Designed for Chinese Overseas! iTalkBB Partners with UnionPay International and East West Bank to Launch First Payment Feature in iTalkBB Prime App Tailored for Chinese Returning Home

iTalkBB is a telecommunications company providing international calling services and Chinese TV Box services for overseas Chinese. Since its establishment in 2003, iTalkBB has been committed to offering innovative products and services to enhance the lives of overseas Chinese. Our mission is to understand the needs of overseas Chinese users and create truly suitable products and services, no matter where they are located.

iTalkBB is a telecommunications company, not a bank. The iTalkBB Prime App and related services are provided by iTalkBB. Banking products and services are provided by East West Bank (Member FDIC).

On October 30, 2024, iTalkBB once again introduced new services specifically for North American Chinese. Partnering with industry leaders UnionPay International and East West Bank (Member FDIC), iTalkBB has fully upgraded the iTalkBB Prime App with a QR code payment feature and launched the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card plan (including a U.S. checking account and virtual UnionPay prepaid card), making it easier for iTalkBB Prime App users to use UnionPay QR code payments when returning to China.^{(1, 2)}

As North America's leading Chinese telecommunications provider, iTalkBB is dedicated to solving the pain point of inconvenient payments when returning to China.

Through this collaboration with UnionPay and East West Bank (Member FDIC), iTalkBB Prime App users can now enjoy seamless cross-border UnionPay QR code payments and online payments integrated into the app via the new iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card plan.^{(1, 2, 3)}

Additionally, the iTalkBB Prime App features cross-border communication functions, providing an all-in-one solution for payments and communication when returning to China. Learn more about the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card plan.

The newly upgraded iTalkBB Prime App offers four major features and four payment advantages.

Four Major Features of iTalkBB Prime App

QR Code Payments in ChinaActivate the UnionPay Prepaid Card plan in the iTalkBB Prime App to use QR code payments at merchants displaying the UnionPay logo.^{(1, 2, 3)}

Online Overseas PaymentsThe upgraded iTalkBB Prime App not only supports QR code payments but also online payments, compatible with popular platforms like Taobao, Meituan, Pinduoduo, DiDi, Ctrip, and 12306 for hassle-free cross-border shopping.^{(2, 3)}

Cross-Border China-US Global CallingPrime App users can leverage its communication features, including dual numbers for instant cross-border calls and SMS between China, the US, Canada, and Hong Kong. The app also supports number porting, one-tap call recording, and exclusive family groups for comprehensive connectivity.⁽⁴⁾

One App for Payments and Communication When Returning to ChinaThe iTalkBB Prime App combines China-US communication services with UnionPay payment functions, including cross-border calls and SMS. The newly upgraded app, developed in partnership with UnionPay International and East West Bank, provides convenient offline QR code payments and online shopping in China—without needing third-party apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay—meeting all Prime App users' communication and payment needs.^{(1, 2, 3, 4)}

Four Major Payment Benefits

UnionPay QR Payments with USD Top-UpsWith the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card and Prime App's QR payment feature, users can top up in USD and pay in CNY, avoiding foreign exchange fees.^{(2, 3)}Simply deposit USD into your East West Bank checking account and transfer funds to the prepaid card via online banking.^{(2, 3, 5)}After topping up, scan the "UnionPay QuickPass" QR codes at merchants for instant forex settlement.^{(2, 3)}

Exclusive iTalkBB Perks: No Minimum Deposit or Monthly FeesPrime App users enjoy waived minimum deposit requirements and no monthly maintenance fees for East West Bank accounts opened through the app.⁽¹⁾Learn more about the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card plan.

Bind Local Apps, Avoid Foreign Card FeesThe iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card offers multiple benefits: Unlike U.S. credit cards that incur 3% foreign transaction fees in China, this card waives the fee during promotions!⁽⁶⁾ Save money for travel and dining.

Online Account Activation - Available from the U.S.Through the partnership with East West Bank (Member FDIC), users can apply online for the UnionPay Prepaid Card plan (including a U.S. checking account and virtual UnionPay prepaid card) after subscribing to the iTalkBB Prime App.⁽¹⁾Once activated, users can top up the prepaid card and use the Prime App's QR payment feature for a fast, convenient payment experience.^{(2, 3, 5)}Visit iTalkBB's official website https://www.italkbb.com/us/cht/ for more details about the Prime App and related services.

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay focused on international business. Through partnerships with over 2,600 institutions worldwide, UnionPay cards are now accepted in 183 countries and regions, with cards issued in 82. UPI provides high-quality, efficient, and secure cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base, while offering localized convenience to overseas users.

Learn more: https://www.unionpayintl.com/cn/aboutUs/companyProfile/introductiontoUPI/.

About East West Bank

East West Bank connects opportunities for its customers. Its parent company, East West Bancorp (EWBC), is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. As the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Southern California, East West Bank holds $74.5 billion in assets (as of September 30, 2024) with 110+ branches across the U.S. and Asia.

For more information, visit www.eastwestbank.com.

iTalkBB is a telecommunications company, not a bank. The iTalkBB Prime App and related services are provided by iTalkBB. Banking products and services are provided by East West Bank (Member FDIC).

Notes:

1. Approval from East West Bank is required for the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card plan. Submission does not guarantee account opening. Service availability may vary by location. Additional terms apply. Learn more.

2. Certain features (e.g., iTalkBB e-wallet) require an active iTalkBB Prime subscription. Termination will disable these services.

3. USD funds must be loaded before using the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card. Only eligible East West Bank checking accounts can reload the card. Online banking registration is required. Fees and terms apply. Learn more.

4. Communication services (including China numbers) are provided exclusively by iTalkBB under specific terms.

5. East West Bank does not charge for online banking, but wireless carrier fees may apply.

6. The 3% foreign transaction fee is waived for iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card payments in China during promotions.

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