American Express and Alipay introduced a new payment feature that allows eligible global American Express Card Members to link their cards to the Alipay digital wallet on 25 February 2025. This American Express Alipay integration enables payments at merchants across mainland China.
American Express is the first foreign payments network licensed to clear Renminbi transactions in China. Through its joint venture, Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Company, it has partnered with over 30 Chinese banks, third-party payment institutions, and mobile wallet operators to expand card acceptance.
With this integration, international travellers can use their American Express Cards for transactions through Alipay at millions of merchants. The American Express Alipay integration also connects with the digital wallet partner of Alipay+, and supports payments for users of 12 other major e-wallets and payment apps across Asia.
Executives from both companies stated that the collaboration aims to provide more payment options for travelers and support local businesses in China. The integration is part of a broader effort to improve digital payment accessibility for international visitors.
Dr Mohammed Badi, President of Global Network Services at American Express, said,
“Our collaboration with Alipay helps advance our commitment to providing an exceptional experience to American Express Card Members traveling to and within China. By integrating with Alipay’s digital wallet, we are empowering our Card Members with more ways to transact and connect with a vast network of merchants across China.”
In another development, Thunes introduced a QR code payment method which provided travellers with an avenue to use their respective country’s mobile wallets and mobile-enabled banks to pay for goods and services in China.
Also, Alipay’s Chinese New Year travel spending saw a 30% YoY growth, with top destinations for Chinese travellers being Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR & Japan.
Source of image: Edited from Freepik