MasterCard offers free WiFi to cardholders visiting the UK

MasterCard has partnered with BSkyB-owned The Cloud to offer cardholders visiting Britain free access to more than 22,000 WiFi hotspots.

With roaming data charges frequently hitting travellers hard in the wallet, MasterCard is incorporating the WiFi feature into its 'priceless cities' offers.

Cardholders have to download a London WiFi app in their home country before they travel and register their device for the service. The app has a locator feature to direct users to the nearest hotspots, which are located at places like Marks & Spencer stores, the City of London, and Caffé Neros.

Charles Clement-Cottuz, programme manager, digital marketing Europe, MasterCard, says: “This service is very much appreciated by our cardholders as it allows them to use all their mobile based essential services such as maps, reviews and social networks at no cost as well as giving them access to experiences that can make their trip truly Priceless”.

Related Companies

Mastercard

Channels

Retail banking Payments

Keywords

Cards

Comments: (6)

A Finextra member 23 October, 2014, 10:04

1 like

Great idea, a win-win for customer and MasterCard. Even more data on the customer's shopping preferences to be added to their big data related services.

Report abuse

Hitesh Thakkar - SME - Fintech startups (APAC and Africa) - India 23 October, 2014, 13:05

Be the first to give this comment the thumbs up

0 likes

Awesome way to create valeue by payment network. Not only it enhances MasterCard's own brand apart from London and UK's retail segement.

It makes perfect traveller's experience for visitors to bump with good offeres while hunting for Wi-fi Hotspot. There are city wide wi-fi network build in US, Spain as well as in India and they can build such business case.

Report abuse

A Finextra member 23 October, 2014, 15:44

1 like

I agree - great idea but where do you get the app from (is this only for Apple and Droid devices or does it work with PC's?). Also - how do you register the device before traveling? No info provided on actual steps to obtain, register and use.

Report abuse

Peter Bove - Aviso - London 23 October, 2014, 16:20

0 likes

Hi Brian,

I found this:

To use the service, you’ll have to download and register on the MasterCard Priceless London WiFi app available for Android and iOS before travelling to the UK.

The app will also give you access to “a wide range of offers and experiences available on the Priceless London program”, MasterCard says.

However, I couldn't find the app in the Apple Store, so I guess they are still finalising it. I guess evn if you can't register a laptop or tablet, you can create a wifi hotspot woth your phone and access the network via the hotspot.

Report abuse

A Finextra member 23 October, 2014, 16:24

0 likes

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/uk-tourists-free-wifi-cloud-154024

Report abuse

Navin Jain - MasterCard - Mumbai 24 October, 2014, 03:00

0 likes I tried registering in Mumbai, India as the article says one needs to register in their home country. But I failed to register as the app gave an error message saying that WiFi registration through the app is currently available only to MasterCard London WiFi customers. So, the article seems to be incorrect.