Tencent’s Weixin Pay accepts foreign credit cards for payments in China

By Gloria Mathias

Tencent has partnered with Visa, Discover Global Network (including Diners Club), JCB, and Mastercard to improve overseas users’ digital payment experience in China with Weixin Pay.

This move coincides with the full resumption of travel and international business to China and major international events in the country. The latest development fully gradually opens Weixin Pay’s merchant network in China to international card organizations.

The company’s merchant network includes categories such as dining, transportation, shopping, hotel accommodation, etc. Users can enjoy multiple payment methods such as scanning QR codes, presenting payment codes, Weixin Mini Programs, and in-app payments, enhancing users’ payment experience both online and offline.

After linking an international card, overseas users will be able to access millions of merchants, including small and medium-sized merchants. Transaction fees are waived for single transactions of less than or equal to 200 RMB to fulfil users’ small-amount and high-frequency payment needs, subject to the details specified on the payment page.

People entering the Chinese Mainland can use their passports, Mainland Travel Permits and Mainland Residence Permits for Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan residents, or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to set up their Weixin Pay, link an international credit card or debit card, and start enjoying mobile payments across the country.

With the upcoming international sporting events, such as the FISU World University Games in Chengdu and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, the number of incoming overseas tourists continues to rise in the region of China. Domestic payment service providers are also encouraged to partner with overseas card issuers to provide mobile payments to overseas visitors in accordance with rules and regulations.

Tencent strives to improve the mobile payment experience and offer more convenience for overseas users through initiatives such as supporting international cards on Weixin Pay and connecting overseas local wallets with Mainland China.