KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank Bhd

(HLB) has introduced direct QR payments in China through its HLB Connect mobile banking app, following a partnership with UnionPay International.

In a statement, the bank said customers could use HLB QR Pay at more than 120 million UnionPay and Weixin Pay QR-enabled merchants across China, including retailers, restaurants and small businesses.

The service allows customers to scan merchant QR codes or present their own in-app QR codes for merchants to scan, with payments deducted directly from their HLB accounts.

HLB said customers with a Pay&Save Account could also use its multi-currency feature to convert ringgit into offshore Chinese yuan (CNH) ahead of their trips.

This allows customers to secure exchange rates in advance and make payments directly from their CNH balances without transaction fees or service charges.

If the CNH balance is insufficient, payments will be automatically deducted from the customer's primary ringgit account.

HLB managing director of personal financial services Andrew Jong said the service was aimed at simplifying payments for Malaysians travelling, studying or conducting business in China.

“By bringing our multi-currency feature together with HLB QR Pay, this partnership with UnionPay takes us another step closer to creating a more seamless and connected global payment experience that provides convenience to our customers, both at home and abroad. It is about helping our customers feel more prepared when they travel, and more at ease when they arrive.”