Beijing’s subway system has enhanced its contactless payment options, now accepting overseas-issued JCB cards and both domestic and international American Express cards for fare payment and top-ups starting June 15, 2025. This upgrade aims to improve payment convenience for international visitors.
Following the addition of Mastercard and Visa in September 2024, this move makes Beijing’s rail network the world’s first to offer full-system payment coverage across all five major card organizations: China UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express, significantly boosting convenience for all passengers.
The service is available across all 29 operational lines, 523 stations, and the suburban railway Line S2, allowing contactless entry at any gate during operating hours without the need for tickets or apps. Since launching overseas card tap-and-go in September 2024, cards from over 130 countries and regions have been used.