UnionPay Makes Strides in Europe, Accepted in 90% of Regions

UnionPay's European Expansion

UnionPay International (UPI) has made significant strides in enhancing payment accessibility throughout Europe. With its services now available in over 90% of European countries and regions, UPI is reshaping how both local residents and international travelers engage with payment systems across the continent. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in creating a seamless payment environment across Europe.

Acceptance and Integration

One of the most notable features of UnionPay's expansion is the widespread acceptance at merchant locations. Over 80% of merchants operating in Europe now accept UnionPay cards at their point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Furthermore, more than six million merchants have adopted the UnionPay QuickPass contactless payment feature, making transactions faster and more efficient for users. This includes various sectors such as public transportation, dining establishments, hotels, supermarkets, and ticketing for tourist attractions.

In 2025 alone, QuickPass transactions doubled in various markets, indicating robust growth in adoption rates among both merchants and consumers. Major retailers and hospitality brands have integrated UnionPay into their operations, including noteworthy establishments like France's Galeries Lafayette, the UK's Harrods, and Spain's El Corte Inglés. Additionally, many global hotel chains, such as Four Seasons and Shangri-La, now facilitate payments through UnionPay at their European properties.

Enhancing the Travel Experience

The integration of UnionPay into travel and tourism sectors has positioned it as a staple for visitors across Europe. Urban and intercity transport systems in countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy accept UnionPay, and popular attractions such as the London Eye and Disneyland Paris allow tickets to be purchased online using UnionPay cards. In total, around 40,000 Selecta vending machines across Europe have also enabled the acceptance of UnionPay payments, fostering further convenience.

UnionPay's local card issuance in Europe has added another layer of depth to its presence, with over a million cards issued across 13 countries, including Italy and Spain. Residents in certain European Economic Area (EEA) markets can apply for PecunPay UnionPay cards via the