Mastercard logo to go nameless
Mastercard is reinventing its logo for the digital age.
Mastercard announced that it is dropping its name from its iconic brand mark in select contexts. The interlocking red and yellow circles, referred to as the Mastercard Symbol, will now stand on its own across cards using the red and yellow brand acceptance marks at retail locations both in the physical and digital worlds, and major sponsorship properties.
The move comes as more and more shoppers are using newer methods of payment that do not involve physically swiping a credit card. Mastercard now refers to itself as a “technology company in the global payments industry.
“Reinvention in the digital age calls for modern simplicity,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communication officer at Mastercard. “And with more than 80% of people spontaneously recognizing the Mastercard Symbol without the word ‘mastercard,’ we felt ready to take this next step in our brand evolution. We are proud of our rich brand heritage and are excited to see the iconic circles standing on their own.”
The red and yellow interlocking circles have been the hallmark of the Mastercard brand since the company was founded in 1966. In dropping the logo, Mastercard is looking to join a rarified group of companies whose symbol is so recognizable that no company name is required.
“By allowing this symbol to shine on its own, Mastercard enters an elite cadre of brands that are represented not by name, but by symbol: an apple, a target, a swoosh," stated Michael Bierut, partner at design consultancy Pentagram.
Mastercard announced that it is dropping its name from its iconic brand mark in select contexts. The interlocking red and yellow circles, referred to as the Mastercard Symbol, will now stand on its own across cards using the red and yellow brand acceptance marks at retail locations both in the physical and digital worlds, and major sponsorship properties.
The move comes as more and more shoppers are using newer methods of payment that do not involve physically swiping a credit card. Mastercard now refers to itself as a “technology company in the global payments industry.
“Reinvention in the digital age calls for modern simplicity,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communication officer at Mastercard. “And with more than 80% of people spontaneously recognizing the Mastercard Symbol without the word ‘mastercard,’ we felt ready to take this next step in our brand evolution. We are proud of our rich brand heritage and are excited to see the iconic circles standing on their own.”
The red and yellow interlocking circles have been the hallmark of the Mastercard brand since the company was founded in 1966. In dropping the logo, Mastercard is looking to join a rarified group of companies whose symbol is so recognizable that no company name is required.
“By allowing this symbol to shine on its own, Mastercard enters an elite cadre of brands that are represented not by name, but by symbol: an apple, a target, a swoosh," stated Michael Bierut, partner at design consultancy Pentagram.