Hong Leong Bank Enables QR Payments in China
The bank partnered with UnionPay to allow Malaysian customers to make seamless QR payments abroad.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Couponing
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Hong Leong Bank has launched a cross-border QR payment service allowing customers to pay directly from their bank accounts at 120 million merchant locations in China. The feature is accessible through the HLB Connect application and functions across UnionPay and Weixin Pay networks.
Why it matters
This collaboration provides Malaysian travelers with increased payment convenience and confidence when visiting China. By enabling direct account access abroad, the bank reduces the friction typically associated with currency conversion and traditional card usage.
The service provides access to 120 million UnionPay and Weixin Pay merchant locations, with an estimated 99.99 per cent merchant coverage across China. There are no transaction fees applied to these cross-border payments.
The players
Hong Leong Bank
This is a Malaysian financial institution that offers a variety of banking and financial services.
UnionPay International
This is a global payment network that connects cardholders and merchants worldwide.
Weixin Pay
This is a digital wallet and mobile payment platform widely used across China.
The details
The service integrates with the UnionPay international network, allowing users to scan QR codes or present their own codes via the HLB Connect app. Customers can draw funds directly from Malaysian ringgit wallets in Pay&Save accounts or link debit and credit cards to super-apps like Weixin Pay.
Timeline
September 2026: Hong Leong Bank conducted payment testing in China.
October 27, 2026: The payment service officially launched.
Culture Shift
This integration follows a pattern set by the expansion of UnionPay's QR payment network into international markets. It highlights the shift toward mobile-first, cashless travel experiences for global consumers.
Travelers can now manage their spending using their existing Pay&Save accounts without incurring transaction fees at participating merchants. Users should ensure their HLB Connect app is updated and configured before traveling to ensure seamless scanning at the point of sale.
The takeaway
Travelers should prioritize setting up digital payment integrations before departure to avoid the need for carrying large amounts of physical cash. Confirming mobile network connectivity at your destination remains essential for using QR-based payment applications successfully.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in retail and payment technology in the Couponing section.
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Would you prefer using your own bank app for international payments over third-party digital wallets?
