Bangkok Bank launches ‘China UnionPay’ credit card, widely accepted in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 countries worldwide

Bangkok Bank, in collaboration with China UnionPay (CUP), the largest credit card and debit card provider in China, has introduced ‘Bangkok Bank China UnionPay’ as Thailand’s first platinum credit card widely accepted in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 other countries worldwide. Thai cardholders will receive the same privileges as local Chinese.


Bangkok Bank Credit Card Division Manager Mr. Shoke Na Ranong said that working with China UnionPay or CUP, the largest credit card and debit card provider in China; to create ‘Bangkok Bank China UnionPay’ was another important step for Bangkok Bank’s credit card services. Bangkok Bank China UnionPay is Thailand’s first platinum credit card offering the same privileges as local Chinese receive.

‘This emphasizes Bangkok Bank’s success and leadership in continuous financial innovation, including credit cards using modern technology. In 2005, the bank replaced magnetic stripes with EMV-chip technology in its credit cards while developing compatible merchant credit card payment terminals. In 2008, we launched the Bangkok Bank Blue Wave credit card, a contactless credit card and launched EMV-chip technology in its debit cards in 2009. All becoming the first bank in Thailand to provide both EMV-chip technology and contactless technology in a credit card, giving customer’s security in their credit card spending. The Bangkok Bank China UnionPay credit card will launch on February 2010 coincides with Bangkok Bank’s recent receipt of a license from the Chinese government to operate Bangkok Bank China, a locally incorporated bank in China, which will open on December 28, 2009. We will be the first Thai bank, and one of fewer than 30 foreign banks, to achieve this milestone,’ said Mr. Shoke.

The card is widely accepted by 1,350,000 merchants in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 other countries worldwide. Every transaction has strong security protection as cardholders need to enter their PINs at the point of payment. Credit card reader machines requiring PINs have been widely installed by merchants across China.

China UnionPay Global Business Development Head – International Division Mr.Wang Li Xin said the company is the largest credit card and debit card provider in China, established in 2002 with a head office in Shanghai. The company focuses on creating and expanding services to the international market. China UnionPay services provide convenience, safety and reliability for businesspeople and travelers in all their shopping and spending around the world. China UnionPay is widely accepted by 1,970,000 merchants and 3,000,000 point-of-service locations, while 890,000 ATMs around the world are available for cash withdrawals. China UnionPay has 190 million credit cardholders and 1,900 million debit cardholders worldwide.

Bangkok Bank China UnionPay is perfect for travelers to China, including businesspeople and students, and especially for Thai-Chinese. The cardholder will receive platinum discounts and privileges from China UnionPay as well as a special warm welcome and the convenience of shopping at 1,350,000 merchants in China, Hong Kong, Macau and 31 other countries worldwide. In Thailand, cardholders are also eligible for discounts and privileges from participating merchants. Bangkok Bank China UnionPay will be ready to launch its full service in February 2010.