Mastercard Enhances Travel Experience with Contactless Card Payment on Airport Express

Cardholders can now enjoy seamless tap-and-go journeys from airport to city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading smart travel hub

Mastercard today announced the expansion of its contactless payment service is now available on the Airport Express. This enhancement enables cardholders to enjoy seamless, tap-and-go journeys between the airport and the city, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a globally connected smart travel hub.

This launch comes amid a significant tourism rebound, with Hong Kong welcoming over 14.3 million visitors in the first quarter of the year, representing a 17 percent year-on-year increase. As a key payment enabler, Mastercard remains committed to enhancing the end-to-end travel experience for both inbound visitors and local residents. As a key first touchpoint for many travelers, the Airport Express now offers an elevated level of convenience from the moment of arrival. 

Building on the successful rollout of contactless bank card payments on the nine MTR lines in 2023, this latest expansion of contactless card acceptance on Airport Express marks the full coverage across the entire heavy rail network. Driven by the public’s growing preference for smart mobility, Mastercard recorded over 2.3 million contactless card payment transactions on local transit in the first four months of this year, representing a 55 percent increase year on year.  Mastercard cardholders can now simply tap their contactless credit or debit cards, or payment-enabled smart devices at the new Airport Express entry/exit gates for a fast and intuitive travel experience.

This initiative is part of Mastercard's global transit solution, empowering cardholders to “Pay Like a Local” in major cities worldwide, including London, Sydney, Singapore, and across Korea – delivering a consistent, frictionless payment experience wherever they travel. 

“Mastercard is proud to deepen its partnership with MTR Corporation, further enhancing card acceptance across the city and making everyday mobility more seamless,” said Helena Chen, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Hong Kong & Macau, Mastercard. “This milestone reflects our global commitment to delivering secure, convenient and frictionless payment experience for both residents and international travelers. By supporting Hong Kong’s Smart Mobility ambitions, Mastercard is also contributing to its continued economic vitality and global competitiveness.”

This expansion represents the latest milestone in Mastercard’s strategy to enable comprehensive payment solutions across Hong Kong’s public transport network, which includes Star Ferry, Tramways, buses (except New Lantao Bus routes), Peak Tram, selected ferries, taxis and now, the entire MTR heavy rail network including Airport Express. With this addition, cardholders can now enjoy a fully integrated, contactless travel experience across the city.