Thunes and UnionPay International Enable Instant Payments to China
Event summary
- Thunes launched a direct technical connection to UnionPay International's infrastructure on January 22, 2026.
- The collaboration enhances Thunes' support for UnionPay MoneyExpress, enabling real-time or 12-hour settlements to China.
- The direct connection provides access to 79 major Chinese banks and their UnionPay cardholders.
- Thunes Members can now offer a domestic-style payment experience with upfront FX rates and no manual intervention.
The big picture
This collaboration addresses long-standing pain points in sending money to China, including hidden fees and manual declarations. By enabling direct-to-card payments with upfront FX rates, Thunes and UnionPay are setting a new standard for cross-border remittances into the world's second-largest economy. The integration strengthens the bridge between global financial institutions and Chinese cardholders, potentially reshaping the landscape of international payments.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- How Thunes will leverage this direct connection to expand its market share in China's remittance sector.
- Competitive Dynamics
- Whether traditional money transfer operators can match the speed and transparency of this new service.
- Regulatory Compliance
- The pace at which regulatory frameworks will adapt to support such direct-to-card payment solutions in China.
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