On January 15, 2026, Apple announced the expansion of Apple Pay cross-border payment support for users in Chinese mainland: Visa credit/debit cards issued by eligible local banks can be added to the "Wallet" and then used to complete payments with Apple Pay at offline merchants and online scenarios that support contactless payments overseas. The first batch of supported card issuers include Visa credit cards from ICBC, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, CITIC, Ping An, Industrial Bank, etc., as well as Visa debit cards issued by CITIC.
In terms of adding methods, users can directly add to Apple Wallet through the latest version of the banking app, or click "+" on iPhone "Wallet" to jump to the bank app to complete the activation. Whether cross-border use incurs additional fees, exchange rates and overseas transaction fees, etc., are still subject to the card issuer's rules. At the same time, there may be batch opening between the platform and the bank, card type differences and risk control interception.
In terms of subsequent expansion, Visa credit cards issued by more banks such as Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, CCB, Minsheng, and Everbright are expected to be added in the next few months; Relevant reports also mentioned that Mastercard is also preparing similar support for some card issuers, and the specific pace of implementation still needs further information.
FAQs
Q: What is the new Apple Pay "Visa Cross-border Payment" for users in Chinese mainland?
A: Some Visa cards issued by banks in Chinese mainland can be added to Apple Pay for offline and online payments overseas.
Q: Which Chinese mainland issuing banks are the first to support Apple Pay and Visa?
A: The first batch of Visa credit cards covering multiple banks, including Visa debit cards issued by CITIC, other banks will join in batches.
Q: How do I add a Chinese mainland Visa card to Apple Pay?
A: You can add it with one click in the bank app, or click "+" in "Wallet" to jump to the bank app to complete the addition and verification.
Q: Are there any additional charges for using Apple Pay across borders?
A: Apple usually does not charge additional fees, but exchange rates, overseas transaction fees and SMS verification are subject to bank and card network rules.
Q: Can all Visa cards be bound to Apple Pay in Chinese mainland?
A: Not all card types will be opened simultaneously, and common differences include card product type, card issuer batch, risk control policy and regional restrictions.
