MasterCard wants no bias

MasterCard wants no bias

JAKARTA (JP): MasterCard International reminded merchants on
Tuesday that they should not reject credit cards based on their
place of issuance.

MasterCard International's senior vice president and general
manager for Southeast Asia, Donald Van Stone, said there should
be no discrimination against cards from Indonesia, Malaysia and
Thailand, all hard-hit by the economic crisis.

"During this difficult time, merchants must be reminded that
it is their responsibility to accept MasterCard payment cards
without prejudice," Van Stone said.

"As a global payment company, MasterCard International
ultimately guarantees settlement payments for MasterCard
transactions among its member financial institutions."

For Indonesia-specific queries, MasterCard said its staff in
Jakarta and its Singapore help desk were available during
business hours. Cardholders with concerns are advised to contact
5153426 in Jakarta or 65-3906010 in Singapore. (rid)