Getnet, a payment solutions provider belonging to Santander Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with UnionPay International (UPI) to expand the acceptance of UnionPay cards in Spain and Portugal. The agreement aims to improve payment options for consumers across retail, e-commerce, and public transport sectors, including metro systems, buses, trains, bike services, and parking facilities.
The collaboration builds on several years of joint work between Getnet and UPI with large retailers in both countries. It is designed to speed up the adoption of UnionPay at both online and offline points of sale. The partnership will also consider introducing UnionPay QR code payments—a method widely used by Chinese consumers—into these markets.
Both companies see this move as an opportunity to support sustainable urban mobility through improved payment access on public transportation. According to the announcement, Chinese tourism to Spain and Portugal is growing at more than 15% annually. The goal is to make travel easier for international visitors by reducing payment barriers and providing a consistent experience whether shopping in-store or online or using local transit.
Getnet brings its technology platform and experience in large-scale deployment to the project. In the first nine months of 2025, Getnet reported a 15% increase in transaction volume year over year and an 8% rise in the number of transactions. In 2024, the Nilson Report ranked Getnet as the leading acquirer by volume in Latin America and among the top ten globally.
UnionPay International operates one of the world’s largest card acceptance networks. UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions worldwide. More than 200 million UnionPay cards have been issued outside mainland China across 83 countries and regions.
The agreement will allow UnionPay cardholders to use their cards at turnstiles and ticket readers operated by Spanish transit operators throughout 2026. This rollout will cover more than half of Spain’s public transport system across multiple autonomous regions.
Rubén Justel, CEO of Getnet Europe, said:
James Yang, Executive Vice President of UnionPay International Europe Region, said:
The partnership offers several benefits for merchants, operators, and customers:
- Merchants may see increased sales by accepting spending from tourists and international residents.
- A consistent omnichannel experience will be available through contactless payments at transit turnstiles, point-of-sale terminals in stores, e-commerce platforms, with centralized settlement.
- The initiative aims to boost tourism spending while reducing friction for occasional users or those making short trips on public transport.
Deployment will begin with phased pilots during 2026 targeting high-traffic areas such as transport networks and flagship retailers. The plan includes omnichannel support via POS terminals, e-commerce platforms, UnionPay wallets, and value-added services.