UnionPay Expands Card Acceptance Across Europe, Now Accepted in Over 90% of Regions

UnionPay's Impressive European Expansion

In a notable advancement in the payments landscape, UnionPay International (UPI) has announced that its cards are now accepted across more than 90% of European countries and regions. This significant milestone marks a key phase in UPI's ambition to create a seamless payment environment that caters to both local residents and international travelers. As the demand for flexible and secure payment methods rises, UnionPay is stepping up to meet these expectations with robust solutions.

UnionPay's presence is increasingly significant, enabling transactions at over 80% of merchants across Europe. A staggering six million points of sale have incorporated UnionPay's quick payment solution, QuickPass, allowing for convenient contactless transactions. These services extend to critical payment scenarios, including public transport systems, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and popular tourist attractions, effectively supporting the growing appetite for mobile payments.

Growth in Usage and Popularity

Recent data from 2025 indicates that the transaction volume through UnionPay's QuickPass has more than doubled in several European nations, illustrating its rising popularity among users and merchants. Major retail and hospitality players are integrating UnionPay into their payment systems, showcasing its acceptability at duty-free shops in European airports, renowned department stores like Galeries Lafayette in France, Harrods in the UK, and El Corte Inglés in Spain, as well as upscale outlet centers operated by Value Retail.

Additionally, over 110,000 merchants in the UK have started accepting UnionPay via a partnership with Dojo, significantly bolstering payment options for customers in the hospitality sector.

Enhancing Travel Experience

UnionPay does not stop at retail; it plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and tourism across Europe. UnionPay cards are seamlessly integrated into both urban and intercity transport systems and rental services in countries such as Germany, Spain, and Italy. High-profile attractions like the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona allow visitors to easily purchase tickets online using their UnionPay cards, enhancing the travel experience significantly.

Moreover, around 40,000 Selecta vending machines across Europe now accept UnionPay, extending its accessibility further. The local issuance of UnionPay cards in 13 European countries, including Serbia, Italy, and Spain, has led to the distribution of over one million cards, enhancing brand presence in these markets. Citizens in Spain, France, Germany, and other European Economic Area nations can apply for the PecunPay UnionPay card via the Yi An app, which allows transactions throughout the vast UnionPay network and supports payment in 183 countries worldwide. Notably, this card is compatible with Weixin Pay and Alipay for QR code payments, easing financial transactions for European travelers visiting China.

Strategic Approaches for the Future

The increased interest among European tourists in visiting China, attributed to more visa waivers and direct flights, has prompted UPI to introduce the