At Web Summit Qatar, Visa and UnionPay International (UPI) announced an agreement to enable cross-border money transfers into Mainland China via Visa Direct.

Once fully implemented, clients will be able to send remittances and business-to-consumer payments to over 95% of UnionPay International debit cardholders in Mainland China through a single connection.

The integration links Visa Direct’s global network with UPI’s MoneyExpress platform, offering a streamlined and secure way for consumers and businesses worldwide to send money into one of the world’s largest remittance markets.

“Global business now moves at internet speed, but money hasn’t always kept pace,”

said Vira Platonova, Global Head of Visa Direct.

“By expanding Visa Direct’s reach through UnionPay International, we’re shrinking the world again, not through tests or theory, but through real, critical infrastructure operating at massive scale, speed and reliability.”

The service will cover various cross-border use cases, including payments to creators and freelancers, contractor disbursements, reimbursements, and family remittances.

“Cross-border remittances are a key livelihood link connecting personal life, economic activity, and financial needs across borders, and are an important part of UnionPay’s international strategy,”

said Larry Wang, CEO of UnionPay International.

“This cooperation with Visa allows more overseas users to access low-cost, efficient, and reliable cross-border remittance services, while supporting business growth and a broader global payment ecosystem.”

Visa Direct continues to expand as a core component of international payments, helping clients reach new markets and improve the predictability of payment experiences.

Visa Direct will make the expanded connection with UnionPay International available in the first half of 2026.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by mrsiraphol via Freepik