[China] How to issue a UnionPay card in Japan [UnionPay]

When I was transferred to China, I applied for and received a UnionPay card in Japan.

This UnionPay card is also a convenient credit card for people who do not stay in China long-term or are stationed there, but who travel to China regularly or make short business trips there.

This time, we will introduce how to issue a UnionPay credit card in Japan.

*Information as of November 2025

UnionPay Card Overview

UnionPay is an international card brand with the largest number of cards issued in the world, operated by China UnionPay, a payment network established in 2002 under the initiative of the People's Bank of China. Almost all bank cards in China are compatible with the UnionPay network, and based in the Chinese market with a population of over 1.4 billion, it is said that more than 10 billion cards have been issued.

Originally, credit card culture was not as widespread in China as it is in the West. However, with the introduction of cards with debit functionality, such as UnionPay cards, which can be used directly with bank cash cards, convenience for users has improved dramatically.

Initially, carrying a lot of cash meant that there were issues with loss or theft, as well as the problem of counterfeit bills, which could not be ignored. Therefore, cashless payments using UnionPay cards were accepted as a "safe and smooth option," which ultimately contributed to the rapid progress of cashless payments in China.

Currently, it is gaining popularity as a credit card that can be used not only in China but also in various countries and regions, mainly in Asia.

How to get a UnionPay card in Japan

In Japan, only certain credit card issuers that have partnerships with China UnionPay, such as Sumitomo Mitsui Card and Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS, can open a UnionPay card.

In addition, UnionPay cards issued in Japan are provided as "credit cards," and the bank account to which payments are debited can be specified as an account within Japan.

The author issued a UnionPay card through the credit card issuing company "Sumitomo Mitsui Card" listed below.

The difference between UnionPay cards and UnionPay credit cards

As mentioned at the beginning, UnionPay cards first became popular in China as bank cash cards with debit functionality added. Later, they began to be issued around the world as cards with credit functionality.

However, there are differences in the functions and specifications of UnionPay cards and UnionPay credit cards. These differences affect the cards that can be used and the payment situations that can be made depending on the setting mode of the payment terminal (CAT terminal) installed in the store.

*All of the UnionPay cards introduced above that can be issued in Japan are "UnionPay credit cards."

The current state of payment methods in China

Usage of VISA/Mastercard etc. in China

In China, there are still only a limited number of stores and facilities that accept Western card brands such as VISA and Mastercard.

Credit cards such as VISA and Mastercard may be accepted at major luxury hotels, some large department stores, international airports, and souvenir shops aimed at foreign tourists, but they are rarely accepted in everyday life or at work, such as at regular supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, or on public transportation.

QR codes are the main payment method in China

In China, QR code payments, mainly through Alipay and WeChat Pay, have become the standard payment infrastructure, meaning that the average consumer has fewer opportunities than before to take out their UnionPay card and make payments in person at a store.

However, behind the scenes of the QR code payment infrastructure, the UnionPay network continues to function as an important back-end platform, evolving into an even more important and indispensable role as the "unsung hero" that supports the payment infrastructure.

Payment methods for short-term visitors to China

We will introduce the recommended payment methods for short-term visitors to China.

Considering the cashless payment environment that is prevalent in China, if you are traveling or on a short business trip to China, the following ① is an "essential payment method," while ② is "nice to have."

① Linking international card brands to Alipay/WeChat Pay

Alipay and WeChat Pay are currently strengthening account integration with international card brands such as VISA and Mastercard.

By linking these credit cards, they can be used for almost all payments at stores and facilities in China that accept QR code payments.

*This is an essential payment method for short-term visitors to China.

② Have a UnionPay credit card

As mentioned at the beginning, UnionPay is the most widely used international card brand in China.

If you have a UnionPay credit card issued in Japan or elsewhere, you will be able to pay for high-value items at stores and facilities in China that do not accept VISA or Mastercard.

It is also possible to link this UnionPay credit card to your Alipay and WeChat Pay accounts, so it is safe to have it as a backup card in addition to your VISA or Mastercard.

Reference: For long-term residents in China

We will also introduce payment methods for long-term residents in China.

If you are staying or working in China for a long period of time, you can increase the convenience of your life and work by opening a Chinese bank account and using the UnionPay card issued there.

① UnionPay debit cards in China

When you open a savings account at a Chinese bank such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), you will automatically be issued a bank cash card with a UnionPay debit function.

However, I have not used UnionPay's debit function much, and I mostly use Alipay and WeChat Pay in my daily life and work.

〇 This account is the foundation of your daily life and work, from which you receive your salary and have your utility bills deducted.
〇 The card itself has a UnionPay function, so you can use it for everyday shopping as well as withdrawing cash from ATMs.
〇 When making a payment, the money is immediately deducted from your account balance.

② Credit cards that can be issued by banks in China

If you pass the screening process, Chinese banks can issue you a VISA, Mastercard, or UnionPay credit card.
*The author used a Mastercard

〇 All cards are linked to Chinese bank accounts, and charges are deducted in RMB (renminbi) from Chinese bank accounts.
〇 They are convenient for overseas travel outside of China, business trips, online payments, etc.
〇 Without a credit history in China, you will not be approved for a credit card.

summary

Even if you don't travel to China often, you can still use UnionPay credit cards in your daily life and work in Japan, as long as they are accepted at stores and facilities in Japan.

It's a credit card that's worth having in case of an emergency.