Mastercard & JD.com team up on cross-border payments

Mastercard and JD.com have formed a strategic partnership focused on payments and commerce technology, centred on JD.com's international business and cross-border consumer payments in China.

Initial work will focus on expanding payment infrastructure for international transactions and improving payment options for overseas visitors using JD.com's platforms and retail channels in China.

The companies also plan to explore a cross-border supply chain finance system designed to help small and medium-sized businesses access funding more easily and participate more efficiently in international trade.

The partnership goes beyond payment acceptance. Mastercard and JD.com will also work on artificial intelligence tools, including commerce applications and fraud prevention, alongside broader cooperation on risk management and identity authentication.

For JD.com, the tie-up supports a wider push into international markets. The retailer and technology group has built its business around supply chain and logistics operations and said stronger payment connectivity could support its growth outside China.

For Mastercard, which has been seeking deeper ties with Chinese partners, the arrangement builds on its existing relationship with JD.com. The companies described the move as part of a broader effort to connect retail, payments and digital commerce more closely across borders.

A key consumer element of the agreement focuses on inbound travel. The partnership will deepen cooperation to broaden acceptance of international cards and improve checkout, shopping, and tax refund processes for overseas visitors across JD.com's online and offline retail operations.

Another area under discussion is the use of agentic AI in purchasing. The companies will explore consumer and business purchasing tools through Mastercard Agent Pay, alongside an expansion of co-branded card initiatives.

Security focus

The agreement also places significant emphasis on transaction security. Mastercard and JD.com will deepen cooperation in real-time risk monitoring, anti-fraud systems and identity checks to improve transaction security and reinforce the stability of digital commerce.

That reflects a broader industry focus on fraud controls as payment flows become more international and more digital. For companies operating across retail, logistics, and finance, the ability to quickly verify users and detect suspicious activity has become central to managing larger cross-border transaction volumes.

JD.com is one of China's largest retailers by revenue and has expanded into logistics, health, industrials, property development and international business. Listed on Nasdaq and in Hong Kong, it has increasingly presented itself as a technology and services group built around supply chain infrastructure.

Mastercard operates in more than 200 countries and territories and has been expanding its work with partners on digital payments, security and data-led services. Its deal with JD.com adds another layer to its strategy of linking payment networks with commerce and retail platforms in major markets.

Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard, said the agreement marked the next step in the companies' existing relationship.

"This is the natural next phase in our long-standing relationship with JD.com. Our shared creativity, deep experience and cutting-edge technology will provide people and businesses with the seamless and secure solutions they're looking for, all while making everyday activities easier and more rewarding. Mastercard will continue to be a bridge between China and the world," Miebach said.

Sandy Xu, Chief Executive Officer of JD.com, said the partnership supports the company's international development and its efforts to serve consumers and businesses across markets.

"Global commerce is becoming increasingly connected and technology-driven. Our new partnership with Mastercard will support the development of JD.com's international business and strengthen our ability to serve consumers and businesses worldwide. By combining JD.com's capabilities in digital retail, logistics, and supply chain infrastructure with Mastercard's payment expertise, we will jointly explore next-generation AI-powered commerce and payment experiences powered by advanced technologies, helping shape the future of digital commerce," Xu said.