Kazakhstani Bank CenterCredit has added a QR code payment feature to its bcc.kz mobile app. The service operates through the global UnionPay infrastructure and supports terminals of the local WeChat Pay system in China.
What happened
Bank CenterCredit President Ruslan Vladimirov and UnionPay International CEO Wang Lixin announced the launch of the service at a meeting in Shanghai. As reported by Kursiv.kz, holders of BCC's UnionPay DragonCard and GoldCard can now scan QR codes to pay for purchases abroad directly from the banking app.
The service covers the UnionPay QR payment acceptance network, which operates in Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and other countries.
Country and market
A distinct feature of the launch is direct support for merchant outlets connected to Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay in China). The bank's app automatically recognizes the merchant's code without the need to switch between programs.
Bank CenterCredit continues to adjust its products for cross-border transactions: previously, the bank introduced a 5% fee for cash ruble deposits, and is now expanding its payment capabilities in Asia.
Why it matters
Inside China, cashless payments are almost entirely tied to local QR systems. Foreigners with classic bank cards often find it difficult to pay for basic services at small retail outlets.
The new feature solves this problem for Kazakhstanis: clients no longer need to install a separate Chinese messenger, link cards, and go through complex verification.
Direct integration with closed local wallets is becoming a strong competitive advantage for the bank when working with tourists and entrepreneurs.
What's next
For the mass user, the determining factor will be the cost of transactions. It remains to be seen how favorable the currency conversion rate will be when scanning Chinese QR codes.