#Germany #Frankfurt #UnionPay #SplendorPlus #Bank of China

Introduction

UnionPay International (UPI) has recently made a monumental entry into the European market by launching its latest debit card, the SplendorPlus, in Germany. Partnering with the Frankfurt branch of the Bank of China, this card is tailored to meet the needs of local residents traveling to China and is a strategic response to the increasing travel demands to the country.

Key Features of SplendorPlus

The SplendorPlus debit card provides users with a cost-effective and convenient solution for cross-border payments, ensuring smooth transactions during travels. One standout feature is the 1% cash-back incentive for transactions made through the UnionPay network in mainland China. This offers cardholders an attractive benefit, enhancing the value of their purchases.

Availability and Acceptance

In Germany, UnionPay’s services are widely accessible across key tourist hotspots, including airports, shopping districts, and outlet villages, covering various businesses such as department stores, duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels, and car rental agencies. The partnership with Epay facilitates acceptance of UnionPay QR code payments in major retail chains like Müller, Galeria, and Heinemann duty-free stores.

Project Excellence Initiative

As part of the Project Excellence initiative, the SplendorPlus card is well-accepted in China, with a presence in over 1.31 million business establishments in sectors such as transportation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. UnionPay’s utility is further enhanced by collaborations with 213 offline payment service providers, aggregating smaller merchants, and with 166 significant online platforms to support the acceptance of international cards, facilitating seamless experiences for users in both physical and digital retail scenarios.

Enhancements to Banking Services

UnionPay and the Bank of China in Frankfurt are not only launching the SplendorPlus card but also upgrading existing dual-currency debit cards to this new offering starting October 1, 2025. This transition includes promoting cash-back rewards available via UnionPay’s U Rewards mobile platform, significantly improving cardholder transaction experiences and stimulating growth in card issuance and transaction activities.

Expansion and User-Centric Products

UnionPay International's initiatives aim to develop multi-level, diverse payment services. The SplendorPlus has been designed specifically for long-term visitors and locals who require seamless cross-border payment solutions, merging global acceptance with features tailored to China. Currently available through 56 institutions across 20 markets, it serves to broaden UnionPay's global footprint, which now encompasses hundreds of millions of cards issued in 84 countries and regions. Users preferring mobile wallets can access over 200 standard UnionPay digital wallets across 37 markets.

Tax Refund and QR Code Interoperability Services

UnionPay has also expanded its tax refund services, offering instant refund options at airports and city centers, while actively promoting cross-border QR code interoperability through agreements with networks in 19 countries and regions. This initiative allows foreign customers in China to utilize familiar payment methods, continuously improving the convenience and accessibility of payment options for international tourists and merchants alike.

Conclusion

The launch of the SplendorPlus debit card marks a significant step for UnionPay International and the Bank of China in enhancing cross-border payment experiences. As the European market continues to evolve, these efforts will undoubtedly bolster financial interactions between China and Germany, reinforcing international economic ties. With innovative features and broad applicability, the SplendorPlus card is set to become a valuable asset for travelers and locals alike.