UnionPay is China’s card network, similar to Visa and Mastercard, and it issues debit, credit and prepaid cards. It is a real option at some casinos, but it is not an easy one for Canadians. UnionPay cards are rarely issued in Canada, and few casinos that accept Canadian players take them. If you already hold a UnionPay card, this page explains how it works at online casinos. Withdrawals usually go by another method.
About UnionPay
Launched in 2002 by Chinese banks, UnionPay is a card network that is used in many countries. Like VISA and MasterCard, it connects banks, merchants and cardholders. It began as an option for Chinese users only. Today its cards are widely used in China and across Asia, and its network is accepted by merchants in many other regions.
What is it really, though? It offers debit, credit and prepaid cards, issued by banks and other partners. It has also launched a mobile app and QR code payments that let you pay from your phone. UnionPay has worked with partners such as UPayCard, whose clients also received a virtual card in 2019.
The key point for Canadians is how few cards are issued here. Most Canadian banks do not issue UnionPay cards, so unless you have an account with a bank or a travel card that does, you probably can’t get one easily. Some online casino sites accept UnionPay, mostly casinos that target Asian markets, and only a small number of casinos that accept Canadians list it.
How to Get a UnionPay Card
UnionPay cards come from banks and card programs, not from UnionPay directly. Ask your bank whether it offers one. If it does, you’ll apply with the usual identification and financial details, and the bank will tell you how long the card takes to arrive. Some issuers also offer prepaid UnionPay cards, so check what is available to you and read the terms for gambling payments.
If you don’t have a UnionPay card, you’ll have an easier time with other methods that Canadian casinos widely accept, such as Interac e-Transfer, iDebit, Instadebit or a Visa Debit card.
How to Deposit and Withdraw With UnionPay
Using a UnionPay card at a casino works like any card payment. First you need a casino that accepts UnionPay, which you can check on its cashier page before you register.
To deposit with UnionPay:
- Open the casino’s Cashier or Deposit page.
- Choose UnionPay from the list of methods.
- Enter your card number, the name on the card, the expiry date and the security code.
- Enter the amount, keeping to the casino’s minimum deposit, and confirm.
- Your bank may ask you to approve the payment, for example with a code sent to your phone. Once it goes through, the funds appear in your balance, usually within minutes.
Make sure your account has enough funds or credit before you confirm, because the payment will fail otherwise. Your bank may also block gambling payments, so contact it if the card is declined.
Withdrawals usually go by another method. Even casinos that take UnionPay for deposits often don’t pay out to the card. If you want to cash out to a card, look for a casino that lists UnionPay on its withdrawal page, and expect to use a bank transfer, an e-wallet or Interac e-Transfer instead. Check the cashier page before you deposit.
UnionPay Casino Fees
Fees depend on the card and its issuer, so check your bank’s terms. Credit cards may treat gambling as a cash advance, with fees and interest from day one. Foreign-currency transactions may also cost more. Some casinos add their own fees, so check the cashier before you pay.
Currencies
UnionPay cards are issued in many currencies. If a casino charges you in Canadian dollars, you may avoid conversion, but a card issued in another currency, or a casino that bills you in another currency, can add a conversion fee. Check your issuer’s terms and the currency options on the casino’s cashier page.
Where Can You Use UnionPay?
UnionPay is accepted by many merchants around the world, particularly in China and Asia. In Canada, the card is usable in some shops, but acceptance at online casinos is limited, so check each casino’s cashier. Canadian players who can’t use UnionPay should look at other deposit options, such as Interac, iDebit, Instadebit or Visa Debit.
Where to Get Help With UnionPay
For card problems, contact the bank that issued your card, using the number on the card or its website. UnionPay International also has an official website with a Help Center and a Contact Us page, where you can find the latest contact options for your region.
If you’re having trouble with a deposit or withdrawal, you can always contact the support team at your chosen online casino.
Conclusion
UnionPay is a legitimate card network, but it is not a practical choice for most Canadians. Its cards are rarely issued here, few casinos that accept Canadian players take them, and withdrawals usually have to go by another method. If you already have a card and your casino accepts it, it works like any other card payment. Otherwise, Interac, iDebit, Instadebit or Visa Debit will be easier to set up.
UnionPay Casino FAQs
UnionPay International’s website is offered in English and several other languages, which may include French. Language options can change, so check the site’s language menu.
It depends on the issuer. Some banks accept online applications, while others ask you to visit a branch. UnionPay cards are rarely issued in Canada, so ask your bank whether it offers one.
Some Canadian ATMs accept UnionPay cards, but not all do, and your bank or the ATM operator may charge fees or foreign-currency charges. Check your card’s terms before you withdraw cash.
Acceptance in Canada is limited compared with Visa and Mastercard. Look for the UnionPay logo at the till or checkout, and don’t assume an online casino accepts it.
Check the casino’s Banking, Cashier or Withdrawal page to see whether UnionPay is listed. If you can’t find it, ask customer support before you deposit. Withdrawals usually go by another method.