American Express and Alipay have teamed up to make it easier for international travelers in China for payment-related concerns. Now, people who have an American Express card can connect it to the Alipay digital wallet, which is very popular in China for local payments. This new feature not only makes it simpler for travelers to spend their money but also helps local businesses attract more international customers.
American Express is the first foreign payments network to be licensed to clear Renminbi transactions on the mainland of China. Through its Express Company joint venture, it has partnered with more than 30 leading Chinese banks, third-party payment institutions and mobile wallet operators to enable Card Members to use their American Express Cards at millions of merchants in China.
“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,” said Mohammed Badi, President of Global Network Services at American Express.
“Travel is an essential link for global connectivity and shared prosperity. We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with leading industry innovators like American Express, continuously developing a vibrant and mutually beneficial ecosystem. 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,” said Cyril Han Xinyi, President of Ant Group.
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“Our integration with Alipay reinforces our commitment to providing solutions that help make it easier for residents and inbound travelers alike to spend with local merchants in China,” said Yamin Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Company (“Express Company”), a joint venture of American Express in China.
“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. These innovations are paving the way for a seamless cross-border consumption experience, empowering SMEs to connect effortlessly with global travelers,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of Ant International.