Prudential Bank, in partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), has commenced a series of customer engagement sessions aimed at enhancing the use of UnionPay cards among Ghanaian traders transacting in China.

The initiative seeks to equip customers with practical knowledge on using UnionPay cards across various digital payment platforms in China, thereby improving fund management, security, and operational efficiency.

The first session was held at Prudential Bank’s Head Office, where the UPI and Prudential Bank teams engaged a group of customers involved in cross-border trade between Ghana and China. The sessions focused on providing hands-on guidance on the available digital payment channels supported by UnionPay in China.

Bennette Nyewala, a member of the Card Services Team at Prudential Bank, explained that the engagement is designed to educate and sensitize customers on the safe and efficient use of UnionPay cards abroad.

“UPI, as a global card brand championing digital payment, ensures that its cardholders traveling to China can take full advantage of QR code payments and contactless technology,” he noted. “Our goal is to help customers transact seamlessly and securely on platforms that are widely accepted in the Chinese market.”

Bright Agbottah, West Africa Regional Manager for UnionPay International, further highlighted the dominant payment methods in China, including QR code, contactless, and POS payments.

“QR codes are the most popular way to pay for goods and services in China. We encourage traders from Ghana to link their Prudential Bank UnionPay cards to Alipay and WeChat apps. This setup supports large-value transactions, offers convenience, and aligns with local payment norms,” he said. “POS and contactless payments also serve as effective alternatives.”

Leopold Armah, the Bank’s Chief Information Officer, reiterated Prudential Bank’s commitment to supporting its customers’ international trade needs.

“We are ready and available to assist our customers in transacting successfully in China. We also encourage traders to open business accounts for structured expense management. The Bank is set to introduce UPI commercial cards by year-end to support this initiative,” he revealed.

He emphasised the growing importance of the Far East—especially China, Japan, and South Korea—as key players in global trade, noting that Prudential Bank is responding strategically by repurposing its UPI card offering to meet evolving customer needs.

“Our personalised engagement strategy, backed by data analytics, allows us to proactively address the needs of traders and businesses. Prudential Bank remains one of the few institutions offering solutions across all three major global card schemes—a testament to our values of innovation and diversity,” Mr. Armah added.

Customers expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the session provided valuable insights into digital payments and will help them navigate business transactions in China with greater confidence and ease.