UK online retailers are set to be among the first to benefit from a move by MasterCard Worldwide and Borderlinx that they say will make international online shopping easier.
The financial institution has teamed up with Borderlinx, to offer a payment and delivery service that promises to make it easier for shoppers from around the world to buy across borders.
As a result of the partnership, customers from around the world who use MasterCard branded cards and shop, initially, at US and UK retailer websites, will be able to use the Borderlinx service. This service establishes a local address for foreign shoppers, applies the correct tax, duty and delivery charges and integrates with shipping services to send goods to the correct final address.
The service will be available to MasterCard issuing banks while the standard sign-up fee for Borderlinx customers will be waived.
MasterCard says the partnership supports its global ecommerce strategy of growing online spend through better online payments. “We know that today’s consumer is interested in shopping online internationally, but is often discouraged by limitations,” said Geoff Iddison, group executive, ecommerce and mobile, MasterCard Worldwide. “By partnering with Borderlinx we take our role at the heart of commerce to the next level by facilitating better access to the global online marketplace for consumers.”
“MasterCard’s global network and innovative platforms make the company the perfect partner to help advance our business,” said David Spottiswood, chief executive, Borderlinx. “Further, as consumers are demanding the ability to access new markets through the ease and convenience of the Internet, we are helping MasterCard give cardholders shopping options that were once impossible.”
