American Express and Alipay to Enable Seamless Payments for International Travelers in China

SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Express and Alipay today announced a new feature aimed at enhancing payment convenience for international travelers in China. All eligible global American Express Card Members¹ can now link their Cards to the Alipay digital wallet, enabling seamless and secure payments at tens of millions of merchants across the Chinese mainland. This initiative not only simplifies transactions for travelers but also provides local businesses with greater opportunities to attract international customers.

“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.

“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.

American Express is the first foreign payments network to be licensed to clear Renminbi transactions in the Chinese mainland. 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.

With the integration with American Express, international visitors can now use seven card brands from major global card networks in China through Alipay. Alipay is a digital wallet partner of Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway which is developed by Ant International. With Alipay+, users of Alipay and 12 other leading e-wallets and payment apps in Asia can conveniently pay at tens of millions of merchants across 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.

About American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, X.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate sustainability information: personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Business Blueprint, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.

About Alipay

As the world becomes increasingly digital, Alipay has evolved from a trusted e-wallet into an all-in-one digital platform for daily services, connecting more than one billion consumers to over 80 million merchants across China. Alipay offers users a secure, seamless mobile payment experience and integrates over 10,000 services across sectors like travel, healthcare, tourism, and entertainment. With digital tools like Alipay Tap!, mini-programs, lifestyle accounts, Alipay enables merchants, institutions, and independent software vendors (ISVs) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Alipay is developing a new AI-driven open platform by integrating AI agents to deliver smarter, more personalized services to its users as well as facilitating the digital transformation of the service sector.

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¹American Express Cards issued by third parties outside of the Chinese mainland are currently not eligible to be added to the Alipay Digital Wallet.

Notes to Editor

International travelers can start using this service by downloading the Alipay app and linking their American Express Card.

Step 1 – Download and Register: Download the Alipay app, enter Card Member’s mobile phone number and tap “Next” to register.

Step 2 – Add American Express Card: Tap “Add Now” and follow on-page prompts to complete the process.