ICBA Payments, the payments-services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), has announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard aimed at delivering modernized card and payment solutions to its network of 1,400 community banks.
Through this collaboration, ICBA Payments seeks to enhance its members’ card programs with innovative features that improve customer experience, expand digital capabilities, and support local economic growth. The initiative underscores ICBA Payments’ mission to help community banks compete and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape.
“Today, we’re not only upgrading payments but also investing in the future of our local communities,” said Jacob Eisen, CEO of ICBA Payments. “By partnering with Mastercard, we’re equipping our member banks with innovative, secure, and cost-effective solutions that empower them to support and grow the neighborhoods they serve. Together, we are paving the way for stronger local economies and enduring customer relationships.”
As part of the agreement, Mastercard will manage all cardholder communications and marketing during the transition. The payments technology leader will also provide custom-curated joint marketing assets designed to increase cardholder engagement and transaction activity across ICBA Payments’ member institutions.
Under the new program, ICBA Payments will upgrade its sponsored card programs to Mastercard at no cost to member banks. New capabilities include contactless payment options, tokenization for digital wallets, the implementation of industry-standard 8-digit Bank Identification Numbers (BINs), and optimized BINs tailored for business customers.
“At Mastercard, we believe that the heart of economic progress lies in the strength of local communities,” said Marie Elizabeth Aloisi, executive vice president of US Market Development at Mastercard. “This is where we share like-minded values with ICBA Payments, working to bring more people and businesses into the digital economy. Together, we are enabling community banks to drive financial empowerment, foster local growth, and create a more connected and resilient future for every community they serve.
ICBA Payments represents client banks that collectively manage over $43 billion in credit and debit sales and $918 million in outstandings, with more than 10 million cards issued. These figures position ICBA Payments as the 10th largest debit card issuer in the United States.
The partnership signals a significant step forward for community banks, providing them with competitive payment solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of consumers and businesses in an increasingly digital-first economy.
