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Can I use American Express in China in 2026?

American Express is accepted at most hotels, large restaurants, and chain retailers in mainland China. For the smoothest experience, link your American Express card to Alipay before you arrive — that lets you pay by QR code at almost any Chinese merchant.

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Quick Answer

Can I use American Express in China in 2026?

American Express is accepted at most hotels, large restaurants, and chain retailers in mainland China. For the smoothest experience, link your American Express card to Alipay before you arrive — that lets you pay by QR code at almost any Chinese merchant.

Source: Alipay, 2026

American Express acceptance in mainland China

AmEx acceptance at point-of-sale is limited to hotels and high-end restaurants. Linking the card to Alipay works reliably since 2024 and is the recommended path for AmEx holders.

Acceptance ranking (as of June 2026):

  • Widely accepted: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay
  • Limited (link to Alipay to extend): American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club
  • Bring cash or a backup card: any non-listed card brand

Frequently asked questions

How do I link my American Express card to Alipay?
Open the Alipay app, go to "Me → Bank Cards → Add Card", and enter your American Express card details. Alipay will send a verification code to your phone or email — most foreign-issued cards are accepted in 1–2 minutes. See our full <a href="/alipay-for-foreigners">Alipay for foreigners</a> walkthrough.
Will my American Express card work at small shops in China?
Some — but most small shops only accept cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. For American Express, linking to Alipay is the most reliable workaround and works at almost any QR-code-accepting merchant.
Are there foreign transaction fees on my American Express card in China?
Most foreign-issued American Express cards charge a 1–3% foreign transaction fee on purchases in mainland China. Check your cardholder agreement — some travel-rewards cards waive this fee on certain categories.
Can I get cash in China with my American Express?
Yes. ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank) accept international American Express cards in tier-1 cities. Daily withdrawal limits are typically RMB 2,500–10,000 per transaction.
Should I bring cash as a backup if I have a American Express card?
Yes — always carry RMB 500–1,000 in cash for taxi drivers, rural vendors, and small shops that do not accept mobile payments. Exchange at the airport or any major bank branch.

Source: Alipay, NihaoVisit Alipay guide. Last updated 2026-06-10.