JCB introduces touchless subway payment system in Shanghai and Beijing, a first for mainland China.
In a significant move to promote digital payments in mainland China, JCB has launched its contactless payment service for subway fares in Shanghai and Beijing. This initiative marks a historic step for JCB and is the first of its kind in China's mainland.
The user-friendly service, designed for quick and convenient payment, allows JCB cardholders, particularly international travelers, to use their contactless cards for seamless access to public transit.
**How the Service Works**
To use the service, cardholders simply tap their JCB contactless payment card at the designated subway gate or card reader to pay for their fare instantly. The service covers all 21 subway lines in Shanghai and 517 stations, while in Beijing, it extends to all 29 subway lines, 523 stations, and airport routes, making it more accessible for international tourists.
Passengers do not need to download any apps or purchase tickets in advance. The fare is deducted directly from the card via tap-and-go technology. Notably, in Beijing, the subway system accepts not only JCB but also UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express, making it the first urban rail transit system worldwide to integrate all these major payment networks for both domestic and international travelers.
**Key Benefits**
The service offers several key benefits, including speed and convenience for JCB cardholders by tapping at fare gates. It also eliminates the need for local payment methods, supporting cards issued in over 130 countries and regions. In Beijing, international passengers can use self-service machines to purchase single-journey tickets for companions using their international cards.
This initiative enhances the travel experience for overseas visitors and supports China’s move toward smart, digital urban infrastructure. The service is available at subway gates and designated readers in both cities.
This is the first time that contactless subway payment services have been made available to international cardholders in mainland China. The JCB contactless payments China initiative has officially started, and it is part of a broader push toward smart urban infrastructure in China. The expansion of the service is expected to further improve the travel experience for international tourists and promote the adoption of digital payments in mainland China.
- With the JCB contactless payment service now available for subway fares in Shanghai and Beijing, international tourists can enjoy a seamless travel experience using their JCB cards, as the service integration also includes UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express in Beijing's subway system.
- Beyond enhancing the travel experience for foreign visitors, the JCB contactless payments China initiative represents a significant step in China's move towards smart, digital urban infrastructure, encouraging the use of digital payments, particularly in the lifestyle, finance, technology, and travel sectors.
