Over 80% of merchants in the US accept UnionPay credit cards

(Source: Internet)

It is learnt on September 1 that almost all the ATMs in the US accept UnionPay cards for cash withdrawal and over 80% of the local merchants accept UnionPay credit cards. In tourists’ favorite destinations such as New York, Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando and Chicago, UnionPay’s acceptance coverage in well-known shopping centers and Outlets has exceeded 90%. With one UnionPay debit card and one UnionPay credit card (card numbers both start with 62), cardholders can pay with ease and benefits in the US.

Since 2010, the number of Chinese tourists to the US keeps on growing: it surpassed one million in 2011 and was about 2.6 million in 2015. This year is the China-US Tourism Year, and with the implementation of the 10-year multi-entry visa policy, it is expected that the Chinese tourists visiting the US will reach 3 million this year. In the up-coming Mid-autumn Festival and National Day holiday, the US is one of the most popular long-distance travel destinations.

Merchants accepting UnionPay cards are located across the US, covering department stores, brand chain stores, convenient stores, restaurants and hotels, and it is convenient to use UnionPay cards at Macy’s, Apple Stores, Best Buy, airport duty-free stores and other places favored by tourists. Using UnionPay credit cards in the US, cardholders only need to sign, and no PIN is required. Cardholders can also use UnionPay debit cards at merchants with PIN pads. UnionPay credit cards issued by most national and regional banks in mainland China support no-PIN payment, and some cardholders can contact the issuing banks to cancel transaction PIN before departure.

With an extensive acceptance network in the US, UnionPay International has been constructing 30 core acceptance business districts around the major attractions and shopping centers since last year, enhancing acceptance coverage while providing exclusive benefits and services. These core business districts include Metropolitan Museum of Art, Woodbury Premium Outlet, T Galleria by DFS, and Kalakaua Avenue in Hawaii, etc.

It is worth noting that although many American merchants do not display the signage of bankcard brands, most merchants with PIN pads accept UnionPay debit cards. Consumers may also ask the cashiers if UnionPay cards are accepted. In addition, dual brand bankcard cannot choose UnionPay as the routing option in the US, therefore it is recommended to carry and use UnionPay cards (card number starting with 62) in order to enjoy the special offers of UnionPay.

Within this year, cardholders are able to enjoy various privileges in the US: First, over 50 well-known Outlets provide VIP discount manuals and gifts for UnionPay cardholders, including 15 Premium Outlets, 37 Tanger Outlets and many Fashion Outlets. Second, consumers may enjoy double discounts (10%-off and “4-day fare for 7-day tenancy”) when using UnionPay cards to rent cars via Hertz. Third, UnionPay cardholders are able to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art for free, and buying one ticket for the Art Institute of Chicago with UnionPay credit card, consumers can get another ticket for free.

Besides, cardholders with UnionPay cards issued by Bank of China, China Construction Bank, China CITIC Bank, CMBC, and Bank of Shanghai are able to enjoy exclusive privileges. Within this year, cardholders can get cash back of up to 7% when paying with UnionPay debit cards and cash back of up to 6% when paying with UnionPay credit cards issued by China CITIC Bank. Paying 1888 RMB or more for a single transaction with UnionPay credit cards issued by Bank of Shanghai, cardholders may get cash back at 7%. Paying 3000 RMB or more in a single month with UnionPay cards issued by CMBC, cardholders may get cash back of 2-10% of the total overseas purchase amount in the month. In addition, credit cards issued by Bank of China and Dragon credit cards issued by China Construction Bank also provide exclusive cash back, and the refund will be credited into the account directly. Cardholders may visit the official websites of the issuing banks for more detail.