TNS Streamlines Acceptance of UnionPay Cards Worldwide

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has a new scheme for faster payment acceptance of UnionPay cards.

The data communications company announced this week that it has launched a new global card scheme gateway, TNS Scheme Gateway, that directly connects merchants and banks with UnionPay — the association for China’s banking card industry — without requiring the establishment of a bespoke network link.

As explained in a press release, the TNS Scheme Gateway utilizes TNS’ Secure Payments Network, which handles customer card data in accordance with PCI DSS regulations. Additionally, the technology converts the originating message format of a transaction into UnionPay’s preferred type as well as handles all clearing, dispute and reconciliation files. TNS, the release notes, also manages all card scheme updates and compliance requirements.

Lisa Shipley, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of TNS’ Payment Network Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this arrangement with UnionPay to establish this gateway to promote in-store card acceptance internationally. UnionPay is a significant player within the card industry globally and merchants and banks have long recognized the importance of being able to accept payments made via its card.

“In addition to being complex, setting up bespoke network links can prove extremely costly and time consuming both to establish and to maintain, and as a result many merchants have been simply unable to accept UnionPay transactions until now. We are removing the need for organizations to make changes to backend systems and networks, and offering them a streamlined, efficient and cost-effective alternative which can be operational in as little as two weeks.”

As the release points out, the TNS Scheme Gateway for UnionPay will allow merchants to capitalize on the increasing numbers of Chinese tourists worldwide. In 2013, cites the release, consumer spending via UnionPay cards — the only domestic bank card issued by the People’s Republic of China — totaled more than $5.2 trillion across the globe.