UnionPay Expands Its Presence Across Europe, Now Accepted in Over 90% of Countries

UnionPay's Expansion Across Europe

UnionPay International (UPI) has recently announced a major milestone in its payment services expansion across Europe, now successfully operating in more than 90% of the continent's countries and regions. This significant development marks an essential improvement in providing secure and convenient payment options for both local residents and international travelers.

Acceptance Rates and Merchant Partnerships

UPI has become widely integrated into several payment systems, with over 80% of retailers accepting UnionPay cards at Point of Sale (POS) terminals. Additionally, more than six million locations support UnionPay's QuickPass contactless payment feature, which is used at various establishments such as public transport stations, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and popular tourist attractions. Since 2025, QuickPass transactions have doubled across several European markets, underscoring its growing popularity among consumers and merchants alike.

Major players in the retail and hospitality sectors have embraced UnionPay as part of their service offerings. European airports' duty-free shops, iconic department stores like Galeries Lafayette in France, Harrods in the UK, and El Corte Inglés in Spain have all adopted UnionPay cards, with many also supporting mobile payments through UnionPay. Dining options—ranging from fine dining restaurants to fast-food chains—have further supported the brand's growth. International hotel chains like Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt have also adopted UnionPay payments in their key European locations. Through collaborations, cardholders can now transact at nearly 110,000 UK merchants, primarily in the hospitality and restaurant sectors.

Travel and Tourism Integration

In the travel sector, UnionPay has established itself as a crucial payment method, seamlessly integrated into urban and intercity transportation systems, as well as car rental services in countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy. Popular attractions, including the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, have enabled visitors to purchase tickets online using UnionPay cards. Approximately 40,000 Selecta ATMs across Europe are equipped to accept UnionPay, further enhancing access to funds for travelers.

In Europe, UPI has localized card issuance, with over a million cards issued across 13 countries such as Serbia, Italy, and Spain. Residents of countries like Spain, France, and Germany can obtain PecunPay UnionPay cards via the Yi An app, which are valid within the European Union and beyond, spanning 183 countries. This service also integrates QR code transactions compatible with Weixin Pay (known internationally as WeChat Pay) and Alipay, greatly simplifying the payment process for European travelers in China.

With China emerging as a highly sought-after destination for European tourists, driven by an increase in visa exemptions and direct flights, UPI's