Ant International’s WorldFirst Launches World Card: A Game Changer for Global Payments

April 17, 2025, 4:51 am
Ant Group
Ant Group
ActiveAppFinTechInternetITManagementOnlinePlatformServiceSociety
Location: China, Zhejiang, Hangzhou City
Employees: 10001+
WorldFirst
WorldFirst
BusinessCommerceExchangeFastFinTechGrowthITMarketplaceMovingPlatform
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 2004
Deloitte
Deloitte
AssistedBusinessFinTechFirmNewsPagePersonalReligiousServiceSociety
Location: Guatemala, Guatemala Department, Guatemala City
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1845
Mastercard
Mastercard
Location: United States, New York, Town of Harrison
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 1966
In a world where commerce knows no borders, Ant International’s WorldFirst has stepped up to the plate. On April 16, 2025, they unveiled the World Card, a virtual payment solution designed to simplify global transactions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This launch is not just a product; it’s a lifeline for businesses eager to navigate the complex waters of international trade.

The World Card is a Mastercard-enabled virtual card that aims to empower SMEs by streamlining their payment processes. In an era where e-commerce is projected to reach a staggering USD 12.9 trillion by 2032, the timing couldn’t be better. Yet, many small businesses face hurdles—high entry barriers, rising operational costs, and fierce competition. The World Card is here to tackle these challenges head-on.

Imagine a tool that allows you to pay for goods and services anywhere Mastercard is accepted, in over 150 currencies across more than 210 countries. That’s the promise of the World Card. It’s like having a universal key that unlocks doors to global markets. With this card, businesses can engage in digital marketing, manage software subscriptions, and handle logistics—all without the headache of complicated payment systems.

One of the standout features of the World Card is its global coverage. SMEs can conduct transactions seamlessly, eliminating the fear of foreign exchange fees for cross-border payments in 15 major currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and Chinese yuan. This feature is akin to having a safety net that allows businesses to leap into new markets without the fear of falling.

Security is another cornerstone of the World Card. With the highest level of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, it employs advanced transaction verification methods like 3DS and AVS. Think of it as a fortress protecting your financial transactions. Round-the-clock real-time assistance and customizable spending limits further enhance security, ensuring that businesses can operate with peace of mind.

But the World Card doesn’t stop at security. It offers transparent and centralized multi-card management. Businesses can create multiple cards to segment their expenses, all tracked in one central dashboard. This feature is like having a financial control tower, providing precise oversight of expenditures. The ability to manage spending effectively is crucial for SMEs looking to grow without losing sight of their financial health.

Moreover, the World Card introduces a cashback rewards program. This feature incentivizes businesses to use the card for eligible payments, helping them save while they spend. It’s a small but significant way to foster growth, allowing businesses to reinvest their savings back into their operations.

The World Card is designed to complement WorldFirst’s flagship product, the World Account. This account encompasses international payment, collection, foreign exchange conversion, and treasury management—all from a single platform. It’s a one-stop shop for businesses looking to streamline their financial operations.

Looking ahead, the World Card will be rolled out across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa in 2025. It will also support popular payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it even more accessible for users. A physical version of the World Card is also on the horizon, set to launch later this year. This card will enable in-person transactions and serve as a backup when digital payments aren’t feasible. It retains all the benefits of the virtual card, ensuring compatibility with point-of-sale chip-card terminals.

The collaboration between WorldFirst and Mastercard is a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing how SMEs manage their finances. With outdated payment processes often holding businesses back, the World Card offers a modern solution that combines ease, security, and international reach. It’s a powerful tool for businesses with global ambitions, helping them simplify operations and expand into new markets.

Ant International’s WorldFirst has already empowered over a million SMEs to scale internationally. The launch of the World Card is a testament to their commitment to driving inclusive growth in the digital economy. By delivering solutions that feature global coverage, secure transactions, and operational efficiency, they are laying the groundwork for the success of SMEs in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

In conclusion, the World Card is more than just a payment solution; it’s a catalyst for change. It enables SMEs to break free from the constraints of traditional payment systems and embrace the opportunities of global commerce. As businesses continue to adapt to the digital landscape, tools like the World Card will be essential in navigating the complexities of international trade. With this launch, Ant International’s WorldFirst is not just keeping pace with the future; they are shaping it.