Ant International’s WorldFirst has unveiled World Card to simplify payment for global commerce.
Takeaway Points
- Ant WorldFirst has launched World Card.
- The aim is to simplify payment for global commerce.
- World Card has global coverage across regions and uses scenarios, security, transparency, and centralized multi-card management.
- Customers can pay for things they bought with a World Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- A physical World Card is coming in 2025.
- The physical card will have the digital version’s benefits, including multi-currency support.
Global Payment Solution
Ant International’s WorldFirst—an all-in-one digital cross-border payment and treasury account service for global businesses—on Tuesday announced that it has launched World Card, a Mastercard-enabled virtual card solution designed to help SMEs grow by simplifying global transactions and lowering operational expenses.
Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst and vice president of Ant International, commented, “WorldFirst enables business growth by delivering solutions featuring global coverage, secure transactions and operational efficiency—essential foundations for SMEs’ success in today’s digital economy. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Mastercard and industry leaders to pioneer innovative solutions like World Card, empowering SMEs and drive inclusive growth.”
Jane Prokop, executive vice president and global head of small and medium enterprises at Mastercard, said, “With the launch of the World Card, WorldFirst and Mastercard are giving ambitious businesses a smarter way to manage spending. Today’s small businesses often have global ambitions, but outdated payment processes can hold them back. The new solution offers the ease, security, and international reach they need to scale without borders. Together, we’re helping them simplify operations, stay on top of spending, and expand into new markets.”
The WorldFirst Report
A Deloitte-WorldFirst report revealed that small businesses face many challenges to capitalize on the broad industry potential, including high entry barriers, rising operational costs, and fierce competition.
About the World Card
According to the report, World Card has global coverage across regions and use scenarios, security, transparent and centralized multi-card management.
Customers can pay for things they bought with a World Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, in over 150 currencies across 210+ countries and regions. The service covers most recurring business scenarios, starting from digital marketing on e-commerce sites, software subscriptions, and shipping and logistics, the firm said.
The Physical World Card
Ant International explained that a physical World Card that will enable in-person transactions while serving as a backup when digital payments aren’t possible is coming in 2025. The physical card will have the digital version’s benefits, including multi-currency support, cashback, and security through unified platform management, while ensuring compatibility with chip-card POS terminals.
About WorldFirst
WorldFirst offers cross-border payments and treasury services through its global business account, empowering growth for SMEs in e-commerce, trade, and the broad platform economy. WorldFirst simplifies key financial operations, including international payments, collections, currency conversions, and treasury management, all in a one-stop account. Leveraging the technological strengths of its parent company, Ant International, WorldFirst delivers industry-leading transaction security and reliability. WorldFirst has supported over one million customers, enabling payments in 100+ currencies across more than 200 countries and regions.
