Alipay and Macau Pass launch new top-up service

As Macau braces for an influx of mainland tourists during the October Golden Week, digital payment providers Macau Pass and Alipay on Friday announced a new top-up feature that allows visitors to conveniently add value to their Macau Pass cards (MCard) anytime via the MPay or Alipay apps.

The service aims to improve convenience for public transport and daily transactions across the city. After completing real-name registration, users can access the MCard page through Alipay’s “MacauPass” mini-program. To benefit from the new tap-to-pay and contactless features, the user’s physical card must also display an NFC value-added logo.

Verified users on iOS or Android devices equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) can now top up their cards without visiting physical service points. They can also check their balance and view recent transactions directly in the Alipay app.

The MCard has long been a popular tool for visitors from the mainland, offering up to 50% discounts on Macau’s buses and light rail, while also supporting payments for dining, shopping and entertainment.

According to Macau Pass, the service is designed to cover typical small and frequent expenses during short-term visits. A cumulative yearly top-up limit of MOP 5,000 per Alipay account applies.

AGTech Holdings, part of Alibaba Group and owner of Macau Pass, is collaborating with Alipay to provide the service.