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

UnionPay International and Bank of China Launch SplendorPlus Debit Card in Germany

In a landmark announcement on September 25, 2025, UnionPay International (UPI) and the Bank of China Frankfurt Branch introduced the SplendorPlus Debit Card, marking its inaugural launch in Europe. This initiative focuses on providing a tailored financial solution for residents in Germany who frequently travel to China, offering them a seamless, cost-effective cross-border payment method during their travels.

The SplendorPlus Card embodies the combined strength of the Bank of China’s brand and the expansive reach of the global UnionPay network. It is designed to facilitate easy transactions both domestically and abroad while enhancing payment experiences within China. One of the standout features of this card is the 1% cashback incentive offered to cardholders for transactions made through the UnionPay network on the Chinese mainland, a significant perk for international travelers.

UnionPay services have already established a strong presence in major tourist destinations across Germany, including airports and shopping districts. Notable participating merchants include department stores, duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels, and car rental services. Through a strategic partnership with Epay, UnionPay QR code payments have been integrated into large retail chains such as Müller, Galeria, and Heinemann Duty-free Shops, further simplifying the payment process for customers.

As part of its Project Excellence, the SplendorPlus Card aligns with UnionPay's broader mission to enhance payment services globally. This card is already accepted by over 1.31 million merchants in China across transportation, dining, shopping, and entertainment industries. Additionally, partnerships with 213 offline merchants and 166 major online platforms support an extensive international card acceptance landscape, ensuring users have a smooth experience whether they are shopping physically or online.

Beginning October 1, 2025, the existing dual-currency debit cards will be upgraded to the SplendorPlus Card, which will also integrate cashback rewards that can be accessed through the UnionPay mobile U-Rewards platform. Analysts expect that this card enhancement will not only elevate the user experience but also significantly boost card issuance volumes and transaction figures.

In launching Project Excellence in 2024, UnionPay aimed to develop diversified payment services. The program emphasizes three vital areas: enhancing acceptance scenarios, upgrading products, and expanding international reach. This initiative is part of its efforts to streamline payments for international customers in China.

Data from recent transactions underscores the program's success, revealing that the volume of UnionPay cards issued abroad and cross-border transactions soared by 103% and 31% respectively, compared to the previous year.

With the increasing need for tailored products to meet diverse user requirements, the SplendorPlus Card specifically caters to long-term visitors and locals with specific cross-border payment needs. It harmonizes global acceptance with optimized features designed for China, now offered by 56 financial institutions across 20 markets, thereby significantly broadening UnionPay’s global footprint, which includes hundreds of millions of cards issued in 84 countries and regions.

Furthermore, UnionPay is enhancing tax refund services, now offering instant refund options at airports and city centers. The company is also actively advancing cross-border QR code interoperability, having established agreements with networks in 19 countries and regions, allowing international patrons to utilize familiar payment methods in China. This progress not only improves payment convenience but also increases accessibility for both foreign tourists and local merchants.

As UnionPay and the Bank of China Frankfurt Branch move forward with the SplendorPlus initiative, customers can expect a robust enhancement in their payment experiences and a positive shift in the dynamics of international spending, empowering them to travel with greater financial freedom and flexibility.