Starting Feb 25, eligible American Express cardholders worldwide can link their cards to Alipay for transactions within China, following a newly announced collaboration between the two companies.

The move marks a step forward for Alipay in its quest to boost "foreign card linkage" services for inbound visitors, which now extends support to seven major international bank card brands.

As a result of this partnership, American Express cardholders can now download the Alipay app in China, link their American Express cards issued overseas (those issued by partners abroad are currently not supported), and access a plethora of services within China using Alipay.

From hailing rides and booking tickets for tourist attractions to using public transportation, renting power banks, and receiving tax refunds, users can now eat at restaurants, engage in recreation, and go shopping, all through one app.

With the backing of the People's Bank of China, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other relevant departments, Ant Group, the company behind Alipay, has closely collaborated with UnionPay, the National Internet Finance Association of China, domestic partner banks, overseas wallet partners, and international card organizations to explore and promote innovative mobile payment services for international visitors.

Through two cross-border mobile payment solutions, namely "foreign card linkage" and "foreign wallet for domestic use", more international tourists can now explore China with nothing more than a mobile phone and easily pay at any of the millions of merchants across China who are part of Alipay's extensive network.

Currently, Alipay's support for "foreign card linkage" covers seven major international bank card brands.

Additionally, Alipay serves as the digital wallet partner of Ant Group's comprehensive wallet solution, Alipay+, enabling users from 10 countries and regions with 13 overseas digital payment tools to use their familiar local e-wallets for transactions in China through Alipay+ cross-border services.

Sources: Shanghai Morning Post, National Business Daily