ICBA Payments, the dedicated payments subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), has unveiled a transformative new partnership with global payments leader Mastercard. The collaboration is set to revolutionize the card and payment services available to nearly 1,400 community banks nationwide, enabling them to elevate their customer offerings and modernize payment ecosystems.
With this new alliance, ICBA Payments is equipping its member banks with enhanced tools to strengthen their card programs, improve user experiences, and embrace the future of digital banking. The agreement positions Mastercard as a key strategic partner, providing advanced features and turnkey support to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition for all participating institutions.
“Today, we’re not only upgrading payments but also investing in the future of our local communities,” ICBA Payments CEO Jacob Eisen said. “By partnering with Mastercard, we’re equipping our member banks with innovative, secure, and cost-effective solutions that empower them to support and grow the neighborhoods they serve. Together, we are paving the way for stronger local economies and enduring customer relationships.”
Enhanced Features to Drive Cardholder Value
As part of this strategic rollout, Mastercard will take on the full responsibility of managing cardholder communications and marketing outreach during the migration process. The initiative includes the deployment of tailor-made marketing materials, co-branded campaigns, and engagement strategies designed to boost cardholder activity and deepen customer relationships for community banks.
The upgraded Mastercard program will come at zero cost to ICBA Payments’ member banks. New enhancements will include:
Contactless Card Capabilities
Tokenization Support for Digital Wallet Integration
Adoption of Industry-Standard 8-Digit BINs
Optimized Business BIN Management for Efficiency and Compliance
Empowering Community Banks for the Digital Era
This pivotal move aligns with ICBA Payments’ mission to drive innovation, deliver payments education, and advocate for the evolving needs of community banks across the U.S. By partnering with Mastercard, ICBA Payments is offering banks a competitive edge in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
“At Mastercard, we believe that the heart of economic progress lies in the strength of local communities, said Marie Elizabeth Aloisi, executive vice president, US Market Development, Mastercard. “This is where we share likeminded values with ICBA Payments, working to bring more people and businesses into the digital economy. Together, we are enabling community banks to drive financial empowerment, foster local growth, and create a more connected and resilient future for every community they serve.”
A Powerful Payments Network Backed by Strong Numbers
ICBA Payments currently supports an expansive payments network, representing over $43 billion in credit and debit transactions annually, more than $918 million in outstanding balances, and a total of 10 million cards issued. These figures firmly place ICBA Payments among the top 10 debit card issuers and the top 30 credit card issuers across the United States.
As the payments landscape continues to evolve, this collaboration between ICBA Payments and Mastercard marks a significant milestone in advancing community banking. The new services will empower banks to meet customer expectations, deliver convenience through digital innovation, and enhance operational efficiency—all while staying ahead in a highly competitive market.
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