Changes to Mastercard checkout sound and animation rules

From August 7, 2023, if you use or would like to use any sound or animation on your online checkout, you must uphold new standards that are being introduced by Mastercard. These rules only apply if you are already using or would like to use the sound and animation, and don’t apply in the US regions or territories.

What’s changing?

You will be required to use the Mastercard checkout sound and animation for any Mastercard or Maestro approved transaction if you are using any other sound or animation relating to other payment options.

The checkout sound and / or animation must be played / displayed as prominently as any other sound or animation associated with another payment option, with the same frequency, sound quality, volume, image quality, size, color, treatment and location.

These changes allow for brand parity within the checkout experience.

When using the sound or displaying the animation it must:

• Be played or displayed unaltered, in full, as obtained from Mastercard here
• Be played or displayed as soon as possible following completion or approval of a transaction. This is applicable in all environments, whether it be a digital, voice (MOTO) or mobile transaction
• Play the sound and animation simultaneously if you are using both
• Be played separately from any other pre-existing sound or animation, including any other sound and / or animation associated with another payment option that is played or displayed
• Not be displayed during any other transaction stages, including, but not limited to, a decline or a request for card removal
• Not delay the notification of transaction approval to play the sound or display the animation
• Be played to the highest possible sound quality supported and be displayed in the highest possible definition supported