UnionPay’s Cross-Border Online Payment Network
China UnionPay (CUP) — the government-backed inter-bank card network and card issuer — operates a cross-border online payment network that lets merchants worldwide accept UnionPay card payments. [Please verify the current public-facing brand name: earlier materials referred to this as “ChinaPay”, but UnionPay’s overseas/online business is now more commonly presented under the “UnionPay International” brand
Cross-Border Payment Products and Services
B2C (Consumer-to-Merchant) Online Payments
A large number of overseas online merchants accept UnionPay card payments today, across regions including Hong Kong, Macau, Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea, spanning retail, online travel booking and airline reservations. Multiple layers of security technology and risk monitoring help keep cross-border online payments safe, and the network supports PC, tablet and mobile payment scenarios.
Cross-Border B2B Payments
The UnionPay cross-border B2B payment platform offers online payment services for import/export businesses, global e-commerce sellers and international trading companies. It supports cross-border collections, online order management and other requirements, helping facilitate trade between China and markets around the world.
Cross-Border Remittance
Customers outside mainland China can send fast, convenient cross-border remittances to UnionPay cards issued by banks in China through the UnionPay online gateway. Domestic cardholders receive funds in RMB and can spend or withdraw right away, without needing to arrange currency conversion themselves.
Tuition Fee Payments
Paying tuition with a UnionPay card online is typically faster and safer than a bank remittance, often clearing within a few working days without the restrictions of remittance branches. Payments are debited in RMB with no currency-conversion fee. For universities, accepting UnionPay adds a payment option that resonates strongly with Chinese students and their families.
What This Means for UK Merchants
For UK merchants serving Chinese consumers, international students and their families, or cross-border trading partners, UnionPay offers another stable, compliant cross-border collection channel — particularly relevant for education, cross-border e-commerce and travel businesses. GlobePay, as a UK-based licensed payment institution, can help merchants get set up to accept UnionPay online payments quickly. Get in touch with our team to learn more about onboarding and fees.
