Beyond by RS2 Achieves Principal Issuing Member Status with Mastercard in Europe

In a significant development for the payments landscape in Europe, Beyond by RS2, the innovation arm of RS2 Financial Services, has secured principal issuing member status with Mastercard. This prestigious designation empowers the company to directly introduce and manage payment card programs across the European region, placing it in elite company alongside other firms enjoying full issuing privileges.

This new capacity enables Beyond by RS2 to assist a diverse range of clients—including corporations, banks, retailers, and fintech companies—in the establishment and expansion of their card programs. By acquiring this status, the company has enhanced its offerings to include BIN sponsorship, which allows businesses to launch card schemes without a standalone license.

Beyond by RS2 is now positioned to deliver co-branded card solutions tailored for various organizations, from sports clubs to retail establishments. Their expansive portfolio of card products encompasses credit, debit, commercial, and prepaid cards, available in both digital and physical formats, and compatible with major mobile payment platforms like Google Pay and Apple Pay.

The company not only provides a wealth of card products but also ensures comprehensive program management, which includes the creation of branded cards, customer service, fraud monitoring, and adherence to regulatory compliance—facilitating swift and secure service delivery throughout the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

With these issuing capabilities complementing its existing acquiring and processing services, Beyond by RS2 now offers a unified payments solution that is particularly advantageous for organizations aiming to enter or expand their footprint within the dynamic payments sector.

Commenting on this milestone, RS2 Financial Services CEO Jens Mahlke expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Achieving Mastercard principal issuing status marks an exciting new chapter for Beyond by RS2. We can now aid our clients in launching innovative payment products to market more efficiently, from co-branded cards to full-service issuing, all while providing the confidence that comes from operating under our regulated framework.”

In a separate but related note, Visa and Mastercard are reportedly nearing a resolution concerning a long-standing legal dispute with merchants. Citing familiar sources, The Wall Street Journal indicates that this settlement may lead to a reduction in existing credit card interchange fees—typically ranging from 2% to 2.5%—by approximately 0.1% over several years, while also relaxing current requirements mandating merchants to accept all cards from any given network.

This development encapsulates the evolving landscape of payment solutions and the competitive drive toward consumer-friendly practices amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Source: Electronic Payments International

Source: finance.yahoo.com/news/beyond-rs2-gains-principal-mastercard-091455165.html