SHANGHAI / via PR Newswire / — UnionPay International (UPI) and Samsung Electronics have announced a strategic global partnership to accelerate mobile payment adoption by integrating UnionPay’s payment network into Samsung Wallet, enabling both NFC contactless and QR code payments through a unified mobile experience.
The collaboration is built on UnionPay’s proprietary “NFC-QRC all-in-one” mobile payment solution, allowing cardholders worldwide to bind their UnionPay cards to Samsung Wallet and flexibly choose their preferred payment method at the point of sale. Hong Kong SAR has been confirmed as the first market to implement the service, with BOC Credit Card (International) Co., Ltd. serving as the inaugural issuing partner.
Strengthening Asia’s Digital Payments Ecosystem
The launch marks a significant milestone in Asia’s rapidly expanding digital payments landscape. Samsung Wallet is currently available across 62 countries and regions, positioning the partnership to substantially broaden UnionPay’s reach among Android users while supporting faster local digital card issuance.
To support early adoption in Hong Kong, UnionPay International and Samsung Electronics will roll out exclusive instant discount promotions for UnionPay cardholders using Samsung Galaxy devices, reinforcing consumer engagement in one of Asia’s most advanced financial hubs.
Leadership Perspectives on Cross-Border Innovation
Larry Wang, Chief Executive Officer of UnionPay International, emphasized the collaboration’s role in advancing inclusive payment infrastructure:
“By combining UnionPay’s global payment capabilities with Samsung’s device and platform ecosystem, this partnership demonstrates how open collaboration can strengthen cross-border mobile payments. Our goal is to make international transactions more convenient, efficient, and accessible for consumers and merchants alike.”
Woncheol Chai, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Wallet Team at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, highlighted the strategic value of the initiative:
“This partnership goes beyond technical integration. It represents a major step toward delivering a secure, convenient, and scalable mobile payment environment. By leveraging Samsung’s global reach and UnionPay’s deep issuer and merchant relationships, we expect to accelerate the adoption of mobile payments both online and offline, not only in Greater China but globally.”
Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), noted the importance of the Hong Kong launch:
“We are pleased that BOC Credit Card is the first institution in Hong Kong to support this joint initiative. The service gives our UnionPay cardholders early access to Samsung Wallet integration while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a testing ground for next-generation mobile payment innovation.”
One Wallet, Multiple Payment Options
UnionPay’s NFC-QRC all-in-one solution enables a single mobile application to support multiple payment formats, allowing partner institutions outside mainland China to deploy NFC and QR-based UnionPay services simultaneously. This flexibility addresses diverse market needs while simplifying mobile payment rollouts for issuers.
UnionPay mobile payment services are now accepted in over 100 countries and regions. Outside mainland China, UnionPay Mobile QuickPass is supported by more than 23 million POS terminals, while UnionPay QR code interoperability initiatives have been implemented or are progressing in approximately 50 markets, covering tens of millions of merchants worldwide.
Phased Expansion Planned Beyond Hong Kong
Following the initial rollout, UnionPay International and Samsung Electronics plan to expand the service to additional markets in phases, subject to regulatory approvals and technical readiness. The partnership reflects a broader regional and global push to modernize payment infrastructure, promote cashless economies, and enhance secure digital transaction experiences for consumers and businesses.
SOURCE: UnionPay International
Via: Industrydailyobserver
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