Mastercard has seen its quarterly profits jump by 82% thanks to increased credit card usage around the world.  During the third quarter, the number of transactions Mastercard processed globally increased by 19%.

Reporting its results for the third quarter to 30 September, MasterCard's net profit increased to $193m from $106m a year earlier. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange in May, MasterCards said its quarterly revenues rose 19% to $902m.

The European Commission earlier this year accused the firm of charging retailers excessive transaction fees.
Brussels said in June that it had written to Mastercard over the issue and was threatening action. Mastercard counters that its pricing policy is fair and maintains an efficient trading system.