Mastercard (NYSE: MA) launched Mastercard Access Pass, a program that enables issuers and partners to deliver experiences and perks to deepen consumer connections. Debuting with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in the UAE, Access Pass will enable FAB cardholders to “unlock perks and card art – all with their existing Mastercard.
Mastercard Access Pass overlays digital designs and benefits onto debit, credit, or prepaid cards, allowing users to “keep their current cards and benefits while adding a new layer of perks.” Cardholders can add card art to their digital wallet and access various benefits.
As Access Pass rolls out globally, additional partners and benefits will be added, bringing opportunities for brands to “deepen their relationship with consumers by tapping into their passions.”
The platform is launching for consumers with the McLaren Racing Mastercard Pass, offering FAB cardholders access “to limited-edition card art, a McLaren Plus membership, and events, experiences and merchandise.”
Insider content – created only for Pass holders – takes fans “behind the scenes and closer to the team.”
The introduction of McLaren Racing Mastercard Pass follows “the announcement that Mastercard will become an Official Naming Partner for the team from 2026 onwards.”
Access Pass empowers issuers and brands to foster “engagement and drive top of wallet preference, without issuing a new card.”
For issuers and partners, Access Pass transforms transactions “into ongoing, personalized connections tailored to consumers’ passions.”
Consumer insights show demand for personalized experiences, especially among younger generations:
- Nearly half of Gen Z consumers prefer using innovative methods of payment, and their appetite is largely digital (Mastercard New Payments Index, 2024). 81% believe that greater personalization would deepen their relationship with their issuing bank (EY, 2022).
- More than a third of Gen Alpha state that exclusive content is a top reason for staying active in fan communities (Youth Blueprint, 2025), and 75% of all consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that deliver personalized content (Deloitte, 2024).
- 70% of consumers are interested in a payment card that would reward spending on passions, and 67% wish financial service brands did more to support their passions. (Mastercard research, 2023).
Jorn Lambert, Chief Product Officer at Mastercard said that with Mastercard Access Pass, they’ve created “a digital gateway to the passions that matter most to our cardholders.”
Together with incredible partners like the McLaren Formula 1 Team and FAB, they’re “delivering exclusive experiences – starting in the UAE and expanding globally.”
Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing commented: that alongside Mastercard, they’re eager about bringing people closer to the McLaren team.
Through this activation, they’re offering access to the McLaren universe and creating “opportunities for fans in the UAE to strengthen their connection with them and their partnership with Mastercard.”
McLaren Racing Mastercard Pass is offered to eligible FAB cardholders in the UAE.
Consumers are able to sign up via the FAB mobile app, gain access to benefits.
Additional designs and benefits are expected to be rolled out in early 2026.