Getnet and UnionPay have joined forces to expand UnionPay card acceptance across Spain and Portugal, making payments smoother for both retailers and international visitors.
Getnet, the payments arm of Santander, has entered into a strategic agreement with UnionPay International (UPI) to significantly broaden the acceptance of UnionPay cards in Spain and Portugal. The deal covers in-store retail, e-commerce, and public transport, including metros, buses, and parking, and is scheduled to begin pilot implementation in 2026, with plans to reach over half of Spain’s public-transport network via existing infrastructure.
Beyond physical payment terminals, the partnership also explores integration with UnionPay’s QR payments and digital wallet services. This is particularly relevant for Chinese visitors, as UnionPay’s mobile wallet and QR-based solutions are widespread among international cardholders. By enabling both contactless card and QR-based payments, Getnet and UPI aim to reduce friction for tourists and improve conversion rates in high-traffic environments.
This move comes at a moment when e-commerce in the Iberian Peninsula is booming. Spain’s online market generated approximately €95 billion in revenue in 2024, growing by more than 13% compared to the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Spanish e-commerce turnover reached about €25.7 billion, marking a nearly 19% year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, Portugal’s e-commerce market, while smaller, is also rising steadily, with estimated online sales of €4.1 billion in 2024 and strong projected growth through 2029.
By aligning with these dynamic digital trends, Getnet and UPI aim to tap into the growing online consumer base in both countries. For Getnet, the partnership strengthens its position in the Iberian payments market and leverages its technology to bridge cross-border spending. For UnionPay, it offers a more seamless European footprint, allowing its cardholders, particularly international tourists, to pay across a wide variety of channels, from shops to public transport and online platforms.
The phased rollout and multi-channel strategy suggest the partnership is designed for long-term scale, rather than just a symbolic entry into the Iberian market. If adopted broadly, this could reshape how UnionPay customers pay in Spain and Portugal, making on-the-ground and online payments more integrated, flexible, and tourist-friendly.
