Whether you are supporting family, paying tuition or settling a supplier invoice, sending money to China from the USA is faster and cheaper than it used to be — but the details matter. China’s most popular payment methods are Alipay and WeChat Pay, not just bank accounts, and the country’s foreign-exchange rules add a few wrinkles. This guide covers the best ways to send money to China in 2026, what each option costs, and how to get the most yuan to your recipient.
The short version
- Cheapest overall: Wise — real mid-market USD/CNY rate, no markup, ~$7 on a $1,000 transfer.
- Delivery options: Chinese bank accounts, plus Alipay and WeChat Pay with Wise and Remitly.
- Watch the exchange rate, not just the fee — using Wise instead of a bank wire can save hundreds of yuan on $1,000.
- Note China’s FX controls for large transfers, and possible wallet identity checks.
What decides how many yuan arrive
- The exchange-rate markup — the gap between the real mid-market rate and the rate you are offered.
- The transfer fee — the visible charge.
- The delivery method — bank, Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Check today’s real US dollar to Chinese yuan rate on our converter before you send, so you know a fair deal.
The best ways to send money to China
Wise — cheapest and most flexible
Wise uses the real mid-market USD/CNY rate with no markup and a small transparent fee — around $7 on a $1,000 transfer. It supports the payment methods people in China actually use: Chinese bank accounts, Alipay and WeChat Pay. Using Wise instead of a US bank wire can save roughly ¥300–350 on a $1,000 transfer.
Remitly and Xoom — convenient, competitive
Remitly delivers to Chinese bank accounts, Alipay and WeChat Pay, often for a low flat fee (around $1.99 on some transfers). Xoom (a PayPal service) is handy for existing PayPal users. Both are worth comparing, especially for smaller amounts.
Bank wires — expensive, slower
A US bank wire to China works but usually costs $25–50 plus a marked-up exchange rate. For most personal transfers, a specialist app delivers noticeably more yuan.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical fee | Exchange rate | Speed | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ~$7 on $1,000 | Mid-market, no markup | 1–3 days | Bank / Alipay / WeChat Pay |
| Remitly | Low flat fee (~$1.99) | Small markup | Minutes–days | Bank / Alipay / WeChat Pay |
| Xoom | Low, varies | Small markup | 1–3 days | Bank / wallet |
| US bank wire | $25–50 | Marked-up rate | 1–3 days | Bank deposit |
Fees and rates change — always compare the yuan delivered before you send.
How your recipient receives the money
- Alipay and WeChat Pay. China’s dominant mobile wallets. Convenient and fast, though a wallet transfer may require the recipient to complete an identity check or link a bank card within 48–72 hours before the money is released.
- Bank deposit. Straight to a Chinese bank account — reliable and widely supported.
China’s foreign-exchange rules
China maintains foreign-exchange controls. Individuals in China have an annual limit on converting foreign currency — commonly cited at around $50,000 equivalent — and providers apply their own limits too. For large personal transfers, tuition or business payments, check the current rules and consider a specialist service that handles compliance.
The 2026 US remittance tax
The 1% US excise tax introduced on January 1, 2026 applies only to remittances paid with cash or a money order. Because Wise, Remitly and Xoom pull funds from your bank or card, a normal digital transfer is not affected.
How to choose the right option
- Best overall value: Wise, for the no-markup rate and wallet support.
- Sending to Alipay or WeChat Pay: Wise or Remitly.
- Small, quick transfer: Remitly or Xoom.
- Large or business transfer: mind the FX limits; a specialist provider may be best.
Step by step: how to send money to China
- Check today’s USD to CNY rate on our converter.
- Compare the yuan delivered across two apps for your amount.
- Choose delivery: bank account, Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Fund from your bank or debit card to avoid the 1% cash tax.
- Have the recipient complete any wallet identity check promptly so the funds release.
Check today’s real USD → CNY rate first
See the true mid-market rate on our free converter and measure any provider’s offer against it before you send to China.
See the USD to CNY rateFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to China?
Wise is usually cheapest, using the real mid-market USD/CNY rate with no markup and a small fee (~$7 on $1,000), with delivery to bank accounts, Alipay and WeChat Pay. Remitly and Xoom are also competitive, especially for smaller amounts.
Can I send money to Alipay or WeChat Pay from the USA?
Yes. Wise and Remitly both support Alipay and WeChat Pay. For some wallet transfers the recipient may need to complete an identity check or link a bank card within 48–72 hours before the money is released.
How long does it take to send money to China?
Usually one to three business days for bank, Alipay or WeChat Pay transfers with Wise, Remitly or Xoom, though some arrive faster.
Are there limits on sending money to China?
China maintains FX controls, and individuals there have an annual limit on converting foreign currency (commonly around $50,000 equivalent). Provider limits also apply, so check current rules for large transfers.
Do I have to pay the new 1% US transfer tax?
Only if you pay with cash or a money order. Bank- or card-funded transfers via Wise, Remitly and Xoom are not subject to the 1% excise tax that began on January 1, 2026.
Related guides: How to send money internationally · Wise vs Remitly · Best travel money cards