Milestone for Alipay Tap! QR code based contactless payment and customer engagement solution

Alipay Tap!, a QR code-based contactless payment and customer engagement solution introduced by Alipay in China in June 2024, has picked up over 100 million users within an 11 month period.

Users tap their unlocked phone against a merchant’s terminal or an Alipay Tap! Tag, eliminating the need to open an app, scan a code, or click through multiple screens.

Data from early adopters shows the solution also allows merchants to integrate customer engagement tools more seamlessly into the experience. FamilyMart, a nationwide convenience store chain, reports that membership sign-ups at checkout tripled post-integration.

According to Cyril Han Xinyi, CEO at Ant Group, the company has committed RMB 10 billion to grow the Alipay Tap! ecosystem.

“From leadership in payment innovation to extensive investments in agentic AI solutions, Alipay is accelerating the two flywheels for its growth: digital payment and 360° digital connectivity,” said Han in a message to Alipay's 80 million merchant partners at the 2025 Alipay Tap! Ecosystem Summit. “We believe Alipay Tap! and more similar exciting new initiatives will continue to transform the checkout moment into a wider gateway to enriched consumer experience and merchant business growth.” 

The service is also available to international visitors to China, who may now bind their international cards to an Alipay account to pay and travel like a local across the country.

The Alipay Tap! solution now supports over 300 scenarios, including ordering food at restaurants, vending machines, power bank rentals, and customer membership and loyalty programs. Available in more than 400 Chinese cities, it currently serves over 5,000 brands such as Burger King and FamilyMart.

Alipay is also ramping up its investments in AI and its agentic solutions. In March 2025, the company announced a suite of AI solutions for the healthcare sector. The AI Healthcare Manager in the Alipay app offers access to over 30 services - from doctor recommendations to medical report analysis and personalised advice - and has supported 40 million users since its launch in September 2024.

In April, meanwhile, it unveiled its Model Context Protocol (MCP) payment server, enabling merchants and developers to use natural language to access Alipay payment services through their preferred MCP clients or AI agents.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.