Mastercard Launches Access Pass for Exclusive Fan Perks

Payments giant Mastercard announced the launch of Mastercard Access Pass yesterday, November 25. In its press release, the company said that Access Pass will enable partners to forge deeper connections with consumers through tailored experiences and exclusive perks.

What Is Access Pass, And What Does It Mean For Cardholders?

Mastercard explained that Access Pass is a new program that will empower issuers and partners and help them establish better connections with their customers. The program is launching first with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in the UAE, seeking to connect consumers with the brands they love. 

The statement also hinted that additional regions, partners, and benefits are to come in the future.

Mastercard Access Pass works by overlaying digital designs and special benefits onto existing debit, credit, or prepaid cards with a single click of a button. This will let users keep their current cards and benefits, while adding a whole new layer of extra perks on top of them.

For example, cardholders will be able to add unique card art to their digital wallet and access other special benefits instantly, all with just a few taps. 

With the platform launching for consumers first with the McLaren Racing Mastercard Pass, FAB cardholders will be the first to get access to limited-edition card art. On top of that, they also get to enjoy perks like a McLaren Plus membership, access to events, experiences, and merchandise, and more, which is to come in the future.

Mastercard also noted that Pass holders will be entitled to premium insider content, which will take fans behind the scenes and let them get closer to the team. 

Mastercard Tightens Its Relationship With McLaren

It is worth noting that the introduction of the McLaren Racing Mastercard Pass came shortly after the announcement that Mastercard would be the team’s Official Naming Partner starting in 2026. 

Commenting on the move, Mastercard’s chief product officer, Jorn Lambert, said that with Mastercard Access Pass, the company has created a seamless digital gateway to the passions that matter most to its cardholders. 

“Together with incredible partners like the McLaren Formula 1 Team and FAB, we’re delivering exclusive experiences – starting in the UAE and expanding globally,” Lambert noted, adding that sports unite people like nothing else, since they can replace their car or change their home, but the team they support is forever.

Meanwhile, McLaren Racing’s chief marketing officer, Louise McEwan, said: Alongside Mastercard, we’re passionate about bringing people even closer to the McLaren team. Through this exciting activation, we’re offering unique access to the McLaren universe and creating new opportunities for fans in the UAE to strengthen their connection with us and our partnership with Mastercard.”