Tencent announces Weixin opening to international card organizations

Tencent Holdings announced on Thursday that it will fully open Weixin Pay to international card organizations like Mastercard, Visa, JCB and Discover Global Network, so as to further improve overseas users' digital payment experience in China.

The move came as Chinese authorities, including the National Development and Reform Commission, have encouraged companies to refine mobile payment solutions for overseas visitors.

Weixin is WeChat's digital wallet for users on the Chinese mainland. After linking an international card, overseas users can make mobile payments throughout the country using Weixin's multiple payment methods such as scanning QR codes, presenting payment codes, Weixin Mini Programs and in-app payments.

Also, overseas users will be able to conveniently access over tens of millions of companies, including small and medium-sized merchants, in the country. Transaction fees are waived for single transactions of less than or equal to 200 yuan ($27.8), the company said.