Mastercard has begun using new artificial intelligence technology to help financial institutions determine whether and when to decline card transactions, the company announced Wednesday.

The technology, called Decision Intelligence, uses algorithms to "learn" from each transaction on an account, allowing it to detect normal and abnormal spending activities. It calculates a predictive score for the card issuer, which can then make real-time decisions about an account, including defined alert and decline thresholds. The company said it is the first use of global-scale AI on the Mastercard network 

"We are solving a major consumer pain point of being falsely declined when trying to make a purchase," Mastercard President of Enterprise Risk and Security Ajay Bhalla said. "By using AI technology on our global network, we're helping financial institutions and merchants improve approval rates — and the consumer experience."