Alipay's "Foreign Card Linking" service has expanded to seven major international bank cards, providing more convenient payment for foreign travellers

On February 25, Alipay and American Express announced a new partnership, allowing eligible American Express cardholders worldwide to link their cards to Alipay for spending in China. With this, Alipay’s “foreign card linking” service has expanded to seven major international bank cards, effectively covering the majority of global bank card brands. This move will help more international travelers enjoy convenient spending and experience the beauty of China while providing more cross-border business opportunities for local merchants, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

foreign tourists using Alipay for payments in China

With the support of the People’s Bank of China, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, Ant Group has closely collaborated with UnionPay, NetsUnion, domestic partner banks, overseas wallet partners, and international card organizations. Together, they have actively explored and promoted innovations in mobile payment services for inbound tourists. Through two cross-border mobile payment solutions, “foreign card linking” and “foreign wallet domestic use,” more inbound tourists can easily experience China using just one mobile phone, making convenient payments across Alipay’s network of millions of merchants in China.

As of now, with the recent inclusion of American Express cards, Alipay’s app supports “foreign card linking” for seven major international bank cards. Moreover, Alipay is part of Ant Group’s comprehensive wallet solution, Alipay+. Through Alipay+’s cross-border services, 13 digital payment tools from 10 countries and regions can be used in China under the “foreign wallet domestic use” service. Users from these regions can spend in China directly using their local digital wallets without needing to download a new app.

A representative from Ant Group stated that Alipay+ services have significantly enhanced the convenience and satisfaction of using mobile payments in China for foreigners, demonstrating Ant International’s commitment to promoting cross-border digital innovation. These innovations not only provide seamless cross-border consumption experiences for inbound tourists but also make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to connect with global travelers.

Through the latest collaboration, American Express cardholders can now easily use Alipay in China. After downloading the Alipay app and linking their overseas-issued American Express cards (those issued by partners overseas are not supported for now), users can fully explore China through Alipay, using the platform to pay for taxi rides, book attraction tickets, take buses and subways, rent power banks, claim tax refunds, and enjoy a wide range of services. With convenient payment options available at millions of merchants across various categories like dining, entertainment, transportation, and shopping, travelers can “explore China with just one app.”

Footer