Which is better, UnionPay, Visa, or MasterCard? A detailed analysis of international usage experiences

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When planning to travel or work abroad, you might ask: can Chinese bank cards be used overseas? The answer is yes. Nowadays, many Chinese banks issue cards supporting international payments, especially through the three major networks: UnionPay, Visa, and MasterCard.

Acceptance of bank cards varies by region. In Western countries, Visa and MasterCard have higher merchant coverage, making them more convenient to use. In Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries, UnionPay enjoys significant advantages with high merchant acceptance and lower exchange costs. Additionally, Visa and MasterCard are better integrated with international e-commerce platforms, suitable for users who enjoy online shopping.

If you need a flexible payment method, Biya Quick Card may be a great choice. This innovative virtual payment card supports instant payments in over 190 countries and regions, providing more convenience for your cross-border spending.

Key Points

• UnionPay cards are widely used in Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries, with low fees—ideal for cost-conscious users.
• Visa and MasterCard are commonly used in Western countries, supporting multi-currency payments and favored by online shoppers.
• Biya Quick Card is a convenient virtual card that supports instant payments in over 190 countries, suitable for cross-border shopping.
• When using a bank card internationally, first confirm whether the merchant supports your card, and carry a backup card just in case.
• Paying in local currency reduces exchange rate loss and avoids extra dynamic currency conversion fees.

Comparison of Card Types

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UnionPay Card: Scope of Use and Pros & Cons

UnionPay cards are bank cards issued in China, primarily serving local users. However, their internationalization process has significantly accelerated in recent years. You can widely use UnionPay cards in Southeast Asia, Russia, the Middle East, and Belt and Road countries. Merchants in these areas, especially tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants, commonly accept UnionPay.

Advantages:

• Low Fees: UnionPay cards generally charge lower fees for overseas spending; some merchants even waive fees.
• Exchange Rate Benefits: UnionPay settles directly in CNY, avoiding extra costs from multiple currency conversions.
• High Security: UnionPay cards use advanced chip technology, making payments safer.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Coverage: In Western countries, UnionPay acceptance is relatively low; some merchants may not support it.
• Online Payment Limitations: UnionPay’s compatibility with international e-commerce platforms is inferior to Visa and MasterCard.

Visa Card: Scope of Use and Pros & Cons

Visa is one of the world’s most widely used payment networks, covering over 200 countries and regions. Whether in the West, Africa, or Oceania, Visa offers convenient payment services.

Advantages:

• High Global Coverage: Visa is accepted nearly everywhere, especially in Western countries with very high merchant acceptance.
• Convenient Online Payments: Visa is highly compatible with international e-commerce platforms, great for avid online shoppers.
• Multi-Currency Support: Visa supports multiple currency settlements, facilitating cross-border spending.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Fees: Visa cards may charge higher fees for overseas spending.
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Risk: Visa usually settles in USD, so exchange rate volatility may cause extra costs.

MasterCard: Scope of Use and Pros & Cons

MasterCard, like Visa, is a leading global payment network accepted in over 210 countries and regions, particularly strong in Western and African markets.

Advantages:

• High Merchant Acceptance: MasterCard’s merchant coverage is comparable to Visa’s worldwide.
• Strong Online and Offline Compatibility: Works well for both in-store and online payments.
• Rich Promotions: Often partners with merchants to offer discounts and cashback, providing added value to users.

Disadvantages:

• Fee Issues: Like Visa, MasterCard may impose high fees for overseas spending.
• Limited Coverage in Some Areas: In remote or smaller merchant locations, MasterCard acceptance may lag behind Visa.

Tip: If you need a more flexible payment method, consider Biya Quick Card. This virtual payment card supports instant payments in over 190 countries and regions, covering more than 40 local currencies. Whether for daily expenses or online subscriptions, Biya Quick Card offers a convenient payment experience.

Suitable Users for UnionPay, Visa, and MasterCard

Choosing the right card depends on your spending habits, travel destinations, and payment needs. The following detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice.

UnionPay Card Suitable Users

• Travelers frequently visiting Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries: If your destinations include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Russia, UnionPay is ideal, as merchants there widely accept it with low fees.
• Cost-conscious users focused on exchange rate costs: UnionPay cards settle transactions in Chinese legal tender, eliminating extra fees from multiple currency conversions. This is a major advantage for budget-conscious consumers.
• Global payment users seeking seamless cross-border access: Looking for a bank card that works effortlessly across multiple countries? UnionPay’s broad acceptance and cost-effective features make it a top pick.

Note: If you plan to use UnionPay in Western countries, check merchant acceptance in advance as it may be limited.

Visa Card Suitable Users

• Frequent travelers to Western countries: Visa has extremely high merchant coverage in Western nations, making it the best choice for these travelers.
• International online shoppers: Visa’s broad compatibility with platforms like Amazon and eBay suits avid online shoppers.
• Consumers needing multi-currency payments: Visa supports multiple currencies, allowing flexible payments abroad.

MasterCard Suitable Users

• Global travelers: MasterCard’s merchant acceptance matches Visa’s, covering over 210 countries. Great for travel to Africa, Oceania, and beyond.
• Users enjoying promotional offers: MasterCard frequently offers discounts and cashback.
• Consumers needing both online and offline payment options: MasterCard handles both with ease.

Biya Quick Card Suitable Users

If you want a more flexible payment solution, Biya Quick Card is worth considering. It suits:

• Frequent cross-border spenders: Supports instant payments in 190+ countries and 30+ local currencies (restricted in mainland China).
• Users valuing convenience: Application takes just minutes to register and get a virtual card, no activation wait.
• Users of online subscription services: Compatible with eBay, PayPal, AI service subscriptions, enhancing payment ease.

Tip: If you’re still wondering “Can Chinese bank cards be used internationally?”, the Biya Speedcard can provide you with a borderless payment solution, allowing you to spend freely worldwide.

Recommended Chinese bank cards suitable for international use

Recommended UnionPay Cards and Reasons

For frequent travelers to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Belt and Road countries, UnionPay cards are highly suitable. Recommended cards include:

1. Bank of China UnionPay Debit Card
   Great for overseas spending and cash withdrawal. Supports direct CNY settlement, avoiding currency conversion hassle. Low fees, and some merchants waive fees.
2. ICBC Global Travel Card
   Designed for travelers with perks like hotel discounts and airport lounge access. Easy to use in Southeast Asia and Russia.
3. China Construction Bank UnionPay Credit Card
   Offers higher credit limits and overseas cashback, suited for budget-conscious users.

Note: For use in Western countries, verify merchant UnionPay acceptance in advance.

Recommended Visa Cards and Reasons

Visa cards have high coverage in Western countries. For travelers there, consider:

1. China Merchants Bank Multi-Currency Visa Credit Card
   Supports multi-currency settlement, ideal for frequent cross-border spenders. Waives currency conversion fees.
2. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Visa Platinum Card
   Provides travel benefits like global insurance and lounge access; good for online shopping.
3. Bank of Communications Visa Dual Currency Card
   Supports both CNY and USD settlement, convenient for domestic and overseas use.

Recommendation: For more flexible payments, consider Biya Quick Card, supporting instant global payments and 40+ local currencies.

Recommended MasterCard Cards and Reasons

MasterCard’s global coverage rivals Visa’s, especially in Africa and Oceania. Recommended cards:

1. Ping An Bank MasterCard Credit Card
   Offers cashback and discount promotions; supports global online and offline payments.
2. Guangfa Bank MasterCard Travel Card
   Designed for travelers with insurance and emergency assistance; high merchant acceptance.
3. China CITIC Bank MasterCard Platinum Card
   Provides high credit limits and premium benefits; supports multi-currency settlement.

Special Recommendation: For convenient payments, Biya Quick Card supports instant global payments and easy integration with eBay, PayPal, etc.

Summary: Choose UnionPay, Visa, or MasterCard based on your travel destinations and spending habits.

Features and Advantages of Biya Quick Card

Biya Quick Card is a virtual payment card specially designed for cross-border payments, making global spending more convenient and efficient.

Extensive Global Coverage

Supports instant payments in 190+ countries and regions worldwide. Whether in the West, Southeast Asia, or Africa, payments are easy. Supports 40+ local currencies to meet diverse payment needs.

Fast Application and Usage

Application takes minutes with instant issuance of a virtual card. No activation wait, allowing immediate use—ideal for urgent payment needs.

Multi-Platform Compatibility

Can be added to major payment platforms like eBay and PayPal, facilitating online shopping, subscriptions, and AI tool payments.

Security and Flexibility

Employs advanced payment technology ensuring transaction safety. Virtual format offers flexible fund management and avoids risks of physical card loss.

Suitable for Various Uses

Fits daily spending, international remittance, and investment management needs. Also supports digital currency trading, giving more financial options.

Tip: For a borderless payment solution, Biya Quick Card is a strong choice, offering convenience and worldwide usability for cross-border spending.

Fees, Exchange Rates, and Promotions Comparison

When choosing a card, fees, exchange rates, and promotions matter most. Below is a comparison among UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, and Biya Quick Card.

Fees

• UnionPay: Generally low fees; some merchants waive fees, good for cost-sensitive users.
• Visa: Higher fees, especially for non-USD settlements.
• MasterCard: Similar to Visa with relatively high overseas fees.
• Biya Quick Card: Transparent fees with no hidden charges. Recharge first, avoiding complex traditional fee structures.

Exchange Rates

• UnionPay: CNY settlement with lower exchange costs, suited for Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries.
• Visa: Usually settles in USD; exchange rate fluctuations can add costs.
• MasterCard: Supports multiple currencies but similar exchange rate costs to Visa.
• Biya Quick Card: Supports instant payments in 40+ local currencies, reducing conversion hassle. Enjoys better rates worldwide.

Promotions

• UnionPay: Some merchants offer fee waivers or discounts.
• Visa: Frequently partners with e-commerce platforms, great for online shoppers.
• MasterCard: Regular cashback and discount campaigns, appealing to deal seekers.
• Biya Quick Card: Supports online subscriptions across platforms. Its flexibility offers convenience for daily and investment spending.

Recommendation: To reduce fees and exchange rate costs while gaining payment flexibility, Biya Quick Card is ideal. Its global coverage and multi-platform compatibility optimize cross-border spending.

International Usage Experience and Precautions

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Common Problems When Using Chinese Bank Cards Abroad

When using Chinese bank cards abroad, you may encounter some common problems. First, some merchants may not accept UnionPay cards, especially in European and American countries. In such cases, you need to prepare a Visa or MasterCard as a backup. Second, when making purchases abroad, banks may charge additional fees. You need to understand the bank card’s fee schedule in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Sometimes, ATM withdrawals may fail. This could be because your bank card has not activated the international payment function. Before you leave, you need to contact the issuing bank to confirm the card status and activate the relevant function. In addition, some countries may limit the daily withdrawal amount at ATMs. You need to plan your cash needs in advance to avoid affecting your trip due to withdrawal restrictions.

Tip: To avoid these issues, consider using Biya Quick Card, supporting global instant payments without merchant acceptance or activation worries.

How to Choose ATMs to Avoid Extra Fees

When withdrawing cash abroad, choosing the right ATM saves fees. Prefer ATMs displaying UnionPay, Visa, or MasterCard logos—they usually support your card and have lower fees. Avoid ATMs at airports or tourist spots, which tend to charge higher fees.

Some ATMs offer “dynamic currency conversion,” billing directly in CNY but at unfavorable rates. Always choose local currency billing for better rates.

Tip: Biya Quick Card supports multiple local currencies for payments, reducing reliance on ATM withdrawals and minimizing fees and exchange losses.

Exchange Rate Conversion Tips

Exchange rate conversion impacts overseas spending. UnionPay transactions are usually CNY settled with stable rates. Visa and MasterCard settle in USD, which may cause additional costs from rate fluctuations. Monitor real-time rates and choose the most cost-effective payment method.

Avoid merchant-offered “dynamic currency conversion,” which may seem convenient but usually offers poor rates. Pay in local currency directly to reduce losses.

Suggestion: Biya Quick Card simplifies exchange conversion by supporting instant payments in 40+ local currencies, reducing rate volatility concerns.

Usage Tips for Biya Quick Card

To optimize Biya Quick Card payments:

1. Plan Recharge Amounts
   Ensure sufficient card balance before use. Recharge based on anticipated spending to avoid failed transactions.
2. Choose Appropriate Currency for Payment
   The card supports 40+ local currencies. Select local currency settlement to minimize conversion fees.
3. Bind to Common Payment Platforms
   Add the card to eBay, PayPal, etc., for seamless online shopping or subscriptions.
4. Follow Usage Rules
   Avoid fraudulent refunds or chargebacks, which may freeze your account or incur penalties. Ensure transactions are legitimate.
5. Regularly Review Transaction Records
   Monitor spending via BiyaPay account to keep finances transparent and spot issues.

Tip: For large or frequent cross-border spending, recharge in advance and select suitable currency to avoid delays or extra charges.

Other Practical Suggestions (e.g., Backup Payment Methods)

When traveling or making purchases internationally, having a backup payment method is crucial. Here are some practical tips:

• Carry Multiple Cards
  Besides Biya Quick Card, carry UnionPay, Visa, or MasterCard as backups to ensure transactions succeed if one network is unsupported.
• Carry Some Cash
  Electronic payments are convenient, but some places require cash. Exchange local currency before travel for emergencies.
• Use Mobile Payment Apps
  If supported locally, apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay are convenient backups with high acceptance.
• Mind Network Security
  Avoid using public Wi-Fi for payments; unsecured networks risk data theft.

Suggestion: Backup methods improve payment success and provide security in emergencies. Choose according to travel destination and habits.

UnionPay, Visa, and MasterCard each have unique strengths. UnionPay suits Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries with low fees and stable rates. Visa and MasterCard have broad coverage in Western countries, supporting online shopping and multi-currency needs. Choose based on destinations and habits.

For greater payment flexibility, Biya Quick Card is an ideal choice. It supports instant payments in over 190 countries and 40+ local currencies, offering a borderless payment experience for daily spending and subscriptions.

When you’re still asking, “Can my Chinese bank card be used internationally?” Biya Speedy Card offers an innovative solution. Choose the payment tool that best suits your needs and make cross-border spending more convenient.

FAQ

1. How to avoid payment failures when using UnionPay cards internationally?

• Ensure your UnionPay card has international payment enabled.
• Contact your issuing bank before travel to confirm card status.
• Prefer merchants or ATMs with UnionPay logos.
• Carry backup cards like Visa or MasterCard.

Tip: Biya Quick Card supports global instant payments, avoiding merchant acceptance issues.

2. How to reduce fees when using Visa or MasterCard?

• Choose local currency settlement to avoid dynamic currency conversion.
• Use credit cards waiving currency conversion fees, e.g., multi-currency cards.
• Avoid airport or tourist area ATMs with high fees.

Suggestion: Biya Quick Card has transparent fees with no hidden costs, reducing extra expenses.

3. What scenarios suit Biya Quick Card?

• Cross-border spending, online subscriptions, and international remittance.
• Compatible with

eBay, PayPal, and supports 40+ local currencies, reducing conversion hassle.

Tip: Easy application and instant virtual card issuance make it great for fast payment solutions.

4. How to Ensure Payment Security Internationally?

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for payments.
• Regularly check transaction records for anomalies.
• Use virtual cards like Biya Quick Card to minimize physical card loss risks.

Tip: Biya Quick Card uses advanced technology ensuring transaction safety.

5. What Should You Do If Your Bank Card Is Declined Internationally?

• Check sufficient balance.
• Confirm merchant acceptance of your card network.
• Contact issuing bank for any restrictions.
• Use backup payment methods.

Suggestion: Biya Quick Card’s global acceptance reduces decline risks.