FinTech big hitter Stripe inks cross-border payments system deal with Chinese chain Luckin Coffee

Stripe has announced a partnership with China’s Luckin Coffee to support its international expansion plans.

Luckin Coffee recognised the operational complexities of entering new markets and prioritised a streamlined payments strategy. Having built an online-to-offline (O2O) model in China’s mobile first payment environment, it needed to adapt to new consumer habits in Southeast Asia, where credit cards and a variety of digital wallets dominate. 

With Stripe’s support, Luckin Coffee says it completed its payment integration in just one month while delivering consistent user experience across Singapore and Malaysia. 

Additionally, Stripe’s localisation support ensures its ability to support a full suite of local payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, GrabPay, PayNow, and FPX. With the FinTech firm’s checkout optimisation tools, its Payment Elements system intelligently surfaces each user’s preferred payment method, while Link offers a one-click checkout experience for returning customers.

Stripe also provided Luckin Coffee with insights into local payment ecosystems, consumer behaviour, and regulatory requirements.

Zhang Jiangxiang, General Manager at Luckin Coffee Singapore, says: “Our global strategy is anchored in technology and innovation. We chose Stripe not just for its payment leadership, but for a shared mindset around speed, scale, and seamless user experience. This partnership allows us to focus on delivering great coffee to more customers around the world.”

Sarita Singh, Regional Head & Managing Director, Southeast Asia, India, Greater China, comments: “We’re proud to support Luckin Coffee’s global expansion. Their growth reflects the power of combining product innovation with efficient operations. Stripe’s mission is to enable forward-looking businesses like Luckin to scale globally through modern, localized payments.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.