UnionPay Expands Payment Acceptance in Europe, Now Over 90% Regions Supported

UnionPay's Expansion in Europe

UnionPay International (UPI) has made remarkable strides in establishing a comprehensive payment environment across Europe, now accepted in over 90% of regions and countries. This development signifies a significant milestone for travelers and residents alike, offering secure and convenient payment methods.

A Thriving Payment Network

UPI's operations cover the core payment scenarios where over 80% of merchants accept UnionPay cards at POS terminals. Importantly, more than six million merchants support UnionPay's contactless payment solution, QuickPass. This system can be utilized in various settings, including public transport, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and at attractions. Since the beginning of 2025, the volume of QuickPass transactions has more than doubled, highlighting its growing popularity among users and merchants.

Major retail and hospitality players have integrated UnionPay into their payment methods. European duty-free shops at airports, renowned department stores like Galeries Lafayette in France, Harrods in the UK, and El Corte Inglés in Spain, as well as nine premium outlets from Value Retail, have all embraced UnionPay cards, with many also accepting mobile payments.

Restaurants, ranging from fine dining establishments to fast-food chains and cafes, have begun offering UnionPay solutions. Major hotel groups such as Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt along with over 110,000 merchants in the UK through a partnership with Dojo, accept UnionPay payments, primarily driven by the hospitality sector.

Facilitating Travel and Tourism

UnionPay has seamlessly integrated itself into the travel and tourism sector. Its payment systems are available in urban transportation systems and intercity services, as well as in car rental services across Germany, Spain, and Italy. Iconic attractions such as the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and Sagrada Família in Barcelona now allow users to purchase tickets online using UnionPay cards. Moreover, around 40,000 Selecta vending machines across Europe accept UnionPay payments, further enhancing user accessibility.

The number of UnionPay cards issued in Europe echoes its extensive reach, with over a million cards issued across 13 countries, including Serbia, Italy, and Spain. Residents of Spain, France, Germany, and other EU countries can apply for PecunPay UnionPay cards via the 'Yi An' app in the European Union's UnionPay network, which is compatible with QR code transactions via Weixin Pay (overseas name for WeChat Pay) and Alipay, ensuring smooth transactions for Europeans traveling to China.

As China emerges as a favored travel destination for European tourists, facilitated by new visa-free travel agreements and direct flights, UPI's