Amadeus Adds UnionPay Payments for Travel Sellers

Outpayce from Amadeus and UnionPay International have agreed to let airlines accept UnionPay cards across direct online sales and indirect bookings through the Amadeus Travel Platform. The arrangement will give airlines using Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform native UnionPay card acceptance, with rollout expected in the first half of 2026 and across markets during the year. It is aimed at airlines serving travelers from the 85 countries and regions where UnionPay cards are issued. ResearchAndMarkets forecasts Chinese outbound travel will grow from $140 billion to $386 billion by 2033, at a 13.5% compound annual growth rate.

Direct Payments Across Channels

Airlines that use Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform for their own websites will be able to accept UnionPay cards in a standardized format. The companies say direct processing can help airlines access funds faster, apply their own fraud management approach, and improve card acceptance rates.

For indirect bookings, travelers using an Amadeus travel seller can be passed through to the airline or other travel provider to pay directly. That gives UnionPay cardholders the same payment journey offered on an airline website, including loyalty benefits tied to paying the airline directly.

“UnionPay has established a solid presence in the airline payment vertical. By deepening cooperation with Amadeus, UnionPay cards will be fully integrated into the underlying technology of airline distribution, covering websites, and indirect channels. This will further refine UnionPay's air travel payment ecosystem and promote the industry to upgrade towards greater efficiency and diversity.”

Access Through Amadeus Travel Platform

The Amadeus Travel Platform connects airlines, hotels, car rental companies and rail operators with more than 60,000 travel sellers. The new payment option means providers can accept UnionPay cards directly when a booking is completed through that marketplace.

The addition of UnionPay means travelers can pay travel providers directly with all major card schemes through the platform. Native acceptance will be introduced gradually in different markets through 2026.

“We are committed to enabling a smooth payment experience in every channel however the traveler chooses to pay. Our payment platform approach means travelers can pay with the method of their choice in a way that's easy and trusted. Airlines can now offer the same payments experience to UnionPay cardholders whether they are shopping via Amadeus travel sellers or in their own direct channels, maximizing investments in payments and improving the overall experience.”

A Wider Payment Option

UnionPay International supports cross-border payments in 183 markets, while its cards are issued in 85 countries and regions. The partnership gives airlines a practical way to make that payment method available in both their own sales channels and bookings made through Amadeus travel sellers.