American Express, the integrated payments giant, has partnered with Alipay, the open platform for payments and digital services in China, to launch a new feature that enhances payment convenience for international travellers exploring China.
All global American Express Card Members can now link their cards to the Alipay digital wallet, as the payment giants look to simplify transactions for travellers in China, while also offering local businesses more opportunities to attract international customers.
The initiative could help as much as tens of millions of merchants across mainland China benefit from seamless and secure payments.
“Our collaboration with Alipay helps advance our commitment to providing an exceptional experience to American Express Card Members travelling to and within China,” said Mohammed Badi, president of global network services at American Express. “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.”
American Express is also the first foreign payments network licensed to clear Chinese yuan transactions in mainland China. Through its Express Company joint venture, it has partnered with over 30 Chinese banks, third-party payment institutions and mobile wallet operators to enable its members to use their American Express Cards at millions of merchants in China.
“Travel is an essential link for global connectivity and shared prosperity,” added Cyril Han Xinyi, President of Ant Group. “Through consistent breakthroughs in innovation, we aim to help small businesses achieve cross-border growth and enable people to deepen cultural understanding and mutual trust through safe and convenient travel experiences.”
However, American Express Cards issued by third parties outside of the Chinese mainland are not currently eligible to link with the Alipay Digital Wallet.
Cross-border consumption
“Facilitating inbound digital payments into China through Alipay+ is a testament to Ant International’s commitment to pushing the frontier of digital innovation beyond borders and resource gaps,” Jiang-Ming Yang, chief innovation officer (CIO) of Ant International, also added. “These innovations are paving the way for a seamless cross-border consumption experience, empowering SMEs to connect effortlessly with global travellers.”
With the integration with American Express, international visitors can now use seven card brands from major global card networks in China through Alipay. With Alipay+, users of Alipay and 12 other e-wallets and payment apps in Asia can also conveniently pay at tens of millions of merchants across China.
“Our integration with Alipay reinforces our commitment to providing solutions that help make it easier for residents and inbound travellers alike to spend with local merchants in China,” explained Yamin Zhu, CEO of Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Company, a joint venture of American Express in China.
