How Alipay+ Network Reached 90 Million Global Merchants

Ant International's payment unit Alipay+ has expanded its merchant network to 90 million locations across 66 markets. 

The platform connects 35 digital wallet and banking applications, serving 1.6 billion accounts through recent partnerships with Kazakhstan's Kaspi.kz and Malaysia's BigPay.

The infrastructure operates through standardised QR operators, with PayPay in Japan enabling acceptance at more than 3 million merchants, from traditional izakayas and wagashi shops to major retailers and attractions including Tokyo SKYTREE. 

In South Korea, ZeroPay integration provides merchant coverage for more than 2 million locations, complemented by the launch of NAMANE x Alipay+ Transit Pass Card for nationwide public transport access.

European expansion continues through Bluecode integration, enabling acceptance at 400,000 merchants, while Middle Eastern presence focuses on duty-free retail at major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. 

The platform's standardised QR infrastructure enables integration with existing payment networks including DuitNow in Malaysia and SGQR in Singapore.

Digital Transformation

Through Antom, its merchant services division, Alipay+ has developed integration protocols for travel platforms including AirAsia MOVE and Booking.com. 

The system eliminates currency conversion fees and reduces authentication steps through direct e-wallet payment pathways.

The platform's A+Rewards marketing system enables location-based promotions within partner applications. 

The Singapore Tourism Board utilises this technology to distribute digital vouchers for transport and attractions, while users of AlipayHK, Mpay, Touch 'n Go eWallet, TrueMoney and GCash access promotional packages through Consumer Friendly Zones across Chinese cities.

Mini-program technology, implemented by organisations including the Geneva Tourism Bureau, enables service delivery through partner e-wallet applications without additional software requirements. 

This infrastructure supports navigation, booking systems and digital voucher distribution.

Market Development

Small and medium enterprises represent 90% of the merchant network, spanning transport, retail and hospitality sectors. 

Recent expansion in the Philippines includes SM Supermalls' retail network and Hennan Group's ten resort properties across Boracay and Bohol.

The platform has secured partnerships with international retailers including Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, Central Retail, King Power, Pavilion KL, Lotte World, Olive Young, Daimaru, Printemps and Galleries Lafayette. 

Integration requirements for these merchants are reduced through standardised QR protocols.

Consumer Friendly Zones in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu provide infrastructure for international payment processing. 

These zones include bilingual support systems and merchant training programmes to facilitate cross-border transactions.

Regional transport integration extends across Southeast Asian networks. Malaysian DuitNow integration enables nationwide merchant coverage, while Singapore's SGQR system provides unified payment protocols across retail and transport sectors, including taxi services.

Research conducted by Ant International and IDC projects tourism spending growth of 330% by 2027 in Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea. 

This growth projection reflects the increasing adoption of integrated payment infrastructure across Asian markets.

“Tourism is playing an increasingly significant role in local economies, accelerating growth for merchants across sectors, but businesses need to adapt to new digital habits and preferences,” says Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.

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