Alipay UK – Services, pricing, comparisons and reviews

Alipay, originally a Chinese payment platform, has expanded its reach to the UK, offering a range of services that appeal to businesses and consumers alike. Its integration into the UK market serves as a bridge for businesses aiming to cater to Chinese consumers both resident in and visiting the UK.

This article provides a detailed overview of Alipay UK’s offerings, its merits and demerits, and how it fares compared to alternative solutions.

Headline numbers

• Over 1 billion global active users
• Available in 40+ countries and regions, including the UK
• 200+ financial institution partners worldwide
• More than 300 million Alipay app downloads in Europe

Key information

Item	Data
Founded	2004, Hangzhou, China
Website URL	www.alipay.com
Phone number	+65 68307260
FSCS protected?	No
FCA regulated?	Yes

Alipay UK fees and charges

Fee Category	In-Store Payment	Online Payment	Cross-Border Remittance	Mobile Wallet	Marketing Solutions	Alipay E-pass
Product Name	In-Store Payment	Online Payment	Cross-Border Remittance	Mobile Wallet	Marketing Solutions	Alipay E-pass
Contract Length	12 months	12 months	No fixed term	No fixed term	Custom (6-24 months)	12 months
Consumer Card Fees	2.7%	2.5%	1-2%	N/A	N/A	2.7%
Business Card Fees	3%	2.8%	1.5-2.5%	N/A	N/A	3%
CNP Fees	N/A	2.9%	N/A	N/A	N/A	2.9%
Minimum Monthly Charge	£20	£25	£15	£0	Varies (based on campaign)	£20
Refund Fees	£0.50 per refund	£0.50 per refund	£1 per refund	N/A	N/A	£0.50 per refund
Chargebacks	£15 per chargeback	£15 per chargeback	£20 per chargeback	N/A	N/A	£15 per chargeback
Replacement Device	£50	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
PCI Compliance	Included	Included	Included	N/A	N/A	Included
Early Termination	£100	£100	£0	£0	Based on agreement	£100

Note: The values in the table are based on typical estimates and are for illustrative purposes. It’s crucial for businesses to consult directly with Alipay UK to obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing details specific to their agreement.

Pros and cons of Alipay UK

Pros:

• Offers businesses access to a vast Chinese customer base
• Seamless integration with QR codes for payments
• Provides a user-friendly app for consumers
• Strong security measures, including biometric authentication
• Allows for quick settlements and fund transfers

Cons:

• Not as widely recognised among non-Chinese customers in the UK
• Merchant fees can be higher compared to other local payment solutions
• The necessity of understanding cultural nuances when marketing to Chinese consumers

Alipay UK products and services

1. In-Store Payment Solutions

• Description: Allows brick and mortar retailers to accept Alipay payments through QR code scanning. This is particularly beneficial for businesses targeting Chinese tourists and residents in the UK.
• Costs/Fees: Typically, 2.5-3% per transaction, but fees may vary based on agreement specifics and transaction volumes.

2. Online Payment Solutions

• Description: Provides seamless integration with e-commerce platforms, enabling businesses to accept Alipay payments online, enhancing reach to Chinese consumers shopping from abroad.
• Costs/Fees: Approximately 2.5% transaction fee, with potential additional fees for currency conversion and other associated services.

3. Cross-Border Remittance

• Description: Facilitates cross-border transfers, making it easier for businesses and individuals to send or receive funds between the UK and China.
• Costs/Fees: Fees vary based on the amount and currency, with a typical charge around 1-2% of the transaction value.

4. Mobile Wallet

• Description: Beyond just payments, Alipay UK’s mobile wallet offers features like utility bill payments, mobile top-ups, and even ticket bookings, all designed to appeal to Chinese residents and tourists in the UK.
• Costs/Fees: No direct fees for consumers using the mobile wallet, but charges apply for certain in-app services.

5. Marketing Solutions

• Description: Alipay UK provides businesses with a platform to advertise and run promotional campaigns targeting Alipay users. This includes push notifications, in-app banners, and location-based promotions.
• Costs/Fees: Pricing varies based on the scope and scale of the campaign. Customised solutions might come at additional costs.

6. Alipay E-pass

• Description: A service for UK businesses aiming to sell directly to Chinese consumers. The E-pass converts GBP to CNY in real-time, allowing smooth transactions.
• Costs/Fees: Transaction fees are around 2.7%, but rates might differ based on specific agreements and business models.

Note: It’s essential for merchants to always consult directly with Alipay UK or check their official site for precise and current details regarding costs, fees, and services.

Alipay UK reviews

Source	Rating (out of 5)
TrustPilot	4.3
Google Reviews	4.5
Reviews.io	4.1
Average	4.3

Alternatives to Alipay UK

1. WeChat Pay: Another major Chinese payment platform, also gaining traction in the UK.
2. WorldPay: Offers a wide range of payment solutions and can handle Alipay transactions.
3. Stripe: Recognised globally, integrates Alipay payments for online businesses.

Additional considerations

When considering Alipay UK, businesses should keep in mind the cultural nuances of marketing to Chinese consumers. Offering Alipay could be a mark of trustworthiness for many Chinese consumers, indicating a business’s global reach and understanding.

Alipay UK company history

Alipay originated in 2004 as part of the Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, China. It began as an escrow service for Alibaba’s online marketplace but quickly grew, evolving into a full-fledged payment solution.

Its introduction to the UK market provided businesses an avenue to attract Chinese consumers and tourists, given its familiarity and trustworthiness among them.

FAQ