Credit cards in China: why they are rarely taken, and how to link Alipay and WeChat Pay

Credit card for China: why cards are rarely taken at small merchants

In China, mobile payment by QR scan has become the main habit for most people, so many small merchants do not have terminals for foreign cards. Big hotels, airports and some stores may take cards or certain networks, but habits vary by area and can change.

Using a credit card in China: where cards may still work

• Larger hotels often take cards and place a hold at check-in.
• Big malls and some branded shops may take certain card networks.
• Airports and tourist-focused services often have card options.
• Ask before ordering or buying, and look for network stickers at the door.

For which networks are commonly taken where, see our card-network guide, and check the latest from the network and your issuing bank.

Using a credit card with Alipay and WeChat Pay: what they are and how they work

Alipay and WeChat Pay are in-app wallets. You link a card or account to the app, then pay by scanning the merchant's QR code or showing your own for the merchant to scan. There are versions and options for visitors that support foreign cards. For Alipay specifically, see our Alipay guide.

Linking a credit card to Alipay: the general steps

1. 1Install the app from an official storeDownload from the official App Store or Google Play, beware of fake apps, and check that the version supports foreign visitors.
2. 2Register and verify your identityRegister with a phone number or email as the app allows, and complete the identity verification it asks for, which may involve your passport. Steps can change, so follow the screens.
3. 3Add the card and verify with your bankEnter the card details the app supports. Your bank may send an OTP or ask for confirmation, so check that your bank's OTP works abroad; see our OTP guide.
4. 4Test before you travelConfirm the card was added and that the app can scan and show QR codes. If something is stuck, contact the app's support or your bank.

Linking a credit card to WeChat Pay: the general steps

WeChat Pay is tied to a WeChat account, which you register and verify first. The principle is similar to Alipay: install from an official source, register, verify identity, then add a card as the app allows. Your bank may ask for an OTP, and in some cases a new account may carry certain restrictions you should read about in the app.

• Do it before you leave, not at the till, because verification and OTPs can take time.
• Read the app's conditions on foreign cards, limits and any charges directly in the app.
• Set strong passwords and the app's security verification.

Limits, fees and what to check in the app

Providers and banks may set limits per transaction or period, and there may be charges for using a foreign card. We state no figures because they can change. Check the app's help pages and your issuing bank's documents.

Backup cash and a backup card

Even with the apps set up you may meet an app glitch, a bank decline, or a shop taking only cash. Carry some cash and a second card from a different bank. If getting cash in China is hard, ask your hotel or a bank what works for visitors and check the latest information before you travel.

Mobile data and payment apps in China

QR payments need working mobile data. If you want to be connected from landing, look at eSIM plans for China ahead of time. For apps used in China and general connection approaches, see our china-esim-without-vpn guide and China trip-prep checklist; we give no circumvention advice beyond what that guide already says.

See eSIM plans for China