Maestrokaardid

Maestrokaardid are debit payment cards branded with the Maestro network, operated by Mastercard. They are issued by banks and linked to a customer’s bank account, allowing payments for goods and services as well as withdrawals from ATMs. Transactions are typically settled from available funds, and the cards do not constitute a line of credit unless the issuer provides an overdraft or similar facility separately.

Maestro was introduced in 1991 as a debit-card network to enable electronic payments at merchants and ATMs. Maestro cards use PIN verification and, in many regions, EMV chip technology for security. Depending on the market, some transactions can be processed offline, while others require online authorization.

Acceptance of Maestro cards varies by country and merchant. The brand has been widely used in Europe and other regions, though in many markets it has gradually been supplemented or replaced by Mastercard Debit or Visa Debit. Some banks still issue Maestro cards, and in certain cases cards carry both the Maestro and Mastercard logos, enabling broader usage across networks.

Security and liability practices follow those of typical debit card products. Cards employ chip-and-PIN protection, and some markets support contactless payments where available. Cardholders should report lost or stolen cards promptly to their bank to prevent unauthorized use, and issuers often set daily spending and cash withdrawal limits.

See also: Mastercard, Maestro, Mastercard Debit, Cirrus.