Swiss competition agency opens probe of Mastercard

Reuters

Published Feb 16, 2021 02:14AM ET

ZURICH (Reuters) - The Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) has opened an investigation of Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) into possible obstruction of SIX's National Cash Scheme (NCS), a set of rules for withdrawals and other transactions at banks' cash machines, the watchdog said on Tuesday.

"The obstruction occurs because Mastercard refuses to co-badge the NCS on the new debit Mastercard," the watchdog said in a statement, referring to the practice of adding a second payment application or brand onto a debit card.