At Zenith Payments, we are continually evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our clients and their customers.
We know that offering customers the flexibility to pay the way they prefer, with ease and security, is the key to helping businesses get paid faster. That’s why we’re excited to introduce new Asian payment methods, adding another seamless and secure option to our growing suite of payment solutions.
Australian businesses can now accept payments from international customers, with Zenith Payments officially launching Alipay+ and UnionPay across its payments platform.
This expansion gives Zenith merchants access to two of the world’s most widely used Asian payment networks, helping businesses capture more sales from international travellers, renters, Thoroughbred owners, and students and their families who often prefer to pay using familiar, trusted methods.
Why Alipay+ and UnionPay matter in Australia
Australia’s close proximity to Asia, combined with strong economic, education, tourism and trade links, makes Asian payment methods increasingly essential for Australian businesses.
Asian travellers, international students, renters and overseas workers represent some of the fastest-growing and highest-spending customer segments in the country. Many prefer not to use international credit cards and instead rely on trusted local payment methods they already use at home.
By enabling Alipay+ and UnionPay, Zenith Payments allows merchants to:
- Accept payments from customers who prefer familiar Asian payment methods
- Reduce payment friction for international visitors, students and renters
- Increase conversion rates and average transaction values
- Provide a more inclusive, globally relevant payment experience
This capability is especially valuable for businesses serving:
- International students paying tuition, accommodation and living expenses
- Renters and property managers supporting overseas tenants
- Thoroughbred and equine industry participants, where international owners, trainers and syndicates regularly transact across borders
- International travellers paying travel agents in Australia for tours and travel.
With Alipay+ and UnionPay, Zenith Payments helps Australian businesses serve international customers by making it easier to pay, and therefore easier to get paid.
What is Alipay+?
Alipay+ is a global network of mobile wallets that connects international consumers with local merchants. It allows customers to pay using their preferred wallet app, while merchants receive settlement locally without the need for separate integrations or foreign currency accounts.
With Alipay+, businesses can accept payments from customers across Asia using familiar QR-based and in-app payment experiences, all through Zenith’s payment platforms.
What is UnionPay?
UnionPay is one of the world’s largest card payment networks and is widely used by Chinese consumers for both domestic and international spending.
Accepting UnionPay enables Australian businesses to tap into a massive global cardholder base and cater to customers who actively seek out UnionPay-friendly merchants when travelling, studying or living overseas.
A smarter way to accept international payments
The launch of Alipay+ and UnionPay is part of Zenith Payments’ broader commitment to helping Australian businesses get paid faster, more securely, and in more ways.
These payment methods sit alongside Zenith’s growing suite of solutions, including fast modern bank payments (PayTo and PayID), cards, digital wallets and industry-specific integrations, all designed to reduce complexity while expanding reach.
Who benefits most?
This expansion is particularly valuable for businesses in:
- Travel and tourism
- Education and student services
- Attractions and experiences
- Any business serving international customers
Get started with Asian payments
Alipay+ and UnionPay are now available through Zenith Payments.
To learn more about enabling these payment methods, or to understand how they fit into your existing setup, get in touch with our team and we’ll help you make the most of your international payment opportunities.
FAQ
Alipay+ is a global network of mobile wallets that allows international customers to pay using their preferred wallet app. Businesses receive settlement locally through Zenith Payments, without the need for foreign currency accounts or separate integrations.
UnionPay is one of the world’s largest card payment networks and is widely used by Chinese consumers for both domestic and international transactions.
Australia has strong economic, tourism, education and migration links with Asia. Many international customers prefer local Asian payment methods rather than international credit cards. Accepting Alipay+ and UnionPay helps reduce payment friction, improve conversion rates and increase successful transactions.
These payment methods are commonly used by international travellers, overseas students, renters and cross-border customers, as well as industries with international participants such as education, property, tourism and the Thoroughbred sector.
No. Payments are settled locally into your Australian bank account with Zenith Payments, so there is no need to manage foreign currency accounts.
Yes. Both payment methods operate on secure, globally recognised networks with robust security and fraud prevention standards.
Yes. Alipay+ and UnionPay can be enabled alongside existing card, bank and digital wallet payment methods with Zenith Payments.
Simply contact the Zenith Payments team. We’ll assist with activation and ensure the setup aligns with your business needs.
If you are already a School EasyPay, Thoroughbred Payments, Rental Rewards or TravelPay client please reach out to your relationship manager.
