The issuance of Visa and Mastercard cards has become an essential part of the strategy for companies that want to offer complete financial solutions. What may seem like just “having a personal card” involves, in practice, a global payment infrastructure, technical requirements, audits, and relationships with international networks.
In this scenario, Banking as a Service (BaaS) has expanded access for fintechs, digital banks, and companies from various sectors to the card networks, connecting them through APIs and already validated flows. With this, it has become possible to structure card programs in line with the regulations, without needing to build the entire technological foundation.
But how does all this work? It’s time to find out! Continue reading for more information on the subject.
What is the importance of card brands in card issuance?
Cards issued under brands such as Visa and Mastercard allow transactions at millions of establishments, in Brazil and abroad. The role of these networks goes far beyond acceptance: it involves antifraud technology, security standards, interoperability, and connectivity with acquirers around the world.
Therefore, issuing cards with these brands depends on specific requirements, testing, audits, and regulatory alignment. For companies that want to offer physical or digital cards, operating in an integrated way with the card networks is a central part of the process.
How does integration occur through BaaS providers?
In the BaaS model, the fintech connects to the infrastructure provider that already has technical relationships and approved processes with Visa and Mastercard. This allows the company to operate its financial journey through APIs, from account creation to card issuance, including validations and monitoring.
The flow usually follows steps such as:
integration via API with the BaaS provider, which maintains a connection with the card networks;
issuance, unlocking, blocking, and limit management carried out from the company's own environment;
back office and compliance conducted by the authorized partner, including reconciliations, disputes, and anti-fraud monitoring;
focus on the product and customer experience, while the infrastructure handles technical and regulatory requirements.
This model tends to reduce operational effort and standardize processes that would otherwise depend on individual integrations and direct approvals with each card network.
How does the approval process and the technical requirements for the flags work?
To issue Visa or Mastercard cards, companies must meet rigorous criteria defined by the card networks and local regulations. This involves everything from security standards to periodic audits and detailed documentation.
Among the most common requirements are:
adherence to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard);
compliance with Central Bank rules and national legislation;
anti-fraud processes compatible with network requirements;
functional, load, and performance testing;
risk controls and personal data protection;
technical documentation of flows and integrations.
For companies that do not wish to become direct issuers, BaaS offers an alternative: using already approved integrations and embedded compliance infrastructure. This way, it is possible to advance without taking on all the complexity of the process.
What are the benefits of working with authorized partners?
Working with licensed providers can increase predictability and reduce risks in integration with card networks. Check out the points often observed!
Faster market entry
Since the infrastructure has already gone through certification processes, the company can start issuing cards without having to carry out these steps directly.
Reduced internal effort
Rules, certifications, and integrations required by the card networks are handled by the partner, reducing the need for large dedicated teams.
Scalability
Established providers operate infrastructures prepared for high transaction volumes.
Ongoing compliance
The flows follow card network and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of incidents and inconsistencies.
Customization
Even with standardized infrastructure, the company retains the freedom to define the card's visual identity, rules, and features.
Why is BaaS a faster path for fintechs and companies?
Becoming a direct issuer often requires high investments, long timelines, and regulatory complexity. BaaS offers an alternative path for those who want to provide cards more quickly, leveraging already approved structures that are updated according to international standards.
As a result, companies can:
structure customized financial products;
adapt cards to their audience;
incorporate new functionalities with less effort;
operate within the security and performance standards required by the sector.
This model serves everyone from startups to large companies looking to expand their financial portfolio.
What is the role of compliance and risk management?
The integration with Visa and Mastercard includes controls for preventing money laundering, anti-fraud analysis, chargeback management, data protection (including LGPD), audits, and periodic reports.
In BaaS, these components usually come standardized and integrated into the API, reducing the need for the internal creation of regulatory processes. The provider centralizes updates and maintains constant alignment with the standards of the card brands and regulatory bodies.
For companies that wish to delve deeper, content such as Compliance in BaaS provides more details on requirements and best practices.
Azify and the ready-to-use integration with Visa and Mastercard. How does it work?
Azify provides infrastructure so companies can launch and operate Visa and Mastercard cards with the support of authorized partners. This integration happens via API and includes:
issuance, management, and monitoring modules;
built-in regulatory processes;
documentation and audit trails;
specialized technical support;
operational support throughout the entire journey.
By using integrations that have already been certified, companies can structure their products without needing to conduct direct negotiations or develop complex issuance systems.
How to advance in the use of BaaS with integration to the payment networks?
Deciding on the model of Banking as a Service implies accelerating plans, launching innovative products, and meeting market demands in record time, without having to worry about regulatory issues or integration technology challenges.
Companies that integrate their operations with Visa and Mastercard networks, using BaaS infrastructure, gain the freedom to create, expand, and serve their customers wherever they are.
The next step is simple: choose a trustworthy partner, with proven expertise, relationships with the networks, and solutions tested at scale. It is this peace of mind that puts innovation at the forefront and enables value generation for the end customer.
Azify is ready to be that trusted partner, helping companies of all sizes secure a solid place in the payments market. With integrations via API, complete back office, and embedded compliance, there are no more barriers to launching Visa and Mastercard cards at any scale.
Connect your fintech to Visa and Mastercard with Azify's APIs!
If the goal is to launch or scale financial products, Azify offers technology, compliance, and end-to-end operations, enabling the immediate issuance of physical or digital Visa and Mastercard cards. All of this with continuous support, fast integration, and the full security of a global infrastructure.
The next step for companies that want to offer Visa and Mastercard cards is to assess their needs, understand the applicable regulatory requirements, and choose a partner with proven experience in payment operations.
From there, it is possible:
start integration testing;
validate technical and security requirements;
structure usage and customization rules;
configure dashboards and internal workflows;
define KPIs and regulatory alignment.
Discover the APIs now, talk to specialists and transform your customers' experience through the best of the industry. With Azify, your company is born ready to grow with the trust of the world's biggest card brands!
Notice: Informational content. Does not constitute an offer of securities, foreign exchange, or payment services. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Azify operates directly or through authorized partners, depending on the scope.
FAQ about BaaS and integration with brands
What is BaaS in the financial market?
BaaS, or Banking as a Service, is a model that allows companies of any size to access and offer financial services through APIs, without having to build an entire banking infrastructure from scratch. The BaaS provider, like Azify, manages regulatory complexity, technological infrastructure, and integration with networks like Visa and Mastercard, enabling the fintech to quickly and securely launch accounts, cards, investments, and other products.
How does BaaS integration with Visa work?
Integration occurs through APIs provided by the BaaS provider, which are already approved by the main card networks. Thus, the fintech connects its environment to the partner's system, which handles all the technical, operational, and compliance aspects with Visa. This ensures quick card issuance, secure transactions, and simple management of the product portfolio without directly dealing with the regulatory and technical challenges of the network.
Is BaaS better than traditional banks?
BaaS offers more flexibility and speed for companies to innovate and launch new financial products, as it eliminates bureaucracy and heavy investments in proprietary infrastructure. It does not replace traditional banks but provides a more dynamic way to create accounts, issue cards, and operate financial solutions, leveraging all the security and stability required by the market.
What are the advantages of BaaS with Mastercard?
Choosing a BaaS provider with Mastercard integration means gaining immediate access to the global acceptance network of the brand, with all regulatory requirements resolved. In addition, it is possible to customize cards, offer both physical and digital solutions, manage the entire operation through APIs, and benefit from anti-fraud infrastructure, 24/7 technical support, and scalability for large transactional volumes.
How to hire a BaaS service?
To hire a BaaS service, simply choose an experienced provider, present your demands, and carry out the integration process via API. Companies like Azify offer this journey consultatively, analyzing the client's needs and assisting from documentation to approval with the card networks. Once the project is validated, card issuance and access to other financial products can be initiated quickly.
Integrating Visa and Mastercard via BaaS allows for quick, secure, and compliant card launches, without facing all the technical and regulatory complexities. With approved infrastructure and specialized support, companies gain agility to innovate and scale. Azify offers this ready-to-use path, facilitating each step of the journey!
To understand the technical scope of the integration and assess applicable regulatory requirements for your project, contact Azify's team of specialists and start as soon as possible!
