US-based financial services technology firm ECARD has revealed plans to market UnionPay prepaid cards issued by Global Bank to facilitate Asia-bound US travellers.
The reloadable general purpose cards can be availed at more than 51 million merchants globally, including all Chinese businesses accepting payment cards. Cardholders can add funds to the cards at retail locations and online.
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After returning to the US, customers will be able to use the remaining amount on the prepaid card at retailers across the country.
ECARD CEO Wayne Tsao said: “ECARD allows one-time or regular travellers to Asia to enjoy the convenience of card payments in restaurants, hotels, ATMs, gift shops at cultural attractions and just about anywhere payment is accepted.
“Asian-Americans who visit the Pacific countries regularly for business or personal travel can return time and again with their card and not worry about making special arrangements.”
Expected to be available in the third quarter of this year, ECARD will allow US consumers to open an account online and service it through a mobile application.
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By GlobalDataUnionPay International Americas general manager June Chen said: “With its broad utility in Asia, smart travellers will get and load a UnionPay card before visiting the region. That way, the traveller doesn’t need to worry about having cash available.”
