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Tag: UnionPay

  • New rules will ‘wipe out’ Chinese online payment agents

    New rules will ‘wipe out’ Chinese online payment agents

    New regulations proposed by the Chinese government will deliver an immediate boost to state-ownedChina UnionPay, potentially forcing its smaller Chinese online payment agents out of business.

    The ‘Method of Network Payment Service Management for Third-Party Payment Agents’, proposed in August 2015, is set to restrict consumers’ daily and annual spending on online purchases through private third-party payment agents such as Alipay and Tenpay. But the new law exempts China UnionPay, giving it a clear market advantage.

    According to Timetric, the new law will present serious challenges for small private third-party agents trying to get a foothold in the online retail market.

    Under the draft law, the transaction amount made through third-party payment agents will be determined on the level of security measures incorporated within the online platform. Furthermore, all private third-party payment agents will be forbidden from offering financial services such as deposits, loans, financing or currency exchange services to consumers.

    Chinese regulators say the law aims to protect consumer interest and privacy and clamp down on counterfeit products and poor customer service offered by online private third-party payment agents.

    But in practice it appears on the surface to be a tool to protect UnionPay’s market dominance in the short term and protect the government’s interests, rather than those of consumers.

    “If implemented, the new legislation is anticipated to wipe out smaller private third-party agents, due to the increased operational costs of implementing multiple security measures”, said Kartik Challa, an analyst at Timetric.

    In China, UnionPay (CUP) is the sole scheme provider of payment cards. According to central bank regulations, all banks and card issuers operating in the country are required to route their Yuan-based transactions through CUP’s electronic payment network. However, following a complaint filed by the US against China via the WTO with regards to discriminating against foreign companies in 2012, the WTO directed the Chinese government to open up its payment cards market to foreign operators. Consequently in October 2014, the Chinese government announced its decision to allow foreign companies to set up their own payment card clearing businesses, effective from June 1, 2015.

    Ultimately, says Challa, the move will open the way to stronger competition for CUP – but not in the short term.

    “This move by the Chinese government is anticipated to intensify competition in the Chinese payment cards market, and end CUP dominance as the country’s only authorised card clearing organisation. However, Visa and MasterCard have a long way to go before they can make a dent in CUP’s market share, as they need to build up infrastructure from scratch”, comments Challa.

    China is one of the largest and most mature eCommerce markets in the world, increasing at a CAGR of 56.99 per cent over the last four years, from US$68.7 billion in 2010 to $417.3 billion in 2014.

    Factors, such as the rapid adoption of smartphones, growing internet penetration as well as availability of secure online payment mechanisms and a growing preference for online shopping – especially among the rural population– contributed to this growth.

    Timetric is a provider of online data, analysis and advisory services on key financial and industry sectors. It provides integrated information services covering risk assessments, forecasts, industry analysis, market intelligence, news and commentary.a

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  • Korea set to woo back Chinese tourists

    Korea set to woo back Chinese tourists

    South Korea’s retail and tourism industries are preparing a slew of promotional and cultural events to woo back Chinese tourists during a long-haul holiday season, pinning their hopes on making up for a summer slump in the wake of a viral respiratory illness, sources say.

    Since the first outbreak in late May, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) made a big dent on domestic spending as foreign tourists canceled their planned trips during the peak summer season, while South Koreans avoided shopping centers and other crowded places in June and July.

    While the viral disease hit the tourism and retail industry hard, Chinese tourists have started to return to the once-empty streets of Myeongdong, one of the capital’s most popular shopping districts, over the past month.

    The number of Chinese travellers has increasingly recovered to the previous year’s level since late August and marked an on-year rise since mid-September, the state-run Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said.

    About 303,000 tourists with Chinese nationality entered the nation in the first two weeks of September, rising 4.8 per cent compared with the same period a year ago, it said.

    “The number of Chinese travelers has sharply risen this month, and the number is expected to completely recover during the Chinese holiday season,” Han Hwa-joon, who oversees the KTO’s Shanghai branch, said. “The recovery pace is faster than expected.”

    Chinese Thanksgiving falls on September 26-27, and together with the Chinese National Holiday running from October 1-7, the holiday season can be extended up to 12 days.

    As the Chinese holiday season draws near, major shopping centers and duty-free operators are making all-out efforts to draw Chinese tourists to make up for a shortfall in sales amid dormant domestic spending.

    According to the KTO, 164,000 Chinese travelers visited the nation during last year’s autumn holiday season and spent 2.4 million won on average, which amounts to about 400 billion won (US$341.5 million) in total.

    During this year’s Chinese National Holiday, the tourism agency expected some 210,000 Chinese will visit the nation, up 30 per cent from a year ago, considering the pace of growth over the past three years.

    “We will host a variety of events even after the Chinese holiday to make up for the fall in tourists during the peak season from June to August,” said Seo Young-chung, a KTO official in charge of Chinese tourism.

    Lotte Department Store plans to host a variety of promotional events targeting Chinese travelers during the golden weeks, providing discounts on payments made through UnionPay, China’s largest credit card issuer, and Alipay, China’s No. 1 mobile payment application.

    Shinsegae, the nation’s leading department chain, said it will give special discounts to Chinese customers, while Hyundai Department Store also started the regular sale season earlier than usual to attract the deep-pocketed travelers.

    Operators of duty-free shops have also stepped up efforts to bring back Chinese travelers, the largest consumer group, which accounted for about 70 per cent of downtown duty-free spending last year, up from around 15 per cent in 2011.

    Lotte Duty Free, the world’s fourth-largest duty-free operator, held a travel fair in Shanghai on September 9, in which senior company officials reached out to Chinese tourism officials to attract Chinese travelers.

    Hotel Shilla, part of Samsung Group and the world’s No. 6 duty-free operator, also presented various sales promotions and tour packages during the fair along with other Samsung units, with the attendance of senior officials.

    “The Korean tourism industry has mostly recovered after the Mers outbreak came under control, and it will make a full recovery in September,” Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Bu-jin told reporters during her visit to Shanghai.

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  • Lawson to accept UnionPay

    Lawson to accept UnionPay

    Japanese retailer Lawson has installed 1000 ATMs in a new network to help Chinese tourists access their cash via UnionPay cards.

    And from September 24, customers will be able to pay for purchases using UnionPay credit cards at all Lawson stores in Japan – that’s 12,195 stores, trading under the Lawson, Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100 banners.

    From September 28, customers can also withdraw Japanese yen by UnionPay credit or debit card on the newly introduced ATM network which will eventually be expanded to more than 2000.

    During the Chinese National Day holidays, a large number of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Japan. During this holiday season, Lawson will launch a coupon campaign for customers who use the UnionPay credit card for settlement. Customers who have purchased over 2000 JPY worth of goods using a UnionPay credit card can get a 200 JPY coupon ticket which can be used for their next purchase.

    The campaign runs through the month of October and the coupons can be used until November 7.

    At Lawson stores in Japan, the average shopping amount per payment is 600 JPY. Spending on credit cards is more than twice as much, at around 1300 JPY. Furthermore, in some pre-launched stores where payment by UnionPay card is already available, the average shopping amount made by UnionPay card jumps to about 3000 to 4000 JPY.

    Foreign visitors going to Lawson stores buy not only rice balls and drinks, but also confectionery and daily goods as souvenirs. This campaign will be able to meet a wide range of needs from foreign visitors to Lawson stores.

  • UnionPay partners with Latitude19

    UnionPay partners with Latitude19

    Latitude19 Technology says its internet payment gateway is now registered with UnionPay Online Payment, a service for eCommerce transactions that enables UnionPay cards to be accepted over the internet with real-time transaction authorisation.

    The service brings the convenience of transacting over the internet to all Issuers, Acquirers, Merchants, and UnionPay cardholders in a simple and secure way, opening the way for holders of more than 5 billion UnionPay cards to shop online.

    Latitude 19 Technology CEO & founder, Timothy Moore said UnionPay registration is an important milestone in the company’s strategy to become the leading global offshore payment gateway.

    The deal makes Latitude19 the first provider for UnionPay in the Caribbean and Latin America.

    “Our partnership with the world’s largest card association, will fast track our growth and provide valuable solutions for our clients.”

    Latitude19 Technology’s UnionPay International credit card issuing program is based on a globally recognised platform that has been designed to rapidly launch and deploy new programs or expand existing programs in real-time versus taking months with other legacy platforms. It supports debit, credit, or emerging payment programs in plastic, virtual, or mobile form.

    Latitude19 Technology is a Cayman Islands-based secure, international, online payment gateway that offers competitively priced, custom credit card payment solutions for eCommerce merchants.

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  • TNS paves way for UnionPay global growth

    TNS paves way for UnionPay global growth

    Retailers globally stand to benefit from a new alliance making its easier for Chinese to shop with their UnionPay cards.

    Transaction Network Services (TNS) has launched a new global card scheme gateway which will enable merchants and banks to quickly and easily connect with UnionPay for authorisation and processing of in-store payment transactions.

    Banks, processors and merchants wishing to accept UnionPay cards will be able to use the TNS Scheme Gateway to access UnionPay’s processing hub in Hong Kong, removing the need for self-managed complex and costly bespoke connections.

    Lisa Shipley, executive VP and MD of TNS’ Payment Network Solutions, said UnionPay is now a significant player within the card industry globally and merchants and banks have long recognised the importance of being able to accept payments made via its card.

    “In addition to being complex, setting up bespoke network links can prove extremely costly and time consuming both to establish and to maintain, and as a result many merchants have been simply unable to accept UnionPay transactions until now.

    “We are removing the need for organisations to make changes to backend systems and networks, and offering them a streamlined, efficient and cost-effective alternative which can be operational in as little as two weeks.”

    The TNS Scheme Gateway for UnionPay uses TNS’ Secure Payments Network which allows retailers and banks to handle customer card data in accordance with PCI DSS regulations and best in class visibility and monitoring which ensures maximum uptime and availability. The technology converts the local domestic message format into UnionPay’s preferred type and manages all clearing, dispute and reconciliation files. TNS also manages all card scheme updates and compliance requirements, allowing merchants, banks and processors to focus on their core business.

    Currency exchange provider Travelex has already tested and signed up for the new gateway, becoming one of TNS’ first customers.

    Damian Cecchi, Travelex GM, said the new gateway was easy to set up and is much simpler than managing the company;s own connection.

    UnionPay dominates China’s fledgling credit card industry with 4.3 billion UnionPay cards now issued. IN 2013, more than US$5.2 trillion was spent using UnionPay and the cards are now being issued outside China.

    James Yang, chief representative South Pacific from UnionPay International, said working with TNS is part of a global expansion plan.

    “As our customers seek to explore the world they live in they need a trusted form of payment which can travel with them and with TNS’ help their UnionPay card will be their perfect travel partner.

    “Since UnionPay was established in 2002, we have actively responded to the social and economic development of China and are proud to have driven the growth of China’s bankcard industry. This new partnership with TNS helps us to take the next step and cement our position in the global marketplace.”

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  • UnionPay joins hands with 80 airport duty free shops to expand cardholder privileges

    UnionPay joins hands with 80 airport duty free shops to expand cardholder privileges

    UnionPay International, a unit of China UnionPay Co Ltd, said on Friday that it launched a new privilege program featuring special discounts at 80 duty free shops in 70 airports by partnering with 16 world-renowned duty free groups. Holders of UnionPay cards (card number starting with 62) are able to enjoy exclusive discounts of at least 5 percent while shopping at the airport.

    “As China becomes the world’s second largest tourism source country, we’re keeping up with the trends that individual and in-depth tours have become more popular to continuously enrich our global cardholder privilege system,” said Dong Li, Chief Branding Officer of UnionPay International.

    “Airport duty free shops are must-visit shopping sites for many during their travel, we wish to provide both domestic and overseas cardholders with better card-using experiences at airports around the world by rolling out the latest privilege program.”

    The program is an upgrade of the one of last year that features exclusive discounts at 60 airport duty free shops with many highlights.

    It covers a wide range including popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. A total of 17 airports among the top 20 global ones in terms of passenger flow participate in the program.

    Cardholders can enjoy discounts of at least 5 percent. In the meantime, the program covers the Labour Day and the summer vacation during which Chinese tourists prefer to travel. Around 30 percent of the duty free shops, including those in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ngurah Rai International Airport, will extend the offers to the end of 2015.

    A large number of new merchants are involved. International airports in emerging tourist destinations including Russia, Italy, Qatar, South Africa, Finland, Belgium and Fiji participate for the first time. UnionPay International also offers privileges in 5 domestic airport duty free shops in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Kunming to overseas UnionPay cardholders.

    Currently, the overseas UnionPay acceptance network has expanded to 150 countries and regions. UnionPay cards are accepted by 26 million merchants and 1.8 million ATMs worldwide. UnionPay has become the preferred payment service provider of Chinese outbound tourists. Since last year, UnionPay International has launched privilege programs featuring discounts at airport duty free shops, core business districts and tourist destinations.

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  • UnionPay in giant duty free pact

    UnionPay in giant duty free pact

    UnionPay International has launched a privilege program featuring special discounts at 80 duty free shops in 70 airports by partnering with 16 world-renowned duty free groups.

    Holders of UnionPay cards with a number starting with 62 can receive discounts of at least five per cent during their international travels.

    “As China becomes the world’s second largest tourism source country, we’re keeping up with the trends that individual and in-depth tours have become more popular to continuously enrich our global cardholder privilege system,” said Dong Li, chief branding officer of UnionPay International.

    “Airport duty free shops are must-visit shopping sites for many during their travel, we wish to provide both domestic and overseas cardholders with better card-using experiences at airports around the world by rolling out the latest privilege program.”

    The program is an upgrade of the one of last year that features exclusive discounts at 60 airport duty free shops with many highlights.

    It covers a wide range of destinations inside Asia and beyond, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. A total of 17 airports among the top 20 global ones in terms of passenger flow participate in the program.

    The promotion is focussed on the Labor Day and summer holiday vacation season during which Chinese tourists prefer to travel. But about 30 per cent of the duty free shops, including those in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ngurah Rai International Airport, will extend the offers until the end of 2015.

    A large number of new merchants are involved. International airports in emerging tourist destinations including Russia, Italy, Qatar, South Africa, Finland, Belgium and Fiji participate for the first time. UnionPay International also offers privileges in 5 domestic airport duty free shops in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Kunming to overseas UnionPay cardholders.

    Currently, the overseas UnionPay acceptance network has expanded to 150 countries and regions. UnionPay cards are accepted by 26 million merchants and 1.8 million ATMs worldwide. UnionPay has become the preferred payment service provider of Chinese outbound tourists. Since last year, UnionPay International has launched privilege programs featuring discounts at airport duty free shops, core business districts and tourist destinations.

     

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  • UnionPay, Travelex launch NiHao card

    UnionPay, Travelex launch NiHao card

    Rev Worldwide  and foreign exchange specialist Travelex have launched a new prepaid card for Chinese tourists called Travelex NiHao Card.

    The reloadable prepaid travel card will work in association with UnionPay International.

    The Travelex NiHao Card is an instant-issue reloadable UnionPay prepaid product now available over the counter at all Travelex branch locations throughout Hong Kong, and is accepted at over 9.5 million retail merchants, and online, plus over 500,000 ATMs throughout China.

    The Nihao Card launch in Hong Kong marks the first Rev processed UnionPay card.  Rev and UnionPay International previously announced a partnership focused on innovative travel product expansion opportunities.

    “We know from our cash sales that China has always been a key destination for Hong Kong travelers so we’re thrilled to be able to launch this product in time for China’s biggest holiday of the year,” said a Travelex spokesperson.

    There are more than 1000 flights daily to over 180 destinations around the world from Hong Kong, including 45 to China, making it the ideal travel gateway city for international travelers within Asia. Hong Kong sees almost 63.4 million departures to international destinations per year, and 96.5 per cent of those departures are to China, Macau and other nearby Asian destinations.

    Additionally, Hong Kong travellers are some of the biggest spenders in the world, with an estimated US$22.8 billion spent on international travel-related expenses in 2014, making Hong Kong the fourth largest outbound travel market in Asia, according to the World Tourism Organization.

    As the technology partner and processor behind the NiHao Travel Card, Rev brings a proven payments processing platform for delivering innovative travel products around the world. Travelex distributes and markets the product directly to consumers.

    “This is an important development for us, beyond the launch of another innovative travel card, in that we are launching our first product intended for broad usage within China,” said John Mitchell, CEO of Rev Worldwide.

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