Jin Rong Jie·2026-01-15 07:25Core Insights - Citic Bank has announced support for binding its Visa credit and debit cards to Apple Pay, allowing cardholders to make payments anywhere Visa's "tap to pay" is accepted, both online and offline [1][4]. Group 1: Digital Financial Innovation - The integration of Apple Pay is part of Citic Bank's efforts to accelerate its digital transformation and enhance the convenience and competitiveness of its financial services [1]. - This initiative is seen as a significant step in promoting digital financial innovation and injecting new momentum into cross-border payment solutions for outbound customers [1]. Group 2: User Experience and Security - Apple Pay offers a simple, secure, and private payment method, allowing consumers to use it across various scenarios, including physical stores and online platforms [4]. - The setup process for adding Citic Bank's Visa cards to Apple Pay is straightforward, requiring users to follow prompts in the bank's app or the Wallet app on their iPhone [4]. - Security is a core feature of Apple Pay, as actual card numbers are not stored on devices or Apple servers; instead, a unique device account number is generated and securely stored [6]. Group 3: Customer Benefits and Market Trends - Cardholders can continue to enjoy the same rewards and benefits as with physical cards, including exclusive offers from Visa for first-time users and travel-related discounts [6]. - The demand for outbound travel among Chinese residents remains strong, with increasing booking volumes reported by major travel platforms, indicating a growing interest in international exploration [6]. - Citic Bank aims to strengthen relationships with global partners and expand overseas consumption scenarios to enhance user experience in digital finance [6].