Getnet and UnionPay International Accelerate Acceptance of UnionPay Cards in Spain and Portugal, Focusing on Retail and Public Transport

The partnership will extend UnionPay acceptance across retail, e-commerce, and public transport, including metro, buses, trains, bikes and parking.

It will explore the use of QR code payments via the UnionPay e-wallet, a method widely used among Chinese consumers.

Madrid and Lisbon, [19/20] November 2025.
Getnet, a leading payment solutions provider in Latin America and Iberia belonging to the Santander Group, and UnionPay International (UPI), have signed a strategic agreement to expand the acceptance of UnionPay cards in Spain and Portugal. This move reinforces both companies’ commitment to delivering a broader, more inclusive and seamless payment experience across in-store retail, ecommerce and transportation.

This partnership consolidates years of cooperation between Getnet and UPI with large retailers in Spain and Portugal, and sets the path to accelerate acceptance at online and offline points of sale. It will also explore the use of UnionPay partner e-wallet with QR code payments, a method widely popular among Chinese users.

Furthermore, the agreement promotes sustainable urban and regional mobility, such as buses, metros, and short-leg trains.

In an environment where Chinese tourism to the Iberian Peninsula is growing by over 15% each year, the aim is to reduce friction for international travellers and tourists, increase conversion rates, and provide a consistent payment experience across in-store, online, and transport.

Getnet contributes large-scale deployment capabilities and a global technology platform. In the first nine months of 2025, Getnet recorded a 15% year on year increase in transaction volume and 8% growth in the number of transactions, underscoring its execution capabilities in payments. Additionally, the Nilson Report recognized Getnet as the #1 acquirer in Latin America by volume in 2024. Globally, it ranks among the top 10 acquirers.

UPI operates one of the most extensive acceptance networks in the world. UnionPay cards can be used in 183 countries and regions. Outside the Chinese mainland, over 200 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 83 countries and regions, driving cross-border usage and tourism spending. 

Leveraging current operational infrastructure, this agreement will enable the acceptance of UnionPay cards at the turnstiles and ticket readers from transit operators in Spain throughout 2026. This includes trains, buses, metro, bike or parking across several autonomous regions, covering over 50% of the country’s public transport system.

Rubén Justel, CEO of Getnet Europe, said: “This alliance with UnionPay International deepens a long term collaboration in Iberian large retailers and extends it into the mobility sector, where payment speed, security, and interoperability are essential. Thanks to our scale and technological capabilities, we are going to extend acceptance and improve the user experience in stores, online and transit.”

James Yang, Executive Vice President of UnionPay International Europe Region, said: “Spain and Portugal are key markets for our network. With Getnet as our acquirer partner, we will accelerate UnionPay acceptance in high volume segments –retail, tourism and transportation. Ensuring a smooth and secure payment experience for our cardholders. This agreement expands the UnionPay acceptance coverage at critical consumption points, and facilitates payments for international travelers and residents alike.”

Benefits for Merchants, Operators and Customers

• Increased sales and higher international conversion: Acceptance of UnionPay to capture spending from tourists and international residents.
• Consistent, Omni channel Experience: Contactless in turnstiles and ticket readers, in store POS terminals and ecommerce, with centralized settlement and support.
• Boost for Tourism and local Economy.
• Reducing payment friction for occasional users and first- or last-mile transport.

The plan envisions phased pilots and deployment in 2026 in high-traffic environments (transport networks and flagship retailers), with Omni channel support (POS, e-commerce and UnionPay wallets) and value-added services.