QR Code ATM Withdrawals in China | Generated by AI
QR Code ATM Withdrawals in Chinese Banks
QR code-based cash withdrawals at ATMs (also known as cardless or UnionPay QR Cash withdrawals) allow users to generate a withdrawal request via a bank’s mobile app, scan a QR code displayed on the ATM screen, and complete the transaction by entering a PIN—without needing a physical debit or credit card. This service is powered by UnionPay and is widely available across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau for participating banks. It’s designed for convenience, security, and integration with mobile banking, with typical daily limits around CNY 5,000–20,000 (depending on the bank and account) and a small fee (e.g., 0.3% in some cases).
Assuming “ABC bank” refers to the Agricultural Bank of China (a major state-owned bank), it supports this service through its mobile app and UnionPay-enabled ATMs. Below is an overview of support among major Chinese banks, based on official announcements and UnionPay network details. Most big four banks (and others) rolled out this feature starting around 2018–2019, aligning with UnionPay’s push for mobile-first banking amid the rise of QR payments in China.
| Bank | Supports QR Code ATM Withdrawal? | Launch/Start Date | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) | Yes | Around 2018–2019 (exact date not publicly specified; aligns with UnionPay rollout) | Available via ABC mobile app at UnionPay ATMs. Users set withdrawal amount in app, scan ATM QR code, enter PIN. Supports RMB withdrawals; daily limit up to CNY 20,000. No card needed, but app activation required. |
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) | Yes | Early 2019 (launched via official announcement) | Pioneered as “QR Code Withdrawal Service.” Scan QR on ATM using ICBC app; instant completion without physical token. Available at ICBC and UnionPay ATMs nationwide. Focuses on mobile banking integration. |
| Bank of China (BOC) | Yes | 2018–2019 (part of UnionPay QR Cash expansion) | Supported through BOC mobile app and “UnionPay QR Cash” at BOC/UnionPay ATMs. Set instruction in app, scan ATM code, input PIN. Available in mainland, HK, and Macau; supports HKD/RMB. |
| China Construction Bank (CCB) | Yes | 2018 (UnionPay QRC Withdrawal Service launched) | Via CCB (HK&MO) Mobile App; scan ATM QR code for instant cash at CCB or JETCO/UnionPay ATMs. Minimum withdrawal HKD 100–500; supports cross-border in HK/Macau/mainland. |
| Bank of Communications (BOCOM) | Yes | 2019 onward (UnionPay network integration) | Available at BOCOM ATMs via mobile app QR scan. Part of broader UnionPay cardless services; daily limits similar to peers. |
| China CITIC Bank | Yes | 2019 (QR Cash service) | Uses “inMotion” app for setup; scan ATM QR, enter PIN. Available at designated UnionPay ATMs; emphasizes security with no physical card exposure. |
| Bank of Lanzhou (smaller regional bank) | Yes | September 5, 2019 | Early adopter among regionals; all its ATMs support QR withdrawals via app. Limit CNY 5,000 per transaction, CNY 20,000 daily; 0.3% fee applies. |
General Notes
- Availability: By 2025, over 90% of major banks’ ATMs in urban areas (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) support this via the UnionPay network. Rural coverage is growing but may vary. Look for “UnionPay QR Withdrawal” stickers on machines.
- How It Works (Standard Process): 1) Open bank app, select withdrawal amount/account. 2) Generate/confirm request (valid for ~30–60 minutes). 3) At ATM, select QR option to display code. 4) Scan with app, enter PIN, collect cash.
- Requirements: Active mobile banking app, linked debit/credit card, and UnionPay-enabled account. Foreign cards may work at select ATMs but with limits (e.g., CNY 10,000 daily overseas cap).
- When It Began Overall: The service gained traction in 2018 with UnionPay’s QR Cash initiative, driven by China’s mobile payment boom (Alipay/WeChat). Major banks like ICBC and CCB piloted in late 2018, with full rollouts by 2019. This was part of broader regulations limiting overseas ATM use but promoting domestic digital alternatives.
- Limitations: Fees (0–1%), time-sensitive QR (expires quickly), and app-only access. Not all ATMs support it 24/7 due to location (e.g., indoors).
For the latest, check your bank’s app or UnionPay’s ATM locator. If traveling, notify your bank to avoid fraud flags.
References
- ICBC Launches QR Code Withdrawal Service
- Bank of Lanzhou Rolls out QR Code Withdrawals
- CCB UnionPay QRC Withdrawal
- China CITIC Bank QR Cash
- UnionPay QR Code Withdrawal Overview