| Although MasterCard introduced the Maestro card in | | | | see the Maestro name posted anywhere. The card |
| 1992, the process of using this card is new to some. | | | | should be given to the sales associate at the time of |
| Maestro is an international debit card service that | | | | the transaction, where the card is swiped just like any |
| allows cardholders to access funds from a bank | | | | other major credit card. Some merchants will allow a |
| account all over the world. These cards can be linked | | | | customer to receive cash back as part of the |
| directly to a specific bank account or they can be | | | | transaction. Each card has a personal identification |
| loaded with prepaid funds that can be used until the | | | | number (PIN) associated with it to ensure security and |
| funds are depleted. This new card has made both | | | | fraud protection for the card user. The Maestro card |
| international travel and international money transfers | | | | can also be used at many ATM machines to access |
| much easier than ever before. | | | | cash. |
| One of the benefits of the Maestro card is the fact | | | | Maestro is commonly accepted by retailers, at grocery |
| that it can be used in so many different places. The | | | | stores, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, and various |
| cards can be used to redeem cash or purchase | | | | other types of businesses. The card can also be used |
| goods and services in over 100 countries today. | | | | to purchase goods on the Internet, as it is being |
| Currently, the card is accepted in nearly a million | | | | accepted by more and more online retailers. A great |
| different locations in the United Kingdom alone. | | | | deal of time and money have been spent improving |
| Maestro cards can also be used in places such as | | | | the security features associated with completing |
| Australia, where it is a part of the EFTPOS program | | | | financial transactions via the Internet, making shopping |
| and associated with the Commonwealth Bank. In | | | | online with the Maestro safer and easier than ever. |
| Venezuela, the card is the leading banking card, and in | | | | One of the benefits of the Maestro card is that it is no |
| Brazil the popular Redeshop services is currently | | | | longer necessary to carry large amounts of cash or |
| undergoing a brand name change, to be replaced by | | | | travelers checks to complete transactions. Carrying a |
| Maestro. In the United States, the Maestro card can be | | | | Pin-protected card is a much safer proposition in just |
| used on the Cirrus network, also owned by | | | | about any situation, and because the card is accepted |
| MasterCard. | | | | in so many places worldwide, cardholders will generally |
| The key to determining whether or not a this new | | | | have access to funds when they are needed. Cards |
| card can be used in a particular location is to look for | | | | such as the Maestro card are making money |
| the Maestro logo in the window or near the cashier. | | | | transfers a simple and safe process compared too |
| Sometimes the label will not be clearly displayed, so be | | | | many of the alternatives. |
| sure to ask if the card can be accepted if you don't | | | | |