Reminder – network tokens incentives and fees
Network tokens are the engine behind many modern payment innovations, and while the core benefit is security–the replacement of the raw card number with secure network tokens, the technology is also helping to power sharper and more accurate issuer decision making.
Together with card schemes, we see the transition to network tokens accelerating globally. We’re committed to keeping you informed about mandates designed to incentivize adoption.
Mastercard network token requirement in MENA and countries in Europe
On January 1 last year, Mastercard mandated network tokens for domestic transactions in the whole MENA region and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
From October 1, 2026, they’ll require Credential On File transactions to be processed with Network Tokens in the Europe region, excluding for the above countries where network tokens are already mandated, unless the issuer declines the token transaction, there is no active token available, or an attempt to tokenize failed.
From January 1, 2029, they’ll also require network tokens for cross-border transactions in the MENA region and countries listed above. We’ll be in touch closer to the time to help you with your transition.
Mastercard Digital Assurance Fee in the Asia Pacific region
On July 7 last year, Mastercard updated its fees for card on file transactions in the APAC region (excluding Australia and New Zealand). Any card on file transactions without a network token in these countries will incur a 4bps fee.
Mastercard Digital Integrity Fee in the UAE
To further incentivize network tokens in the UAE, Mastercard will introduce a new 5bps fee for all ecommerce transactions not processed with network tokens on January 4, 2027.
Visa Secure Credential Framework in Europe
On October 1 last year, Visa updated its Secure Credential Framework fees in Europe to 7.5bps for any domestic or intraregional approved authorizations processed without network tokens or 3DS (excluding MOTO and Visa Direct).
Visa PAN Integrity Fee in the UAE
Visa is also incentivizing network token adoption in the UAE with a new 5bps PAN Integrity Fee for credential on file transactions processed without network tokens. This will take effect from October 17, 2026.
You can read more details on these fee changes in our pricing and interchange updates.
What this means for your business
The message is clear. Network tokens are rapidly becoming the global standard for online payment processing.
The transition will take time, and we’re committed to being a proactive partner, offering managed and standalone network token solutions that share tokens on your behalf with the schemes and across platforms.
To find out more about how network tokens can increase your approval rates and reduce fraud, speak to your Account Manager or raise a request through our webform. We’ll be happy to help.