Mastercard third-quarter 2026 revenue rises 14% and full-year outlook holds

Mastercard reported third-quarter 2026 results on October 29, 2026, with net revenue of about $9.8 billion, up 14% on both a reported and currency-neutral basis. GAAP net income reached $4.6 billion, or $5.28 per diluted share, and adjusted EPS was $5.31. Purchase volume grew 9% and gross dollar volume grew 7% on a local-currency basis. Management left its full-year revenue view unchanged, pointing to growth at the high end of the low double-digit range on a currency-neutral basis, excluding acquisitions, while operating expense growth is now expected in the low double digits. Management said spending in the first three weeks of October was strong and broadly in line, while flagging softer intra-Europe cross-border volume tied to an EU customs fee and tougher crypto-related comparisons.

1. Q3 2026 results were released October 29, 2026; net revenue was about $9.8 billion, up 14% as reported and currency-neutral (SEC 8-K earnings release).
2. GAAP net income was $4.6 billion and diluted EPS $5.28; adjusted net income $4.7 billion and adjusted diluted EPS $5.31 (SEC 8-K earnings release).
3. Gross dollar volume rose 7% and purchase volume rose 9% on a local-currency basis in the quarter (SEC 8-K earnings release).
4. Quarter buybacks: 5.3 million shares for $3.0 billion; $763 million dividends paid; $4.9 billion buyback authorization left as of October 26.
5. Management kept full-year 2026 guidance: net revenue growth at the high end of the low double-digit range on a currency-neutral basis, excluding inorganic activity (Q3 2026 earnings call transcript).
6. Operating expense growth outlook was narrowed to the low double-digit range, versus a prior expectation near the top of the high single-digit range (Benzinga report on Q3 results).
7. Cross-border volume rose 11% globally; intra-Europe volume fell sequentially on an EU customs fee, promotional timing and lower crypto purchases (Q3 2026 earnings call transcript).
8. Management said the first three weeks of October showed spend that remained strong and generally in line (Q3 2026 earnings call transcript).