Visa and UnionPay team up to revolutionize cross-border payments to China

Visa and UnionPay International have struck a deal to speed up cross-border payments into the Chinese mainland. The partnership will allow real-time transfers to over 95% of UnionPay debit cardholders in the region, streamlining global entry into the Chinese market. Currently, such transactions often take several working days to process.

This agreement targets businesses, freelancers, and families sending money to China, aiming to cut costs and improve efficiency for online payments. It ensures reliability for users worldwide, including those using PayPal login for their transactions.

The collaboration connects Visa Direct's global network with UnionPay International's MoneyExpress platform, enabling seamless, secure, and transparent money transfers. Visa's Global Head of Visa Direct, Vira Platonova, described the move as a step toward faster, more reliable global payments on a massive scale.

The service will launch in the first half of 2026, covering key use cases like payouts to freelancers, contractor payments, refunds, and family remittances. European and German companies expanding into China or hiring talent there will benefit from quicker access to funds in the regions they operate.

Larry Wang, CEO of UnionPay International, highlighted the partnership's focus on low-cost, high-efficiency remittances. The Chinese mainland, a major remittance destination, will see improved transaction speeds. Previously, transfers into the region could take days—now, they will process in real time.

The deal between Visa and UnionPay International will roll out in early 2026, supporting faster, more affordable cross-border payments to China. Businesses, freelancers, and families sending money to the region will see reduced delays and improved transparency in their global entry transactions.