PayPal links US users to China WeChat Pay for QR payments

PayPal users in the United States can now make cashless payments across China by scanning QR codes through Tencent's WeChat Pay network, the technology company announced. The new feature, which connects Tencent's cross-border platform to PayPal's system, is designed to provide greater convenience for foreign tourists in a market where digital payments are ubiquitous.

The service is live for U.S.-based PayPal accounts first, with plans to expand to users in other markets in phases. To encourage adoption, Tencent said it will waive transaction fees for first-time users who link their international bank cards to WeChat Pay, an incentive that will run through the end of 2026. The company also noted that transactions by foreign travelers using international cards on its platform jumped nearly 80 percent year-over-year in the first four months of this year.

The integration addresses a significant hurdle for visitors, as China's economy has become overwhelmingly cashless. WeChat Pay and its rival Alipay are the dominant payment methods, accepted everywhere from taxis and restaurants to small retail shops. Analysts say the move aligns with broader efforts to attract more international...