Credit cards have had a big impact on our lifestyle. And with the popularity of online shopping fast on the rise, the significance of credit cards is expected to increase even more.

Also known as plastic money, credit cards are a replacement for cash. It is much easier to fit this small card inside your wallet than to carry a large amount of cash. Better still, you can buy items with credit cards and if you need cash, you can always withdraw it from an ATM.

One of the international market players leading this payment system is MasterCard. MasterCard credit and debit cards are the brands marketed by MasterCard Incorporated. MasterCard with its network spread in about 210 countries across the world is one of leading credit cards in the world and the number two payment system in the US.

The MasterCard credit cards are quite popular as a premier brand. Simply known as MasterCard, they are one of the most preferred and trusted credit cards with the consumers. MasterCards are issued by several partner banks and are designed to target different financial and credit situations.

MasterCards, like other credit cards, are of four types: standard credit cards, credit cards with rewards programs, specialty credit cards, and credit cards for bad credit.

Standard credit cards are readily available and issued. They are also the most common form of credit cards. Credit cards with rewards programs are offered for the benefit of certain section of people. You get rewards in terms of points or discounts when you purchase items with your MasterCard. Credit cards for bad history are secured credit cards designed for those customers with a poor credit history. Giving special attention to students and people in big businesses, MasterCard issues special credit cards suiting their credit requirement.

JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup are the two largest shareholders of MasterCard. The following credit cards are some of top brands from MasterCard:

Citi® Platinum Select® Card has climbed the popularity chart with its 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 1 year. The regular APR is also very reasonable at 11.24%. Another enticing feature is its free and secure online account management. It also carries no annual fee.

With Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card, you can earn 5,000 bonus points after the first purchase. Also get 5 reward points for every dollar on purchase at supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores. This reward card from MasterCard is worth its 13.24% regular APR. There is also a 0% APR on balance transfer for 12 months.

If you are looking at additional benefits and perks, MasterCard has HSBC Platinum MasterCard. Some of the benefits offered are extended warranties, unlimited purchase protection, and travel accident insurance. It carries no annual fee. There is no APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. The regular APR is 11.24%. Other benefits are free online bill payment, secure and free online account management.

For music lovers, MasterCard has Universal Entertainment MasterCard®. Cardholders can earn 1 Universal Point for 1 dollar spent on purchases and 2 points on select purchases made at Universal hotels, theme parks, and resorts and redeem those points for Universal products such as DVDs and CDs and also admission at theme parks. There is no APR on balance transfer for up to 6 months. The regular APR is 13.99%.

For people who love to sit behind hot wheels can opt for GM Card®. With this card you can earn 5% toward the purchase or lease of a new GM car, truck or SUV. There is 0% introductory APR for 12 months. Free and secure online account management is also offered.

Other popular credit cards from MasterCard are Universal Entertainment MasterCard®, Continental Airlines World MasterCard®, and Marathon® Platinum MasterCard® from Chase.