UnionPay International launches “优计划” to enhance cross-border consumer experiences

(Source: Internet)

On July 6, UnionPay International and its first partners jointly announced in Shanghai the launch of “优计划”, the world's first open cross-border marketing platform developed by a bankcard scheme. Ge Huayong, Chairman of China UnionPay, Cai Jianbo, CEO of UnionPay International, and company officials of its first partners in developing the platform, namely Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, CYTS, Ctrip, Spring Airlines, SaSa Hong Kong, Prince Jewellery & Watch, LUKFOOK JEWELLERY, and ISA, attended the ceremony to witness this financial innovation resulted from crossover cooperation.

“优计划” is a new platform developed by UnionPay International in 8 months, and is joined by various cross-border service providers in the fields of finance, travel and retail. Following the trend of mobile Internet and adopting new technologies like Geo-fencing, “优计划” realizes positioning, accurate marketing and instant discounts for cross-border consumption for the first time, and upgrades UnionPay cross-border marketing services and cardholders’ card-using experiences.

Cardholders may enjoy “优计划” in two ways. One is to get the exclusive QR code discount coupon by exploring the signage in the mobile apps of UnionPay International, BOC and China Merchants Bank. Second is to receive the discount coupons that could be used in the destination promoted by the apps of UnionPay International’s partner travel agencies when booking airlines and hotels via the apps. Ctrip will remind you of the discount coupons when you arrive at the destination or get near the specific merchants. Cardholders can enjoy the highest discount available at the merchant upon presenting the QR code and paying with UnionPay card.

“优计划” is of great significance to all parties in the market: First, it upgrades UnionPay’s cross-border marketing model. “优计划” is a more accurate marketing model based on UnionPay International’s three global marketing programs, namely, "airport duty-free shops", "selected travel destinations" and "famous business districts". Second, it develops a new business model. Through smartphones, “优计划” brings issuers, acquirers, travel agencies and merchants into the same industry chain, integrating resources of various industries. Third, it comprehensively improves cardholders' card-using experiences. With “优计划”, cardholders can enjoy more overseas offers more easily.

China UnionPay Chairman, Ge Huayong said, the launch of “优计划” is the fruit of UnionPay and its partner’s common effort. It is the embodiment of the core value that UnionPay adheres to, that is “win-win cooperation and sharing growth”. It also meets the cardholders' demand for new payment options. We will work together to develop a cross-border payment service eco-system based on mobile Internet, and all partners will benefit from this new business model. “优计划” is also UnionPay’s successful attempt in its marketing and service. We welcome more commercial banks, travel agencies and merchants to join “优计划” to jointly enhance our cross-border payment services and to realize the common development of multiple industries.

BOC Deputy Governor, Xu Luode said, UnionPay International’s“优计划”has shown three main characteristics. First, it brings out the advantages of UnionPay’s integrated resources, establishing an open platform. Second, it adapts the mobile-Internet developing trend. Then, it lifts the consumer experience to a new level. BOC will continue cooperates with UnionPay International to jointly enhance the cross border payment experience.

CYTS President Zhang Lijun said, “优计划”is an important achievement of cross-border payment and the four party model. It’s brings together the supplier, merchant as well as well the customer, and provides service which caters to costumer’s need based on self-advantage of UnionPay International. It’s believed that “优计划”will enhance costumer’s experience greatly that can surely gain acceptance from the public.

(Source: Internet)