Express Technology- American Express Group

What Express Technology- American Express Group does

Express Technology – American Express Group (operating entity: 连通（杭州）技术服务有限公司 / Liantong (Hangzhou) Technology Service Co., Ltd.) is the Hong Kong–domiciled group brand for the China-mainland joint venture through which American Express (NYSE: AXP) runs its licensed card-payment network. Established in 2017 with Lianlian Digital (连连数字) and headquartered in Hangzhou, the JV became in 2020 the first foreign card organization to obtain a Bank Card Clearing Business License from the People's Bank of China. The entity monetizes primarily through three streams: interchange and transaction fees on cleared volume, licensing/royalty fees from 40+ partner banks that issue American Express-branded RMB credit and debit cards, and premium membership services (Global Lounge Collection, Fine Hotels + Resorts, dining and lifestyle privileges).

The core product portfolio is organized around two consumer series — the Centurion Classic Series (百夫长经典系列) with the iconic Centurion avatar and the Blue Box Series (蓝盒子系列) targeting aspirational consumers — each available as credit and debit cards and spanning tiers from Centurion Black Card and Platinum Card down to Safari, ICON, MAX, SELECT and MEMBER cards. Complementary products include the Business Card (商务卡) for corporate expense management and the Small Enterprise Card (小微企业卡) for owner-operated businesses. Underlying technology relies on dual-application chip-card infrastructure with three-level terminal certification testing (dual-application chip qualifications, card production qualifications, personalization qualifications), supported by ISO27001, JRT-0142 and JRT-0071 security certifications. Acceptance infrastructure has scaled to 10M+ merchant terminals via partnerships with banks, non-bank payment institutions and mobile payment platforms; tap-and-go transit now covers 80+ metro lines and 1,800+ stations across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou, plus 8,000+ Chengdu buses.

Go-to-market operates through three concurrent motions: (i) a channel-partner model in which 40+ domestic banks issue co-branded Amex cards distributed through bank branches, mobile apps and online channels; (ii) a direct-to-consumer motion via a 400 hotline, WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, premium tiers (Centurion Black, Platinum) and lifestyle privileges; and (iii) event-driven brand marketing centered on F1 Chinese Grand Prix and Shanghai Rolex Masters sponsorships. The operating team is small (approximately 39 employees) — a deliberately lean structure reflecting a network-and-licensing model rather than a direct-issuance or heavy-acquiring operation — with American Express International Inc. holding a controlling interest in the JV.

Name

Express Technology- American Express Group

Legal name

连通（杭州）技术服务有限公司

Website

https://amexpressnetwork.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1850

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Express Technology – American Express Group operates American Express's licensed RMB card-clearing network in mainland China through the 连通（Liantong）joint venture with Lianlian Digital, issuing co-branded Centurion, Platinum and Blue Box cards via 40+ partner banks for affluent and small-business consumers across 10M+ merchant terminals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Card Payment Network Services

NAICS

Credit Card Issuing (522210), Credit Card Issuing (52221)

akta.pro primary industry

International / Global Card Schemes (FSAMAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Commercial & Corporate Card Schemes (FSAMAAAF), Integrated Payment Processors (PSP/Acquirer) (FSAMABAA), Co-Branded Card & Card-Linked Offers Enablement (Issuer/Network Integrations) (THALAKAI)

Keywords

• Card payment network
• Credit card services
• Merchant acquiring
• Card issuing partnership
• Premium card benefits

Headquarters

HQ city

Hangzhou

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Interchange and Transaction Fees: American Express generates revenue primarily through interchange fees charged on transactions processed through its global payment network. As a card network and清算组织, fees are collected from merchants and issuing banks for transaction processing.
2. Card Issuing Partnership Fees: Revenue from licensing the American Express brand to partner banks in China for issuing co-branded credit and debit cards, including Centurion (Black Card, Platinum Card), Safari Card, and other card products.
3. Premium Membership Services: Revenue from premium cardmember services including airport lounge access (Global Lounge Collection with 1550+ lounges), hotel program partnerships (FHR with 1800+ hotels), and exclusive lifestyle privileges.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Express Technology operates the American Express card payment network in mainland China under the brand American Express, licensing partner banks to issue co-branded credit and debit cards (Classic Centurion Series, Blue Box Series, Business Card, Small Enterprise Card). The company also runs the merchant acceptance infrastructure across 10 million+ POS terminals and provides premium cardholder lifestyle benefits (airport lounges, hotel programs, dining, transit, shopping).

Product overview

Express Technology (连通公司), operating the American Express brand in mainland China, offers a comprehensive payment network and card portfolio. The core offerings include two main credit card series: the Classic Centurion Series (百夫长经典系列) with the iconic Centurion head design, and the Blue Box Series (蓝盒子系列) targeting aspirational consumers. Each series offers both credit and debit cards across multiple tiers. The portfolio includes premium products like the Centurion Black Card (百夫长黑金卡) and Centurion Platinum Card (百夫长白金卡), alongside accessible products such as Safari Card, ICON Card, MAX Card, SELECT Card, and MEMBER Card. Business solutions include dedicated Business Card (商务卡) for enterprise expense management and Small Enterprise Card (小微企业卡) for startups. Supporting infrastructure includes merchant acceptance network serving over 10 million merchant terminals, Global Lounge Collection with 1,550+ lounges worldwide, and partnerships with banks, mobile payment platforms, transit systems, and lifestyle partners including hotels, restaurants, and shopping destinations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Centurion Collection (经典系列): Classic American Express card series featuring iconic Centurion (百夫长) head image, targeting elite customers seeking excellence
• Blue Box Collection (蓝盒子系列)
• Business Card (商务卡)
• Small Business Card (小微企业卡)

Products and services

• Classic Series Credit Card (百夫长经典系列信用卡) Flagship credit card series featuring the iconic Centurion head design, targeting elite consumers seeking exceptional lifestyle experiences. Includes premium tiers such as Centurion Black Card and Platinum Card, distributed through licensed Chinese partner banks.
• Classic Series Debit Card (百夫长经典系列借记卡) Debit card product line with the classic Centurion branding, offering wealth accumulation features and card payment services for premium card members.
• Blue Box Series Credit Card (蓝盒子系列信用卡) Credit card series designed for consumers pursuing dreams and passionate lifestyles, offering comprehensive services to help card members achieve their aspirations. Includes ICON, MAX, SELECT, and MEMBER tier sub-brands.
• Blue Box Series Debit Card (蓝盒子系列借记卡) Debit card series with the blue box branding, designed to help card members accumulate wealth on their journey to success.
• Business Card (商务卡) Business expense management card providing global and local market solutions for enterprises of all sizes, with value propositions including expense management improvement, cost savings, employee benefits, and global services.
• Small Enterprise Card (小微企业卡) Pioneering credit card exclusively for small enterprise owners in China, meeting business and family consumption needs with dedicated benefits to support small enterprise growth.
• American Express Global Lounge Collection Program providing eligible American Express card members access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, including the new Shanghai Hongqiao lounge in mainland China. Includes Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, Escape, and Airspace lounges.
• Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) Global hotel program with over 1,800 partner hotels offering benefits including 12pm early check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, guaranteed 4pm late checkout, and a $100 hotel experience credit per stay.
• The Hotel Collection (THC) Boutique and design hotel program covering 1,300+ properties worldwide. Card members booking 2+ consecutive nights receive complimentary room upgrades and a minimum $100 hotel experience credit.
• Hilton Honors Gold Membership (Status Match) Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status for eligible American Express card members, offering 80% bonus points, free room upgrades, daily breakfast, digital check-in, and other hotel benefits at 6,000+ Hilton properties worldwide without meeting spend requirements.
• Star Hotel Dining Benefits (运通星级酒店餐饮权益) Hotel dining privileges providing buy-one-get-one-free buffet and 50% off afternoon tea at star-rated hotels across multiple Chinese cities through DiningCity partnership.
• Star Hotel Gym/Yoga Benefits (星级酒店健身房体验礼遇) Premium card members can enjoy star-rated hotel gym and yoga facilities at 88 RMB per person per session, with up to 8 uses per card per calendar month.
• Merchant Acceptance Network Payment acceptance infrastructure enabling merchants across China to accept American Express cards, with services including merchant acquisition, terminal certification, risk management, and transaction processing for both offline (POS), online, and mobile payments.
• Acquirer Services Bank acquiring and ATM business cooperation services including POS terminal acceptance for RMB and foreign currency American Express cards, online transactions, and self-service banking infrastructure.
• Card Issuing Partnership Program Partner program for Chinese banks to issue American Express branded RMB settlement credit and debit cards, leveraging American Express brand recognition and the global acceptance network across 130+ countries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Transit payment coverage: 4 cities, 80+ metro lines, 1800+ stations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 连连数字 (Lianlian Digital)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Express partnered with Lianlian Digital to establish the joint venture Express Company (连通杭州技术服务有限公司) in 2017. This partnership enables American Express to operate a bank card clearing network in China, making American Express the first foreign card network to receive a Bank Card Clearing Business License in China (2020).
• 中国工商银行 (ICBC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorICBC is a major co-branding partner issuing American Express cards including Centurion Black Card, Platinum Card, business cards, and debit cards. ICBC serves as a key issuing bank for American Express RMB credit cards in China.
• 招商银行 (China Merchants Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChina Merchants Bank issues American Express co-branded cards including Centurion Black Card, Platinum Card, and business cards. CMB is a key partner for card issuance in the affluent segment.
• 中国民生银行 (China Minsheng Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMinsheng Bank issues American Express cards including Centurion Black Card, Platinum Card, and various co-branded products targeting affluent customers.
• 浦发银行 (SPD Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSPD Bank issues American Express co-branded cards including Super Platinum Card and other premium products.
• 平安银行 (Ping An Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPing An Bank issues American Express Platinum Card and other co-branded products, including private banking debit cards.
• 广发银行 (Guangfa Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGuangfa Bank issues American Express Safari Card, Rose Gold Card, and Blue Box series debit cards.
• 中信银行 (CITIC Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCITIC Bank issues American Express Platinum Card, Safari Card, and various co-branded products.
• 复游会 (Fosun Travel)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Fosun Travel's global membership platform offering Platinum or Gold membership benefits to American Express cardholders. Platinum cardholders can receive Platinum Experience Card (90-day trial) with consumption requirements to extend membership.
• Sixt (International Car Rental)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSixt international car rental partnership offering membership matching benefits for American Express cardholders, allowing them to enjoy premium car rental services globally.
• 佛罗伦萨小镇 (Florence Town)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium outlet shopping partner offering '至尊俱乐部' (Supreme Club) membership benefits for American Express cardholders, including exclusive services and discounts.
• 比斯特购物村 (Bicester Village)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Bicester Shanghai and Bicester Suzhou offering '优选奕尊版' (Elite) or '奕享版' (Preferred) membership for American Express cardholders with exclusive shopping privileges.
• 希尔顿酒店集团 (Hilton Hotels & Resorts)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHilton Honors Gold status matching for American Express Centurion Platinum Cardholders. Benefits include 80% bonus points, free upgrades, daily breakfast, and digital check-in at 6000+ Hilton properties worldwide.
• 日本航空 (Japan Airlines)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirline partner offering up to 5% discount on economy, premium economy, and business class tickets for American Express cardholders.
• 卡塔尔航空 (Qatar Airways)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirline partner offering up to 15% discount on economy, 20% on business class, and 20% on first class tickets.
• 新加坡航空 (Singapore Airlines)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirline partner offering up to 15% discount on first class, business class, and premium economy tickets.
• 阿联酋航空 (Emirates)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirline partner offering up to 10% discount on first class and business class, and 4% on premium economy.
• DiningCity鼎食聚minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRestaurant booking platform partner providing star-rated hotel dining benefits including buy-one-get-one buffet and 50% afternoon tea discounts for American Express cardholders.
• 太古地产 (Swire Properties)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium mall partner offering exclusive memberships at Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Black Diamond), Qiantan (Platinum), Guangzhou Taikoo Hui (Honor), and Chengdu Taikoo Li (Premium Gold) with parking, VIP lounge, and shopping benefits.
• 银泰 (Intime Retail)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium mall partner offering inClub Platinum or Gold membership at in77 series, inCity, inPARK, and other Intime malls with 20+ shopping destinations.
• 百联集团 (Bailian Group)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium mall partner offering Bailian membership (Diamond or Gold) covering 30+ outlets including Bailian Outlets, Bailian Shopping Center, and First 800 STORE.
• FARFETCH发发奇minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal fashion platform partnership offering Platinum or Gold ACCESS membership for premium cardholders with welcome discounts up to 1,600 RMB.
• 支付宝/微信支付 (Alipay/WeChat Pay)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with major Chinese mobile payment platforms enabling American Express cards to be bound to Alipay and WeChat Pay for convenient mobile payments.
• 上海/北京/成都/广州地铁coreTechnology or IntegrationTransit payment integration enabling tap-and-go functionality at metro systems in Beijing (523 stations), Shanghai (517 stations), Chengdu (444 stations), and Guangzhou (393 stations).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• JCB: Japanese-headquartered international card scheme with presence in Asia-Pacific. Competes in the same cross-border and premium-segment space as American Express in China, with similar bank-issuance models.
• Mastercard: Global card network operating in China through bank partnerships. Closely comparable to American Express in targeting affluent consumers, premium acceptance, and cross-border travel segments, though structurally behind Amex in regulatory access.
• Diners Club International: Historic closed-loop international card network now operating under Discover. Comparable premium-segment positioning to American Express with similar closed-loop economics and travel/lifestyle benefits focus.
• China UnionPay: China's dominant domestic card network and clearing organization. Direct competitor to American Express's JV in mainland card acceptance and clearing; UnionPay holds the structural majority position in RMB card transactions while Amex operates as the only licensed foreign network.
• Visa: Global card network competing directly with American Express for premium card issuance and acceptance in China. Visa has pursued similar bank-partnership and RMB-clearing strategies but lacks the foreign-clearing license that Amex obtained.

Regional players

• Reignwood Group (Reignwood Card): Operates Reignwood-branded card ecosystem in China targeting high-net-worth Chinese consumers. Comparable premium-segment positioning and lifestyle benefits emphasis as American Express in the mainland.

Broad incumbents

• Discover Financial Services: US-listed card network and direct banking operator. Comparable closed-loop and merchant-acquirer model in spirit, though Discover's China presence is limited; relevant for cross-border acceptance comparability with Amex.

Emerging players

• Alipay (Ant Group): Dominant Chinese mobile payment platform. American Express cards bind to Alipay via integration — Alipay competes for everyday payment volume and is both an integration partner and a substitute for card-based transactions.
• Tencent WeChat Pay: Leading Chinese mobile payment platform integrated with Amex cards. Competes for everyday payment share and represents both a distribution channel and a structural threat to card-based revenue in mainland China.

Others

• Lianlian Digital: Chinese cross-border payments processor and JV partner of American Express in the Liantong (Express Company) entity. Highly comparable in cross-border payments expertise and is the structural partner enabling Amex's mainland clearing license.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/%E8%BF%9E%E9%80%9A%EF%BC%88%E6%9D%AD%E5%B7%9E%EF%BC%89%E6%8A%80%E6%9C%AF%E6%9C%8D%E5%8A%A1%E6%9C%89%E9%99%90%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Express Technology- American Express Group