How to Send Money to China in 2025 (7 Best Services & Fees)
Wondering how to send money to China in 2025? With the renminbi rising faster than ever and an estimated 68% of transfers going digital by then, choosing the right channel has never been more important. Whether you’re a business owner looking to manage international supplier payments or an individual supporting family members, it’s vital to compare services based on fees, speed, and security. For additional tips on affordable global transfers, check out these cheap ways to send money internationally.
Key Trends in Cross-Border Payments to China
Over the past decade, the renminbi (CNY) leaped from the 35th most-used currency to the 5th in global payments. According to data from various international studies, at least 80 central banks now hold renminbi reserves, reflecting growing acceptance of the currency. At the same time, China’s remittance inflows—although a small portion of GDP—continue to play a notable role, especially for education expenses and e-commerce transactions.
Recent regulations from China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) require full real-name verification for every inbound foreign currency transfer. This measure helps fight money laundering but can also slow down processing times if documentation isn’t in order. Even so, instant cross-border transfers are increasingly common through digital platforms or mobile wallets.
If you’re uncertain about payment methods, the differences between wire transfers and money transfers can help you determine which one fits your needs. In many cases, specialized money transfer services offer a faster route and lower costs than traditional bank wires.
7 Best Services to Send Money to China
Below are seven leading ways to pay recipients in China. Each option has distinctive strengths, from speed to cost structures. Where possible, we’ll note how each compares to the others, so you can choose wisely.
1. Mural Pay
For businesses seeking a quick, cost-efficient approach, Mural Pay stands out. It is built specifically for cross-border commerce and bulk payouts:
Primary Advantages:
Instant payouts to 40+ currencies.
Bulk batch payments for large contractor or supplier rosters.
Compliance checks (KYB/KYC) tailored for business transactions.
Comparison: Unlike Wise, which is known for individual transfers or freelancer payouts, Mural Pay focuses on business-centric features. It also offers stablecoin on/off-ramp solutions—a benefit you won’t easily find with Western Union or Xoom.
Fee Structure: Mural Pay typically charges lower FX fees than big-name competitors. The exact rate depends on the transfer volume and whether you’re paying in USD, EUR, or stablecoins.
When handling multiple payments to different vendors, Mural Pay can significantly reduce the time you’d spend individually wiring funds. It’s also valuable for LATAM-based businesses needing U.S. dollar rails.
2. Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is famed for transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. It’s a popular choice for straightforward, personal transfers to China:
Primary Advantages:
Highly intuitive website and app.
Clear, itemized fees with no hidden markups.
Comparison: While Wise works well for smaller personal remittances, some businesses find it lacks the advanced invoicing and bulk payout options that Mural Pay provides.
Fee Structure: Usually 0.5%–1% of the transferred amount. Funds often arrive within one to two business days when sending to a Chinese bank account.
3. Remitly
Remitly focuses on accessible remittances and multi-lingual customer support—especially appreciated by families sending money for living expenses:
Primary Advantages:
Express or Economy transfer speeds.
User-friendly mobile app.
Comparison: Similar to Xoom in its emphasis on personal transfers, Remitly typically has a simpler sign-up process, though it may offer fewer large-transfer perks than OFX.
Fee Structure: A small flat fee plus an exchange rate markup. Economy transfers are cheaper but take longer to land.
4. OFX
OFX excels in handling high-value transfers for importers, exporters, and investors who need to move large sums:
Primary Advantages:
Competitive exchange rates for sizable transactions.
Personalized guidance from currency specialists.
Comparison: OFX suits bigger payments better than Western Union or Remitly, whose fees can get steep with higher amounts. However, it generally lacks the stablecoin or mobile wallet options found in Mural Pay.
Fee Structure: Typically no fixed transfer fee, but the exchange rate margin usually starts around 0.4% and can go up depending on currency pair and transaction size.
5. Western Union
Western Union is the go-to for quick cash pickups, with thousands of agent locations across China:
Primary Advantages:
Same-day availability for small to medium amounts.
Extensive physical presence in both urban areas and smaller towns.
Comparison: Like Xoom, it supports in-person or online transfers. It’s typically more expensive than Alipay or Mural Pay on larger sums, but remains a solid choice if the recipient doesn’t have a bank account.
Fee Structure: Varies by location and payout method. Bank deposits tend to be cheaper than immediate cash pickups.
6. Xoom
Xoom, a PayPal subsidiary, integrates with existing PayPal accounts—handy for users who prefer a consistent experience:
Primary Advantages:
Fast deposit speeds; cash pickup often available within minutes.
Straightforward fee estimator on the website.
Comparison: Similar to Western Union in offering cash pickups, but less convenient for corporate payouts compared to Mural Pay. Remitly can sometimes be cheaper for smaller personal transactions.
Fee Structure: Usually a flat fee between $5 and $10 for standard amounts. Exchange rates can be slightly less favorable than those from Wise or OFX.
7. Alipay
Alipay is ubiquitous for mobile wallet payments in China. As an international sender, you’ll need a service that partners with Alipay for direct wallet transfers:
Primary Advantages:
Massively popular in China—ideal if your recipient regularly uses Alipay.
Transfers can be nearly instantaneous within the Alipay ecosystem.
Comparison: Alipay is perfect for smaller, day-to-day transactions. For large corporate transfers or stablecoin conversions, Mural Pay or OFX might be more suitable.
Fee Structure: Often minimal if you are transferring from another Alipay wallet. If you’re using a third-party service, you might pay both a service fee and an exchange rate spread.
Key Considerations for Transfer Fees
Transfer fees can vary based on service tier, payment method, and currency. Some providers charge a percentage, while others charge a flat rate. For small personal transfers, a flat fee might be cost-effective. For larger amounts, a provider that charges a small percentage of the transaction—like OFX—could save you money.
It’s also critical to compare exchange rates, as a low upfront fee can mask a high margin on the FX rate. Some travelers and expatriates check the mid-market rate on financial news portals and then compare it to what each provider offers. If you mostly rely on Wise but want to see alternative solutions with robust features, you can read about the top Wise alternatives for businesses.
Additionally, keep an eye out for promotions such as fee-free transfers for first-time users. Always verify if Chinese regulations might require the recipient to provide extra documentation, especially if the amount exceeds China’s annual foreign exchange limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is sending money to China safe through an online service?
A: Yes. Reputable providers—Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and Mural Pay among them—employ strong encryption and comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules. Always use trusted platforms and confirm the recipient’s details.
Q: How long do transfers typically take?
A: Depending on the service, funds can arrive within minutes (Xoom, Western Union cash pickups) or up to three business days (OFX for large transfers). Services like Mural Pay provide nearly instant payouts in many currencies.
Q: Which method is cheapest for small remittances?
A: Services like Wise or Remitly often offer low, transparent fees for smaller amounts under $1,000. It’s wise to compare the total landing amount—fees plus exchange rate.
Q: Can I send money directly to a mobile wallet like WeChat Pay or Alipay?
A: Yes, if your chosen service supports direct transfers to Chinese mobile wallets. Alipay is widely accepted across China, but not all international transfer platforms have integrated WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Wrapping Up
China’s evolving regulations and the global spike in renminbi usage mean your transfer method should be both reliable and cost-effective. Whether you prioritize speed, low fees, or specialized business tools, there’s an option in this list that fits the bill. If you’re preparing large transactions, explore strategies in our guide on how to transfer large sums of money internationally to keep your funding secure and efficient.
References
Better Understanding the Renminbi’s Internationalization. (2024). Available at: https://www.bu.edu/gdp/2024/11/18/better-understanding-the-renminbis-internationalization/
World Bank. (2020). “Remittance Inflows to GDP (%) – China.” Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/china/remittance-inflows-to-gdp-percent-wb-data.html
