provides its customers with continuous access to its global payment processing network and stands ready to provide transaction processing and related services over the contractual term. Consideration is variable as the Company generates revenues from assessing its customers based on the GDV of activity on the products that carry the Company’s brands. The Company has elected the optional exemption to not disclose the remaining performance obligations related to its payment network services. The Company also earns revenues from other value-added services comprised of both batch and real-time account-based payment services, consulting fees, loyalty programs and other payment-related products and services. At December 31, 2019 , the estimated aggregate consideration allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations for these other value-added services is $1.3 billion , which is expected to be recognized through 2022. The estimated remaining performance obligations related to these revenues are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including modifications and terminations and are not expected to be material to any future annual period.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The components of basic and diluted EPS for common shares for each of the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions, except per share data) Numerator Net income $ 8,118 $ 5,859 $ 3,915 Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,017 1,041 1,067 Dilutive stock options and stock units 5 6 5 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1 1,022 1,047 1,072 Earnings per Share Basic $ 7.98 $ 5.63 $ 3.67 Diluted $ 7.94 $ 5.60 $ 3.65 Note: Table may not sum due to rounding. 1 For the years presented, the calculation of diluted EPS excluded a minimal amount of anti-dilutive share-based payment awards.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restric

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheet that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 2016 (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,988 $ 6,682 $ 5,933 $ 6,721 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents Restricted cash for litigation settlement 584 553 546 543 Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,370 1,080 1,085 991 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 27 22 28 3 Other assets — — — 15 Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 8,969 $ 8,337 $ 7,592 $ 8,273

Supplemental Cash Flows

Supplemental Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flows	The following table includes supplemental cash flow disclosures for each of the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 1,644 $ 1,790 $ 1,893 Cash paid for interest 199 153 135 Cash paid for legal settlements 668 260 47 Non-cash investing and financing activities Dividends declared but not yet paid 403 340 263 Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets 468 10 30 Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired 1,662 — 1,825 Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions 205 — 365

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	The Company’s investments on the consolidated balance sheet include both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities (see Investments section below). The Company classifies its investments in equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies within other assets on the consolidated balance sheet (see Equity Investments section below). Investments Investments on the consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Available-for-sale securities $ 591 $ 1,432 Held-to-maturity securities 97 264 Total investments $ 688 $ 1,696 Available-for-Sale Securities The major classes of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and their respective amortized cost basis and fair values were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value (in millions) Municipal securities $ 15 $ — $ — $ 15 $ 15 $ — $ — $ 15 Government and agency securities 108 — — 108 157 — — 157 Corporate securities 381 1 — 382 1,044 1 (2 ) 1,043 Asset-backed securities 85 1 — 86 217 — — 217 Total $ 589 $ 2 $ — $ 591 $ 1,433 $ 1 $ (2 ) $ 1,432 The Company’s available-for-sale investment securities held at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , primarily carried a credit rating of A- or better with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The municipal securities are comprised of state tax-exempt bonds and are diversified across states and sectors. Government and agency securities include U.S. government bonds, U.S. government sponsored agency bonds and foreign government bonds with similar credit quality to that of the U.S. government bonds. Corporate securities are comprised of commercial paper and corporate bonds. The asset-backed securities are investments in bonds which are collateralized primarily by automobile loan receivables. The maturity distribution based on the contractual terms of the Company’s investment securities at December 31, 2019 was as follows: Available-For-Sale Amortized Fair Value (in millions) Due within 1 year $ 180 $ 181 Due after 1 year through 5 years 409 410 Total $ 589 $ 591 Investment income on the consolidated statement of operations primarily consists of interest income generated from cash, cash equivalents, time deposits, and realized gains and losses on the Company’s debt securities. The realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were not significant. Held-to-Maturity Securities The Company classifies time deposits with maturities greater than three months but less than one year as held-to-maturity. Time deposits are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet and are intended to be held until maturity. The cost of these securities approximates fair value. Equity Investments Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet are equity investments with readily determinable fair values (“Marketable securities”) and equity investments without readily determinable fair values (“Nonmarketable securities”). Marketable securities are publicly traded companies and are measured using unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets. Nonmarketable securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investments of the same issuer (“measurement alternative”). The following table is a summary of the activity related to the Company’s equity investments: Balance at December 31, 2018 Purchases (Sales), net 1 Changes in Fair Value 2 Balance at December 31, 2019 (in millions) Marketable securities $ — $ 362 $ 117 $ 479 Nonmarketable securities 337 48 50 435 Total equity investments $ 337 $ 410 $ 167 $ 914 1 Includes impact of balance sheet foreign currency translation 2 Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations At December 31, 2019 , the total carrying value of Nonmarketable securities included $317 million of measurement alternative investments and $118 million of equity method investments. At December 31, 2018 , the total carrying value of Nonmarketable securities included $232 million of measurement alternative investments and $105 million

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	The Company classifies its fair value measurements of financial instruments into a three-level hierarchy within the Valuation Hierarchy. Financial instruments are categorized for fair value measurement purposes as recurring or non-recurring in nature. There were no transfers made among the three levels in the Valuation Hierarchy for 2019 and 2018 . Financial Instruments - Recurring Measurements The distribution of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the Valuation Hierarchy were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices Significant Significant Total Quoted Prices Significant Significant Total (in millions) Assets Investment securities available for sale 1 : Municipal securities $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 Government and agency securities 66 42 — 108 65 92 — 157 Corporate securities — 382 — 382 — 1,043 — 1,043 Asset-backed securities — 86 — 86 — 217 — 217 Derivative instruments 2 : Foreign exchange contracts — 12 — 12 — 35 — 35 Interest rate contracts — 14 — 14 — — — — Marketable securities 3 : Equity securities 479 — — 479 — — — — Deferred compensation plan 4 : Deferred compensation assets 67 — — 67 54 — — 54 Liabilities Derivative instruments 2 : Foreign exchange derivative liabilities $ — $ (32 ) $ — $ (32 ) $ — $ (6 ) $ — $ (6 ) Deferred compensation plan 5 : Deferred compensation liabilities (67 ) — — (67 ) (54 ) — — (54 ) 1 The Company’s U.S. government securities are classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale municipal securities, government and agency securities, corporate securities and asset-backed securities are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, benchmark yields and issuer spreads for similar assets in active markets and are therefore included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy. 2 The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative asset and liability contracts have been classified within Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value is based on observable inputs such as broker quotes relating to foreign currency exchange rates for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details. 3 The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets. 4 The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where assets are invested primarily in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust, which is restricted for payments to participants of the plan. The Company has elected to use the fair value option for these mutual funds, which are measured using quoted prices of identical instruments in active markets and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. 5 The deferred compensation liabilities are measured at fair value based on the quoted prices of identical instruments to the investment vehicles selected by the participants. These are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Financial Instruments - Non-Recurring Measurements Nonmarketable Securities The Company’s Nonmarketable securities are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods after initial recognition under the equity method or measurement alternative method. Nonmarketable securities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value that require management’s judgment. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its Nonmarketable securities when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. See Note 7 (Investments) for further details. Debt The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt based on market quotes. These debt instruments are not traded in active markets and are classified as Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy. At December 31, 2019 , the carrying value and fair value of total long-term debt (including the current portion) was $8.5 billion and $9.2 billion , respectively. At December 31, 2018 , the carrying value and fair value of long-term debt (including the current portion) was $6.3 billion and $6.5 billion , respectively. See Note 15 (Debt) for further details. Other Financial Instruments Certain financial instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheet at cost or amortized cost basis, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits, accounts receivable, settlement due from customers, restricted security deposits held for customers, accounts payable, settlement due to customers and other accrued liabilities. Contingent Consideration The contingent consideration attributable to acquisitions made in 2017 was primarily based on the achievement of 2018 revenue targets and was measured at fair value on a recurring basis. This contingent consideration liability of $219 million was included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 . This liability was classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy due to the absence of quoted market prices and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value that require management’s judgment. During 2019, the Company paid $219 million to settle the contingent consideration.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Asse

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 872 $ 778 Prepaid income taxes 105 51 Other 786 603 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,763 $ 1,432 Other assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 2,838 $ 2,458 Equity investments 914 337 Income taxes receivable 460 298 Other 313 210 Total other assets $ 4,525 $ 3,303 Customer and merchant incentives represent payments made to customers and merchants under business agreements. Costs directly related to entering into such an agreement are generally deferred and amortized over the life of the agreement. See Note 7 (Investments) for further information on the Company’s equity investments.

Property, Equipment and Right-o

Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets	Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Building, building equipment and land $ 505 $ 481 Equipment 1,218 987 Furniture and fixtures 92 85 Leasehold improvements 303 215 Operating lease right-of-use assets 810 — Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 2,928 1,768 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,100 ) (847 ) Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 1,828 $ 921 Depreciation and amortization expense for the above property, equipment and right-of-use assets was $336 million , $209 million and $185 million for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The increase in property, equipment and right-of-use assets at December 31, 2019 from December 31, 2018 was primarily due to the impact from the adoption of the new accounting standard pertaining to lease arrangements as of January 1, 2019 as well as leases that commenced in 2019 . See Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for additional information of the accounting policy under the new leasing standard. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows: December 31, (in millions) Balance sheet location Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 711 Other current liabilities 106 Other liabilities 656 Operating lease amortization expense for 2019 was $99 million . As of December 31, 2019 , weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases was 9.5 years and weighted-average discount rate for operating leases was 2.9% . The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 based on lease term: Operating Leases (in millions) 2020 $ 112 2021 113 2022 103 2023 90 2024 79 Thereafter 376 Total operating lease payments 873 Less: Interest (111 ) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 762 As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has entered into additional operating leases as a lessee, primarily for real estate. These leases have not yet commenced and will result in ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities of approximately $23 million . These operating leases are expected to commence in fiscal year 2020, with lease terms between one and ten years. The following disclosures relate to periods prior to adoption of the new lease accounting standard, including those operating leases entered into during 2018, but not yet commenced: At December 31, 2018, the Company had the following future minimum payments due under non‐cancelable leases: Operating Leases (in millions) 2019 $ 72 2020 75 2021 76 2022 68 2023 58 Thereafter 327 Total $ 676 Consolidated rental expense for the Company’s leased office space was $94 million and $77 million for 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Consolidated lease expense for automobiles, computer equipment and office equipment was $20 million and $22 million for 2018 and 2017

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 2,904 $ 3,035 Additions 1,076 2 Foreign currency translation 41 (133 ) Ending balance $ 4,021 $ 2,904 The Company performed its annual qualitative assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2019 and determined a quantitative assessment was not necessary. The Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired and had no accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2019 .

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	The following table sets forth net intangible assets, other than goodwill, at December 31 : 2019 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (in millions) Finite-lived intangible assets Capitalized software $ 1,884 $ (988 ) $ 896 $ 1,514 $ (898 ) $ 616 Customer relationships 621 (264 ) 357 439 (232 ) 207 Other 44 (44 ) — 46 (45 ) 1 Total 2,549 (1,296 ) 1,253 1,999 (1,175 ) 824 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Customer relationships 164 — 164 167 — 167 Total $ 2,713 $ (1,296 ) $ 1,417 $ 2,166 $ (1,175 ) $ 991 The increase in the gross carrying amount of amortized intangible assets in 2019 was primarily related to the businesses acquired in 2019. See Note 2 (Acquisitions) for further details. Certain intangible assets are denominated in foreign currencies. As such, the change in intangible assets includes a component attributable to foreign currency translation. Based on the qualitative assessment performed in 2019 , it was determined that the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired. Amortization on the assets above amounted to $285 million , $250 million and $252 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The following table sets forth the estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 for the years ending December 31 : (in millions) 2020 $ 300 2021 243 2022 164 2023 115 2024 and thereafter 431 $ 1,253

Accrued Expenses and Accrued Li

Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation	Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 3,892 $ 3,275 Personnel costs 713 744 Income and other taxes 332 158 Other 552 570 Total accrued expenses $ 5,489 $ 4,747 Customer and merchant incentives represent amounts to be paid to customers under business agreements. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Company’s provision for litigation was $914 million and $1,591 million , respectively. These amounts are not included in the accrued expenses table above and are separately reported as accrued litigation on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for additional information regarding the Company’s accrued litigation.

Pension, Postretirement and Sav

Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans	The Company and certain of its subsidiaries maintain various pension and other postretirement plans that cover substantially all employees worldwide. Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans. The primary plan is the Mastercard Savings Plan, a 401(k) plan for substantially all of the Company’s U.S. employees, which is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. In addition, the Company has several defined contribution plans outside of the U.S. The Company’s total expense for its defined contribution plans was $127 million , $98 million and $84 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Plans The Company sponsors pension and postretirement plans for certain non-U.S. employees (the “non-U.S. Plans”) that cover various benefits specific to their country of employment. Additionally, Vocalink has a defined benefit pension plan (the “Vocalink Plan”) which was permanently closed to new entrants and future accruals as of July 21, 2013, however, plan participants’ obligations are adjusted for future salary changes. The Company has agreed to make contributions of £15 million (approximately $19 million as of December 31, 2019 ) annually until September 2022. The term “Pension Plans” includes the non-U.S. Plans and the Vocalink Plan. The Company maintains a postretirement plan providing health coverage and life insurance benefits for substantially all of its U.S. employees hired before July 1, 2007 (the “Postretirement Plan”). The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the Pension Plans and its Postretirement Plan (collectively the “Plans”). The Company recognizes the funded status of its Plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, in the consolidated balance sheet. The following table sets forth the Plans’ funded status, key assumptions and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2019 2018 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 438 $ 468 $ 57 $ 61 Service cost 11 9 1 1 Interest cost 13 12 2 2 Actuarial (gain) loss 73 (7 ) 9 (2 ) Benefits paid (15 ) (22 ) (5 ) (5 ) Transfers in 2 1 — — Foreign currency translation 9 (23 ) — — Benefit obligation at end of year 531 438 64 57 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 410 427 — — Actual (loss) gain on plan assets 79 (8 ) — — Employer contributions 32 33 5 5 Benefits paid (15 ) (23 ) (5 ) (5 ) Transfers in 2 2 — — Foreign currency translation 10 (21 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 518 410 — — Funded status at end of year $ (13 ) $ (28 ) $ (64 ) $ (57 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of: Other liabilities, short-term — — (3 ) (3 ) Other liabilities, long-term (13 ) (28 ) (61 ) (54 ) $ (13 ) $ (28 ) $ (64 ) $ (57 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 7 $ (5 ) $ 2 $ (7 ) Prior service credit 1 1 (5 ) (6 ) Balance at end of year $ 8 $ (4 ) $ (3 ) $ (13 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations Discount rate Non-U.S. Plans 0.70 % 1.80 % * * Vocalink Plan 2.00 % 3.10 % * * Postretirement Plan * * 3.25 % 4.25 % Rate of compensation increase Non-U.S. Plans 1.50 % 2.60 % * * Vocalink Plan 2.50 % 4.00 % * * Postretirement Plan * * 3.00 % 3.00 % * Not applicable All of the Pension Plans had benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Information on the Pension Plans were as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Projected benefit obligation $ 531 $ 438 Accumulated benefit obligation 524 430 Fair value of plan assets 518 410 For the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company’s projected benefit obligation related to its Pension Plans increased $93 million primarily attributable to actuarial losses related to lower discount rate assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company’s projected benefit obligation related to its Pension Plans decreased $30 million primarily attributable to foreign currency translation and benefits paid. Components of net periodic benefit cost recorded in earnings were as follows for the Plans for each of the years ended December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Service cost $ 11 $ 9 $ 9 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 13 12 8 2 2 2 Expected return on plan assets (18 ) (20 ) (13 ) — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1 — — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — (1 ) (2 ) (2 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 7 $ 1 $ 4 $ 2 $ 1 $ 1 The service cost component is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Net periodic benefit cost, excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations. Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 12 $ 17 $ (22 ) $ 9 $ (2 ) $ 5 Current year prior service credit — 1 — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — 1 2 2 Total other comprehensive loss (income) $ 12 $ 18 $ (22 ) $ 10 $ — $ 7 Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income) $ 19 $ 19 $ (18 ) $ 12 $ 1 $ 8 Assumptions Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate Non-U.S. Plans 1.80 % 1.80 % 1.60 % * * * Vocalink Plan 2.00 % 2.80 % 2.50 % * * * Postretirement Plan * * * 4.25 % 3.50 % 4.00 % Expected return on plan assets Non-U.S. Plans 2.10 % 3.00 % 3.25 % * * * Vocalink Plan 3.75 % 4.75 % 4.75 % * * * Rate of compensation increase Non-U.S. Plans 1.50 % 2.60 % 2.59 % * * * Vocalink Plan 2.50 % 3.85 % 3.95 % * * * Postretirement Plan * * * 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % * Not applicable The Company’s discount rate assumptions are based on yield curves derived from high quality corporate bonds, which are matched to the expected cash flows of each respective plan. The expected return on plan assets assumptions are derived using the current and expected asset allocations of the Pension Plans’ assets and considering historical as well as expected returns on various classes of plan assets. The rates of compensation increases are determined by the Company, based upon its long-term plans for such increases. The following additional assumptions were used at December 31 in accounting for the Postretirement Plan: 2019 2018 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.00 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2 2 Assets Plan assets are managed taking into account the timing and amount of future benefit payments. The Vocalink Plan assets are managed within the following target asset allocations: fixed income 36% , U.K. government securities 25% , equity 25% , real estate 9% and cash and cash equivalents 5% . For the non-U.S. Plans, the assets are concentrated primarily in insurance contracts. The Valuation Hierarchy of the Pension Plans’ assets is determined using a consistent application of the categorization measurements for the Company’s financial instruments. See Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for additional information. The following tables set forth by level, within the Valuation Hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Fair Value (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 $ 22 $ — $ — $ 22 Government and agency securities 2 — — — — — 88 — 88 Mutual funds 3 153 193 — 346 154 30 — 184 Insurance contracts 4 — 75 — 75 — 57 — 57 Asset-backed securities 5 — — — — — — 34 34 Other 6 — — — — — 25 — 25 Total $ 169 $ 268 $ — $ 437 $ 176 $ 200 $ 34 $ 410 Investments at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) 7 Mutual funds 36 — Other 45 — Total Plan Assets $ 518 $ 410 1 Cash and cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of the shares held by the Plans. 2 Governmental and agency securities are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors. 3 Certain mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the value of the shares held by the Plans, and are therefore included in Level 1. Certain other mutual funds are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2. 4 Insurance contracts are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors. 5 Asset-backed securities are classified as Level 3 due to a lack of observable inputs in measuring fair value. These assets were sold during 2019. 6 Other represents hedge fund pooled vehicles which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2. 7 Mutual funds (comprised primarily of credit investments) and other investments (comprised primarily of real estate investments) are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator as a practical expedient, and therefore these investments are not included in the valuation hierarchy. These investments have quarterly redemption frequencies with redemption notice periods ranging from 60 to 90 days. The following table summarizes expected benefit payments (as of December 31, 2019 ) through 2029 for the Pension Plans and the Postretirement Plan, including those payments expected to be paid from the Company’s general assets. Actual benefit payments may differ from expected benefit payments. Pension Plans Postretirement Plan (in millions) 2020 $ 17 $ 4 2021 11 4 2022 12 4 2023 13 4 2024 15 4 2025 - 2029 70 20

Debt (Notes)

Debt (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31 : Notes Issuance Date Interest Payment Terms Maturity Date Aggregate Principal Amount Stated Interest Rate Effective Interest Rate 2019 2018 (in millions, except percentages) 2019 USD Notes May 2019 Semi-annually 2029 $ 1,000 2.950 % 3.030 % $ 1,000 $ — 2049 1,000 3.650 % 3.689 % 1,000 — December 2019 Semi-annually 2025 750 2.000 % 2.147 % 750 $ — $ 2,750 2018 USD Notes February 2018 Semi-annually 2028 $ 500 3.500 % 3.598 % 500 500 2048 500 3.950 % 3.990 % 500 500 $ 1,000 2016 USD Notes November 2016 Semi-annually 2021 $ 650 2.000 % 2.236 % 650 650 2026 750 2.950 % 3.044 % 750 750 2046 600 3.800 % 3.893 % 600 600 $ 2,000 2015 Euro Notes December 2015 Annually 2022 € 700 1.100 % 1.265 % 785 801 2027 800 2.100 % 2.189 % 896 916 2030 150 2.500 % 2.562 % 169 172 € 1,650 2014 USD Notes March 2014 Semi-annually 2019 $ 500 2.000 % 2.178 % — 500 2024 1,000 3.375 % 3.484 % 1,000 1,000 $ 1,500 8,600 6,389 Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (73 ) (55 ) Total debt outstanding $ 8,527 $ 6,334 Less: Current portion 1 — (500 ) Long-term debt $ 8,527 $ 5,834 1 Relates to the 2014 USD Notes, which was classified in current liabilities as of December 31, 2018 , matured and was paid during 2019 In May 2019, the Company issued $1 billion principal amount of notes due June 2029 and $1 billion principal amount of notes due June 2049 and in December 2019, the Company issued $750 million principal amount of notes due March 2025 (collectively the “2019 USD Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2019 USD Notes, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $2.724 billion . The net proceeds, after deducting the original issue discount, underwriting discount and offering expenses, from the issuance of the 2018 USD Notes were $991 million . The outstanding debt, described above, is not subject to any financial covenants and it may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at the Company’s option at any time for a specified make-whole amount. These notes are senior unsecured obligations and would rank equally with any future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The proceeds of the notes are to be used for general corporate purposes. Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019 are summarized below. (in millions) 2020 $ — 2021 650 2022 785 2023 — 2024 1,000 Thereafter 6,165 Total $ 8,600 On November 14, 2019, the Company increased its commercial paper program (the “Commercial Paper Program”) from $4.5 billion to $6 billion under which the Company is authorized to issue unsecured commercial paper notes with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issuance. The Commercial Paper Program is available in U.S. dollars. In conjunction with the Commercial Paper Program, the Company entered into a committed five-year unsecured $6 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) on November 14, 2019. The Credit Facility, which expires on November 14, 2024, amended and restated the Company’s prior $4.5 billion credit facility which was set to expire on November 15, 2023. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are available in U.S. dollars and/or euros. The facility fee under the Credit Facility is determined according to the Company’s credit rating and is payable on the average daily commitment, regardless of usage, per annum. In addition to the facility fee, interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility would be based on prevailing market interest rates plus applicable margins that fluctuate based on the Company’s credit rating. The Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions. The Company was in compliance in all material respects with the covenants of the Credit Facility at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Borrowings under the Commercial Paper Program and the Credit Facility are used to provide liquidity for general corporate purposes, including providing liquidity in the event of one or more settlement failures by the Company’s customers. The Company may borrow and repay amounts under the Commercial Paper Program and Credit Facility from time to time. The Company had no borrowings under the Credit Facility and the Commercial Paper Program at December 31, 2019 and 2018 .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Classes of Capital Stock Mastercard’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the following classes of capital stock: Class Par Value Per Share Authorized Shares (in millions) Dividend and Voting Rights A $0.0001 3,000 One vote per share B $0.0001 1,200 Non-voting Preferred $0.0001 300 No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Dividend and voting rights are to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance. Dividends The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend on its Class A and Class B Common Stock during each of the four quarters of 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 , the Company declared total per share dividends of $1.39 , $1.08 , and $0.91 , respectively, resulting in total annual dividends of $1,408 million , $1,120 million and $967 million , respectively. Ownership and Governance Structure Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31 : 2019 2018 Equity Ownership General Voting Power Equity Ownership General Voting Power Public Investors (Class A stockholders) 87.8 % 88.8 % 88.0 % 89.0 % Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders) 1.1 % — % 1.1 % — % Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders) 11.1 % 11.2 % 10.9 % 11.0 % Class B Common Stock Conversions Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A common stock. Entities eligible to hold Mastercard’s Class B common stock are defined in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (generally the Company’s principal or affiliate customers), and they are restricted from retaining ownership of shares of Class A common stock. Class B stockholders are required to subsequently sell or otherwise transfer any shares of Class A common stock received pursuant to such a conversion. Mastercard Foundation In connection and simultaneously with its 2006 initial public offering (the “IPO”), the Company issued and donated 135 million newly authorized shares of Class A common stock to Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation is a private charitable foundation incorporated in Canada that is controlled by directors who are independent of the Company and its principal customers. Under the terms of the donation, Mastercard Foundation became able to resell the donated shares in May 2010 to the extent necessary to meet charitable disbursement requirements dictated by Canadian tax law. Under Canadian tax law, Mastercard Foundation is generally required to disburse at least 3.5% of its assets not used in administration each year for qualified charitable disbursements. However, Mastercard Foundation obtained permission from the Canadian tax authorities to defer the giving requirements until 2021. Mastercard Foundation, at its discretion, may decide to meet its disbursement obligations on an annual basis or to settle previously accumulated obligations during any given year. Mastercard Foundation will be permitted to sell all of its remaining shares beginning May 1, 2027, subject to certain conditions. Stock Repurchase Programs The Company’s Board of Directors have approved share repurchase programs authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its Class A Common Stock. These programs become effective after the completion of the previously authorized share repurchase program. The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase authorizations of its Class A common stock through December 31, 2019 , as well as historical purchases: Board authorization dates December 2019 December December December December 2015 Date program became effective January 2020 January 2019 March 2018 April 2017 February 2016 Total (in millions, except average price data) Board authorization $ 8,000 $ 6,500 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 26,500 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,766 $ 996 $ 3,762 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2017 $ — $ — $ 4,000 $ 1,234 $ — $ 5,234 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2018 $ — $ — $ 3,699 $ 1,234 $ — $ 4,933 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 6,500 $ 301 $ — $ — $ 6,801 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2019 $ — $ 6,196 $ 301 $ — $ — $ 6,497 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2019 $ 8,000 $ 304 $ — $ — $ — $ 8,304 Shares repurchased in 2017 — — — 21.0 9.1 30.1 Average price paid per share in 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 131.97 $ 109.16 $ 125.05 Shares repurchased in 2018 — — 19.0 7.2 — 26.2 Average price paid per share in 2018 $ — $ — $ 194.77 $ 171.11 $ — $ 188.26 Shares repurchased in 2019 — 24.8 1.6 — — 26.4 Average price paid per share in 2019 $ — $ 249.58 $ 188.38 $ — $ — $ 245.89 Cumulative shares repurchased through December 31, 2019 — 24.8 20.6 28.2 40.4 114.0 Cumulative average price paid per share $ — $ 249.58 $ 194.27 $ 141.99 $ 99.10 $ 159.68 The following table presents the changes in the Company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock for the years ended December 31 : Outstanding Shares Class A Class B (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2016 1,062.4 19.3 Purchases of treasury stock (30.1 ) — Share-based payments 2.2 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 5.2 (5.2 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 1,039.7 14.1 Purchases of treasury stock (26.2 ) — Share-based payments 2.8 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 2.3 (2.3 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 1,018.6 11.8 Purchases of treasury stock (26.4 ) — Share-based payments 3.2 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 0.6 (0.6 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 996.0 11.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 1 Translation Adjustments on Net Investment Hedge 2 Cash Flow Hedges 3 Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans 4 Investment Securities Available-for-Sale 5 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (382 ) $ (141 ) $ — $ 25 $ 1 $ (497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (279 ) 75 — (15 ) (2 ) (221 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 (661 ) (66 ) — 10 (1 ) (718 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 23 28 11 (19 ) 2 45 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (638 ) $ (38 ) $ 11 $ (9 ) $ 1 $ (673 ) 1 During 2018, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro, British pound and Brazilian real. During 2019, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the appreciation of the British pound partially offset by the depreciation of the euro. 2 The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Changes in the value of the debt are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). During 2018 and 2019, the decreases in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the net investment hedge were driven by the depreciation of the euro. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information. 3 In 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. During 2019, in connection with these cash flow hedges, the Company recorded unrealized gains, net of tax, of $ 11 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information. 4 During 2018, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive gain related to the Company’s Plans was driven primarily by an actuarial loss within the Vocalink Plan. During 2019, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive gain related to the Company’s Plans was primarily driven by actuarial losses within the Vocalink and non-U.S. Plans. During 2018 and 2019, amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings, were not material. See Note 14 (Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans) for additional information. 5 During 2018 and 2019, gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to investment income, were not material. See Note 7 (Investments) for additional information.

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]
Share-based Payments	In May 2006, the Company implemented the Mastercard Incorporated 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as of June 5, 2012 (the “LTIP”). The LTIP is a stockholder-approved plan that permits the grant of various types of equity awards to employees. The Company has granted Options, RSUs and PSUs under the LTIP. The Company uses the straight-line method of attribution for expensing all equity awards. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, with estimates adjusted as appropriate. There are approximately 116 million shares of Class A common stock authorized for equity awards under the LTIP. Although the LTIP permits the issuance of shares of Class B common stock, no such shares have been authorized for issuance. Shares issued as a result of Option exercises and the conversions of RSUs and PSUs were funded primarily with the issuance of new shares of Class A common stock. Stock Options Stock Options expire ten years from the date of grant and vest ratably over four years . For Options granted, a participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination. However, in the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than six months ( seven months for those granted on or after March 1, 2017) after receiving the award, the participant retains all of their awards without providing additional service to the Company. Retirement eligibility is dependent upon age and years of service. Compensation expense continues to be recognized over the vesting period as stated in the LTIP. The fair value of each Option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per option granted for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free rate of return 2.6 % 2.7 % 2.0 % Expected term (in years) 6.00 6.00 5.00 Expected volatility 19.6 % 19.7 % 19.3 % Expected dividend yield 0.6 % 0.6 % 0.8 % Weighted-average fair value per Option granted $ 53.09 $ 40.90 $ 21.23 The risk-free rate of return was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant. The expected term and the expected volatility were based on historical Mastercard information. The expected dividend yields were based on the Company’s expected annual dividend rate on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in years) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 7.6 $ 93 Granted 0.9 $ 227 Exercised (1.8 ) $ 71 Forfeited/expired (0.1 ) $ 148 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6.6 $ 117 6.2 $ 1,206 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 3.9 $ 86 5.1 $ 836 Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 6.6 $ 116 6.2 $ 1,200 As of December 31, 2019 , there was $34 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years . Restricted and Performance Stock Units RSUs and PSUs generally vest after three years . For all RSUs and PSUs granted prior to March 2017, a participant’s unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment. For all RSUs and PSUs granted on or after March 1, 2017, in the event of termination due to job elimination (as defined by the Company), a participant will retain a pro-rata portion of the unvested awards for services performed through the date of termination. In the event a participant terminates employment due to disability or retirement more than six months ( seven months for those granted on or after March 1, 2017) after receiving the award, the participant retains all of their awards without providing additional service to the Company. Compensation expense is recognized over the shorter of the vesting periods stated in the LTIP or the date the individual becomes eligible to retire but not less than six months (or seven months for grants awarded on or after March 1, 2017). The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 3.7 $ 117 Granted 1.0 $ 226 Converted (1.6 ) $ 93 Forfeited (0.2 ) $ 154 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2.9 $ 166 $ 852 RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 2019 2.8 $ 165 $ 824 The fair value of each RSU is the closing stock price on the New York Stock Exchange of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the exclusion of dividend equivalents. Upon vesting, a portion of the RSU award may be withheld to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding taxes. The remaining RSUs will be settled in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock after the vesting period. As of December 31, 2019 , there was $180 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years . The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 0.6 $ 120 Granted 0.1 $ 231 Converted (0.4 ) $ 92 Other 1 0.2 $ 126 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 0.5 $ 167 $ 162 PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 2019 0.5 $ 167 $ 162 1 Represents additional shares issued in March 2019 related to the 2016 PSU grant based on performance and market conditions achieved over the three-year measurement period. These shares vested upon issuance. Since 2013, PSUs containing performance and market conditions have been issued. Performance measures used to determine the actual number of shares that vest after three years include net revenue growth, EPS growth and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”). Relative TSR is considered a market condition, while net revenue and EPS growth are considered performance conditions. The Monte Carlo simulation valuation model is used to determine the grant-date fair value. Compensation expenses for PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance target will be achieved and subsequently adjusted if the probability assessment changes. As of December 31, 2019 , there was $13 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years . Additional Information The following table includes additional share-based payment information for each of the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions, except weighted-average fair value) Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs $ 250 $ 196 $ 176 Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards 53 41 57 Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised 69 53 36 Options: Total intrinsic value of Options exercised 317 242 106 RSUs: Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 226 171 112 Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock 394 194 131 PSUs: Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 231 226 126 Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock 85 40 13

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	At December 31, 2019 , the Company had the following future minimum payments due under noncancelable agreements, primarily related to sponsorships to promote the Mastercard brand and licensing arrangements. The Company has accrued $20 million of these future payments as of December 31, 2019 . (in millions) 2020 $ 404 2021 224 2022 132 2023 42 2024 17 Thereafter — Total $ 819

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Components of Income and Income tax expense The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) United States $ 4,213 $ 3,510 $ 3,482 Foreign 5,518 3,694 3,040 Income before income taxes $ 9,731 $ 7,204 $ 6,522 The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is comprised of the following components: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Current Federal $ 642 $ 649 $ 1,704 State and local 81 69 65 Foreign 897 871 752 1,620 1,589 2,521 Deferred Federal 40 (228 ) 134 State and local — (11 ) 1 Foreign (47 ) (5 ) (49 ) (7 ) (244 ) 86 Income tax expense $ 1,613 $ 1,345 $ 2,607 Effective Income Tax Rate A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent (in millions, except percentages) Income before income taxes $ 9,731 $ 7,204 $ 6,522 Federal statutory tax 2,044 21.0 % 1,513 21.0 % 2,283 35.0 % State tax effect, net of federal benefit 65 0.7 % 46 0.6 % 43 0.7 % Foreign tax effect (208 ) (2.1 )% (92 ) (1.3 )% (380 ) (5.8 )% European Commission fine — — % 194 2.7 % — — % Foreign tax credits 1 (32 ) (0.3 )% (110 ) (1.5 )% (27 ) (0.4 )% Transition Tax (30 ) (0.3 )% 22 0.3 % 629 9.6 % Remeasurement of deferred taxes — — % (7 ) (0.1 )% 157 2.4 % Windfall benefit (129 ) (1.3 )% (72 ) (1.0 )% (43 ) (0.7 )% Other, net (97 ) (1.1 )% (149 ) (2.0 )% (55 ) (0.8 )% Income tax expense $ 1,613 16.6 % $ 1,345 18.7 % $ 2,607 40.0 % 1 Included within the impact of the foreign tax credits is $27 million for 2019 and $90 million for 2018 of tax benefits relating to the carryback of certain foreign tax credits. The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were 16.6% , 18.7% and 40.0% , respectively. The effective income tax rate for 2019 was lower than the effective income tax rate for 2018 , primarily due to the nondeductible nature of the fine issued by the European Commission in 2018 and a discrete tax benefit related to a favorable court ruling in 2019 . These 2019 benefits were partially offset by discrete tax benefits in 2018 primarily related to foreign tax credits generated in 2018 as a result of U.S. tax reform, which can be carried back and utilized in 2017 under transition rules issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. The effective income tax rate for 2018 was lower than the effective income tax rate for 2017 primarily due to additional tax expense of $873 million in 2017 attributable to U.S. tax reform (which included provisional amounts of $825 million related to the one-time deemed repatriation tax on accumulated foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”), the remeasurement of the Company’s net deferred tax asset balance in the U.S. and the recognition of a deferred tax liability related to a change in assertion regarding the indefinite reinvestment of a substantial amount of the Company’s foreign earnings, as well as $48 million due to a foregone foreign tax credit benefit on 2017 repatriations). Additionally, the lower effective income tax rate in 2018 was due to a lower 2018 statutory tax rate in the U.S. and Belgium, a more favorable geographic mix of earnings and discrete tax benefits, relating primarily to $90 million of foreign tax credits generated in 2018, which can be carried back and utilized in 2017 under transition rules issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, along with provisions for legal matters in the United States. These benefits were partially offset by the nondeductible nature of the fine issued by the European Commission. See Note 21 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings) for further discussion of the European Commission fine and U.S. merchant class litigation. Singapore Income Tax Rate In connection with the expansion of the Company’s operations in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, the Company’s subsidiary in Singapore, Mastercard Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (“MAPPL”) received an incentive grant from the Singapore Ministry of Finance in 2010. The incentive had provided MAPPL with, among other benefits, a reduced income tax rate for the 10 -year period commencing January 1, 2010 on taxable income in excess of a base amount. The Company continued to explore business opportunities in this region, resulting in an expansion of the incentives being granted by the Ministry of Finance, including a further reduction to the income tax rate on taxable income in excess of a revised fixed base amount commencing July 1, 2011 and continuing through December 31, 2025. Without the incentive grant, MAPPL would have been subject to the statutory income tax rate on its earnings. For 2019, 2018 and 2017 , the impact of the incentive grant received from the Ministry of Finance resulted in a reduction of MAPPL’s income tax liability of $300 million , or $0.29 per diluted share, $212 million , or $0.20 per diluted share, and $104 million , or $0.10 per diluted share, respectively. Indefinite Reinvestment During 2019 and 2018 , the Company repatriated approximately $2.5 billion and $3.3 billion , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company had approximately $3.5 billion and $2.5 billion , respectively, of accumulated earnings to be repatriated in the future, for which immaterial deferred tax benefits were recorded. The tax effect is primarily related to the estimated foreign exchange impact recognized when earnings are repatriated. The Company expects that foreign withholding taxes associated with these future repatriated earnings will not be material. Earnings of approximately $0.8 billion remain permanently reinvested and the Company estimates that immaterial U.S. federal and state and local income tax benefit would result, primarily from foreign exchange, if these earnings were to be repatriated. Deferred Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Deferred Tax Assets Accrued liabilities $ 354 $ 297 Compensation and benefits 214 210 State taxes and other credits 41 30 Net operating and capital losses 119 104 U.S. foreign tax credits 1 145 — Intangible assets 157 170 Other items 94 115 Less: Valuation allowance (205 ) (94 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets 919 832 Deferred Tax Liabilities Prepaid expenses and other accruals 83 89 Goodwill and intangible assets 187 125 Property, plant and equipment 128 97 Other items 63 18 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 461 329 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 458 $ 503 1 A deferred tax asset has been established in 2019 for $145 million related to foreign taxes paid in the current period, which are not expected to be utilized as credits in the current or future period, with a corresponding full valuation allowance. The valuation allowance balance at December 31, 2019 primarily relates to the Company’s ability to recognize future tax benefits associated with the carry forward of U.S. foreign tax credits generated in the current period and certain foreign net operating losses. The valuation allowance balance at December 31, 2018 relates primarily to the Company’s ability to recognize tax benefits associated with certain foreign net operating losses. The recognition of the foreign tax credits is dependent upon the realization of future foreign source income in the appropriate foreign tax credit basket in accordance with U.S. federal income tax law. The recognition of the foreign losses is dependent upon the future taxable income in such jurisdictions and the ability under tax law in these jurisdictions to utilize net operating losses following a change in control. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 , is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 164 $ 183 $ 169 Additions: Current year tax positions 22 23 21 Prior year tax positions 37 5 9 Reductions: Prior year tax positions (11 ) (17 ) (1 ) Settlements with tax authorities (2 ) (18 ) (4 ) Expired statute of limitations (7 ) (12 ) (11 ) Ending balance $ 203 $ 164 $ 183 The unrecognized tax benefit of $203 million , if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate. In 2019, there was an increase to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits primarily due to various U.S. and non-U.S. tax issues, compared to a reduction in the prior year primarily due to a favorable court decision and settlements with tax authorities in multiple jurisdictions. Further, the information gained related to these matters was considered in measuring uncertain tax benefits recognized for the periods subsequent to the periods settled. The Company is subject to tax in the U.S., Belgium, Singapore, the United Kingdom and various other foreign jurisdictions, as well as state and local jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted after considering facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits, developments in case law and closing of statutes of limitation. Within the next twelve months, the Company believes that the resolution of certain federal, foreign and state and local examinations are reasonably possible and that a change in estimate, reducing unrecognized tax benefits, may occur. While such a change may be significant, it is not possible to provide a range of the potential change until the examinations progress further or the related statutes of limitation expire. The Company has effectively settled its U.S. federal income tax obligations through 2011. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Company had a net income tax-related interest payable of $13 million and $8 million , respectively, in its consolidated balance sheet. Tax-related interest income/(expense) in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was not material. In addition, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the amounts the Company has recognized for penalties payable in its consolidated balance sheet were not material.

Legal and Regulatory Proceeding

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings	Mastercard is a party to legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings are based on complex claims involving substantial uncertainties and unascertainable damages. Accordingly, except as discussed below, it is not possible to determine the probability of loss or estimate damages, and therefore, Mastercard has not established reserves for any of these proceedings. When the Company determines that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, Mastercard records a liability and discloses the amount of the liability if it is material. When a material loss contingency is only reasonably possible, Mastercard does not record a liability, but instead discloses the nature and the amount of the claim, and an estimate of the loss or range of loss, if such an estimate can be made. Unless otherwise stated below with respect to these matters, Mastercard cannot provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss based on one or more of the following reasons: (1) actual or potential plaintiffs have not claimed an amount of monetary damages or the amounts are unsupportable or exaggerated, (2) the matters are in early stages, (3) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions, (4) there are significant factual issues to be resolved, (5) the existence in many such proceedings of multiple defendants or potential defendants whose share of any potential financial responsibility has yet to be determined and/or (6) there are novel legal issues presented. Furthermore, except as identified with respect to the matters below, Mastercard does not believe that the outcome of any individual existing legal or regulatory proceeding to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or overall business. However, an adverse judgment or other outcome or settlement with respect to any proceedings discussed below could result in fines or payments by Mastercard and/or could require Mastercard to change its business practices. In addition, an adverse outcome in a regulatory proceeding could lead to the filing of civil damage claims and possibly result in significant damage awards. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on Mastercard’s results of operations, financial condition and overall business. Interchange Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings Mastercard’s interchange fees and other practices are subject to regulatory, legal review and/or challenges in a number of jurisdictions, including the proceedings described below. When taken as a whole, the resulting decisions, regulations and legislation with respect to interchange fees and acceptance practices may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s prospects for future growth and its overall results of operations, financial position and cash flows. United States. In June 2005, the first of a series of complaints were filed on behalf of merchants (the majority of the complaints were styled as class actions, although a few complaints were filed on behalf of individual merchant plaintiffs) against Mastercard International, Visa U.S.A., Inc., Visa International Service Association and a number of financial institutions. Taken together, the claims in the complaints were generally brought under both Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibit monopolization and attempts or conspiracies to monopolize a particular industry, and some of these complaints contain unfair competition law claims under state law. The complaints allege, among other things, that Mastercard, Visa, and certain financial institutions conspired to set the price of interchange fees, enacted point of sale acceptance rules (including the no surcharge rule) in violation of antitrust laws and engaged in unlawful tying and bundling of certain products and services. The cases were consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in MDL No. 1720. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated class action complaint that seeks treble damages. In July 2006, the group of purported merchant class plaintiffs filed a supplemental complaint alleging that Mastercard’s initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock in May 2006 (the “IPO”) and certain purported agreements entered into between Mastercard and financial institutions in connection with the IPO: (1) violate U.S. antitrust laws and (2) constituted a fraudulent conveyance because the financial institutions allegedly attempted to release, without adequate consideration, Mastercard’s right to assess them for Mastercard’s litigation liabilities. The class plaintiffs sought treble damages and injunctive relief including, but not limited to, an order reversing and unwinding the IPO. In February 2011, Mastercard and Mastercard International entered into each of: (1) an omnibus judgment sharing and settlement sharing agreement with Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc. and Visa International Service Association and a number of financial institutions; and (2) a Mastercard settlement and judgment sharing agreement with a number of financial institutions. The agreements provide for the apportionment of certain costs and liabilities which Mastercard, the Visa parties and the financial institutions may incur, jointly and/or severally, in the event of an adverse judgment or settlement of one or all of the cases in the merchant litigations. Among a number of scenarios addressed by the agreements, in the event of a global settlement involving the Visa parties, the financial institutions and Mastercard, Mastercard would pay 12% of the monetary portion of the settlement. In the event of a settlement involving only Mastercard and the financial institutions with respect to their issuance of Mastercard cards, Mastercard would pay 36% of the monetary portion of such settlement. In October 2012, the parties entered into a definitive settlement agreement with respect to the merchant class litigation (including with respect to the claims related to the IPO) and the defendants separately entered into a settlement agreement with the individual merchant plaintiffs. The settlements included cash payments that were apportioned among the defendants pursuant to the omnibus judgment sharing and settlement sharing agreement described above. Mastercard also agreed to provide class members with a short-term reduction in default credit interchange rates and to modify certain of its business practices, including its “no surcharge” rule. The court granted final approval of the settlement in December 2013, and objectors to the settlement appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In June 2016, the court of appeals vacated the class action certification, reversed the settlement approval and sent the case back to the district court for further proceedings. The court of appeals’ ruling was based primarily on whether the merchants were adequately represented by counsel in the settlement. As a result of the appellate court ruling, the district court divided the merchants’ claims into two separate classes - monetary damages claims (the “Damages Class”) and claims seeking changes to business practices (the “Rules Relief Class”). The court appointed separate counsel for each class. In September 2018, the parties to the Damages Class litigation entered into a class settlement agreement to resolve the Damages Class claims. Mastercard increased its reserve by $237 million during 2018 to reflect both its expected financial obligation under the Damages Class settlement agreement and the filed and anticipated opt-out merchant cases. The time period during which Damages Class members were permitted to opt out of the class settlement agreement ended in July 2019 with merchants representing slightly more than 25% of the Damages Class interchange volume choosing to opt out of the settlement. The district court granted final approval of the settlement in December 2019. The district court’s settlement approval order has been appealed. Mastercard has commenced settlement negotiations with a number of the opt-out merchants and has reached settlements and/or agreements in principle to settle a number of these claims. The Damages Class settlement agreement does not relate to the Rules Relief Class claims. Separate settlement negotiations with the Rules Relief Class are ongoing. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , Mastercard had accrued a liability of $914 million as a reserve for both the Damages Class litigation and the filed and anticipated opt-out merchant cases. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , Mastercard had $584 million and $553 million , respectively, in a qualified cash settlement fund related to the Damages Class litigation and classified as restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet. During the first quarter of 2019, Mastercard increased its qualified cash settlement fund by $108 million in accordance with a January 2019 preliminary approval of the settlement. The Damages Class settlement agreement provided for a return to the defendants of a portion of the cash settlement fund, based upon the percentage of interchange volume represented by the opt out merchants. During the fourth quarter of 2019, $84 million of the qualified cash settlement fund was reclassified from restricted cash to cash and cash equivalents in accordance with the December 2019 final approval of the settlement. The reserve as of December 31, 2019 for both the Damages Class litigation and the filed opt-out merchants represents Mastercard’s best estimate of its probable liabilities in these matters. The portion of the accrued liability relating to both the opt-out merchants and the Damages Class litigation settlement does not represent an estimate of a loss, if any, if the matters were litigated to a final outcome. Mastercard cannot estimate the potential liability if that were to occur. Canada. In December 2010, a proposed class action complaint was commenced against Mastercard in Quebec on behalf of Canadian merchants. The suit essentially repeated the allegations and arguments of a previously filed application by the Canadian Competition Bureau to the Canadian Competition Tribunal (dismissed in Mastercard’s favor) concerning certain Mastercard rules related to point-of-sale acceptance, including the “honor all cards” and “no surcharge” rules. The Quebec suit sought compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, as well as injunctive relief. In the first half of 2011, additional purported class action lawsuits were commenced in British Columbia and Ontario against Mastercard, Visa and a number of large Canadian financial institutions. The British Columbia suit sought compensatory damages in unspecified amounts, and the Ontario suit sought compensatory damages of $5 billion on the basis of alleged conspiracy and various alleged breaches of the Canadian Competition Act. Additional purported class action complaints were commenced in Saskatchewan and Alberta with claims that largely mirror those in the other suits. In June 2017, Mastercard entered into a class settlement agreement to resolve all of the Canadian class action litigation. The settlement, which requires Mastercard to make a cash payment and modify its “no surcharge” rule, has received court approval in each Canadian province. Objectors to the settlement have sought to appeal the approval orders. Certain appellate courts have rejected the objectors’ appeals, while outstanding appeals remain in a few provinces. In 2017, Mastercard recorded a provision for litigation of $15 million related to this matter. Europe. In July 2015, the European Commission (“EC”) issued a Statement of Objections related to Mastercard’s interregional interchange fees and central acquiring rule within the European Economic Area (the “EEA”). The Statement of Objections, which followed an investigation opened in 2013, included preliminary conclusions concerning the alleged anticompetitive effects of these practices. In December 2018, Mastercard announced the anticipated resolution of the EC’s investigation. With respect to interregional interchange fees, Mastercard made a settlement proposal whereby it would make changes to its interregional interchange fees. The EC issued a decision accepting the settlement in April 2019, with changes to interregional interchange fees going into effect in the fourth quarter of 2019. In addition, with respect to Mastercard’s historic central acquiring rule, the EC issued a negative decision in January 2019. The EC’s negative decision covers a period of time of less than two years before the rule’s modification. The rule was modified in late 2015 to comply with the requirements of the EEA Interchange Fee Regulation. The decision does not require any modification of Mastercard’s current business practices but included a fine of €571 million , which was paid in April 2019. Mastercard incurred a charge of $654 million in 2018 in relation to this matter. Since May 2012, a number of United Kingdom (“U.K.”) retailers filed claims or threatened litigation against Mastercard seeking damages for alleged anti-competitive conduct with respect to Mastercard’s cross-border interchange fees and its U.K. and Ireland domestic interchange fees (the “U.K. Merchant claimants”). In addition, Mastercard, has faced similar filed or threatened litigation by merchants with respect to interchange rates in other countries in Europe (the “Pan-European Merchant claimants”). In aggregate, the alleged damages claims from the U.K. and Pan-European Merchant claimants were in the amount of approximately £3 billion (approximately $4 billion as of December 31, 2019 ). Mastercard has resolved over £2 billion (approximately $3 billion as of December 31, 2019 ) of these damages claims through settlement or judgment. Since June 2015, Mastercard has recorded litigation provisions for settlements, judgments and legal fees relating to these claims, including charges of $237 million in 2018. As detailed below, Mastercard continues to litigate with the remaining U.K. and Pan-European Merchant claimants and it has submitted statements of defense disputing liability and damages claims. In January 2017, Mastercard received a liability judgment in its favor on all significant matters in a separate action brought by ten of the U.K. Merchant claimants. Three of the U.K. Merchant claimants appealed the judgment, and these appeals were combined with Mastercard’s appeal of a 2016 judgment in favor of one U.K. merchant. In July 2018, the U.K. appellate court ruled against both Mastercard and Visa on two of the three legal issues being considered, concluding that U.K. interchange rates restricted competition and that they were not objectively necessary for the payment networks. The appellate court sent the cases back to trial for reconsideration on the remaining issue concerning the “lawful” level of interchange. The U.K. Supreme Court granted the parties permission to appeal the appellate court’s rulings and oral argument on the appeals was heard in January 2020. Mastercard expects the litigation process to be delayed pending the decision of the U.K. Supreme Court on the appeals. In September 2016, a proposed collective action was filed in the United Kingdom on behalf of U.K. consumers seeking damages for intra-EEA and domestic U.K. interchange fees that were allegedly passed on to consumers by merchants between 1992 and 2008. The complaint, which seeks to leverage the European Commission’s 2007 decision on intra-EEA interchange fees, claims damages in an amount that exceeds £14 billion (approximately $17 billion as of December 31, 2019 ). In July 2017, the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ application for the case to proceed as a collective action. In April 2019, the U.K. appellate court granted the plaintiffs’ appeal of the trial court’s decision and sent the case back to the trial court for a re-hearing on the plaintiffs’ collective action application. Mastercard has been granted permission to appeal the appellate court ruling to the U.K. Supreme Court and oral argument on that appeal is scheduled to occur in May 2020. ATM Non-Discrimination Rule Surcharge Complaints In October 2011, a trade association of independent Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) operators and 13 independent ATM operators filed a complaint styled as a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against both Mastercard and Visa (the “ATM Operators Complaint”). Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of non-bank operators of ATM terminals that operate in the United States with the discretion to determine the price of the ATM access fee for the terminals they operate. Plaintiffs allege that Mastercard and Visa have violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by imposing rules that require ATM operators to charge non-discriminatory ATM surcharges for transactions processed over Mastercard’s and Visa’s respective networks that are not greater than the surcharge for transactions over other networks accepted at the same ATM. Plaintiffs seek both injunctive and monetary relief equal to treble the damages they claim to have sustained as a result of the alleged violations and their costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. Subsequently, multiple related complaints were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging both federal antitrust and multiple state unfair competition, consumer protection and common law claims against Mastercard and Visa on behalf of putative classes of users of ATM services (the “ATM Consumer Complaints”). The claims in these actions largely mirror the allegations made in the ATM Operators Complaint, although these complaints seek damages on behalf of consumers of ATM services who pay allegedly inflated ATM fees at both bank and non-bank ATM operators as a result of the defendants’ ATM rules. Plaintiffs seek both injunctive and monetary relief equal to treble the damages they claim to have sustained as a result of the alleged violations and their costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. In January 2012, the plaintiffs in the ATM Operators Complaint and the ATM Consumer Complaints filed amended class action complaints that largely mirror their prior complaints. In February 2013, the district court granted Mastercard’s motion to dismiss the complaints for failure to state a claim. On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the district court’s order in August 2015 and sent the case back for further proceedings. In September 2019, the plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification in which the plaintiffs, in aggregate, allege over $1 billion in damages against all of the defendants. Mastercard intends to vigorously defend against both the plaintiffs’ liability and damages claims and to oppose class certification. Mastercard expects briefing on class certification to be completed in the second quarter of 2020. U.S. Liability Shift Litigation In March 2016, a proposed U.S. merchant class action complaint was filed in federal court in California alleging that Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover (the “Network Defendants”), EMVCo and a number of issuing banks (the “Bank Defendants”) engaged in a conspiracy to shift fraud liability for card present transactions from issuing banks to merchants not yet in compliance with the standards for EMV chip cards in the United States (the “EMV Liability Shift”), in violation of the Sherman Act and California law. Plaintiffs allege damages equal to the value of all chargebacks for which class members became liable as a result of the EMV Liability Shift on October 1, 2015. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, attorney’s fees and costs and an injunction against future violations of governing law, and the defendants have filed a motion to dismiss. In September 2016, the court denied the Network Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, but granted such a motion for EMVCo and the Bank Defendants. In May 2017, the court transferred the case to New York so that discovery could be coordinated with the U.S. merchant class interchange litigation described above. The plaintiffs have filed a renewed motion for class certification, following the district court’s denial of their initial motion. Telephone Consumer Protection Class Action Mastercard is a defendant in a Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) class action pending in Florida. The plaintiffs are individuals and businesses who allege that approximately 381,000 unsolicited faxes were sent to them advertising a Mastercard co-brand card issued by First Arkansas Bank (“FAB”). The TCPA provides for uncapped statutory damages of $500 per fax. Mastercard has asserted various defenses to the claims, and has notified FAB of an indemnity claim that it has (which FAB has disputed). In June 2018, the court granted Mastercard’s motion to stay the proceedings until the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) makes a decision on the application of the TCPA to online fax services. In December 2019, the FCC issued a declaratory ruling clarifying that the TCPA does not apply to faxes sent to online fax services that are received via e-mail. As a result of the ruling, the stay of the litigation was lifted in January 2020.

Settlement and Other Risk Manag

Settlement and Other Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]
Settlement and Other Risk Management	Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the transactions between its customers (“settlement risk”). Settlement exposure is the settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically limited to a few days. Gross settlement exposure is estimated using the average daily payment volume during the three months ended December 31, 2019 multiplied by the estimated number of days of exposure. The Company has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards, to provide a framework for managing the Company’s settlement risk and exposure. In the event of a failed customer, Mastercard may pursue one or more remedies available under the Company’s rules to recover potential losses. Historically, the Company has experienced a low level of losses from customer failures. As part of its policies, Mastercard requires certain customers that are not in compliance with the Company’s risk standards to post collateral, such as cash, letters of credit, or guarantees. This requirement is based on a review of the individual risk circumstances for each customer. Mastercard monitors its credit risk portfolio on a regular basis and the adequacy of collateral on hand. Additionally, from time to time, the Company reviews its risk management methodology and standards. As such, the amounts of estimated settlement exposure are revised as necessary. The Company’s estimated settlement exposure was as follows at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Gross settlement exposure $ 55,800 $ 49,666 Collateral held for settlement exposure (4,772 ) (4,711 ) Net uncollateralized settlement exposure $ 51,028 $ 44,955 Mastercard also provides guarantees to customers and certain other counterparties indemnifying them from losses stemming from failures of third parties to perform duties. This includes guarantees of Mastercard-branded travelers cheques issued, but not yet cashed of $367 million and $377 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, of which $290 million and $297 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018

Derivative and Hedging Instrume

Derivative and Hedging Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative and Hedging Instruments	The Company monitors and manages its foreign currency and interest rate exposures as part of its overall risk management program which focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. A primary objective of the Company’s risk management strategies is to reduce the financial impact that may arise from volatility in foreign currency exchange rates principally through the use of both foreign exchange derivative contracts (Derivatives) and foreign currency denominated debt (Net Investment Hedge). In addition, the Company may enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company’s aggregate liability portfolio, including potential future debt issuances (Cash Flow Hedges). Foreign Exchange Risk Derivatives The Company enters into foreign exchange derivative contracts to manage transactional currency exposure associated with anticipated receipts and disbursements which are valued based on currencies other than the functional currency of the entity. The Company may also enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts to offset possible changes in value due to foreign exchange fluctuations of assets and liabilities. The objective of these activities is to reduce the Company’s exposure to gains and losses resulting from fluctuations of foreign currencies against its functional currencies. The Company’s foreign exchange derivative contracts are summarized below: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Notional Estimated Fair Value Notional Estimated Fair Value (in millions) Commitments to purchase foreign currency $ 185 $ 3 $ 34 $ (1 ) Commitments to sell foreign currency 1,506 (25 ) 1,066 26 Options to sell foreign currency 21 2 25 4 Balance sheet location Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 $ 12 $ 35 Other current liabilities 1 (32 ) (6 ) 1 The derivative contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, which contain various netting and setoff provisions. The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statement of operations for the contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency is summarized below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Foreign exchange derivative contracts General and administrative $ (39 ) $ 53 $ (75 ) The fair value of the foreign exchange derivative contracts generally reflects the estimated amounts that the Company would receive (or pay), on a pre-tax basis, to terminate the contracts. The terms of the foreign exchange derivative contracts are generally less than 18 months . The Company had no deferred gains or losses related to foreign exchange contracts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , as these contracts were not designated as hedging instruments for accounting. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are subject to both market and counterparty credit risk. Market risk is the potential for economic losses to be incurred on market risk sensitive instruments arising from adverse changes in market factors such as foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and other related variables. Counterparty credit risk is the risk of loss due to failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations in accordance with contractual terms. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, the Company enters into derivative contracts with a diversified group of selected financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. Generally, the Company does not obtain collateral related to derivatives because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties. Net Investment Hedge The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates, with changes in the value of the debt recorded within currency translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In 2015, the Company designated its €1.65 billion euro-denominated debt as a net investment hedge for a portion of its net investment in European operations. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company had a net foreign currency transaction pre-tax loss of $84 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with hedging activity. Interest Rate Risk Cash Flow Hedges The Company is exposed to interest rate volatility on future debt issuances. To manage this risk, in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks to lock the benchmark rate on a portion of the interest payments related to forecasted debt issuances. These locks are linked to future interest payments on anticipated U.S. dollar debt issuances forecasted to occur during 2020 and are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The maximum length of time over which the Company has hedged its exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 30 years. As of December 31, 2019 , the total notional amount of interest rate contracts outstanding was $1 billion . The Company did not have any derivative instruments relating to this program outstanding as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2019 , in connection with these cash flow hedges, the Company recorded pre-tax net unrealized gains of $14 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2019 , the fair value of these contracts was $14 million

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Mastercard has concluded it has one reportable operating segment, “Payment Solutions.” Mastercard’s President and Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision-maker. All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent upon and supportive of the other. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of Mastercard at the consolidated level. Revenue by geographic market is based on the location of the Company’s customer that issued the card, as well as the location of the merchant acquirer where the card is being used. Revenue generated in the U.S. was approximately 32% of total revenue in 2019 , 33% in 2018 and 35% in 2017 . No individual country, other than the U.S., generated more than 10% of total revenue in those periods. Mastercard did not have any individual customer that generated greater than 10% of net revenue in 2019 , 2018 or 2017 . The following table reflects the geographical location of the Company’s property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net, as of December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) United States $ 1,147 $ 613 $ 572 Other countries 681 308 257 Total $ 1,828 $ 921 $ 829

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Unau

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited)	2019 Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2019 Total (in millions, except per share data) Net revenue $ 3,889 $ 4,113 $ 4,467 $ 4,414 $ 16,883 Operating income 2,213 2,397 2,655 2,399 9,664 Net income 1,862 2,048 2,108 2,100 8,118 Basic earnings per share $ 1.81 $ 2.01 $ 2.08 $ 2.08 $ 7.98 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,026 1,020 1,013 1,008 1,017 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.80 $ 2.00 $ 2.07 $ 2.07 $ 7.94 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1,032 1,025 1,019 1,013 1,022 2018 Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Total (in millions, except per share data) Net revenue $ 3,580 $ 3,665 $ 3,898 $ 3,807 $ 14,950 Operating income 1,825 1,936 2,287 1,234 7,282 Net income 1,492 1,569 1,899 899 5,859 Basic earnings per share $ 1.42 $ 1.50 $ 1.83 $ 0.87 $ 5.63 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,051 1,043 1,037 1,032 1,041 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.41 $ 1.50 $ 1.82 $ 0.87 $ 5.60 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1,057 1,049 1,043 1,038 1,047 Note: Tables may not sum due to rounding.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	Organization Mastercard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mastercard International Incorporated (“Mastercard International” and together with Mastercard Incorporated, “Mastercard” or the “Company”), is a technology company in the global payments industry that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment instead of cash and checks. The Company makes payments easier and more efficient by providing a wide range of payment solutions and services through its family of well-known brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®. The Company is a multi-rail network that offers customers one partner to turn to for their domestic and cross-border payment needs. Through its unique and proprietary global payments network, which is referred to as the core network, the Company switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions and delivers related products and services. Mastercard has additional payment capabilities that include automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). The Company also provides integrated value-added offerings such as cyber and intelligence products, information and analytics services, consulting, loyalty and reward programs and processing. The Company’s payment solutions offer customers choice and flexibility and are designed to ensure safety and security for the global payments system. A typical transaction on the Company’s core network involves four participants in addition to the Company: account holder (a person or entity who holds a card or uses another device enabled for payment), issuer (the account holder’s financial institution), merchant and acquirer (the merchant’s financial institution). The Company does not issue cards, extend credit, determine or receive revenue from interest rates or other fees charged to account holders by issuers, or establish the rates charged by acquirers in connection with merchants’ acceptance of the Company’s products. In most cases, account holder relationships belong to, and are managed by, the Company’s financial institution customers.
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Consolidation and basis of presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mastercard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in VIEs for which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are not consolidated and are accounted for as equity method or measurement alternative method investments and recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , there were no significant VIEs which required consolidation and the investments were not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidates acquisitions as of the date in which the Company has obtained a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 presentation. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Prior to December 31, 2017, the Company included the financial results from its Venezuela subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements using the consolidation method of accounting. In 2017, due to foreign exchange regulations restricting access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela, an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and U.S. dollar impacted the Company’s ability to manage risk, process cross-border transactions and satisfy U.S. dollar denominated liabilities related to operations in Venezuela. As a result of these factors, Mastercard concluded that effective December 31, 2017, it did not meet the accounting criteria for consolidation of these Venezuelan subsidiaries, and therefore would transition to the measurement alternative method of accounting as of December 31, 2017. This accounting change resulted in a pre-tax charge of $167 million ( $108 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share) that was recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Non-controlling interests represent the equity interest not owned by the Company and are recorded for consolidated entities in which the Company owns less than 100% of the interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest are accounted for as equity transactions, and upon loss of control, retained ownership interests are remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. For 2019, 2018 and 2017 , net losses from non-controlling interests were not material and, as a result, amounts are included on the consolidated statement of operations within other income (expense).
Use of Estimates Policy	Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition Policy	Revenue recognition - Revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is primarily generated by charging fees to issuers, acquirers and other stakeholders for providing switching services, as well as by assessing customers based primarily on the dollar volume of activity, or gross dollar volume, on the products that carry the Company’s brands. Revenue is generally derived from transactional information accumulated by Mastercard’s systems or reported by customers. Volume-based revenue (domestic assessments and cross-border volume fees) is recorded as revenue in the period it is earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards. Certain volume-based revenue is based upon information reported by customers. Transaction-based revenue (transaction processing) is primarily based on the number and type of transactions and is recognized as revenue in the same period in which the related transactions occur. Other payment-related products and services are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related services are performed or transactions occur. Mastercard has business agreements with certain customers that provide for rebates or other support when the customers meet certain volume hurdles as well as other support incentives, which are tied to performance. Rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue primarily when volume- and transaction-based revenues are recognized over the contractual term. Rebates and incentives are calculated based upon estimated customer performance and the terms of the related business agreements. In addition, Mastercard may make payments to a customer directly related to entering into an agreement, which are generally capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement on a straight-line basis. Contract assets include unbilled consideration typically resulting from executed data analytic and consulting services performed for customers in connection with Mastercard’s payment network service arrangements. Collection for these services typically occurs over the contractual term. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company defers the recognition of revenue when consideration has been received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations. As these performance obligations are satisfied, revenue is subsequently recognized. Deferred revenue is primarily derived from data analytic and consulting services. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Business Combinations Policy	Business combinations
Intangible Assets and Impairment of Assets Policy	Goodwill and other intangible assets - Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill, which represents the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition date and the assembled workforce, and customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships and other intangible assets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, on a straight-line basis, which range from one to twenty years . Capitalized software includes internal and external costs incurred directly related to the design, development and testing phases of each capitalized software project. Impairment of assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter, or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment evaluation for goodwill utilizes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. The qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, operating environment, financial performance and other relevant events. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then the Company is required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, then a quantitative assessment is required. Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recorded. Impairment charges, if any, are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
Litigation Policy	Litigation - The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and accrues a loss contingency when the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Loss contingencies are recorded in provision for litigation on the consolidated statement of operations. These judgments are subjective based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of its defenses and consultation with in-house and external legal counsel. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
Settlement and Other Risk Management Policy	Settlement and other risk management - Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the transactions between its customers. Settlement exposure is the outstanding settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically limited to a few days. The Company also enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable. The Company accounts for each of its guarantees by recording the guarantee at its fair value at the inception or modification date through earnings.
Income Taxes Policy	Income taxes - The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are displayed separately as noncurrent assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Valuation allowances are provided against assets which are not more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes all material tax positions, including uncertain tax positions in which it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based on its technical merits and if challenged by the relevant taxing authorities. At each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions are reassessed to determine whether subsequent developments require a change in the amount of recognized tax benefit. The allowance for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company includes penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Policy	Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include certain investments with daily liquidity and with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash - The Company classifies cash and cash equivalents as restricted when it is unavailable for withdrawal or use in its general operations. The Company has the following types of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents which are included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows: • Restricted cash for litigation settlement - The Company has restricted cash for litigation within a qualified settlement fund related to the settlement agreement for the U.S. merchant class litigation. The funds continue to be restricted for payments until the litigation matter is resolved. • Restricted security deposits held for customers - The Company requires collateral from certain customers for settlement of their transactions. The majority of collateral for settlement is in the form of standby letters of credit and bank guarantees which are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the Company holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit from certain customers as collateral for settlement of their transactions, which are recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet. These security deposits are typically held for the duration of the agreement with the customers. • Other restricted cash balances - The Company has other restricted cash balances which include contractually restricted deposits, as well as cash balances that are restricted based on the Company’s intention with regard to usage. These funds are classified on the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.
Fair Value Policy	Fair value - The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company classifies these recurring fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy (“Valuation Hierarchy”). The Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the Valuation Hierarchy are as follows: • Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets • Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability • Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and cannot be directly corroborated by observable market data Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, equipment and right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.
Contingent Consideration, Policy	Contingent consideration - Certain business combinations involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones. These liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management’s judgment. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date and subsequent periods is determined utilizing an income approach based on a Monte Carlo technique and is recorded in other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes to projected performance milestones of the acquired businesses could result in a higher or lower contingent consideration liability. The changes in fair value as a result of updated assumptions will be recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
Investment Securities Policy	Investment securities - The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the date of acquisition. • Available-for-sale debt securities: ◦ Available-for-sale securities that are available to meet the Company’s current operational needs are classified as current assets and the securities that are not available for current operational needs are classified as non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The investments in debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses. The Company evaluates its debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment on an ongoing basis. When there has been a decline in fair value of a debt security below the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment if: (1) it has the intent to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; or (3) it does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of operations while the non-credit loss would remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized from a sale or an other-than-temporary impairment. • Held-to-maturity securities: ◦ Time deposits - The Company classifies time deposits with original maturities greater than three months as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities that mature within one year are classified as current assets within investments on the consolidated balance sheet while held-to-maturity securities with maturities of greater than one year are classified as non-current assets. Time deposits are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet and are intended to be held until maturity. Equity investments - The Company holds equity securities of publicly traded and privately held companies. • Marketable equity securities - Marketable equity securities are strategic investments in publicly traded companies and are measured at fair value using quoted prices in their respective active markets with changes recorded through gain (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations. Securities that are not for use in current operations are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. • Nonmarketable equity investments - The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, include investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market values. The Company uses discounted cash flows and market assumptions to estimate the fair value of its nonmarketable equity investments when certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company’s nonmarketable equity investments are accounted for under the equity method or measurement alternative method. ◦ Equity method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee, generally when it holds between 20% and 50% ownership in the entity. In addition, investments in flow-through entities such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies are also accounted for under the equity method when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee, generally when the investment ownership percentage is equal to or greater than 5% of the outstanding ownership interest. The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments accounted for under the equity method is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The amortization of the excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments and Mastercard’s share of net earnings or losses of entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting is included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of operations. ◦ Measurement alternative method - The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the measurement alternative method of accounting when it does not exercise significant influence, generally when it holds less than 20% ownership in the entity or when the interest in a limited partnership or limited liability company is less than 5% and the Company has no significant influence over the operation of the investee. Investments in companies that Mastercard does not control, but that are not in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock, are also accounted for under the measurement alternative method of accounting. Measurement alternative investments are measured at cost, less any impairment and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Fair value adjustments, as well as impairments, are included in gain (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments Policy	Derivative and hedging instruments - The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts are included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value of the contracts are based on inputs, which are observable based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. As the Company does not designate foreign exchange contracts as hedging instruments, realized and unrealized gains and losses from the change in fair value of the contracts are recognized immediately in current-period earnings. The Company’s foreign exchange contracts are not entered into for trading or speculative purposes. The Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments are required to meet established accounting criteria. In addition, an effectiveness assessment is required to demonstrate that the derivative is expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposure both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. The method of assessing hedge effectiveness and measuring hedge results is formally documented at hedge inception and assessed at least quarterly throughout the designated hedge period. For cash flow hedges, the fair value adjustments are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains and losses deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) are then recognized in current-period earnings when earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged forecasted transaction. The Company has numerous investments in its foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the foreign currency denominated debt are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheet as part of the cumulative translation adjustment component of equity. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the net investment hedge each quarter.
Settlement Due From/Due To Customers Policy	Settlement due from/due to customers - The Company operates systems for clearing and settling payment transactions among customers. Net settlements are generally cleared daily among customers through settlement cash accounts by wire transfer or other bank clearing means. However, some transactions may not settle until subsequent business days, resulting in amounts due from and due to customers.
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets Policy	Property, equipment and right-of-use assets - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements and amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statement of operations. Operating lease amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life Buildings 30 years Building equipment 10 - 15 years Furniture and fixtures and equipment 3 - 5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of life of improvement or lease term Right-of-use assets Shorter of life of the asset or lease term
Leases Policy	The Company determines if a contract is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. The Company’s right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are primarily related to operating leases for office space, automobiles and other equipment. Leases are included in property, equipment and right-of-use assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In addition, ROU assets include initial direct costs incurred by the lessee as well as any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and exclude lease incentives. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined by using the rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments for a similar term and in a similar economic environment. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Leases with a term of one year or less are excluded from ROU assets and liabilities. The Company excludes variable lease payments in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, other than those that depend on an index, a rate or are in-substance fixed payments. Lease and nonlease components are generally accounted for separately. When available, consideration is allocated to the separate lease and nonlease components in a lease contract on a relative standalone price basis using observable standalone prices.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Policy	Pension and other postretirement plans - The Company recognizes the funded status of its single-employer defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans as assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date. Overfunded plans, if any, are aggregated and recorded in other assets, while underfunded plans are aggregated and recorded as accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component, is recognized in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations. These costs include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs or credits and gains or losses previously recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The service cost component is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Defined contribution plans - The Company’s contributions to defined contribution plans are recorded as employees render service to the Company. The charge is recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
Advertising and Marketing Policy	Advertising and marketing
Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Translation Policy	Foreign currency remeasurement and translation - Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to functional currencies using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are remeasured at the weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Where a non-U.S. currency is the functional currency, translation from that functional currency to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted- average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Treasury Stock Policy	Treasury stock - The Company records the repurchase of shares of its common stock at cost on the trade date of the transaction. These shares are considered treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock is included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares.
Share-based Payments Policy	Share-based payments
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy	Redeemable non-controlling interests
Earnings Per Share Policy	Earnings per share - The Company calculates basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and unvested stock units using the treasury stock method. The Company may be required to calculate EPS using the two-class method as a result of its redeemable non-controlling interests. If redemption value exceeds the fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interests, the excess would be a reduction to net income for the EPS calculation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Policy	Accounting pronouncements adopted Leases - In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued accounting guidance that changed how companies account for and present lease arrangements. This guidance requires companies to recognize lease assets and liabilities for both finance and operating leases on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, under the modified retrospective transition method with the available practical expedients. The following table summarizes the impact of the changes made to the January 1, 2019 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of the new accounting standard pertaining to leases. The prior periods have not been restated and have been reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods. Balance at December 31, 2018 Impact of lease standard Balance at (in millions) Assets Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 921 $ 375 $ 1,296 Liabilities Other current liabilities 949 72 1,021 Other liabilities 1,877 303 2,180 For a more detailed discussion on lease arrangements, refer to Note 10 (Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets) . Comprehensive income - In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that allows for a one-time reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from U.S. tax reform. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, electing to retain the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The adoption did not result in a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Revenue recognition - In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance that provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition requirements. Under this guidance, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective transition method, applying the standard to contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018 and considered the aggregate amount of modifications. This revenue guidance impacts the timing of certain customer incentives recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations, as they are recognized over the life of the contract. Previously, such incentives were recognized when earned by the customer. This revenue guidance also impacts the Company’s accounting recognition for certain market development fund contributions and expenditures. Historically, these items were recorded on a net basis in net revenue and will now be recognized on a gross basis, resulting in an increase to both revenues and expenses. The following tables summarize the impact of the revenue standard on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and consolidated balance sheet: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balances excluding revenue standard Impact of revenue standard As reported (in millions) Net Revenue $ 14,471 $ 479 $ 14,950 Operating Expenses Advertising and marketing 743 164 907 Income before income taxes 6,889 315 7,204 Income tax expense 1,278 67 1,345 Net Income 5,611 248 5,859 December 31, 2018 Balances excluding revenue standard Impact of revenue standard As reported (in millions) Assets Accounts receivable $ 2,214 $ 62 $ 2,276 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,176 256 1,432 Deferred income taxes 666 (96 ) 570 Other assets 2,388 915 3,303 Liabilities Accounts payable 959 (422 ) 537 Accrued expenses 4,375 372 4,747 Other current liabilities 1,085 (136 ) 949 Other liabilities 1,145 732 1,877 Equity Retained earnings 26,692 591 27,283 For a more detailed discussion on revenue recognition, refer to Note 3 (Revenue) . Intra-entity asset transfers - In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Under this guidance, companies are required to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity asset transfer when the transfer occurs. This guidance must be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the period of adoption. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. See the section in this note entitled Cumulative Effect of the Adopted Accounting Pronouncements for a summary of the cumulative impact of adopting this standard as of January 1, 2018. Cumulative effect of the 2018 adopted accounting pronouncements The following table summarizes the cumulative impact of the changes made to the January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of the new accounting standards pertaining to revenue recognition and intra-entity asset transfers. The prior periods have not been restated and have been reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Balance at December 31, 2017 Impact of revenue standard Impact of intra-entity asset transfers standard Balance at (in millions) Assets Accounts receivable $ 1,969 $ 44 $ — $ 2,013 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,040 181 (17 ) 1,204 Deferred income taxes 250 (69 ) 186 367 Other assets 2,298 690 (352 ) 2,636 Liabilities Accounts payable 933 (495 ) — 438 Accrued expenses 3,931 391 — 4,322 Other current liabilities 792 (44 ) — 748 Other liabilities 1,438 628 — 2,066 Equity Retained earnings 22,364 366 (183 ) 22,547 Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted Implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract - In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Companies are required to adopt this guidance either retrospectively or by prospectively applying the guidance to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2020 by applying the prospective approach as of the date of adoption and this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Disclosure requirements for fair value measurement -

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Table Text Block]	The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life Buildings 30 years Building equipment 10 - 15 years Furniture and fixtures and equipment 3 - 5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of life of improvement or lease term Right-of-use assets Shorter of life of the asset or lease term Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Building, building equipment and land $ 505 $ 481 Equipment 1,218 987 Furniture and fixtures 92 85 Leasehold improvements 303 215 Operating lease right-of-use assets 810 — Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 2,928 1,768 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,100 ) (847 ) Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 1,828 $ 921
Financial statement Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements	The following table summarizes the impact of the changes made to the January 1, 2019 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of the new accounting standard pertaining to leases. The prior periods have not been restated and have been reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods. Balance at December 31, 2018 Impact of lease standard Balance at (in millions) Assets Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 921 $ 375 $ 1,296 Liabilities Other current liabilities 949 72 1,021 Other liabilities 1,877 303 2,180 The following tables summarize the impact of the revenue standard on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and consolidated balance sheet: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balances excluding revenue standard Impact of revenue standard As reported (in millions) Net Revenue $ 14,471 $ 479 $ 14,950 Operating Expenses Advertising and marketing 743 164 907 Income before income taxes 6,889 315 7,204 Income tax expense 1,278 67 1,345 Net Income 5,611 248 5,859 December 31, 2018 Balances excluding revenue standard Impact of revenue standard As reported (in millions) Assets Accounts receivable $ 2,214 $ 62 $ 2,276 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,176 256 1,432 Deferred income taxes 666 (96 ) 570 Other assets 2,388 915 3,303 Liabilities Accounts payable 959 (422 ) 537 Accrued expenses 4,375 372 4,747 Other current liabilities 1,085 (136 ) 949 Other liabilities 1,145 732 1,877 Equity Retained earnings 26,692 591 27,283 For a more detailed discussion on revenue recognition, refer to Note 3 (Revenue) . Intra-entity asset transfers - In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Under this guidance, companies are required to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity asset transfer when the transfer occurs. This guidance must be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the period of adoption. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. See the section in this note entitled Cumulative Effect of the Adopted Accounting Pronouncements for a summary of the cumulative impact of adopting this standard as of January 1, 2018. Cumulative effect of the 2018 adopted accounting pronouncements The following table summarizes the cumulative impact of the changes made to the January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of the new accounting standards pertaining to revenue recognition and intra-entity asset transfers. The prior periods have not been restated and have been reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Balance at December 31, 2017 Impact of revenue standard Impact of intra-entity asset transfers standard Balance at (in millions) Assets Accounts receivable $ 1,969 $ 44 $ — $ 2,013 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,040 181 (17 ) 1,204 Deferred income taxes 250 (69 ) 186 367 Other assets 2,298 690 (352 ) 2,636 Liabilities Accounts payable 933 (495 ) — 438 Accrued expenses 3,931 391 — 4,322 Other current liabilities 792 (44 ) — 748 Other liabilities 1,438 628 — 2,066 Equity Retained earnings 22,364 366 (183 ) 22,547

Acquisitions Business Combina_2

Acquisitions Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The preliminary estimated and final fair values of the purchase price allocations in aggregate, as of the acquisition dates, are noted below for 2019 and 2017 , respectively. There were no acquisitions in 2018. 2019 2017 (in millions) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 54 $ 111 Other current assets 143 110 Other intangible assets 395 488 Goodwill 1,076 1,135 Other assets 48 91 Total assets 1,716 1,935 Liabilities: Other current liabilities 121 234 Deferred income taxes 52 64 Other liabilities 32 66 Total liabilities 205 364 Net assets acquired $ 1,511 $ 1,571
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the identified intangible assets acquired for 2019 and 2017: 2019 2017 2019 2017 Acquisition Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in millions) (in years) Developed technologies $ 199 $ 319 7.7 7.5 Customer relationships 178 166 12.6 9.9 Other 18 3 5.0 1.4 Other intangible assets $ 395 $ 488 9.7 8.3

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company’s disaggregated net revenue by source and geographic region were as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Revenue by source: Domestic assessments $ 6,781 $ 6,138 Cross-border volume fees 5,606 4,954 Transaction processing 8,469 7,391 Other revenues 4,124 3,348 Gross revenue 24,980 21,831 Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue) (8,097 ) (6,881 ) Net revenue $ 16,883 $ 14,950 Net revenue by geographic region: North American Markets $ 5,843 $ 5,312 International Markets 10,869 9,514 Other 1 171 124 Net revenue $ 16,883 $ 14,950 1 Includes revenues managed by corporate functions.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The components of basic and diluted EPS for common shares for each of the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions, except per share data) Numerator Net income $ 8,118 $ 5,859 $ 3,915 Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,017 1,041 1,067 Dilutive stock options and stock units 5 6 5 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1 1,022 1,047 1,072 Earnings per Share Basic $ 7.98 $ 5.63 $ 3.67 Diluted $ 7.94 $ 5.60 $ 3.65 Note: Table may not sum due to rounding. 1 For the years presented, the calculation of diluted EPS excluded a minimal amount of anti-dilutive share-based payment awards.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restr_2

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheet that total to the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 2016 (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,988 $ 6,682 $ 5,933 $ 6,721 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents Restricted cash for litigation settlement 584 553 546 543 Restricted security deposits held for customers 1,370 1,080 1,085 991 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 27 22 28 3 Other assets — — — 15 Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 8,969 $ 8,337 $ 7,592 $ 8,273

Supplemental Cash Flows (Tables

Supplemental Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	The following table includes supplemental cash flow disclosures for each of the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 1,644 $ 1,790 $ 1,893 Cash paid for interest 199 153 135 Cash paid for legal settlements 668 260 47 Non-cash investing and financing activities Dividends declared but not yet paid 403 340 263 Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets 468 10 30 Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired 1,662 — 1,825 Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions 205 — 365

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments On the Consolidated Balance Sheet	Investments on the consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Available-for-sale securities $ 591 $ 1,432 Held-to-maturity securities 97 264 Total investments $ 688 $ 1,696
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	The major classes of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and their respective amortized cost basis and fair values were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value (in millions) Municipal securities $ 15 $ — $ — $ 15 $ 15 $ — $ — $ 15 Government and agency securities 108 — — 108 157 — — 157 Corporate securities 381 1 — 382 1,044 1 (2 ) 1,043 Asset-backed securities 85 1 — 86 217 — — 217 Total $ 589 $ 2 $ — $ 591 $ 1,433 $ 1 $ (2 ) $ 1,432
Maturity Distribution Based on Contractual Terms of Investment Securities	The maturity distribution based on the contractual terms of the Company’s investment securities at December 31, 2019 was as follows: Available-For-Sale Amortized Fair Value (in millions) Due within 1 year $ 180 $ 181 Due after 1 year through 5 years 409 410 Total $ 589 $ 591
Equity Method Investments	The following table is a summary of the activity related to the Company’s equity investments: Balance at December 31, 2018 Purchases (Sales), net 1 Changes in Fair Value 2 Balance at December 31, 2019 (in millions) Marketable securities $ — $ 362 $ 117 $ 479 Nonmarketable securities 337 48 50 435 Total equity investments $ 337 $ 410 $ 167 $ 914 1 Includes impact of balance sheet foreign currency translation 2 Recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments, net on the consolidated statement of operations

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Distribution of Financial Instruments, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The distribution of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the Valuation Hierarchy were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices Significant Significant Total Quoted Prices Significant Significant Total (in millions) Assets Investment securities available for sale 1 : Municipal securities $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 Government and agency securities 66 42 — 108 65 92 — 157 Corporate securities — 382 — 382 — 1,043 — 1,043 Asset-backed securities — 86 — 86 — 217 — 217 Derivative instruments 2 : Foreign exchange contracts — 12 — 12 — 35 — 35 Interest rate contracts — 14 — 14 — — — — Marketable securities 3 : Equity securities 479 — — 479 — — — — Deferred compensation plan 4 : Deferred compensation assets 67 — — 67 54 — — 54 Liabilities Derivative instruments 2 : Foreign exchange derivative liabilities $ — $ (32 ) $ — $ (32 ) $ — $ (6 ) $ — $ (6 ) Deferred compensation plan 5 : Deferred compensation liabilities (67 ) — — (67 ) (54 ) — — (54 ) 1 The Company’s U.S. government securities are classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale municipal securities, government and agency securities, corporate securities and asset-backed securities are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, benchmark yields and issuer spreads for similar assets in active markets and are therefore included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy. 2 The Company’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative asset and liability contracts have been classified within Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value is based on observable inputs such as broker quotes relating to foreign currency exchange rates for similar derivative instruments. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for further details. 3 The Company’s Marketable securities are publicly held and classified within Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in their respective active markets. 4 The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where assets are invested primarily in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust, which is restricted for payments to participants of the plan. The Company has elected to use the fair value option for these mutual funds, which are measured using quoted prices of identical instruments in active markets and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. 5
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	.

Prepaid Expenses and Other As_2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 872 $ 778 Prepaid income taxes 105 51 Other 786 603 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,763 $ 1,432
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent	Other assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 2,838 $ 2,458 Equity investments 914 337 Income taxes receivable 460 298 Other 313 210 Total other assets $ 4,525 $ 3,303

Property, Equipment and Right_2

Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets	The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life Buildings 30 years Building equipment 10 - 15 years Furniture and fixtures and equipment 3 - 5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of life of improvement or lease term Right-of-use assets Shorter of life of the asset or lease term Property, equipment and right-of-use assets consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Building, building equipment and land $ 505 $ 481 Equipment 1,218 987 Furniture and fixtures 92 85 Leasehold improvements 303 215 Operating lease right-of-use assets 810 — Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 2,928 1,768 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,100 ) (847 ) Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 1,828 $ 921
Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block]	Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows: December 31, (in millions) Balance sheet location Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net $ 711 Other current liabilities 106 Other liabilities 656
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 based on lease term: Operating Leases (in millions) 2020 $ 112 2021 113 2022 103 2023 90 2024 79 Thereafter 376 Total operating lease payments 873 Less: Interest (111 ) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 762
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2018, the Company had the following future minimum payments due under non‐cancelable leases: Operating Leases (in millions) 2019 $ 72 2020 75 2021 76 2022 68 2023 58 Thereafter 327 Total $ 676

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 2,904 $ 3,035 Additions 1,076 2 Foreign currency translation 41 (133 ) Ending balance $ 4,021 $ 2,904

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The following table sets forth net intangible assets, other than goodwill, at December 31 : 2019 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (in millions) Finite-lived intangible assets Capitalized software $ 1,884 $ (988 ) $ 896 $ 1,514 $ (898 ) $ 616 Customer relationships 621 (264 ) 357 439 (232 ) 207 Other 44 (44 ) — 46 (45 ) 1 Total 2,549 (1,296 ) 1,253 1,999 (1,175 ) 824 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Customer relationships 164 — 164 167 — 167 Total $ 2,713 $ (1,296 ) $ 1,417 $ 2,166 $ (1,175 ) $ 991
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense	The following table sets forth the estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 for the years ending December 31 : (in millions) 2020 $ 300 2021 243 2022 164 2023 115 2024 and thereafter 431 $ 1,253

Accrued Expenses and Accrued _2

Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Customer and merchant incentives $ 3,892 $ 3,275 Personnel costs 713 744 Income and other taxes 332 158 Other 552 570 Total accrued expenses $ 5,489 $ 4,747

Pension, Postretirement and S_2

Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the Plans’ funded status, key assumptions and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2019 2018 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 438 $ 468 $ 57 $ 61 Service cost 11 9 1 1 Interest cost 13 12 2 2 Actuarial (gain) loss 73 (7 ) 9 (2 ) Benefits paid (15 ) (22 ) (5 ) (5 ) Transfers in 2 1 — — Foreign currency translation 9 (23 ) — — Benefit obligation at end of year 531 438 64 57 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 410 427 — — Actual (loss) gain on plan assets 79 (8 ) — — Employer contributions 32 33 5 5 Benefits paid (15 ) (23 ) (5 ) (5 ) Transfers in 2 2 — — Foreign currency translation 10 (21 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 518 410 — — Funded status at end of year $ (13 ) $ (28 ) $ (64 ) $ (57 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of: Other liabilities, short-term — — (3 ) (3 ) Other liabilities, long-term (13 ) (28 ) (61 ) (54 ) $ (13 ) $ (28 ) $ (64 ) $ (57 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 7 $ (5 ) $ 2 $ (7 ) Prior service credit 1 1 (5 ) (6 ) Balance at end of year $ 8 $ (4 ) $ (3 ) $ (13 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations Discount rate Non-U.S. Plans 0.70 % 1.80 % * * Vocalink Plan 2.00 % 3.10 % * * Postretirement Plan * * 3.25 % 4.25 % Rate of compensation increase Non-U.S. Plans 1.50 % 2.60 % * * Vocalink Plan 2.50 % 4.00 % * * Postretirement Plan * * 3.00 % 3.00 %
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	All of the Pension Plans had benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Information on the Pension Plans were as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Projected benefit obligation $ 531 $ 438 Accumulated benefit obligation 524 430 Fair value of plan assets 518 410
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	Components of net periodic benefit cost recorded in earnings were as follows for the Plans for each of the years ended December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Service cost $ 11 $ 9 $ 9 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 13 12 8 2 2 2 Expected return on plan assets (18 ) (20 ) (13 ) — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1 — — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — (1 ) (2 ) (2 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 7 $ 1 $ 4 $ 2 $ 1 $ 1
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 12 $ 17 $ (22 ) $ 9 $ (2 ) $ 5 Current year prior service credit — 1 — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — 1 2 2 Total other comprehensive loss (income) $ 12 $ 18 $ (22 ) $ 10 $ — $ 7 Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income) $ 19 $ 19 $ (18 ) $ 12 $ 1 $ 8
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31 : Pension Plans Postretirement Plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate Non-U.S. Plans 1.80 % 1.80 % 1.60 % * * * Vocalink Plan 2.00 % 2.80 % 2.50 % * * * Postretirement Plan * * * 4.25 % 3.50 % 4.00 % Expected return on plan assets Non-U.S. Plans 2.10 % 3.00 % 3.25 % * * * Vocalink Plan 3.75 % 4.75 % 4.75 % * * * Rate of compensation increase Non-U.S. Plans 1.50 % 2.60 % 2.59 % * * * Vocalink Plan 2.50 % 3.85 % 3.95 % * * * Postretirement Plan * * * 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % * Not applicable
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	The following additional assumptions were used at December 31 in accounting for the Postretirement Plan: 2019 2018 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.00 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2 2
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth by level, within the Valuation Hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Fair Value (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 $ 22 $ — $ — $ 22 Government and agency securities 2 — — — — — 88 — 88 Mutual funds 3 153 193 — 346 154 30 — 184 Insurance contracts 4 — 75 — 75 — 57 — 57 Asset-backed securities 5 — — — — — — 34 34 Other 6 — — — — — 25 — 25 Total $ 169 $ 268 $ — $ 437 $ 176 $ 200 $ 34 $ 410 Investments at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) 7 Mutual funds 36 — Other 45 — Total Plan Assets $ 518 $ 410 1 Cash and cash equivalents are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of the shares held by the Plans. 2 Governmental and agency securities are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors. 3 Certain mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the value of the shares held by the Plans, and are therefore included in Level 1. Certain other mutual funds are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2. 4 Insurance contracts are valued at unit values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors. 5 Asset-backed securities are classified as Level 3 due to a lack of observable inputs in measuring fair value. These assets were sold during 2019. 6 Other represents hedge fund pooled vehicles which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services or third-party advisors, and are therefore included in Level 2. 7 Mutual funds (comprised primarily of credit investments) and other investments (comprised primarily of real estate investments) are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator as a practical expedient, and therefore these investments are not included in the valuation hierarchy. These investments have quarterly redemption frequencies with redemption notice periods ranging from 60 to 90 days.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes expected benefit payments (as of December 31, 2019 ) through 2029 for the Pension Plans and the Postretirement Plan, including those payments expected to be paid from the Company’s general assets. Actual benefit payments may differ from expected benefit payments. Pension Plans Postretirement Plan (in millions) 2020 $ 17 $ 4 2021 11 4 2022 12 4 2023 13 4 2024 15 4 2025 - 2029 70 20

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31 : Notes Issuance Date Interest Payment Terms Maturity Date Aggregate Principal Amount Stated Interest Rate Effective Interest Rate 2019 2018 (in millions, except percentages) 2019 USD Notes May 2019 Semi-annually 2029 $ 1,000 2.950 % 3.030 % $ 1,000 $ — 2049 1,000 3.650 % 3.689 % 1,000 — December 2019 Semi-annually 2025 750 2.000 % 2.147 % 750 $ — $ 2,750 2018 USD Notes February 2018 Semi-annually 2028 $ 500 3.500 % 3.598 % 500 500 2048 500 3.950 % 3.990 % 500 500 $ 1,000 2016 USD Notes November 2016 Semi-annually 2021 $ 650 2.000 % 2.236 % 650 650 2026 750 2.950 % 3.044 % 750 750 2046 600 3.800 % 3.893 % 600 600 $ 2,000 2015 Euro Notes December 2015 Annually 2022 € 700 1.100 % 1.265 % 785 801 2027 800 2.100 % 2.189 % 896 916 2030 150 2.500 % 2.562 % 169 172 € 1,650 2014 USD Notes March 2014 Semi-annually 2019 $ 500 2.000 % 2.178 % — 500 2024 1,000 3.375 % 3.484 % 1,000 1,000 $ 1,500 8,600 6,389 Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (73 ) (55 ) Total debt outstanding $ 8,527 $ 6,334 Less: Current portion 1 — (500 ) Long-term debt $ 8,527 $ 5,834 1 Relates to the 2014 USD Notes, which was classified in current liabilities as of December 31, 2018 , matured and was paid during 2019
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Scheduled annual maturities of the principal portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019 are summarized below. (in millions) 2020 $ — 2021 650 2022 785 2023 — 2024 1,000 Thereafter 6,165 Total $ 8,600

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Classes of Capital Stock	Mastercard’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the following classes of capital stock: Class Par Value Per Share Authorized Shares (in millions) Dividend and Voting Rights A $0.0001 3,000 One vote per share B $0.0001 1,200 Non-voting Preferred $0.0001 300 No shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Dividend and voting rights are to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance.
Schedule of Ownership and Governance Structure	Equity ownership and voting power of the Company’s shares were allocated as follows as of December 31 : 2019 2018 Equity Ownership General Voting Power Equity Ownership General Voting Power Public Investors (Class A stockholders) 87.8 % 88.8 % 88.0 % 89.0 % Principal or Affiliate Customers (Class B stockholders) 1.1 % — % 1.1 % — % Mastercard Foundation (Class A stockholders) 11.1 % 11.2 % 10.9 % 11.0 %
Schedule of Share Repurchases and Authorizations	The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase authorizations of its Class A common stock through December 31, 2019 , as well as historical purchases: Board authorization dates December 2019 December December December December 2015 Date program became effective January 2020 January 2019 March 2018 April 2017 February 2016 Total (in millions, except average price data) Board authorization $ 8,000 $ 6,500 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 26,500 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,766 $ 996 $ 3,762 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2017 $ — $ — $ 4,000 $ 1,234 $ — $ 5,234 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2018 $ — $ — $ 3,699 $ 1,234 $ — $ 4,933 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 6,500 $ 301 $ — $ — $ 6,801 Dollar-value of shares repurchased in 2019 $ — $ 6,196 $ 301 $ — $ — $ 6,497 Remaining authorization at December 31, 2019 $ 8,000 $ 304 $ — $ — $ — $ 8,304 Shares repurchased in 2017 — — — 21.0 9.1 30.1 Average price paid per share in 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 131.97 $ 109.16 $ 125.05 Shares repurchased in 2018 — — 19.0 7.2 — 26.2 Average price paid per share in 2018 $ — $ — $ 194.77 $ 171.11 $ — $ 188.26 Shares repurchased in 2019 — 24.8 1.6 — — 26.4 Average price paid per share in 2019 $ — $ 249.58 $ 188.38 $ — $ — $ 245.89 Cumulative shares repurchased through December 31, 2019 — 24.8 20.6 28.2 40.4 114.0 Cumulative average price paid per share $ — $ 249.58 $ 194.27 $ 141.99 $ 99.10 $ 159.68
Schedule of Changes in Common Stock Outstanding [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the changes in the Company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock for the years ended December 31 : Outstanding Shares Class A Class B (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2016 1,062.4 19.3 Purchases of treasury stock (30.1 ) — Share-based payments 2.2 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 5.2 (5.2 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 1,039.7 14.1 Purchases of treasury stock (26.2 ) — Share-based payments 2.8 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 2.3 (2.3 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 1,018.6 11.8 Purchases of treasury stock (26.4 ) — Share-based payments 3.2 — Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 0.6 (0.6 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 996.0 11.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 1 Translation Adjustments on Net Investment Hedge 2 Cash Flow Hedges 3 Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans 4 Investment Securities Available-for-Sale 5 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (382 ) $ (141 ) $ — $ 25 $ 1 $ (497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (279 ) 75 — (15 ) (2 ) (221 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 (661 ) (66 ) — 10 (1 ) (718 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 23 28 11 (19 ) 2 45 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (638 ) $ (38 ) $ 11 $ (9 ) $ 1 $ (673 ) 1 During 2018, the increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the depreciation of the euro, British pound and Brazilian real. During 2019, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translation adjustments was driven primarily by the appreciation of the British pound partially offset by the depreciation of the euro. 2 The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Changes in the value of the debt are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). During 2018 and 2019, the decreases in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the net investment hedge were driven by the depreciation of the euro. See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information. 3 In 2019, the Company entered into treasury rate locks which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. During 2019, in connection with these cash flow hedges, the Company recorded unrealized gains, net of tax, of $ 11 million in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 23 (Derivative and Hedging Instruments) for additional information. 4 During 2018, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive gain related to the Company’s Plans was driven primarily by an actuarial loss within the Vocalink Plan. During 2019, the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive gain related to the Company’s Plans was primarily driven by actuarial losses within the Vocalink and non-U.S. Plans. During 2018 and 2019, amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings, were not material. See Note 14 (Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans) for additional information. 5 During 2018 and 2019, gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to investment income, were not material. See Note 7 (Investments) for additional information.

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Valuation of Stock Option Awards	The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per option granted for the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free rate of return 2.6 % 2.7 % 2.0 % Expected term (in years) 6.00 6.00 5.00 Expected volatility 19.6 % 19.7 % 19.3 % Expected dividend yield 0.6 % 0.6 % 0.8 % Weighted-average fair value per Option granted $ 53.09 $ 40.90 $ 21.23
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in years) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 7.6 $ 93 Granted 0.9 $ 227 Exercised (1.8 ) $ 71 Forfeited/expired (0.1 ) $ 148 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6.6 $ 117 6.2 $ 1,206 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 3.9 $ 86 5.1 $ 836 Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 6.6 $ 116 6.2 $ 1,200
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 3.7 $ 117 Granted 1.0 $ 226 Converted (1.6 ) $ 93 Forfeited (0.2 ) $ 154 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2.9 $ 166 $ 852 RSUs expected to vest at December 31, 2019 2.8 $ 165 $ 824
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 0.6 $ 120 Granted 0.1 $ 231 Converted (0.4 ) $ 92 Other 1 0.2 $ 126 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 0.5 $ 167 $ 162 PSUs expected to vest at December 31, 2019 0.5 $ 167 $ 162 1 Represents additional shares issued in March 2019 related to the 2016 PSU grant based on performance and market conditions achieved over the three-year measurement period. These shares vested upon issuance.
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	The following table includes additional share-based payment information for each of the years ended December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions, except weighted-average fair value) Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs $ 250 $ 196 $ 176 Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards 53 41 57 Income tax benefit realized related to Options exercised 69 53 36 Options: Total intrinsic value of Options exercised 317 242 106 RSUs: Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 226 171 112 Total intrinsic value of RSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock 394 194 131 PSUs: Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted 231 226 126 Total intrinsic value of PSUs converted into shares of Class A common stock 85 40 13

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements	At December 31, 2019 , the Company had the following future minimum payments due under noncancelable agreements, primarily related to sponsorships to promote the Mastercard brand and licensing arrangements. The Company has accrued $20 million of these future payments as of December 31, 2019 . (in millions) 2020 $ 404 2021 224 2022 132 2023 42 2024 17 Thereafter — Total $ 819

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Income Before Income Taxes	The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) United States $ 4,213 $ 3,510 $ 3,482 Foreign 5,518 3,694 3,040 Income before income taxes $ 9,731 $ 7,204 $ 6,522
Components of Income Tax Provision	The total income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is comprised of the following components: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Current Federal $ 642 $ 649 $ 1,704 State and local 81 69 65 Foreign 897 871 752 1,620 1,589 2,521 Deferred Federal 40 (228 ) 134 State and local — (11 ) 1 Foreign (47 ) (5 ) (49 ) (7 ) (244 ) 86 Income tax expense $ 1,613 $ 1,345 $ 2,607
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent (in millions, except percentages) Income before income taxes $ 9,731 $ 7,204 $ 6,522 Federal statutory tax 2,044 21.0 % 1,513 21.0 % 2,283 35.0 % State tax effect, net of federal benefit 65 0.7 % 46 0.6 % 43 0.7 % Foreign tax effect (208 ) (2.1 )% (92 ) (1.3 )% (380 ) (5.8 )% European Commission fine — — % 194 2.7 % — — % Foreign tax credits 1 (32 ) (0.3 )% (110 ) (1.5 )% (27 ) (0.4 )% Transition Tax (30 ) (0.3 )% 22 0.3 % 629 9.6 % Remeasurement of deferred taxes — — % (7 ) (0.1 )% 157 2.4 % Windfall benefit (129 ) (1.3 )% (72 ) (1.0 )% (43 ) (0.7 )% Other, net (97 ) (1.1 )% (149 ) (2.0 )% (55 ) (0.8 )% Income tax expense $ 1,613 16.6 % $ 1,345 18.7 % $ 2,607 40.0 % 1 Included within the impact of the foreign tax credits is $27 million for 2019 and $90 million for 2018 of tax benefits relating to the carryback of certain foreign tax credits.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows: 2019 2018 (in millions) Deferred Tax Assets Accrued liabilities $ 354 $ 297 Compensation and benefits 214 210 State taxes and other credits 41 30 Net operating and capital losses 119 104 U.S. foreign tax credits 1 145 — Intangible assets 157 170 Other items 94 115 Less: Valuation allowance (205 ) (94 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets 919 832 Deferred Tax Liabilities Prepaid expenses and other accruals 83 89 Goodwill and intangible assets 187 125 Property, plant and equipment 128 97 Other items 63 18 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 461 329 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 458 $ 503 1 A deferred tax asset has been established in 2019 for $145 million related to foreign taxes paid in the current period, which are not expected to be utilized as credits in the current or future period, with a corresponding full valuation allowance.
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 , is as follows: 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 164 $ 183 $ 169 Additions: Current year tax positions 22 23 21 Prior year tax positions 37 5 9 Reductions: Prior year tax positions (11 ) (17 ) (1 ) Settlements with tax authorities (2 ) (18 ) (4 ) Expired statute of limitations (7 ) (12 ) (11 ) Ending balance $ 203 $ 164 $ 183

Settlement and Other Risk Man_2

Settlement and Other Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]
Estimated Settlement Exposure and Portion of Uncollateralized Settlement Exposure for MasterCard-Branded Transactions	The Company’s estimated settlement exposure was as follows at December 31 : 2019 2018 (in millions) Gross settlement exposure $ 55,800 $ 49,666 Collateral held for settlement exposure (4,772 ) (4,711 ) Net uncollateralized settlement exposure $ 51,028 $ 44,955

Derivative and Hedging Instru_2

Derivative and Hedging Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative contract summary	The Company’s foreign exchange derivative contracts are summarized below: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Notional Estimated Fair Value Notional Estimated Fair Value (in millions) Commitments to purchase foreign currency $ 185 $ 3 $ 34 $ (1 ) Commitments to sell foreign currency 1,506 (25 ) 1,066 26 Options to sell foreign currency 21 2 25 4 Balance sheet location Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 $ 12 $ 35 Other current liabilities 1 (32 ) (6 ) 1 The derivative contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, which contain various netting and setoff provisions.
Gain (loss) recognized in income for the contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency summary	The amount of gain (loss) recognized on the consolidated statement of operations for the contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency is summarized below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) Foreign exchange derivative contracts General and administrative $ (39 ) $ 53 $ (75 )

Segment Reporting Schedule of P

Segment Reporting Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographic Region (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographical Location	The following table reflects the geographical location of the Company’s property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net, as of December 31 : 2019 2018 2017 (in millions) United States $ 1,147 $ 613 $ 572 Other countries 681 308 257 Total $ 1,828 $ 921 $ 829

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Un_2

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	2019 Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2019 Total (in millions, except per share data) Net revenue $ 3,889 $ 4,113 $ 4,467 $ 4,414 $ 16,883 Operating income 2,213 2,397 2,655 2,399 9,664 Net income 1,862 2,048 2,108 2,100 8,118 Basic earnings per share $ 1.81 $ 2.01 $ 2.08 $ 2.08 $ 7.98 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,026 1,020 1,013 1,008 1,017 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.80 $ 2.00 $ 2.07 $ 2.07 $ 7.94 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1,032 1,025 1,019 1,013 1,022 2018 Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Total (in millions, except per share data) Net revenue $ 3,580 $ 3,665 $ 3,898 $ 3,807 $ 14,950 Operating income 1,825 1,936 2,287 1,234 7,282 Net income 1,492 1,569 1,899 899 5,859 Basic earnings per share $ 1.42 $ 1.50 $ 1.83 $ 0.87 $ 5.63 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 1,051 1,043 1,037 1,032 1,041 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.41 $ 1.50 $ 1.82 $ 0.87 $ 5.60 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 1,057 1,049 1,043 1,038 1,047 Note: Tables may not sum due to rounding.

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Venezuela charge	$ 0	$ 0	$ (167)
Buildings
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life	30 years
Minimum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Minimum | Building equipment
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Minimum | Furniture and fixtures and equipment
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Maximum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Historical Cost Method Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Maximum | Building equipment
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
Maximum | Furniture and fixtures and equipment
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life	5 years
Other | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life	1 year
Other | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life	20 years
Venezuela Subsidiaries
Venezuela charge			167
Venezuela charge (after tax)			$ 108
Venezuela charge per diluted share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.10
Partnership | Minimum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	5.00%
Partnership | Maximum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Historical Cost Method Ownership Percentage	5.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of the Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	$ 1,828	$ 1,296	$ 921		$ 829
Other current liabilities	928	1,021	949	$ 748	792
Other liabilities	2,729	2,180	1,877	2,066	1,438
Accounts receivable				2,013	1,969
Accounts receivable	2,514		2,276
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,763		1,432	1,204	1,040
Deferred income taxes	543		570	367	250
Other assets	4,525		3,303	2,636	2,298
Accounts payable	489		537	438	933
Accrued expenses	5,489		4,747	4,322	3,931
Retained earnings	$ 33,984		27,283	22,547	$ 22,364
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net		375
Other current liabilities		72
Other liabilities		$ 303
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Impact of revenue standard
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other current liabilities			(136)	(44)
Other liabilities			732	628
Accounts receivable				44
Accounts receivable			62
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			256	181
Deferred income taxes			(96)	(69)
Other assets			915	690
Accounts payable			(422)	(495)
Accrued expenses			372	391
Retained earnings			$ 591	366
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other current liabilities				0
Other liabilities				0
Accounts receivable				0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				(17)
Deferred income taxes				186
Other assets				(352)
Accounts payable				0
Accrued expenses				0
Retained earnings				$ (183)

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Financial Statement Effects of Topic 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 4,414	$ 4,467	$ 4,113	$ 3,889	$ 3,807	$ 3,898	$ 3,665	$ 3,580	$ 16,883	$ 14,950	$ 12,497
Advertising and marketing									934	907	771
Income before income taxes									9,731	7,204	6,522
Income tax expense									1,613	1,345	2,607
Net Income	2,100	$ 2,108	$ 2,048	$ 1,862	899	$ 1,899	$ 1,569	$ 1,492	8,118	5,859	3,915
Accounts receivable	2,514				2,276				2,514	2,276
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,763				1,432				1,763	1,432	1,040		$ 1,204
Deferred income taxes	543				570				543	570	250		367
Other assets	4,525				3,303				4,525	3,303	2,298		2,636
Accounts payable	489				537				489	537	933		438
Accrued expenses	5,489				4,747				5,489	4,747	3,931		4,322
Other current liabilities	928				949				928	949	792	$ 1,021	748
Other liabilities	2,729				1,877				2,729	1,877	1,438	$ 2,180	2,066
Retained earnings	$ 33,984				27,283				$ 33,984	27,283	$ 22,364		22,547
Balances excluding revenue standard
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net revenue										14,471
Advertising and marketing										743
Income before income taxes										6,889
Income tax expense										1,278
Net Income										5,611
Accounts receivable					2,214					2,214
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					1,176					1,176
Deferred income taxes					666					666
Other assets					2,388					2,388
Accounts payable					959					959
Accrued expenses					4,375					4,375
Other current liabilities					1,085					1,085
Other liabilities					1,145					1,145
Retained earnings					26,692					26,692
Impact of revenue standard | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net revenue										479
Advertising and marketing										164
Income before income taxes										315
Income tax expense										67
Net Income										248
Accounts receivable					62					62
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					256					256			181
Deferred income taxes					(96)					(96)			(69)
Other assets					915					915			690
Accounts payable					(422)					(422)			(495)
Accrued expenses					372					372			391
Other current liabilities					(136)					(136)			(44)
Other liabilities					732					732			628
Retained earnings					$ 591					$ 591			$ 366

Acquisitions Narrative (Details

Acquisitions Narrative (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017GBP (£)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, representing both cash and contingent consideration					$ 1,500	$ 1,500
Redeemable non-controlling interests	$ 74				74		$ 71
Goodwill	4,021				4,021	3,035	$ 2,904
2017 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents						111
Other current assets						110
Other intangible assets						488
Goodwill	1,135				1,135
Other assets						91
Total assets						1,935
Other current liabilities						234
Deferred income taxes						64
Other liabilities						66
Total liabilities						364
Total fair value of businesses acquired						$ 1,571
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life						8 years 3 months 18 days
VocaLink Holdings Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interests	76	£ 58			76
Vocalink controlling interest		92.40%						92.40%
Cash consideration for Vocalink		£ 719	$ 929
Vocalink contingent consideration		£ 169						$ 219
Vocalink's shareholders retained ownership		7.60%						7.60%
Vocalink's shareholders retained ownership minimum holding period		3 years	3 years
2019 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	54				54
Other current assets	143				143
Other intangible assets	395				395
Goodwill	1,076				1,076
Other assets	48				48
Total assets	1,716				1,716
Other current liabilities	121				121
Deferred income taxes	52				52
Other liabilities	32				32
Total liabilities	205				205
Total fair value of businesses acquired	1,511				$ 1,511
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					9 years 8 months 12 days
Nets Denmark A/S, Corporate Services [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Commitments To Acquire Businesses, Consideration	3,190			€ 2,850
Developed technologies | 2017 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets						$ 319
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life						7 years 6 months
Developed technologies | 2019 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	199				$ 199
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					7 years 8 months 12 days
Customer relationships | 2017 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets						$ 166
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life						9 years 10 months 24 days
Customer relationships | 2019 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	178				$ 178
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					12 years 7 months 6 days
Other | 2017 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets						$ 3
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life						1 year 4 months 24 days
Other | 2019 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	$ 18				$ 18
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					5 years

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gross revenue									$ 24,980	$ 21,831
Rebates and incentives (contra-revenue)									(8,097)	(6,881)
Net revenue	$ 4,414	$ 4,467	$ 4,113	$ 3,889	$ 3,807	$ 3,898	$ 3,665	$ 3,580	16,883	14,950	$ 12,497
North American Markets
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									5,843	5,312
International Markets
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									10,869	9,514
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									171	124
Domestic assessments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gross revenue									6,781	6,138
Cross-border volume fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gross revenue									5,606	4,954
Transaction processing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gross revenue									8,469	7,391
Other revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gross revenue									$ 4,124	$ 3,348

Revenue Narrative (Details)

Revenue Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue recognized on performance obligations	$ 904	$ 904
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	1,300
Accounts Receivable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract assets	2,300	2,100
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract assets	48	40
Other Assets
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract assets	152	92
Other Current Liabilities
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	238	218
Other liabilities
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 106	$ 101
Network Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	10 years

Earnings Per Share Schedule of

Earnings Per Share Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income	$ 2,100	$ 2,108	$ 2,048	$ 1,862	$ 899	$ 1,899	$ 1,569	$ 1,492	$ 8,118	$ 5,859	$ 3,915
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	1,008	1,013	1,020	1,026	1,032	1,037	1,043	1,051	1,017	1,041	1,067
Dilutive stock options and stock units									5	6	5
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	1,013	1,019	1,025	1,032	1,038	1,043	1,049	1,057	1,022	1,047	1,072
Earnings per Share
Basic	$ 2.08	$ 2.08	$ 2.01	$ 1.81	$ 0.87	$ 1.83	$ 1.50	$ 1.42	$ 7.98	$ 5.63	$ 3.67
Diluted	$ 2.07	$ 2.07	$ 2	$ 1.80	$ 0.87	$ 1.82	$ 1.50	$ 1.41	$ 7.94	$ 5.60	$ 3.65

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restr_3

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,988	$ 6,682	$ 5,933	$ 6,721
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	8,969	8,337	7,592	8,273
Restricted cash for litigation settlement
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	584	553	546	543
Restricted security deposits held for customers
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	1,370	1,080	1,085	991
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	27	22	28	3
Other assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 15

Supplemental Cash Flows (Non-Ca

Supplemental Cash Flows (Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$ 1,644	$ 1,790	$ 1,893
Cash paid for interest	199	153	135
Cash paid for legal settlements	668	260	47
Dividends declared but not yet paid	403	340	263
Accrued property, equipment and right-of-use assets	468	10	30
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired	1,662	0	1,825
Fair value of liabilities assumed related to acquisitions	$ 205	$ 0	$ 365

Investments - Investments (Deta

Investments - Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 591	$ 1,432
Held-to-maturity securities	97	264
Investments	$ 688	$ 1,696

Investments - Available-for-Sal

Investments - Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment Identifier [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 589	$ 1,433
Gross Unrealized Gain	2	1
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	(2)
Fair Value	591	1,432
Municipal securities
Investment Identifier [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	15	15
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	15	15
Government and agency securities
Investment Identifier [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	108	157
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	108	157
Corporate securities
Investment Identifier [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	381	1,044
Gross Unrealized Gain	1	1
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	(2)
Fair Value	382	1,043
Asset-backed securities
Investment Identifier [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	85	217
Gross Unrealized Gain	1	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	$ 86	$ 217

Investments - Maturity Distribu

Investments - Maturity Distribution Based on Contractual Terms of Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-For-Sale Amortized Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 180
Due after 1 year through 5 years	409
Total	589
Available-For-Sale Fair Value
Due within 1 year	181
Due after 1 year through 5 years	410
Total	$ 591	$ 1,432

Investments - Equity Investment

Investments - Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investments [Roll Forward]
Marketable securities, beginning balance	$ 0
Marketable securities, Purchases (Sales), Net	362
Marketable securities, Changes in Fair Value	117
Marketable securities, ending balance	479
Nonmarketable securities, beginning balance	337
Nonmarketable Securities, Purchases (Sales), Net	48
Nonmarketable Securities, Gains (Losses)	50
Nonmarketable securities, ending balance	435
Total equity investments, beginning balance	337
Total equity investments, Purchases (Sales), net	410
Total equity investments, Changes in Fair Value	167
Total equity investments, ending balance	914
Alternative Investment	317	$ 232
Alternative Investment, Equity Method Investment	$ 118	$ 105

Fair Value Measurements - Distr

Fair Value Measurements - Distribution of Financial Instruments, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	$ 67	$ 54
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities	(32)	(6)
Deferred compensation liabilities	(67)	(54)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	67	54
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities	0	0
Deferred compensation liabilities	(67)	(54)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities	(32)	(6)
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities	0	0
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Municipal securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	15	15
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	15	15
Municipal securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Government and agency securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	108	157
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	66	65
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	42	92
Government and agency securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Corporate securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	382	1,043
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	382	1,043
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	86	217
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	86	217
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	479	0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	479	0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Investment securities available for sale	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	12	35
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	12	35
Foreign exchange contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	0	0
Interest rate contracts
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	14	0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	0	0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	14	0
Interest rate contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 8,527	$ 6,334
Long-term debt, carrying value	8,527	5,834
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	9,200	6,500
Contingent Consideration | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value		$ 219
Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Contingent consideration attributable to acquisitions	$ 219

Prepaid Expenses and Other As_3

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Prepaid Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]
Customer and merchant incentives	$ 872	$ 778
Prepaid income taxes	105	51
Other	786	603
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 1,763	$ 1,432	$ 1,204	$ 1,040

Prepaid Expenses and Other As_4

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract]
Customer and merchant incentives	$ 2,838	$ 2,458
Equity investments	914	337
Income taxes receivable	460	298
Other	313	210
Total other assets	$ 4,525	$ 3,303	$ 2,636	$ 2,298

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	$ 2,928		$ 1,768
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,100)		(847)
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	1,828	$ 1,296	921	$ 829
Building, building equipment and land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	505		481
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	1,218		987
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	92		85
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	303		215
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets	$ 810		$ 0

Property, Equipment and Right_3

Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]
Depreciation expense including amortization for capital leases	$ 336	$ 209	$ 185
Operating lease amortization expense	$ 99
Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating lease	9 years 6 months
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases	2.90%
Leases not yet commenced	$ 23
Lease office space rental expense		94	77
Lease expense		$ 20	$ 22
Maximum
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]
Leases not yet commenced, term	10 years
Minimum
Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets [Line Items]
Leases not yet commenced, term	1 year

Property, Equipment and Right_4

Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Operating Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	$ 711
Other current liabilities	106
Other liabilities	$ 656

Property, Equipment and Right_5

Property, Equipment and Right-of-Use Assets - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Leases after Adoption of ASC Topic 842:
2020	$ 112
2021	113
2022	103
2023	90
2024	79
Thereafter	376
Total operating lease payments	873
Less: Interest	(111)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	$ 762
Operating Leases before Adoption of ASC Topic 842:
2019		$ 72
2020		75
2021		76
2022		68
2023		58
Thereafter		327
Total		$ 676

Change in Carrying Amount of Go

Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,904	$ 3,035
Additions	1,076	2
Foreign currency translation	41	(133)
Ending balance	$ 4,021	$ 2,904

Other Intangible Assets (Schedu

Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,549	$ 1,999
Accumulated Amortization	(1,296)	(1,175)
Net Carrying Amount	1,253	824
Unamortized intangible assets:
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	2,713	2,166
Accumulated Amortization	(1,296)	(1,175)
Net Carrying Amount	1,417	991
Capitalized software
Gross Carrying Amount	1,884	1,514
Accumulated Amortization	(988)	(898)
Net Carrying Amount	896	616
Customer relationships
Gross Carrying Amount	621	439
Accumulated Amortization	(264)	(232)
Net Carrying Amount	357	207
Unamortized intangible assets:
Customer relationships	164	167
Other
Gross Carrying Amount	44	46
Accumulated Amortization	(44)	(45)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 1

Other Intangible Assets (Narrat

Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization expense on intangible assets	$ 285	$ 250	$ 252

Other Intangible Assets (Sche_2

Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
2020	$ 300
2021	243
2022	164
2023	115
2024 and thereafter	431
Net Carrying Amount	$ 1,253	$ 824

Accrued Expenses and Accrued _3

Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Customer and merchant incentives	$ 3,892	$ 3,275
Personnel costs	713	744
Income and other taxes	332	158
Other	552	570
Total accrued expenses	$ 5,489	$ 4,747	$ 4,322	$ 3,931

Accrued Expenses and Accrued _4

Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation Accrued Expenses and Accrued Litigation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued litigation	$ 914	$ 1,591

Pension, Postretirement and S_3

Pension, Postretirement and Savings Plans Narrative (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 410			$ 437
Total expense related to defined contribution plans	$ 127	98	$ 84
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation increase (decrease)	$ 93	$ (30)
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year		6.00%		6.00%	6.00%
Ultimate trend rate		5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2 years	2 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2020					$ 17
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2021					11
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2022					12
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2023					13
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2024					15
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2025-2029					70
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 22			16
Government and agency securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		88			0
Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		184			346
Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		34			0
Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		57			75
Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		25			0
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit Obligation, beginning	$ 57	61
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	2	2	2
Actuarial (gain) loss	9	(2)
Benefits paid	(5)	(5)
Transfers in	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Benefit Obligation, ending	64	57	61
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Actual (loss) gain on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	5	5
Benefits paid	(5)	(5)
Transfers in	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Funded status at end of year		(57)			(64)
Other liabilities, short-term		(3)			(3)
Other liabilities, long-term		(54)			(61)
Total amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet		(57)			(64)
Net actuarial (gain) loss		(7)			2
Prior service credit		(6)			(5)
Balance at end of year		$ (13)			$ (3)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate		4.25%		3.25%	3.25%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase		3.00%		3.00%	3.00%
Expected return on plan assets	0	$ 0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(1)	(2)	(2)
Net periodic benefit cost	2	1	1
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	9	(2)	5
Current year prior service credit	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	1	2	2
Total other comprehensive loss (income)	10	0	7
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 12	$ 1	$ 8
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate	4.25%	3.50%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2020					$ 4
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2021					4
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2022					4
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2023					4
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2024					4
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, 2025-2029					20
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 410	$ 427		518
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit Obligation, beginning	$ 438	468
Service cost	11	9	9
Interest cost	13	12	8
Actuarial (gain) loss	73	(7)
Benefits paid	(15)	(22)
Transfers in	2	1
Foreign currency translation	9	(23)
Benefit Obligation, ending	531	438	468
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Actual (loss) gain on plan assets	79	(8)
Employer contributions	32	33
Benefits paid	(15)	(23)
Transfers in	2	2
Foreign currency translation	10	(21)
Funded status at end of year		(28)			(13)
Other liabilities, short-term		0			0
Other liabilities, long-term		(28)			(13)
Total amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet		(28)			(13)
Net actuarial (gain) loss		(5)			7
Prior service credit		1			1
Balance at end of year		(4)			8
Projected benefit obligation		438			531
Accumulated benefit obligation		430			524
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets					$ 518
Expected return on plan assets	(18)	(20)	(13)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	7	1	4
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	12	17	(22)
Current year prior service credit	0	1	0
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive loss (income)	12	18	(22)
Total net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 19	$ 19	$ (18)
Pension Plan | Other countries
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate		1.80%		0.70%	0.70%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase		2.60%		1.50%	1.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate	1.80%	1.80%	1.60%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Expected return on plan assets	2.10%	3.00%	3.25%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase	1.50%	2.60%	2.59%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 176			$ 169
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		22			16
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Government and agency securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		154			153
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		200			268
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Government and agency securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		88			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		30			193
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		57			75
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		25			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		34			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Government and agency securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		34			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0			0
Investments at Net Asset Value (NAV)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 410			518
Vocalink Plan
Expected future employer contributions				£ 15	$ 19
Vocalink Plan | Non-government fixed income
Plan assets, target allocation (percent)				36.00%	36.00%
Vocalink Plan | Cash and cash equivalents
Plan assets, target allocation (percent)				5.00%	5.00%
Vocalink Plan | Government and agency securities
Plan assets, target allocation (percent)				25.00%	25.00%
Vocalink Plan | Other
Plan assets, target allocation (percent)				9.00%	9.00%
Vocalink Plan | Equity Securities
Plan assets, target allocation (percent)				25.00%	25.00%
Vocalink Plan | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, Discount Rate		3.10%		2.00%	2.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase		4.00%		2.50%	2.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Discount rate	2.00%	2.80%	2.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Expected return on plan assets	3.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine end of year net periodic benefit, Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	3.85%	3.95%
Other | Investments at Net Asset Value (NAV)
Alternative Investment		$ 0			$ 45
Mutual funds | Investments at Net Asset Value (NAV)
Alternative Investment		$ 0			$ 36

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) € in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 03, 2019USD ($)	Nov. 14, 2019USD ($)	May 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)
Less: Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ (73,000,000)					$ (55,000,000)
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	8,527,000,000					6,334,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0					500,000,000
Long-term debt	8,527,000,000					5,834,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2020	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2021	650,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2022	785,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2023	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2024	1,000,000,000
Thereafter	6,165,000,000
Aggregate principal amount	8,600,000,000					6,389,000,000
Commercial Paper Program	6,000,000,000			$ 4,500,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Credit Facility	$ 6,000,000,000			$ 4,500,000,000
Senior Notes | 2029 Notes [Member]
Aggregate Principal Amount					$ 1,000,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	2.95%
Effective Interest Rate	3.03%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 1,000,000,000					0
Senior Notes | 2049 Notes [Member]
Aggregate Principal Amount					$ 1,000,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	3.65%
Effective Interest Rate	3.689%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 1,000,000,000					0
Senior Notes | 2025 Notes [Member]
Aggregate Principal Amount			$ 750,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	2.00%
Effective Interest Rate	2.147%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 750,000,000					0
Senior Notes | 2019 USD Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount	2,750,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 2,724,000,000
Senior Notes | 2028 Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount		$ 500,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	3.50%
Effective Interest Rate	3.598%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 500,000,000					500,000,000
Senior Notes | 2048 Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount		500,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	3.95%
Effective Interest Rate	3.99%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 500,000,000					500,000,000
Senior Notes | 2018 USD Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount		1,000,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		$ 991,000,000
Senior Notes | 2016 issued USD Notes maturing in 2021
Aggregate Principal Amount							$ 650,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	2.00%
Effective Interest Rate	2.236%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 650,000,000					650,000,000
Senior Notes | 2016 issued USD Notes maturing in 2026
Aggregate Principal Amount							750,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	2.95%
Effective Interest Rate	3.044%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 750,000,000					750,000,000
Senior Notes | 2016 issued USD Notes maturing in 2046
Aggregate Principal Amount							600,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	3.80%
Effective Interest Rate	3.893%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 600,000,000					600,000,000
Senior Notes | 2016 USD Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount							$ 2,000,000,000
Senior Notes | 2015 issued Euro Notes maturing in 2022
Aggregate Principal Amount | €								€ 700
Stated Interest Rate	1.10%
Effective Interest Rate	1.265%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 785,000,000					801,000,000
Senior Notes | 2015 issued Euro Notes maturing in 2027
Aggregate Principal Amount | €								800
Stated Interest Rate	2.10%
Effective Interest Rate	2.189%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 896,000,000					916,000,000
Senior Notes | 2015 issued Euro Notes maturing in 2030
Aggregate Principal Amount | €								150
Stated Interest Rate	2.50%
Effective Interest Rate	2.562%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 169,000,000					172,000,000
Senior Notes | 2015 Euro Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount | €								€ 1,650
Senior Notes | 2014 USD Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount									$ 1,500,000,000
Senior Notes | 2014 issued USD Notes maturing in 2019
Aggregate Principal Amount									500,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	2.00%
Effective Interest Rate	2.178%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 0					500,000,000
Senior Notes | 2014 issued USD Notes maturing in 2024
Aggregate Principal Amount									$ 1,000,000,000
Stated Interest Rate	3.375%
Effective Interest Rate	3.484%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 1,000,000,000					$ 1,000,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 1.39	$ 1.08	$ 0.91
Annual dividends declared		$ 1,408	$ 1,120	$ 967
Mastercard Foundation
Required Disbursement by charitable entity	3.50%
Class A Common Stock | Mastercard Foundation
Issuance and donation of shares	135

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Classes of Capital Stock) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Public Investors (Class A Stockholders)
Equity Ownership	87.80%	88.00%
General Voting Power	88.80%	89.00%
Principal or Affiliate Members (Class B Stockholders)
Equity Ownership	1.10%	1.10%
General Voting Power	0.00%	0.00%
The MasterCard Foundation (Class A Stockholders)
Equity Ownership	11.10%	10.90%
General Voting Power	11.20%	11.00%
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Authorized Shares	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Authorized Shares	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.0001
Preferred Stock, Authorized Shares	300,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Schedul_2

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Share Repurchase Authorizations) (Details) - Class A Common Stock - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			13 Months Ended	25 Months Ended	37 Months Ended	49 Months Ended	61 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization	$ 26,500	$ 26,500			$ 26,500	$ 26,500	$ 26,500	$ 26,500	$ 26,500
Dollar-value of shares repurchased		6,497	$ 4,933	$ 3,762
Remaining authorization	8,304	$ 8,304	$ 6,801	$ 5,234	8,304	8,304	8,304	8,304	$ 8,304
Shares repurchased		26.4	26.2	30.1					114
Average price paid per share		$ 245.89	$ 188.26	$ 125.05					$ 159.68
December 2015 Share Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization											$ 4,000
Dollar-value of shares repurchased		$ 0	$ 0	$ 996
Remaining authorization	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	0	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Shares repurchased		0	0	9.1				40.4
Average price paid per share		$ 0	$ 0	$ 109.16				$ 99.10
December 2016 Share Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization										$ 4,000
Dollar-value of shares repurchased		$ 0	$ 1,234	$ 2,766
Remaining authorization	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,234	0	0	$ 0	$ 0	0
Shares repurchased		0	7.2	21			28.2
Average price paid per share		$ 0	$ 171.11	$ 131.97			$ 141.99
December 2017 Share Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization				$ 4,000
Dollar-value of shares repurchased		$ 301	$ 3,699
Remaining authorization	0	$ 0	$ 301	$ 4,000	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	0
Shares repurchased		1.6	19			20.6
Average price paid per share		$ 188.38	$ 194.77			$ 194.27
December 2018 Share Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization			$ 6,500
Dollar-value of shares repurchased		$ 6,196
Remaining authorization	304	$ 304	$ 6,500		$ 304	$ 304	304	304	304
Shares repurchased		24.8			24.8
Average price paid per share		$ 249.58	$ 0		$ 249.58
December 2019 Share Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board Authorization	8,000	$ 8,000			$ 8,000	8,000	8,000	8,000	8,000
Remaining authorization	$ 8,000	$ 8,000			$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000
Average price paid per share	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity Statement

Stockholders' Equity Statement of Changes in Common Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended			61 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Purchases of treasury stock	(26.4)	(26.2)	(30.1)	(114)
Common Stock | Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance	1,018.6	1,039.7	1,062.4
Purchases of treasury stock	(26.4)	(26.2)	(30.1)
Share-based payments	3.2	2.8	2.2
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock	0.6	2.3	5.2
Balance	996	1,018.6	1,039.7	996
Common Stock | Class B Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance	11.8	14.1	19.3
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock	(0.6)	(2.3)	(5.2)
Balance	11.2	11.8	14.1	11.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,418	$ 5,497	$ 5,684
Other comprehensive income (loss)	45	(221)	427
Ending balance	5,917	5,418	5,497
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(661)	(382)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	23	(279)
Ending balance	(638)	(661)	(382)
Translation Adjustments on Net Investment Hedge
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(66)	(141)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28	75
Ending balance	(38)	(66)	(141)
Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11	0
Ending balance	11	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	10	25
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(19)	(15)
Ending balance	(9)	10	25
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1)	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2	(2)
Ending balance	1	(1)	1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(718)	(497)
Ending balance	$ (673)	$ (718)	$ (497)

Share-Based Payments (Details)

Share-Based Payments (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserve for future issuance		116
Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 34
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years		2 years 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 180
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years		1 year 9 months 18 days
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Performance Shares | Vesting period for retirement or disability
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 months	7 months
Performance Shares | Minimum vesting from date of retirement eligibility
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 months	7 months
Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 13
Period over which unrecognized cost will be recognized, in years		1 year 9 months 18 days

Share-Based Payments (Schedule

Share-Based Payments (Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Valuation of Awards) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free rate of return	2.60%	2.70%	2.00%
Expected term (in years)	6 years	6 years	5 years
Expected volatility	19.60%	19.70%	19.30%
Expected dividend yield	0.60%	0.60%	0.80%
Weighted-average fair value per option granted	$ 53.09	$ 40.90	$ 21.23
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years

Share-Based Payments (Summary o

Share-Based Payments (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at January 1, 2019		7.6
Options granted		0.9
Options exercised		(1.8)
Options forfeited/expired		(0.1)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2019		6.6
Options exercisable at December 31, 2019		3.9
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		6.6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding at January 1, 2019		$ 93
Weighted-average exercise price, options granted		227
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercised		71
Weighted-average exercise price, options forfeited/expired		148
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding at December 31, 2019		117
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at December 31, 2019		86
Weighted-average exercise price, options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		$ 116
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options outstanding at December 31, 2019, in years		6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable at December 31, 2019, in years		5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019, in years		6 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding at December 31, 2019		$ 1,206
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at December 31, 2019		836
Aggregate intrinsic value, options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		1,200
Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Vesting period for retirement or disability | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 months	7 months

Share-Based Payments (Summary_2

Share-Based Payments (Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 180
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 9 months 18 days
Outstanding at January 1, 2019		3.7
Granted		1
Converted		(1.6)
Forfeited		(0.2)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		2.9	3.7
Units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		2.8
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at January 1, 2019		$ 117
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted		226	$ 171	$ 112
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted		93
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited/expired		154
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019		166	$ 117
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		$ 165
Aggregate intrinsic value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019		$ 852
Aggregate intrinsic value, units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		$ 824
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Performance stock units
Outstanding at January 1, 2019		0.6
Granted		0.1
Converted		(0.4)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		0.5	0.6
Units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		0.5
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at January 1, 2019		$ 120
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted		231	$ 226	$ 126
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted		92
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019		167	$ 120
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		$ 167
Aggregate intrinsic value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019		$ 162
Aggregate intrinsic value, units vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019		$ 162
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 34
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Minimum vesting from date of retirement eligibility | Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 months	7 months

Share-Based Payments (Summary_3

Share-Based Payments (Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount	$ 34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 3 months 18 days
Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount	$ 13
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Performance stock units
Outstanding at January 1, 2019	0.6
Granted	0.1
Converted	(0.4)
Other	0.2
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	0.5	0.6
RSUs units expected to vest at December 31, 2019	0.5
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at January 1, 2019	$ 120
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	231	$ 226	$ 126
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, converted	92
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, other	126
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019	167	$ 120
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, units expected to vest at December 31, 2019	$ 167
Aggregate intrinsic value, units outstanding at December 31, 2019	$ 162
Aggregate intrinsic value, units expected to vest at December 31, 2019	$ 162

Share-Based Payments Schedule o

Share-Based Payments Schedule of Additional Share-Based Payment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense: Options, RSUs and PSUs	$ 250	$ 196	$ 176
Income tax benefit recognized for equity awards	53	41	57
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit	69	53	36
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 317	$ 242	$ 106
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted	$ 226	$ 171	$ 112
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock	$ 394	$ 194	$ 131
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted	$ 231	$ 226	$ 126
Total intrinsic value of units converted into shares of Class A common stock	$ 85	$ 40	$ 13

Commitments Narrative (Details)

Commitments Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future minimum payments operating leases, sponsorship, licensing and other agreements, accrued	$ 20

Commitments Future Minimum Paym

Commitments Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Agreements (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Sponsorship, Licensing & Other
2020	$ 404
2021	224
2022	132
2023	42
2024	17
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 819

Income Taxes Narrative (Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2010	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
U.S. foreign tax credits1		$ 145	$ 0
Effective income tax rate		16.60%	18.70%	40.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount				$ 873
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				825
Other foreign tax credit benefits		$ 27	$ 90
Income tax expense		1,613	1,345	2,607
Transition Tax		(30)	22	629
Effective income Tax Rate On Taxable Income In Excess Of Base Amount Period In Effect	10 years
Impact Of Incentive Grant Received Reducing Income Tax Liability Value		$ 300	$ 212	$ 104
Earning Per Share Diluted Impact Of Incentive Grant Received Reducing Income Tax Liability		$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.10
Foreign Earnings Repatriated		$ 2,500	$ 3,300
Foreign Earnings Expected to be Repatriated		3,500	2,500
Earnings permanently reinvested		800
Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the effective tax rate		203
Net tax-related interest payable		$ 13	$ 8
Foregone foreign tax credit benefit on current year repatriations
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Income tax expense				$ 48

Income Taxes Schedule of Domest

Income Taxes Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 4,213	$ 3,510	$ 3,482
Foreign	5,518	3,694	3,040
Income before income taxes	$ 9,731	$ 7,204	$ 6,522

Income Taxes Components of Inco

Income Taxes Components of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current
Federal	$ 642	$ 649	$ 1,704
State and local	81	69	65
Foreign	897	871	752
Current	1,620	1,589	2,521
Deferred
Federal	40	(228)	134
State and local	0	(11)	1
Foreign	(47)	(5)	(49)
Deferred	(7)	(244)	86
Income tax expense	$ 1,613	$ 1,345	$ 2,607

Income Taxes Schedule of Effect

Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amount
Income before income taxes	$ 9,731	$ 7,204	$ 6,522
Federal statutory tax	2,044	1,513	2,283
State tax effect, net of federal benefit	65	46	43
Foreign tax effect	(208)	(92)	(380)
European Commission fine	0	194	0
Foreign tax credits	(32)	(110)	(27)
Transition Tax	(30)	22	629
Remeasurement of deferred taxes	0	(7)	157
Windfall benefit	(129)	(72)	(43)
Other, net	(97)	(149)	(55)
Income tax expense	$ 1,613	$ 1,345	$ 2,607
Percent
Federal statutory tax	21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
State tax effect, net of federal benefit	0.70%	0.60%	0.70%
Foreign tax effect	(2.10%)	(1.30%)	(5.80%)
European Commission fine	0.00%	2.70%	0.00%
Foreign tax credits	(0.30%)	(1.50%)	(0.40%)
Transition Tax	(0.003)	0.003	0.096
Remeasurement of deferred taxes	0.00%	(0.10%)	2.40%
Windfall benefit	(1.30%)	(1.00%)	(0.70%)
Other, net	(1.10%)	(2.00%)	(0.80%)
Income tax expense	16.60%	18.70%	40.00%
Foreign Earnings Repatriated	$ (2,500)	$ (3,300)
Other foreign tax credit benefits	27	90
Foreign Earnings Expected to be Repatriated	$ 3,500	$ 2,500

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferr

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$ 354	$ 297
Compensation and benefits	214	210
State taxes and other credits	41	30
Net operating losses	119	104
U.S. foreign tax credits1	145	0
Intangible assets	157	170
Other items	94	115
Less: Valuation allowance	(205)	(94)
Total Deferred Tax Assets	919	832
Prepaid expenses and other accruals	83	89
Intangible assets	187	125
Property, plant and equipment	128	97
Other items	63	18
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	461	329
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 458	$ 503

Income Taxes Reconciliation of

Income Taxes Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 164	$ 183	$ 169
Current year tax positions	22	23	21
Prior year tax positions	37	5	9
Prior year tax positions	(11)	(17)	(1)
Settlements with tax authorities	(2)	(18)	(4)
Expired statute of limitations	(7)	(12)	(11)
Ending balance	$ 203	$ 164	$ 183

Legal and Regulatory Proceedi_2

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (Details) € in Millions, £ in Billions

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

30 Months Ended

92 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2019EUR (€)

Jul. 31, 2018claimant

Jan. 31, 2017claimant

Oct. 31, 2011plaintiff

Feb. 28, 2011

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)faxclaimant

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)faxclaimant

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2019claimant

Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Legal And Regulatory

Loss Contingency, Unsolicited Advertisements | fax

381,000

381,000

Provision for litigation

$ 0

$ 1,128,000,000

$ 15,000,000

Cash paid for legal settlements

668,000,000

260,000,000

47,000,000

Accrued litigation

$ 914,000,000

914,000,000

1,591,000,000

$ 914,000,000

Restricted cash for litigation settlement

584,000,000

584,000,000

553,000,000

584,000,000

Increase in Restricted Cash

84,000,000

$ 108,000,000

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Per Claim

500

Event Involving Visa Parties, Member Banks and Mastercard

Legal And Regulatory

Percent of settlement Mastercard would pay

12.00%

Event Involving Member Banks and Mastercard

Legal And Regulatory

Percent of settlement Mastercard would pay

36.00%

Canadian Competition Bureau

Legal And Regulatory

Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)

5,000,000,000

Canadian Merchant Litigation

Legal And Regulatory

Provision for litigation

$ 15,000,000

U.S. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement

Legal And Regulatory

Accrued litigation

$ 914,000,000

$ 914,000,000

914,000,000

$ 914,000,000

Maximum | U.S. Merchant Litigation - Class Litigation

Legal And Regulatory

Percentage of Opt Out Merchants to Terminate

25.00%

25.00%

25.00%

U.S. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement

Legal And Regulatory

Provision for litigation

237,000,000

European Commission

Legal And Regulatory

Provision for litigation

654,000,000

Cash paid for legal settlements | €

€ 571

Proposed U.K. Interchange Collective Action

Legal And Regulatory

Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)

£ 14

$ 17,000,000,000

U.K. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement

Legal And Regulatory

Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)

£ 3

$ 4,000,000,000

Loss Contingency, Damages Resolved, Value

£ 2

$ 3,000,000,000

U.K. Merchant Lawsuit Settlement and Pan-European Merchant Litigation [Domain]

Legal And Regulatory

Provision for litigation

$ 237,000,000

U.K. Merchant claimants

Legal And Regulatory

Number of claimants in case | claimant

10

Number of plaintiffs in case | claimant

10

ATM Operators Complaint

Legal And Regulatory

Amount of damages sought (that exceeds)

$ 1,000,000,000

Number of claimants in case | plaintiff

13

Number of plaintiffs in case | plaintiff

13

Appealing judgment | U.K. Merchant claimants

Legal And Regulatory

Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant

3

Judicial Ruling | 2016 U.K. Merchant Claimants | Unfavorable Regulatory Action

Legal And Regulatory

Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant

1

1

Judicial Ruling | 2017 U.K. Merchant Claimants

Legal And Regulatory

Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant

3

Judicial Ruling | 2017 U.K. Merchant Claimants | Unfavorable Regulatory Action

Legal And Regulatory

Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | claimant

2

Settlement and Other Risk Man_3

Settlement and Other Risk Management Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]
Travelers cheques outstanding, notional value	$ 367	$ 377
Travelers cheques covered by collateral arrangements	$ 290	$ 297

Settlement and Other Risk Man_4

Settlement and Other Risk Management Estimated Settlement Exposure and Portion of Uncollateralized Settlement Exposure for MasterCard-Branded Transactions (Details) - Guarantee Obligations - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross settlement exposure	$ 55,800	$ 49,666
Collateral held for settlement exposure	(4,772)	(4,711)
Net uncollateralized settlement exposure	$ 51,028	$ 44,955

Derivative and Hedging Instru_3

Derivative and Hedging Instruments Classification of Outstanding Forward Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Forward contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency - Balance sheet location - Accounts receivable	$ 12	$ 35
Other Current Liabilities
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Forward contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency - Balance sheet location - Other current liabilities	(32)	(6)
Commitments to purchase foreign currency | Foreign Exchange Forward
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Notional	185	34
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Estimated Fair Value	3	(1)
Commitments to sell foreign currency | Foreign Exchange Forward
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Notional	1,506	1,066
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Estimated Fair Value	(25)	26
Commitments to sell foreign currency | Foreign Exchange Option
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Notional	21	25
Commitments to purchase/sell foreign currency, Estimated Fair Value	$ 2	$ 4

Derivative and Hedging Instru_4

Derivative and Hedging Instruments Foreign Exchange Risk Management (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Terms of the foreign currency forward contracts	18 months
Net foreign currency transaction pre-tax loss in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 84
Cash flow hedges	14	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign exchange contracts | General and Administrative
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Gain (loss) for contracts to purchase and sell foreign currency	(39)	$ 53	$ (75)
Net Investment Hedging
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Euro-denominated debt designated as hedge of net investment in European foreign operations denominated in euros | €				€ 1,650
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Notional amount	1,000
Cash flow hedges	$ 14

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	$ 1,828	$ 1,296	$ 921	$ 829
United States
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	1,147		613	572
Other countries
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, by Geographical Segment
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net	$ 681		$ 308	$ 257

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Percentage of revenue generated in the U.S.	32.00%	33.00%	35.00%

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Un_3

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 4,414	$ 4,467	$ 4,113	$ 3,889	$ 3,807	$ 3,898	$ 3,665	$ 3,580	$ 16,883	$ 14,950	$ 12,497
Operating income	2,399	2,655	2,397	2,213	1,234	2,287	1,936	1,825	9,664	7,282	6,622
Net income	$ 2,100	$ 2,108	$ 2,048	$ 1,862	$ 899	$ 1,899	$ 1,569	$ 1,492	$ 8,118	$ 5,859	$ 3,915
Basic Earnings per Share	$ 2.08	$ 2.08	$ 2.01	$ 1.81	$ 0.87	$ 1.83	$ 1.50	$ 1.42	$ 7.98	$ 5.63	$ 3.67
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	1,008	1,013	1,020	1,026	1,032	1,037	1,043	1,051	1,017	1,041	1,067
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.07	$ 2.07	$ 2	$ 1.80	$ 0.87	$ 1.82	$ 1.50	$ 1.41	$ 7.94	$ 5.60	$ 3.65
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	1,013	1,019	1,025	1,032	1,038	1,043	1,049	1,057	1,022	1,047	1,072

Uncategorized Items - ma1231201

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 366,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (183,000,000)