UnionPay International, a global payment network, has announced a strategic partnership with Dojo, a United Kingdom SME payment provider. This collaboration could significantly increase UnionPay card acceptance across the UK, providing cardholders another payment option while enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to tap into a vast international customer base.
Dojo develops technology-driven solutions that simplify transactions for businesses such as Pizza Pilgrims, Côte and Boxpark that operate in the experience economy. Through this partnership, UnionPay cardholders can now make payments at 150,000 UK merchants, primarily in the hospitality sector. At the same time, Dojo’s merchant network will gain access to global UnionPay cardholders.
More than 50% of UK merchants currently accept UnionPay cards, covering a wide range of shopping, dining, entertainment, and travel experiences. Shopping destinations such as Bicester Village, Harrods, Watches of Switzerland, Liberty London, Fortnum & Mason, and Heathrow Airport’s World Duty Free all support UnionPay payments. UnionPay cardholders can also transact at restaurants and hotels, including Imperial Treasure, Dishoom, Hakkasan, Shoryu Ramen, The Ritz London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Four Seasons Hotel, and Landmark Hotel.
The UK’s payment landscape is rapidly evolving. According to PwC UK, debit card payments now dominate, accounting for 50% of transactions, and the shift away from cash is expected to continue, reaching 7% of total transaction volume by 2032. As checkout experiences become more customer-centric, businesses are increasingly adopting simpler and efficient payment solutions to enhance customer convenience and streamline operations.
“At UnionPay, we are committed to providing our cardholders with convenient and reliable payment options worldwide. Partnering with Dojo strengthens our presence in the UK, enabling more businesses to accept UnionPay and enhancing payment accessibility for millions of global customers,” said James Yang, general manager of UnionPay International’s Europe branch.
“We are delighted that our strategic partnership with UnionPay will expand card acceptance across the UK, allowing merchants to tap into an extensive international customer base while boosting payment experiences for cardholders. At Dojo, we are committed to providing innovative payment solutions that free up businesses to focus on growth and the customer experience,” said Nuno Mateus, VP of payments at Dojo.
