A new payments capability has been added on WeChat, the leading Chinese mobile messaging app, that enables payments at physical stores.
The feature is named “Card Swiping”. With a tap on the button, a QR code and a bar code will be generated. Merchants who have supporting POS machines or other devices will be able to accept payments by scanning either code.
So far the WeChat feature only supports debit cards bundled with WeChat accounts, instead of credit cards.
Payments under RMB300 (about US$50) don’t require password.
The first merchants that have introduced it are nine chain stores, Guoda Pharmacy, Aiyingshi (children’s and infants’ goods), Diary Queen (fast food), RAINBOW (Department stores), LOTUS (supermarkets), MINSUN (department store), Haolinju (Convenience stores), Guoda365 (Convenience stores) and One Plus One Super Market. Other merchants now can apply for the API for it.
WeChat is rapidly becoming the ubiquitous mobile e-commerce social goldmine! Can’t wait to see what they do next. My only issue is with my Xiaomi I cannot access the payment/wallet section…