Can I use my credit card in China?

If you’re planning a visit to China, you may be wondering whether you can use your credit card for things like accommodations, meals and activities.

Generally, most American credit cards are accepted in the major cities of China. But there are some considerations to keep in mind before you set off.

What you’ll learn:

• Credit cards are accepted in China at most major hotels and restaurants in big cities.

• Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most common payment methods in China.

• Using credit cards while traveling internationally can provide security, convenience, travel protections and more. 

• Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees for transactions made overseas. Capital One doesn’t. View important rates and disclosures.

In China, credit cards are generally accepted at major hotels, restaurants and stores in popular tourist locations. However, they may be less commonly accepted outside mainland China and major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. 

Credit card network logos are generally displayed near the checkout if the location accepts credit cards. Or you can ask the cashier if they’ll take your card as payment. Keep in mind that while you can use credit cards in China in certain places, other forms of payment—typically through mobile apps—tend to be more widely accepted.

Payment methods in China include apps, mobile wallets, cash and credit cards—but using apps is generally the most popular form of payment. Many payment apps are available in multiple languages, making them a convenient option for travelers.

Mobile payment is so common in China that many locals no longer use cash or physical cards at all. Users download an app like Alipay or WeChat Pay, create an account and link their credit card to it. Then at checkout, they scan a QR code to pay. You’ll see QR codes for mobile payment practically everywhere in China, even in taxis and at street-vendor stalls.

Before you visit China, you may want to link your credit cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay. That way, you’ll have a convenient form of payment ready to go upon your arrival.

Using a credit card in China could offer these benefits:

• Convenience: By using a credit card, you can avoid the hassle of currency conversion. And you can link your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay to make easy payments throughout China. Plus, if your card issuer has an app, like the Capital One Mobile app, it’s easier to keep track of your spending while you’re away.

• Security features: Your credit account may give you access to security features that can help protect against fraud. For example, Capital One offers $0 liability for unauthorized charges and the ability to lock your card to prevent others from using it if it gets lost or stolen.

• Rewards: If you have a travel rewards credit card, you can earn rewards with each qualifying purchase you make during your travels in China.

• Travel advantages: Certain credit cards may offer travel-related benefits. Eligible Capital One cardholders, for example, get travel protections like travel insurance for lost luggage reimbursement. You may also enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges and a statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry enrollment. 

• Favorable exchange rates: Paying with a major credit card typically gives you a better currency exchange rate than if you exchange your cash for local currency.

To get the most from your card, you can read up on your card’s benefits before traveling.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about paying with your credit card in China:

When you link your credit card to a Chinese mobile payment app, you can look out for things like:

• Security concerns: It may help to do some research on the security issues surrounding apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

• Spending limits: There may be limits on how much you can spend per transaction or per month.

• Fees: There may be a transaction fee for purchases over a certain limit. And some card issuers charge foreign transaction fees, usually around 1% to 3% of the transaction cost, for purchases made outside the U.S. Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, though. View important rates and disclosures. 

• Account setup time: The identity verification process could take time and require you to know existing users.

Most credit card issuers, including Capital One, have advanced fraud detection technology that no longer requires you to inform them when you travel. But others still recommend setting up a travel notice when you’re leaving the country. That’s so they know you’re abroad and don’t flag your card for potential fraud. If you’re unsure of your issuer’s preference, it may be a good idea to check with them.

In addition to using mobile payment apps, you’ll likely want to bring some Chinese yuan and your credit card to China. Businesses and individuals aren’t allowed to refuse cash. And in some rural areas, cash may be necessary. 

It can help to learn ahead of time which form of payment would be best for your plans. You could contact your hotel and ask whether there’s anything in particular you should know about the area you’re staying in. You could also consider consulting with a travel agent or looking online for other travelers’ experiences.

As you plan for a trip to China, be sure to consider how you’ll pay for things during your stay. Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, restaurants and shops in big cities and the most-visited parts of the country. China is moving toward becoming cashless, and mobile payments dominate. And it’s always useful to have some cash with you too.

Before you embark on your trip, consider whether a travel credit card from Capital One might be a good choice for you.