UnionPay is the world’s largest card network by total cards issued, with more than 9 billion cards in circulation globally. It’s the dominant card brand in China, where it’s accepted almost everywhere, and its footprint continues to expand internationally.
For many Canadian businesses, UnionPay has become part of everyday transactions. From expanding retail shops in Vancouver to boutiques in Toronto and online stores serving international buyers, it offers a familiar way for Chinese travelers, students, and new residents to pay comfortably and securely.
In this guide, we’ll break down how UnionPay works, why it matters, and how your business can start accepting UnionPay both in-store and online.
What is UnionPay?
UnionPay, also known as China UnionPay (CUP), is a global payment network established in 2002 and headquartered in Shanghai. It issues credit and debit cards, operates a clearing and settlement system, and powers digital wallet solutions.
Outside of China, UnionPay cardholders use their cards much like Visa or Mastercard, making purchases in local currency with seamless settlement. Increasingly, UnionPay is not just about plastic cards—its UnionPay app (also called “UnionPay Wallet”) supports QR code payments, tokenized mobile payments, and integration into third-party wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
Why Accept UnionPay in Canada?
Chinese consumers are an increasingly influential audience in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, Chinese residents represent one of the largest immigrant groups in the country, and before the pandemic, China was consistently among the top three sources of international tourists to Canada. With travel rebounding, seat capacity between China and Canada has surged up more than 160% year-over-year in 2025, making it easier for visitors to return in large numbers.
When Chinese travelers, international students, and new immigrants arrive in Canada, they often bring UnionPay cards and the UnionPay Wallet with them, relying on these tools for everyday purchases.
Accepting UnionPay can bring tangible business benefits to Canadian merchants:
Reach a growing customer base: Businesses can capture spend from Chinese consumers who may not carry Visa or Mastercard.
Build trust and familiarity: Displaying the UnionPay logo at your entrance or checkout sends an immediate signal of recognition. For Chinese cardholders, this familiarity reduces hesitation and creates confidence at the point of sale.
Enable seamless cross-border payments: UnionPay simplifies the complexities of international payments. Customers can pay in RMB or another local currency, while Canadian businesses receive settlement in CAD or USD.
Offer mobile-first experiences: Mobile payments are central to consumer behavior in China, where over 80% of transactions are now conducted via QR code wallets. By enabling UnionPay Wallet and QR payments, Canadian merchants can align with these habits and provide a checkout experience that feels natural for younger, mobile-first customers.
How to Start Accepting UnionPay in Canada
Enabling UnionPay doesn’t require building a custom integration from scratch. Canadian businesses can work with payment integrations like AlphaPay to get set up.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Merchant account setup: Apply through a payment service provider that supports UnionPay. You’ll need your business license and a Canadian bank account.
Integration:
In-store: Ensure your POS terminal is certified to accept UnionPay card transactions and QR payments.
Online: Add UnionPay Online Payment (UPOP) to your checkout flow via your provider’s API or plugin.
Wallet/QR: Implement QR code payment capability for UnionPay Wallet users.
Display UnionPay branding: At your store entrance, checkout counter, or on your website, prominently show the UnionPay logo so customers know it’s accepted.
Settlement: Customers pay in their currency, and you receive funds in CAD or USD, with conversion handled automatically.
Best Practices to Maximize Adoption
Making UnionPay visible is the first and most effective way to encourage use. For example, a luxury retailer in Toronto’s Yorkville district that placed UnionPay stickers on its storefront saw more Chinese tourists walk in, while restaurants in Vancouver’s Richmond neighborhood increased table turnover simply by adding the UnionPay logo to their menus and point-of-sale terminals. Clear signage tells cardholders immediately that their preferred method is welcome, which can directly influence their decision to step inside.
Staff engagement is equally important. Train cashiers and servers to recognize UnionPay cards and mention acceptance when appropriate. A small gesture like, “We accept UnionPay if that’s easier for you,” can go a long way toward making international customers feel at home. This proactive approach can reduce hesitation at checkout, speed up transactions, and create a more welcoming experience overall.
Offering mobile-first options is another way to maximize adoption. Many younger Chinese consumers are accustomed to scanning QR codes or using the UnionPay Wallet app instead of reaching for a physical card. By enabling QR-based transactions, Canadian merchants can align with these habits and avoid losing sales to competitors that only accept cards.
Finally, businesses can benefit from UnionPay’s global promotional campaigns. For instance, during Lunar New Year, UnionPay often runs discounts and cashback programs that partner merchants can opt into. A retailer participating in these campaigns not only gains extra visibility through UnionPay’s marketing channels but also attracts customers actively looking to take advantage of these offers. Leveraging these promotions can help drive seasonal spikes in traffic and build repeat business among loyal UnionPay users.
Ready to Accept UnionPay?
By combining visibility, staff awareness, mobile readiness, and promotional engagement, Canadian businesses can do more than just accept UnionPay—they can actively position themselves as destinations of choice for one of the world’s most valuable customer segments.
With AlphaPay, you can unlock this market quickly and efficiently while enjoying transparent fees, easy integration, and reliable support—connect with our team today to get started!
