Through a recent AI Studio Challenge, Mastercard partnered with a team of Break Through Tech fellows to tackle a critical business issue: predicting customer churn.
Published
05/9/2025
In a world where customer loyalty can shift with the swipe of a card, Mastercard is taking proactive steps to stay ahead of the curve. Through a recent AI Studio Challenge, Mastercard partnered with a team of Break Through Tech fellows to tackle a critical business issue: predicting customer churn.
The Challenge
A bank manager had grown increasingly concerned about the rising number of customers discontinuing their credit card services. Mastercard needed a way to predict which customers were most likely to churn so they could step in early and turn the tide. The challenge for the AI Studio fellows was clear: build a machine-learning model capable of identifying customers at risk of leaving.
The Approach
The team of fellows dove into historical data, analyzing patterns in customer behavior, transaction history, and service engagement. By developing a predictive model, they surfaced key indicators of attrition, such as decreased transaction frequency, reduced engagement with rewards programs, and sudden changes in spending habits.
The goal wasn’t just prediction, it was prevention. The team focused on building a tool that could help customer service teams act before a customer made the decision to leave, offering tailored solutions and better support to keep them on board.
The Impact
Churn prediction models like the one developed in this challenge enable early intervention and provide Mastercard with a strategic advantage. Beyond identifying who might leave, the model also illuminates why customers were leaving, offering valuable insights that could shape future service enhancements and product strategies.
Looking Forward
With the deliverables of this AI Studio Challenge, Mastercard now has a strong foundation for a more proactive and data-driven approach to customer retention. For Break Through Tech fellows, this experience offered a glimpse into how AI and data science can have real-world business impact—turning data sets into action and insights.
Interested in exploring what a team of rising tech talent can do for your organization?
We’re currently accepting partners for our upcoming 2025 Fall AI Studio program, a four-month engagement in which students apply their skills to real-world business challenges. Participation is free, and the value goes far beyond the final deliverable. You’ll gain early access to emerging tech talent and fresh perspectives that can spark new thinking across your team. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4aJms9O