Payments

UnionPay payment network reaches over 90% of Europe

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September 26, 2025

UnionPay International announced Friday that its payment services are now available in more than 90% of European countries and regions. The expansion solidifies the card network's presence for both local residents and international travelers, according to a press release.

UPI's footprint covers major spending scenarios, with over 80% of merchants accepting its cards at point-of-sale terminals. Additionally, more than six million merchants support UnionPay QuickPass contactless payments across sectors including public transportation, hotels, dining and supermarkets. The company also noted that around 40,000 Selecta vending machines across Europe have enabled UnionPay acceptance.

Major European retailers like Harrods in the United Kingdom, Galeries Lafayette in France and El Corte Inglés in Spain now accept UnionPay. The card is also integrated into urban and intercity transport systems and car rental services in Germany, Spain and Italy.

The company also noted it has issued more than one million cards to local residents across 13 European countries.