China has consistently prioritised inclusivity in its development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). With the digital RMB, or eCNY, the country aims to make the currency accessible to those who may lack smartphones or experience unreliable internet connectivity. This inclusivity is particularly important for elderly users and tourists who might prefer not to rely on a smartphone-based wallet.
In 2021, the People’s Bank of China introduced digital hardware wallets resembling prepaid debit cards. These initial versions allowed users to enter payment amounts manually and featured a small e-ink display, similar to that used in Amazon’s Kindle readers.
Since then, the central bank’s Digital Currency Research Institute has revealed an upgraded version of these digital RMB cards, designed to enhance usability. Earlier this year, tourist-friendly versions of the card were launched, but the latest version boasts further improvements.
The new card is described as touchable, visual, and scannable. It supports touch payments using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, allowing users to simply tap the card against a point-of-sale device, mirroring the ease of contactless payments.
In terms of visual enhancements, the display area where QR codes are shown now dynamically updates to display the payment amount and remaining card balance. This display includes descriptions in both English and Mandarin, which will be especially helpful for international tourists.
Additionally, merchants can scan the card using its dynamic QR code, making it accessible for smaller vendors who may lack an NFC-enabled terminal. This feature means that even street vendors using smartphones can accept eCNY payments.
To date, there are seven design options available for the digital RMB card, reflecting China’s commitment to making the digital currency as practical and accessible as possible.
