As part of the new agreement, Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank will offer Debit MasterCard starting in 2009. Both banks will also continue to offer MasterCard's successful Maestro debit product, currently issued to over two million of their customers in the UK.

The Debit MasterCard product is designed specifically for consumers that require maximum global acceptance, by providing access to MasterCard's acceptance network of more than 26 million merchant locations. Debit MasterCard also gives cardholders access to 1.8 million ATMs and other locations around the world where cash may be obtained.

For Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank, Debit MasterCard will complement their existing Maestro debit card programme, as it offers an optimal solution for cardholders that travel frequently, whilst Maestro offers the perfect solution for the majority of their current and savings account customers.

Antony Lupton, Head of Savings & Money Transmission for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, said: "This is great news for our UK customers. We are very pleased to be able to extend our successful debit card relationship with MasterCard. Offering Debit MasterCard complements our existing MasterCard Maestro proposition and means that selected customers can now have the added convenience of greater global flexibility and access to their funds when travelling abroad."

Leigh Clapham, General Manager, Developed Markets, MasterCard Europe, said: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with both Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank. We are seeing a maturing debit card segment, while at the same time people are demanding cards tailored to their personal needs and greater access to funds. It is therefore a real plus point for our company to be able to offer two global debit products in Maestro and Debit MasterCard, giving us the most comprehensive portfolio in the marketplace today."