Brandon Lee
American Express cards are not widely accepted in China, and sources suggest that they will only be accepted at luxury or international chain hotels and airlines. However, it is possible to use an American Express card in China by linking it to a mobile payment system such as WeChat Pay or Alipay. WeChat Pay started allowing the addition of American Express cards issued abroad in early 2024, and while Alipay does not officially accept American Express, it does accept cards issued in Singapore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| American Express cards accepted in China | Only at luxury or international hotels and airlines |
| Using American Express with WeChat Pay | Possible, but may incur a fee |
| Using American Express with Alipay | Only possible with Singapore-issued cards |
| Using American Express at ATMs | Possible at major banks, including Bank of China |
| Foreign transaction fees | May be charged by WeChat Pay but not by American Express |
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What You'll Learn
Using American Express cards with WeChat Pay
It is highly recommended that you set up WeChat Pay before travelling to China. This mobile payment system will simplify your transactions and make your overall stay more convenient.
WeChat Pay started to allow the addition of nearly all American Express cards issued abroad in early 2024 (originally, only domestic Amex was accepted). It waived the processing fee for all single purchases under 250 CNY (a 2.5% fee is charged for purchases above this value).
To add your American Express card to WeChat Pay, follow these steps:
- In your Wallet, tap 'Bank Cards' and then 'Add a Bank Card'.
- Read the Weixin Pay User Service Agreement and Privacy Policy and tap 'Agree'.
- Follow the steps on the screen to fill in your identity information. Tap 'Next' to add your card.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Please note that if you use your passport to verify your identity, you will be asked to upload a copy of it. Additionally, there are limits on transactions made with international cards on WeChat Pay. There is a limit of 6,500 RMB for single transactions, a cumulative limit of 50,000 RMB for monthly transactions, and a cumulative limit of 65,000 RMB for yearly transactions. The exchange rate will be calculated based on the rate of the card organisation and the issuing bank of your international card.
Before your trip, it is also a good idea to notify your bank about your travel plans and understand any fees or limitations that may apply when using your card in China.
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Using American Express cards with Alipay
American Express (Amex) cards can be used with Alipay in China. However, it is important to note that Amex is not widely accepted in mainland China, except for luxury or international chain hotels and airlines. Therefore, using Alipay in conjunction with Amex can be a convenient way for international travellers to make payments in China.
To use an American Express card with Alipay, you must first download the Alipay app and register for an account. This involves selecting your local region, entering your mobile phone number, and agreeing to the terms and conditions and privacy policy. You will also need to complete a verification step and select the country of issue for your government-issued ID.
Once you have set up your Alipay account, you can add your American Express card by navigating to the "'Account' tab" and selecting 'Bank Cards' from the list of options. Here, you will be prompted to create a password and enter your card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV code. You may also be asked to enter a verification code sent to your mobile phone via SMS to complete the process.
After successfully adding your American Express card to Alipay, you can use it to make payments at millions of merchants across China. Simply present the barcode or QR code from the Alipay app when making a purchase. If you have added multiple American Express cards, you can select the card you would like to use for payment from within the app.
It is worth noting that using foreign bank cards in China may incur foreign transaction fees or exchange rate charges. Therefore, it is recommended to always check with your bank or card provider to understand any fees or limitations that may apply when using your card in China. Additionally, carrying some backup cash or an alternative form of payment is advisable in case of any issues with your American Express card or unexpected fees.
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Foreign transaction fees
American Express cards are not widely accepted in China, except in luxury or international chain hotels and airlines. However, there are ways to use your American Express card in China and incur minimal foreign transaction fees.
Firstly, it is important to note that American Express cards cannot be directly used for payments in China. However, they can be linked to mobile payment systems such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are widely accepted in the country. WeChat Pay started allowing the addition of almost all American Express cards issued abroad in early 2024 and waived the processing fee for all single purchases under 250 CNY, with a 2.5% fee for purchases above that value. Alipay, on the other hand, does not accept American Express cards issued outside of Singapore. So, if you have a Singapore-issued American Express card, you can add it to Alipay and use QR payments through the app at millions of accepting locations across China.
It is worth mentioning that while using WeChat Pay with your American Express card, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee, but this is dependent on the specific card you choose to bind to WeChat Pay. Additionally, carrying multiple forms of payment is recommended when travelling to China, as using foreign bank cards may result in unexpected fees or compatibility issues.
To avoid unexpected fees, it is advisable to always check with your bank or card provider to understand any fees or limitations that may apply when using your card in China. Notifying your bank about your travel plans can also help prevent issues with your card being flagged for suspicious activity.
Lastly, it is a good idea to carry some US dollars or euros and exchange them for Chinese yuan if needed. This can be useful if your bank cards don't work or you encounter other payment difficulties.
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Using ATMs in China
When using an ATM in China, it is important to be aware of a few key considerations. Firstly, not all ATMs in China are compatible with foreign cards, so it is recommended to stick to machines operated by major banks such as the Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, ICBC, or HSBC to ensure compatibility. Even within these banks, not all foreign cards are accepted, so look for signage or stickers indicating which card networks are accepted, such as Visa or MasterCard. Additionally, some ATMs only allow deposits, while others only permit withdrawals, so ensure you select the correct machine for your needs.
Before your trip to China, it is highly advisable to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being flagged for suspicious activity. Check with your bank or card provider to understand any fees, limitations, or foreign transaction fees that may apply when using your card in China. It is also a good idea to carry at least two different types of credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, for larger purchases and two types of debit cards for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
When using a Chinese ATM, be cautious and vigilant. Chinese ATMs tend to run out of cash over the weekends, so it is advisable to withdraw cash before the weekend to avoid any inconveniences. Protect your PIN and personal space, especially in busy areas with unruly queues, as potential thieves may attempt to steal your information. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with or looks suspicious, avoid using it.
To withdraw cash from an ATM in China, you can typically use a four-digit PIN for foreign cards, even though most Chinese PINs are six digits. The daily withdrawal limit is usually around 2,500-3,000 RMB, depending on the bank. It is recommended to select the local currency (RMB) for withdrawal instead of allowing the ATM to convert your transaction to a foreign currency, as currency conversion rates and fees can be expensive.
Lastly, consider setting up mobile payment systems such as Alipay or WeChat Pay before your arrival in China. These platforms allow you to add your foreign-issued cards and simplify your transactions during your stay.
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Using cash in China
China has rapidly evolved from a cash-first society to one with an 86% mobile payments penetration rate. The two primary payment apps in China are Alipay and WeChat Pay, which launched in 2004 and 2013, respectively. These apps offer seamless transactions, integrating retail purchases, money transfers, transport bookings, and other services. However, these apps primarily serve the domestic Chinese market, requiring a Chinese bank account or extensive identification to connect to a foreign account. This has posed challenges for foreign visitors, who often struggle to access these payment systems.
To address these challenges, Beijing has implemented measures to facilitate cash payments and promote inclusivity for both elderly Chinese citizens and foreigners. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has fined several businesses, including a KFC franchise, for rejecting cash payments. These fines range from RMB 3,000 ($414) to RMB 55,000 ($7,594). Additionally, the PBOC issued a joint notice requiring retailers and hospitality venues in key business and tourist areas to accept foreign payments and ensure that essential services, such as markets and pharmacies, can take cash.
While cash remains legal tender in China, its usage has declined, especially after the pandemic, when contact-free digital payments gained preference. Nevertheless, it is still accepted almost everywhere in the country. When using cash, merchants may not have sufficient change, so it is advisable to carry smaller denominations.
For foreign visitors to China, it is recommended to carry some US dollars or euros as backup and exchange them for Chinese yuan if needed. Additionally, setting up a mobile payment method, such as Alipay or WeChat Pay, before arriving in China can simplify transactions. To use Alipay, you can download the app, register with your local region and phone number, and link your foreign credit or debit card. It is important to check with your bank about any fees or limitations associated with using your card in China and notify them of your travel plans to avoid any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
American Express is not widely accepted in China, except in luxury or international chain hotels and airlines. However, you can use your American Express card in China if you link it to WeChat Pay or Alipay.
To link your card to WeChat Pay, you need to download the app and follow the instructions to register. You will need to enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV code. You may also be asked to enter a 6-digit code sent to you via SMS to complete the process.
You may incur foreign transaction fees when using your American Express card in China, depending on the card you choose to bind to WeChat Pay or Alipay. It is always a good idea to check with your bank or card provider to understand any fees or limitations that may apply.
