Press Release

(Hong Kong, 17 October 2024) Octopus Cards Limited (“Octopus”) today launched a new Weixin mini program, “Octopus Reloading”. Through this new service, Mainland travellers using Android phones can top up their physical Octopus cards via Weixin Pay, saving time on queuing for top-ups or checking transaction records during their journey.

Five steps to top up Octopus with RMB to meet the needs of travellers

The “Octopus Reloading” mini program will provide travellers with three key functions: top up, checking balance and transaction records, and reviewing top-up history. If travellers wish to check their balance and records, they can register their Octopus card within the programme.

The process of topping up an Octopus card through the Weixin mini program is simple and straightforward.

1. Customers access the mini program
2. Click on “Top up Octopus” and place their Octopus card on the NFC area of their phone
3. Select or enter the recharge amount
4. Choose to pay using either spare change from their Weixin Pay wallet or a credit/debit card linked to their Mainland account.
5. Once identity verification is completed, they can tap their card again to finish the recharge.

Additionally, customers can click on “Manage Octopus” to register their Octopus card in the mini program by tapping their card and entering the card number. After registration, they can click on “Transaction Record and Balance” within the mini program to view their Octopus card balance and transaction history. Customers can also review their recharge history through “Top up Records” which details top-ups made using Weixin Pay from their Mainland wallet.

Currently, the “Octopus Reloading” programme only supports Android phones with NFC capabilities and accepts top ups in RMB via Weixin Pay from Mainland wallets. Users must also complete real-name verification with their Mainland identity card.

Rita Li, Octopus’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Octopus is committed to providing a more convenient mobile payment experience for various customers. With the introduction of the new Weixin mini program, not only can visitors to Hong Kong easily top up their Octopus cards using a payment method they are familiar with, enhancing their travel experience, but it also demonstrates our drive towards smart transportation applications, integrating mobile payments into the daily lives of the Greater Bay Area.”