For Chinese travelers, WeChat is a must-have with over 900 million monthly users. More than just a messaging app, WeChat allows users to shop with WeChat Pay, which supports the likes of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other Chinese bank cards. Users can then make a direct payment using the app or scan a QR code.
What is WeChat Pay?
A keystone payment method for businesses reaching out to Chinese customers, WeChat Pay, caters to 600 million active customers. Once a simple messaging app, WeChat is now an entire ecosystem that allows users to browse items, chat with sellers, and make frictionless payments in a single interface.
Previously a cash-based society, China is quickly going digital and favoring the convenience of mobile payment apps. Nowadays, Chinese consumers spend 90 times more time on their smartphones than American users do.
WeChat Pay Capabilities
Other than the convenience of payment, WeChat Pay has several unique advantages.
1. Disputed Payments
Sometimes, WeChat pay accounts are used illicitly. If such is the case, WeChat and Stripe alleviate the issue internally, removing all responsibility from the merchant. Users can only dispute payments if they are unsatisfied with the goods or services. Should disputes occur, Stripe deducts the appropriate amount from the merchant’s Stripe balance.
2. Refunds
If a customer requests a refund using WeChat Pay, they can only do so within 180 days of the original charge. After 180 days, merchants will no longer be able to satisfy the refund.
How Customers Use WeChat Pay
For customers to use WeChat Pay, the process is as follows.
- Select WeChat Pay at checkout on the hosted payment page
- Scan the displayed QR code using the WeChat Pay app
- Enter the given PIN into the WeChat Pay app
- Receive a notification that the payment is complete
Why WeChat Pay is Popular
Mobile payments are especially popular among Chinese youth. Especially abroad, apps like WeChat Pay satisfy a growing need for accessibility and convenience. Here are the main reasons Chinese travelers prefer WeChat Pay as a payment method.
1. Convenience
Instead of having to sift for cash, WeChat Pay is intuitive. Users can even approve payments in their native language.
2. Pride
WeChat accounts for the majority of China’s data traffic, topping even Facebook usage in North America. Chinese travelers don’t just love its speed and ease of use—they love WeChat as a brand.
3. Exchange Rates
As opposed to using cash or credit cards, WeChat exchange rates are more than preferable. Currency conversions are locked-in at the time of travel and won’t fluctuate throughout the consumer’s trip.
4. Discounts
Everybody loves a loyalty reward. WeChat Pay offers users discounts for using the app—you, as a merchant, can even provide a voucher of your own.
Conclusion
If you’re expanding your global business, you can’t miss out on WeChat Pay. China is notorious for its enthusiastic shoppers and travelers—a booming demographic of potential. With WeChat Pay, you can cater to millions of consumers you wouldn’t have within your reach natively.
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