Top Payment Apps in China: Alipay Dominates

Most Popular Payment Apps in China: Key Insights

• Market Leaders:

  Alipay leads the Chinese mobile payment market with nearly 660 million monthly active users, far outpacing Sunshine Life (11.5 million), UnionPay (10.9 million), Bestpay (9 million), and Huawei Wallet (8.2 million).

• AliPay:

  Since its launch by Alibaba in 2004, Alipay has become China's largest payment platform, offering extensive services and international transactions. However, its MAU has decreased from nearly 800 million in June 2022 to 660 million by February 2024, likely due to the end of COVID-19 regulations.

• Sunshine Life:

  Developed by China Everbright Bank, Sunshine Life ranks as the second most popular payment app in China with 11.5 million MAU as of early 2024. It provides diverse financial services, reflecting China's shift towards digital financial solutions despite competition from Alipay and WeChat Pay.

• UnionPay:

  Based in Shanghai and launched in 2002, UnionPay provides a variety of card-based payment solutions. It maintained steady online shopping adoption in 2024 compared to 2020, with consistent in-store and online usage supported by global partnerships like Discover Financial Services.

Fast and easy payment apps on online devices are as indispensable for eCommerce as a functioning delivery system. In China, with its high smartphone penetration, transferring money quickly is an important part of everyday life.

What apps are people in China using most to make payments, and what factors are driving their success? We analyze using recent data.

Top Payment Apps in China

Looking at the data by iiMedia Research, we see a clear winner among the top payment apps in China:

• By far the most widely used payment app in China is Alipay, the payment branch of eCommerce giant Alibaba. As of February 2024, the app has nearly 660 million monthly active users (MAU).

• Sunshine Life comes in a distant second with 11.5 million MAU, just ahead of Union Pay with 10.9 million.

• Bestpay and Huawei Wallet follow with 9 and 8.2 million monthly active users, respectively.

To better understand what makes these top payment apps the best, let's take a closer look at the top 3.

1. Alipay

Alipay, launched in 2004 by Jack Ma's Alibaba Group, is China's largest mobile and online payment platform. It allows users to make secure payments, transfer funds, and manage their finances via a mobile app.

Originally designed to support Alibaba's eCommerce platforms, Alipay quickly expanded to include a wide range of services, such as utility bill payments, in-store purchases, and money transfers. Over the years, Alipay has grown to support international transactions and various currencies, making it a global payment solution widely used by Chinese nationals and international travelers alike

The data clearly shows Alipay's dominance, with its closest competitor (Sunshine Life) accounting for less than 2% of its user base. Despite its dominance, the number of Alipay’s MAU has been declining in recent years.

• Looking back at the numbers from the past two years, the figures stand at nearly 800 million MAU in June 2022.

• Half a year later, the number dropped to 680.6 million. A month after that, the number increased slightly to 689.6 million, only to drop to 652.4 million MAU three months later.

• Since then, the numbers have been more stable, standing at nearly 660 million MAU by February 2024.

One explanation for the significant drop after June 2022 could be the slow end of the COVID-19 regulations. The strict regulations forced many Chinese consumers to stay indoors and shop online. After the end of these regulations, shoppers could go back to shopping in stores.

2. Sunshine Life

Sunshine Life, a mobile payment app developed by China Everbright Bank, is the second most popular payment app in China, with 11.5 million MAU as of early 2024. Launched to capitalize on the expanding digital payments market, Sunshine Life offers a variety of financial services such as mobile payments, transfers, and utility bill payments, mainly targeting the bank’s customers​.

Despite its relatively modest user base compared to Alipay, Sunshine Life has carved out a niche by focusing on providing a comprehensive suite of banking and financial services, making it a versatile option for users looking for integrated financial management. Its growth reflects the broader trend in China towards diversified digital financial solutions, even as it faces stiff competition from more established players like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

3. UnionPay

UnionPay, officially known as China UnionPay (CUP), is a state-owned financial services corporation based in Shanghai. Launched in 2002, UnionPay has become a major player in the global payment card industry, providing various card-based payment solutions, including debit, credit, and prepaid cards. Its services span mobile and online payments, mobile point-of-sale (mPOS), and cross-border B2B platforms​.

• UnionPay adoption for online shopping in China stayed roughly the same in 2024 compared to 2020, maintaining its popularity among consumers.

• Three out of 10 respondents from China indicated they had used UnionPay in a POS setting between April 2022 and March 2023.

• An additional four out of 10 respondents said they used UnionPay for online payments during the same period, highlighting its consistent usage for both in-store and online transactions.

UnionPay continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Discover Financial Services, which allows UnionPay cardholders to make purchases at businesses that accept Discover cards in the U.S. and vice versa. This strategy enhances UnionPay's acceptance in international markets, making it a convenient option for Chinese tourists and expatriates​.

Top Payment Apps in China: Closing Remarks

The pandemic has significantly boosted digital payment adoption in China, accelerating the shift towards cashless transactions. Alipay's recent launch of an international version during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games highlights its strategy to attract overseas visitors, offering services like language translation, hotel bookings, and currency rate checks. With collaborations with Visa and Mastercard, Alipay ensures global card compatibility, enhancing its appeal to international users.

Looking ahead, the digital payment market in China will likely see more innovations and increased competition. Smaller players like Sunshine Life may gain ground through niche services, while UnionPay's global partnerships will expand its international footprint. The demand for quick, seamless transactions will sustain the market's growth, making digital payments an integral part of China's financial sector over the next decade.

Sources: iiMedia, Sampi, Ecomcrew, Wise, Sekkei Digital Group, Stripe, Fabrick, Statista, ECDB

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