China Unionpay, First Data International Collaborate

"We consider our relationship with CUP a significant step toward providing access for CUP members' cardholders to our ATM networks, point-of-sale locations and electronic payments capabilities worldwide," said Nigel Lee, president, First Data International, Asia.

CUP cardholders now have access to more than 5,800 Cashcard ATMs across Australia. According to Mr. Jeffery Huang, vice president for CUP's International Division, this announcement is key in facilitating convenient access to cash for the exponentially growing number of CUP members' cardholders visiting Australia.

"The relationship with First Data will provide our customers easy access to cash whether they are on business, holiday or studying," Mr. Huang added. "We are pleased to partner with First Data to offer our cardholders greater convenience, and we look forward to working with them on future initiatives as we expand our presence globally."

The increasing expectations from cardholders in China, and around the world, for access to cash anytime, anywhere, places First Data in the ideal position to respond to this growth opportunity. As a result of the relationship with CUP, First Data Cashcard ATM locations now offer enhanced functionality to its clients and their consumers meeting the evolving needs of the global payments market.

"The relationship with CUP is a prime example of how we are supporting the Chinese government's aim for Chinese businesses to expand globally and provide stable access to cash for the increasing number of Chinese citizens traveling overseas," said Peter Wright, president, First Data International, Australia and New Zealand.