What Credit Cards Are Accepted in China?

How Card Acceptance Works in China

China is still largely a cash-based nation, apart from the major cities, which have embraced online transactions that make everything simpler and more efficient than traditional forms of payment. So what credit cards are accepted in China? You can use any Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, JCB, or Diners Club as an accepted form of payment in China within most major cities and shops. If you are traveling in big cities such as Chengdu, Beijing, Tianjin, or Shanghai, you will encounter very few problems using credit cards. However, outside these major cities, you will face many challenges finding ATMs or businesses that accept credit card payments.

The Do’s and Don’ts When Using Credit Cards in China

In most developed countries such as the US or those in Europe, when you have little cash in your wallet, most people prefer using a credit card to buy goods and services. In China, it is a different story. The Chinese culture is very debt-averse, and the media plays a significant role in creating an image of how much Americans and Europeans have sunk into debt. There is negativity surrounding the use of credit cards. Even though the country is at the forefront of technological advancement, both the public and the banks have not fully bought into the idea of incorporating credit cards into daily life. Luckily for you, we will highlight some essential pointers.

Always Ask if They Accept Credit Cards

No one likes being embarrassed when they are short of cash. When in China and running errands, it is always important to ask the cashier if they accept credit cards, or to observe whether other foreigners are using credit cards. It is always good to be prepared, and the cashier’s answer will determine what you can buy and any limit.

Insist on Using Your Card

Being insistent will go a long way if you are short of cash. As long as there is a card reader, stick to your guns and ask them to try it. Most will find a way to accept your card somehow. If it is still impossible, you are better off finding the nearest ATM where you can withdraw the cash to make your purchase.

Avoid Relying on Your Credit Card

Not everyone wants to hear this, but if you are in a smaller town, it is nearly impossible to always swipe your card. Even in major cities, the network may be down, and having cash on hand may prove helpful. For foreigners planning a trip to China, this is the most crucial factor to adopt. It is always vital to have cash on hand and to learn to use cash as a regular mode of payment. Even better than cash is to use WeChat Pay to make purchases in China, as it is what every shop and local prefers using, and it is accepted just about everywhere you go.

Can I Use My Visa Debit Card in China?

In China, most ATMs accept Maestro, Visa (Plus), and Cirrus. They accept chip-and-pin and magnetic-stripe cards. For other foreign cards, there are special ATMs in major shopping areas and premier hotels that will let you withdraw or swipe. You can check whether an ATM is compatible with your card simply by looking at the card’s logo. You can also find the nearest ATM using Visa’s online locator on your phone, and confirm with your bank which cards will work in China and which network they belong to. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you will be abroad, minimizing the chance of your card being blocked due to suspicious transactions.

Keypads and Language

Most of the signage on Chinese ATMs is in Chinese, but most have an English-language option. In popular tourist locations and shopping malls, other languages are available too, mainly Spanish, French, Italian, and German. ATMs have varying layouts, with the keypads running from zero to nine or vice versa from nine to zero. It is important to check the layout before inputting your PIN. Keying in the wrong PIN three times will result in the machine swallowing your card.

Withdrawal Limits Using a Visa Debit Card

Most Chinese ATMs have a per-transaction withdrawal limit; the limits vary from bank to bank. As with many banks, the general rule is that you can withdraw a maximum of CNY 20,000 a day and a minimum of CNY 2,500 per transaction.

Chinese Credit Cards for Foreigners in China

Over the past few years, credit card usage in China has been on the rise, especially in large cities. For tourists and foreigners, this is good news. It is helpful to know which cards are widely accepted and which do not charge a foreign transaction fee. All of these cards can be used by foreigners in China:

• Discover, through an agreement between China UnionPay and Discover Financial Services, the only national bankcard payment network, making Discover the go-to card of choice in China.
• Mastercard
• Visa
• American Express
• JCB
• Diners Club

Plenty of shopping malls, retail stores, and hotels accept international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Mastercard, and a large number of these card companies do not charge a foreign transaction fee.

How Much Are the Fees on Your Card?

All Chinese ATMs charge transaction fees, but the amount varies from bank to bank and usually ranges between CNY 20 and CNY 30 per transaction. Your bank at home will also charge fees, which are added to the charges at the Chinese ATM. You should always know that your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee and a withdrawal fee.

Final Word

Even though the Chinese credit card system is still relatively unpopular, in recent years the swiping system has slowly been making waves in the country. For foreigners this is good news, as you can pay for products and services with your card while traveling in China. Now that you know what credit cards are accepted in China, plan to carry cash and a payment app as backups.