In a groundbreaking move to simplify cross-border transactions, UnionPay International (UPI) and the Bank of China Frankfurt Branch have introduced the SplendorPlus Debit Card. This innovative payment solution, marking its debut in Europe, is tailored for German residents traveling to China, offering them a seamless and cost-effective way to manage cross-border payments. As international travel surges, particularly to China, the SplendorPlus Debit Card promises to enhance the payment experience for travelers, ensuring that both local and international spending are easy, efficient, and rewarding.
The collaboration between UnionPay and the Bank of China combines the global reach of UnionPay’s payment network with the trusted local presence of the Bank of China. This partnership offers travelers a versatile payment option that works effortlessly in both Germany and China. One of the card’s standout features is the 1% cashback reward for transactions made within mainland China, making it a highly attractive choice for frequent travelers between Europe and China.
A Seamless Travel Payment Experience
The SplendorPlus Debit Card is designed with travelers in mind, offering not only ease of use but also broad acceptance. UnionPay services are widely available in Germany, particularly in key tourist destinations like airports, shopping districts, and outlet villages. This extensive network includes well-known merchants such as department stores, duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels, and car rental services.
For travelers heading to China, the card offers unparalleled convenience. The SplendorPlus Card is accepted at over 1.31 million merchants across China, covering a wide range of sectors, including transportation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. In addition, UnionPay has partnered with 213 offline aggregated code merchants and 166 major online platforms, ensuring that cardholders can enjoy a seamless experience across both physical and digital retail environments in China.
UnionPay’s partnership with Epay further enhances the card’s utility by enabling QR code payments at major retail chains like Müller, Galeria, and Heinemann duty-free shops in Germany, making it more versatile for users who prefer mobile payments.
Enhancing the Travel Experience with Project Excellence
The introduction of the SplendorPlus Debit Card is part of UnionPay’s broader Project Excellence, an initiative launched in 2024 to revolutionize cross-border payment solutions. Project Excellence focuses on three key areas: improving acceptance scenarios, upgrading products, and expanding UnionPay’s global reach.
In early 2025, the project shifted its focus to enhancing international payment experiences for travelers, particularly those visiting China. By simplifying payment solutions for overseas customers, UnionPay has seen significant growth. In the past year alone, foreign-issued and cross-border UnionPay card volume surged by 103%, with transaction values increasing by 31%. These figures reflect the program’s success and its ability to meet the evolving needs of international travelers.
The SplendorPlus Debit Card is one of the flagship products introduced under this initiative, specifically designed to cater to the needs of long-term visitors and residents with frequent cross-border payment requirements. Its integration with UnionPay’s vast global network ensures that users can access a seamless payment experience, whether they are shopping in-store or making digital payments online.
Cross-Border Payments for the Modern Traveler
In addition to its wide acceptance, the SplendorPlus Card offers several features designed to enhance the travel experience. For tech-savvy travelers, UnionPay offers over 200 digital wallets available for use in 37 markets. These digital wallets allow cardholders to make payments directly from their mobile devices, adding another layer of convenience for those who prefer mobile-first solutions.
Moreover, UnionPay’s expansion of its tax refund services further improves the travel experience for international visitors. With instant tax refunds available at airports and city-center locations, travelers can easily reclaim taxes on their purchases while on the go. This service is a valuable addition for those visiting China, as it streamlines the refund process and allows tourists to enjoy their savings instantly.
UnionPay has also advanced cross-border QR code interoperability, reaching agreements with payment networks in 19 countries and regions. This enables international customers to use their familiar payment tools in China, further enhancing the accessibility of UnionPay’s services for foreign tourists.
Upgrading the Bank of China’s Dual-Currency Debit Cards
As part of their ongoing collaboration, UnionPay and the Bank of China Frankfurt Branch will begin upgrading current dual-currency debit cards to the new SplendorPlus Card starting from October 1, 2025. The upgraded cards will include the addition of cashback rewards and be fully integrated with UnionPay’s mobile-based U Rewards Platform. This upgrade is expected to drive increased card issuance and transaction activity, benefiting both existing and new cardholders.
With the introduction of the SplendorPlus Card, UnionPay and the Bank of China aim to streamline the payment process for travelers, making it easier for them to manage their finances across borders. Whether they are shopping in Germany or traveling to China, the SplendorPlus Debit Card offers a versatile and efficient solution for a variety of payment needs.
Future Prospects for Cross-Border Payments in the Travel Industry
UnionPay’s innovative approach to cross-border payments is reshaping the travel industry by offering solutions that meet the growing demand for seamless, mobile-friendly, and convenient payment systems. As more travelers seek solutions that simplify cross-border transactions, UnionPay’s global expansion and continuous product enhancements will ensure its continued relevance in the travel and tourism market.
The SplendorPlus Debit Card is a step forward in making travel payments easier and more rewarding. By addressing the unique needs of travelers between Europe and China, UnionPay and the Bank of China are not only improving the payment experience but also helping to drive the growth of cross-border tourism. With its combination of global acceptance, cashback rewards, and mobile payment options, the SplendorPlus Card is positioned to become an essential tool for international travelers.
Conclusion: Simplifying Cross-Border Payments for the Modern Traveler
The collaboration between UnionPay and the Bank of China has led to the development of the SplendorPlus Debit Card, a groundbreaking solution for travelers navigating cross-border payments between Europe and China. By combining UnionPay’s global network with the Bank of China’s local expertise, the card offers travelers a seamless, rewarding payment experience that enhances their journey. With the addition of cashback incentives, mobile wallet integration, and expanded tax refund services, the SplendorPlus Debit Card is poised to become a must-have payment tool for modern travelers.
As UnionPay continues to expand its footprint and innovate in the travel payment space, its focus on improving cross-border payment solutions will drive growth in international tourism and help create a more convenient and efficient payment experience for global travelers.
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