BANK card users are required to replace their cards with the ones that bear the sign of China UnionPay before the end of the year as each bank's point of sales (POS) and ATM will only receive cards issued by other banks bearing the name of China UnionPay starting Jan. 1.

Shenzhen branches of the Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Construction Bank of China and Bank of China have issued 20 million cards in the city, 90 percent of the total bank market share. Among them, 9 million cards have no signs of China UnionPay. Residents can have their cards changed at the issuance banks for free.

Experts said the change was an important step in facilitating establishment of a nationwide network of card transaction system.

The UnionPay's POS system in Shenzhen is connected to Hong Kong, allowing POS and ATM services for travelers from Shenzhen to withdraw cash at bank terminals with bank cards bearing China UnionPay in Hong Kong starting January.
 

Editor: Wings