When you fly with Cathay Pacific or buy related services (ancillaries, shopping, Wi Fi, etc.), knowing how you can pay is important. Different markets have different banking infrastructures and customer preferences, so the airline offers multiple options. This article explains exactly what payment methods are accepted, in what situations, what the limitations are, and helpful tips so your transaction goes smoothly.
- Credit and Debit Cards
Credit cards and debit cards are the backbone of payment for most Cathay Pacific transactions. They are accepted in many channels: flight bookings online, ticket purchases, inflight purchases, Wi Fi, Cathay Shop, etc.
- The major global card networks accepted include Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
- Also accepted in many markets are JCB, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay.
- Cards may be used for both domestic and international bookings.
- Debit cards are accepted where local regulations and bank arrangements allow.
- In some cases, corporate cards (e.g. UATP) may be used for business or industry bookings.
When using a credit or debit card:
- Ensure that your card supports international transactions and online purchases if you are buying from outside your home country.
- Be prepared for additional verification steps (for example, 3D Secure, Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode, etc.).
- The billing address you enter should match what your bank has on file.
- Digital Wallets, Local Wallets and Alternative Payment Platforms
Cathay Pacific understands that many customers prefer non-card payment methods, especially digital wallets or local payment services. Depending on region and channel, the airline accepts several of these.
- Alipay (mainland China), AlipayHK (Hong Kong) are accepted for many transactions such as Cathay Shop online purchases.
- WeChat Pay (with variants for Hong Kong wallet and mainland China) similarly accepted where applicable.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay are supported in certain markets and for certain channels such as in-store assistance and possibly mobile checkout.
- PayPal is accepted online in many cases, sometimes as both immediate payment method and via special arrangements (e.g. instalment plans).
- Local bank transfer / QR code / instant payment systems are supported in some markets. For example, in Malaysia customers can use DuitNow to pay for flights with Cathay.
- Loyalty / Miles / Voucher / “Miles Plus Cash”
Cathay Pacific allows members of its frequent flyer program (Asia Miles) to use miles or a combination of miles plus cash (“Miles Plus Cash”) for many purchases. This includes:
- Flight tickets (depending on availability, fare class, route) via redemption using Asia Miles.
- Upgrades or add-ons in some cases.
- Some retail or inflight purchases or ancillaries may be payable with miles or partially with miles + card (for the cash portion) through the “Miles Plus Cash” option.
- Vouchers (gift vouchers or promotional) are sometimes accepted depending on what the purchase is and the conditions of the voucher. (
- Pay Later, Instalment and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Options
To give customers more financial flexibility, Cathay Pacific has introduced several options to allow paying in instalments or delaying payment.
- In Australia, for example, there is a partnership with Zip Pay and Zip Money so that customers can spread payment over weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.
- There is an option “Buy Now, Pay Later” or “Pay in 4” via PayPal in certain markets.
- In the United States, Cathay partners with Affirm allowing payment over time for selected purchases.
These instalment or credit-split options are subject to eligibility, credit checks, and terms that vary by country. Some come with fees or interest, others are interest-free up to a point, depending on provider and region. Always read the fine print.
- Inflight Purchases and Wi-Fi
Onboard a Cathay Pacific flight, you may wish to buy Wi-Fi passes, snacks, duty free items, etc. The accepted payment methods vary somewhat, but generally include:
- Credit cards and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, UnionPay) for inflight transactions.
- Digital wallets as permitted, e.g. Apple Pay, Alipay in some regions.
- Vouchers may be used in certain cases for inflight Wi-Fi.
- Miles and Miles Plus Cash are often available as payment options onboard for eligible services.
- Special Options: Market-Specific and Regional Variations
Different countries have different banking systems, local preferences, and regulatory requirements. Cathay Pacific adapts accordingly. Some of the special cases include:
- Malaysia: Customers can use DuitNow, a bank QR / instant payment platform, to pay for flights.
- Australia: As mentioned, Zip Pay / Zip Money partnership for BNPL / instalment payments.
- Some markets may offer local credit cards or local payment platforms beyond the globally known ones. Availability depends on the billing address, the country of origin of the traveller, and where the purchase is made.
- Not all payment methods are available in every market or for every purchase. When checking out, the options shown in your country are those supported for your location, delivery address, currency, etc.
- Travel Agent, Corporate, and Agent-Issued Tickets
When tickets are booked through travel agents, corporate channels, or third parties, payment options may differ:
- Agents may accept cash, credit/debit cards, or alternative payment forms depending on their local rules and what Cathay allows in that market. There is a policy specifying which cards agents can accept (for example the names of acceptable card brands) and whether they are allowed to issue the ticket via certain payment methods.
- For corporate or business bookings, there may be invoiced or billed arrangements, or special payment cards (such as UATP) where applicable.
- Agents must comply with Cathay Pacific’s payment acceptance policy, including issues like valid card brands, identity verification, compliance with payment data security.
- Payment Acceptance Policy and Restrictions
Knowing what is allowed and what is not is just as important to avoid declines or issues. Key constraints include:
- Not all fare types, ancillary services, or upgrades allow all payment methods (for example, some vouchers or mileage redemption offers may exclude certain kinds of tickets).
- The card used must generally belong to the person booking or have proper permissions; using a card in someone else’s name may sometimes be disallowed unless authorised.
- Agents have specific rules around which payment cards or methods they may use to issue tickets, under Cathay’s policy.
- For online and inflight purchases, the payment portal may require identity verification (OTP, password, etc.). If the card is not enabled for international or online transactions, it may be declined.
- Billing currency versus ticket currency may cause additional charges from your bank (foreign transaction fees, currency conversion). Always check how your card issuer handles such conversions.
- How to Use “Miles Plus Cash”
“Miles Plus Cash” is a mechanism by which a portion of a purchase is paid using Asia Miles, and the rest paid with money (card etc). Key features:
- You need to be an Asia Miles member.
- Only certain purchases are eligible: not all flights or upgrades may give the option.
- Usually, when using this option, the “cash” part must be paid via one of the accepted cash payment methods—credit card etc.
- The cost in miles and cash depends on route, availability and class, and is shown during checkout if your booking is eligible.
- Useful Tips for Smooth Payment
To avoid problems, here are best practices:
- Before booking, check which payment methods are shown in your country at the checkout. Do not assume all global options apply everywhere.
- Use a card that supports international / online / cross-border transactions. Inform your bank in advance if you are making a large payment or one from abroad to avoid fraud blocks.
- Make sure the billing address, name, and any identity verification match what the bank has.
- If using digital wallet (Alipay, WeChat Pay etc.), ensure it is set up correctly for your region.
- If using instalment / BNPL / Zip / Affirm etc., understand interest, fees, and repayment terms.
- Keep records of the payment transaction, reference numbers, any confirmation. These help in case of disputes or if you need a refund.
- Examples
To bring this to life, here are a few example scenarios showing which payments are likely possible:
- Booking a long-haul international flight online from Hong Kong: You can use Visa, Mastercard, Amex, possibly JCB, etc. You might also have AlipayHK or WeChat Pay (Hong Kong variant) depending on your wallet. If eligible, you might use “Miles Plus Cash”.
- Buying Wi-Fi pass on board over the Pacific route: Most likely you can pay with major credit or debit cards. If your wallet supports Apple Pay or other digital wallets accepted onboard, that may work. Possibly vouchers if offered.
- Shopping Cathay Shop online for delivery to mainland China: Expect Alipay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay Mainland wallet options plus credit cards, depending on product and delivery location.
- Booking from Australia with flexible payment: You could have access to Zip Pay or Zip Money to spread your payment over instalments.
- Summary of Payment Methods Accepted
Here is a consolidated list of payment methods that Cathay Pacific accepts across its services, with a note of where they typically apply:
| Payment Method | Common Use Cases |
| Visa / Mastercard / Amex / JCB / Diners Club / Discover / UnionPay | Booking flights online, inflight Wi-Fi, Cathay Shop, etc. |
| Debit cards (local / international) | Where permitted per country for online bookings, inflight purchase, etc. |
| Digital wallets: Alipay / AlipayHK / WeChat Pay | Useful in China / Hong Kong / parts of Asia for online / in-store / mobile payments. |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | In-store, mobile checkout, some digital / inflight purchases. |
| PayPal | Online checkout and some Fly Now Pay Later options. |
| Miles / Asia Miles / Miles Plus Cash | Redemption of flights, partial payment of eligible purchases. |
| Vouchers or gift vouchers | Sometimes in retail or inflight, depending on conditions. |
| Local bank transfer / QR / instant payment (e.g. DuitNow) | In regional markets where such systems are widespread. |
| Buy Now Pay Later / Instalment providers (Zip, Affirm etc.) | For specific markets, for flexibility in paying over time. |
Conclusion
Cathay Pacific offers a broad, flexible set of payment options to accommodate travelers in different countries, with different banking habits, and different financial preferences. From traditional credit and debit cards to digital wallets, loyalty miles, instalment schemes, and alternative local payment systems, most customers will find a method that works for them. That said, because of regional regulatory constraints, bank policies, and channel (online, in-flight, via agent), not all payment forms are available everywhere or for every kind of purchase.
If you are planning to make a booking or purchase with Cathay Pacific, check the payment options shown in your specific market and for the particular service (flight, Wi-Fi, shopping etc.). Make sure your chosen method is valid for that purchase, that your card supports any needed security verification, and be aware of any foreign-transaction cost or currency differences.