Expanding into China? Accepting local payment methods like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay is not optional. It is essential for conversions.
Chinese customers expect familiar, mobile-friendly checkout flows. Without them, even strong products can lose out at the final step. For global merchants, the challenge lies in choosing a payment gateway that supports local preferences without adding complexity to integration or compliance.
This guide compares five top Chinese payment gateways for international businesses. You will find practical insights on accepted methods, onboarding, and technical setup to help you choose the right fit for your platform, region, and growth stage.
What Is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is an interface that links ecommerce platforms to payment services, ensuring secure financial transactions.
In essence, when a customer enters their payment details on a site to make a purchase, the gateway validates the provided information and checks for available funds.
If the information is validated, the funds go to the merchant. If declined, the customer retains their money. This process protects both sides by only transferring funds upon verification.
Tip: New to payment gateways? Read our guide or watch this short video to learn how they work and why they matter.
Comparison of the Top 10 Payment Gateways in China
| Provider | Ease of Setup | Payment Methods | Settlement Currencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay+ | ✅ No China entity Onboard via Alipay+ portal |
60+ wallets, Visa, Mastercard, QR | RMB + USD, EUR, HKD, others |
| WeChat Pay | ✅ No China entity Onboard via Stripe or Adyen |
WeChat Wallet, QR, Mini Programs, cards | RMB + 25 currencies incl. USD, HKD |
| UnionPay Int’l | ✅ No China entity Onboard via PSP or acquirer |
UnionPay cards, QR, online payments | RMB + USD, EUR (varies by partner) |
| PayEase | ✅ No China entity Manual onboarding (email) |
QR (Alipay/WeChat compatible), cards | RMB + 20+ currencies (fast payout) |
| 99Bill | ✅ No China entity Manual setup (Chinese-only docs) |
99Bill Wallet, cards, QR | RMB only |
Note: All information is accurate as of 15 July 2025 but may have changed since. For the latest details and promotions, please visit the provider’s website directly.
1
Alipay+
|
Most suitable for: Merchants selling across Asia who want broad e-wallet coverage without setting up a local entity in China. |
Alipay+ is the cross-border payment solution developed by Ant Group. It allows international businesses to accept payments from Chinese and Asian customers without requiring a local business registration in China.
The platform connects merchants to over 60 regional payment methods, including Alipay, one of China’s most widely used and trusted digital wallets.
It builds on Alipay’s domestic success and expansion via AlipayHK, offering access to local wallets, cards, and other payment options through a single integration.
Alipay+ Top Features
- Access to the Alipay wallet, one of the most widely used payment methods in China
- Checkout flows with no redirection and support for repeated purchases via Auto Debit
- Integration via APIs and SDKs
- Real-time FX and settlement in RMB, USD, EUR, HKD, and other major currencies
- Multi-wallet acceptance (AlipayHK, KakaoPay, GCash, Touch 'n Go, and more)
- Marketing tools like Alipay+ Rewards to increase repeat transactions
Alipay+ Accepted Payment Methods
- Digital wallets: Alipay, AlipayHK, KakaoPay, GCash, Touch 'n Go, TrueMoney
- Cards: Visa, Mastercard®, American Express, UnionPay, Discover, JCB
- Others: QR code payments, bank transfers, online banking (method availability varies by market)
Alipay+ Key Usage Fees
Alipay+ uses a customised pricing model based on your business type, integration method, and monthly transaction volume.
While standardised rates are not publicly disclosed for all payment methods under Alipay+, the following table shows reference fees for cross-border payments made via Alipay wallet, based on historical documentation:
| Monthly Transaction Volume (RMB) | Reference Rate |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 million | 2.2% |
| 1 million – 3 million | 2.0% |
| 3 million – 10 million | 1.8% |
| Greater than or equal to 10 million | 1.6% |
These rates apply to cross-border payments via the Alipay wallet only.
Fees for other wallets within the Alipay+ network may vary and are subject to individual agreements.
You will receive a personalised fee quote once your business is onboarded through the Alipay+ Global Merchant Portal.
Alipay+ Pros and Cons
- Direct access to China’s largest wallet-based payment network (Alipay)
- Supports 60+ local wallets, including APAC-based ones like KakaoPay
- Allows multi-currency settlement including major currencies like RMB, USD, and more
- Fee structure not disclosed upfront
- No native plug-ins for Shopify or WooCommerce (requires custom integration)
Our Verdict on Alipay+
If you need broad wallet access across Asia without setting up a local entity, Alipay+ is one of the strongest options. It works best for businesses that have developer resources in place. |
2
WeChat Pay
|
Most suitable for: Merchants engaging mobile-first Chinese consumers via the WeChat ecosystem, using PSPs like Stripe or Adyen. |
WeChat Pay powers one of the most widely used mobile payment methods in China. It is built into Tencent’s all-in-one app, WeChat, which combines messaging, social media, shopping, and payments in a single platform.
For businesses outside China, WeChat Pay is accessible through Tenpay Global, Tencent’s official cross-border payment solution. This allows international merchants to accept WeChat Pay from Chinese customers without needing a local Chinese company.
You can integrate WeChat Pay via Tenpay Global or authorised partners such as Stripe or Adyen, and support payments through QR codes, in-app checkout, and WeChat mini-programs
WeChat Pay Top Features
- Accept payments from Chinese customers through one of the most widely used mobile wallets in China
- Supports Quick Pay, QR code, H5 (in-app web), and mini-program payment flows
- Mini-program payment lets users pay within WeChat apps, ideal for brands running ecommerce or services inside WeChat
- Integration via Tencent’s APIs or through global PSPs (e.g. Stripe, Adyen)
- Supports payments in CNY and 16 other currencies, including USD, GBP, AUD, JPY
- Settlement available in 26 currencies, including USD, HKD, EUR, SGD, MYR, and more
WeChat Pay Accepted Payment Methods
- Digital wallets: WeChat Wallet (Mainland China users)
- Cards: Mainland-issued bank cards, international cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
- Others: Quick Pay, QR code payments, in-app web payment (H5), Mini Program payment
WeChat Pay Key Usage Fees
WeChat Pay does not publish official fees on its website.
Pricing varies depending on your business model, location, and integration method.
To get accurate rates, most overseas businesses receive pricing after onboarding through Tenpay Global or authorised partners like Stripe or Adyen.
For direct enquiries, you can also contact Tencent through the WeChat Pay Merchant Inquiry Form.
WeChat Pay Pros and Cons
- One of the most widely used payment methods in China
- Seamless integration with the WeChat ecosystem (messaging, mini programs, marketing)
- Supports 26 settlement currencies for cross-border transactions
- Compatible with QR code, mini-program, and in-app payment flows
- Direct onboarding limited to businesses registered in China or Hong Kong
- Fees are not publicly disclosed; rates provided only after onboarding
- Restrictions apply to high-risk industries (e.g. crypto, gambling)
Tip: WeChat Pay is also on our list of the best payment gateways for Hong Kong businesses
Our Verdict on WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is a must-have for mobile-first brands already active on WeChat. It offers strong value through its integration with Tencent’s ecosystem. However, setup is far easier if done through Stripe or Adyen. |
3
UnionPay International
|
Most suitable for: Merchants targeting Chinese customers who prefer card payments, especially through global PSPs without local registration. |
UnionPay International is the global arm of China’s national card network, UnionPay. It enables overseas businesses to accept UnionPay cards and QR payments from Chinese consumers without needing a presence in China.
The platform supports online, in-store, and mobile payments in over 180 countries and regions. Merchants can integrate UPI through global PSPs or acquiring banks, using UnionPay’s APIs and developer tools.
UnionPay International Top Features
- Accepted in over 180 countries and regions, with strong coverage across Asia, Europe, and North America
- Supports UnionPay debit and credit cards, QR code payments, and contactless transactions (QuickPass)
- Enables integration via UnionPay Open Platform APIs, SDKs, or through global PSPs and acquiring banks
- Offers dedicated platforms for cross-border B2B trade and ecommerce (e.g. UnionPay B2B)
- Supports settlement in major currencies like RMB, USD, and EUR depending on the acquiring bank
UnionPay International Accepted Payment Methods
- Cards: UnionPay debit cards, UnionPay credit cards (domestic and international issuance)
- QR payments: UnionPay QR, QuickPass
- Online: UnionPay Online Payments
UnionPay International Key Usage Fees
UnionPay International does not publish standard merchant fees globally. Pricing depends on your location, business model, and how you integrate (e.g. via local PSPs or acquiring banks). Most merchants get rates through their payment provider or acquiring partner.
UnionPay does not show exchange rates in real time, and settlement speed or FX rates can vary depending on the provider.
For more details, you can contact your PSP directly or reach out to UnionPay International via their official website. Note that some merchant support pages may require login access.
UnionPay International Pros and Cons
- Accepted in 180+ countries through card networks and QR
- No Chinese entity required to integrate via PSPs or acquirers
- Dedicated tools for B2B and ecommerce
- No standard pricing, rates vary by PSP and region
- Some tools and support pages require login access
- Fewer built-in integrations on global ecommerce platforms
Our Verdict on UnionPay International
UnionPay International is a great supplement to digital wallets if your Chinese customers prefer card payments. It is especially useful for B2B sales or high-value services like tuition or travel. You can integrate it through most global PSPs without needing a local Chinese entity. |
4
PayEase
|
Most suitable for: Merchants in education, tourism, or ecommerce who need RMB settlement and flexible QR + card payment options. |
With strong ties to major Chinese banks, PayEase is licensed to support both domestic and cross-border transactions. It is directly authorised for card processing in China, though some services may still rely on acquiring partners depending on the card network. PayEase enables merchants to accept payments from Chinese and international customers through online, mobile, and QR code channels.
The platform serves industries such as education, tourism, ecommerce, and software. It supports international cards, UnionPay, and major local wallets. Merchants can integrate via API, SDK, or HTML forms, with English-language tools and documentation available through its merchant portal.
PayEase Top Features
- Accepts international credit cards and Chinese local payment methods
- Offers APIs, SDKs, and plugin support for websites and mobile apps
- Enables QR payments (scan to pay / pay to scan) for online and in-store use
- Cross-border settlement in RMB or 20+ currencies, with fast payout options
- Serves multiple industries with tailored solutions for ecommerce and cross-border trade
PayEase Accepted Payment Methods
- Digital wallets: QR code payments compatible with Alipay and WeChat Pay flows
- Cards: Visa, Mastercard®, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, UnionPay
- Others: HTML checkout, API-based payments, white-label gateway options
PayEase Key Usage Fees
PayEase does not publish its fees online. Merchants must contact the team directly via the About Us page or by email at cs@payeasenet.com to receive a tailored quote.
PayEase Pros and Cons
- Licensed for both domestic and cross-border transactions in China
- Offers tailored payment solutions for sectors like education, tourism, and ecommerce
- Supports international cards and Chinese local methods via a single integration
- No transparent fee structure published online
- May require direct contact with PayEase for onboarding and setup
Our Verdict on UnionPay InternationalPayEase is a smart pick if you need RMB settlement and serve sectors like education, tourism, or cross-border trade. It offers flexibility across payment types. However, setup is slower, support is email-based, and it doesn’t offer plug-ins for platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. It is best suited for teams familiar with operating in China. |
5
99Bill
99Bill is one of China’s earliest licensed third-party payment providers. It is authorised by the central bank and backed by partnerships with over 50 domestic banks and financial institutions.
It supports cross-border ecommerce through RMB payment acceptance, mobile-first checkout, and QR code payments. Merchants can choose from different integration models such as PSP Mode, Merchant Mode, or Reseller Mode, depending on their business type and licensing.
99Bill also offers tools like Express Login and Express Checkout to streamline repeat purchases and reduce cart abandonment for Chinese users.
99Bill Top Features
- Accepts RMB payments from Chinese customers via mobile, web, and POS
- Offers Express Checkout and Login for a faster, more secure user experience
- Integration options include PSP Mode, Reseller Mode, and Merchant Mode
- Supports online, in-app, and QR-based payments for ecommerce and travel sectors
- Licensed by China’s central bank with strong security certifications (SSL, PCI DSS)
Note: 99Bill’s core documentation and platform pages are primarily in Chinese. Consider working with a local partner or bilingual team to support integration and communication.
99Bill Accepted Payment Methods
- Digital wallets: 99Bill Express Checkout
- Cards: Chinese domestic cards, Visa, Mastercard
- Others: QR code payments, web and mobile integration options
99Bill Fees
99Bill does not publish usage fees on its website. To receive a personalised quote, merchants can contact the team via the Contact Us page or email 99sale@99bill.com.
99Bill Pros and Cons
- Licensed provider with 50+ local bank partnerships
- RMB payment support for cross-border ecommerce
- Flexible checkout options for mobile-first shoppers
- Integration models tailored to business type (reseller, PSP, etc.)
- Onboarding must be done directly with 99Bill
- English resources are limited
- Fee structure not publicly disclosed
- No plug-and-play plugins for global platforms
Our Verdict on 99Bill
99Bill is a strong local option for RMB mobile payments, especially for businesses in ecommerce or travel that want to offer a tailored Chinese checkout experience. |
How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway in China
To clarify how we arrived at these five solutions as the best payment gateways in China, here is a breakdown of what to prioritise when choosing one, especially for global merchants entering the Chinese market.
Security & Compliance in China
Security is essential, not just for protecting customer data but also for staying compliant with China’s regulatory requirements.
Look for providers that offer:
- End-to-end encryption using strong algorithms like AES or RSA
- Authentication methods such as PIN, biometrics, or password verification
- Real-time fraud detection and transaction monitoring
- PCI DSS certification (used globally for card security)
- Compliance with China’s People’s Bank of China (PBOC) regulations and anti-money laundering (AML) laws
✅ Alipay+, PayEase, and 99Bill are all licensed providers that comply with PCI DSS and Chinese security standards.
Tip: Want to learn more? Check out this list of the best security services for ecommerce websites.
Checkout Experience for Chinese Users
A smooth and familiar checkout experience can greatly influence whether a customer completes their purchase. This is especially important in China’s mobile-first and wallet-driven market.
To optimise conversions, prioritise gateways that offer:
- A mobile-friendly interface that supports QR payments, local wallets, and Chinese bank cards
- Checkout screens in Simplified Chinese with recognisable logos like WeChat Pay or UnionPay
- Seamless user flows with minimal redirects and support for auto-debit or one-click payments
✅ WeChat Pay’s Mini Programs and 99Bill’s Express Checkout are tailored to reduce friction for Chinese shoppers.
Support Availability for Global Merchants
If your checkout fails during peak hours, delayed support can mean lost revenue. That is why responsive and language-accessible support is critical, especially if you are onboarding remotely.
Choose providers that offer:
- Email or live chat support that responds within 24 hours
- English-language support or documentation
- Onboarding guidance, especially if integration requires coordination with Chinese teams
✅Only Alipay+ and WeChat Pay offer full English-language documentation and global onboarding out of the box.
PayEase and 99Bill may require coordination in Mandarin or with a bilingual local partner.
Developer Resources & Integration Options
Finally, consider how easily your tech team can connect your platform to the gateway’s system.
A strong provider should offer:
- APIs and SDKs for both web and mobile applications
- Sandbox environments for testing before going live
- Detailed integration guides and developer documentation in English
- Support for various integration models like PSPs, direct contracts, or resellers
✅ Alipay+ and UnionPay International offer comprehensive API-based solutions.
For simpler setups, WeChat Pay works well through PSPs like Stripe or Adyen.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our overview of top payment gateways for doing business in China.
To grow your business in the Chinese market, aligning with trusted payment methods is only the starting point. The next step is to choose a provider that fits your setup, integration capacity, and support needs.
Whether you are exploring mobile-first channels or planning a multi-currency launch, investing time in the right gateway partner can make all the difference in local adoption and cross-border performance.
FAQs
What is the most popular payment method in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most widely used payment methods. They dominate mobile payments in China and are essential for any business selling to Chinese consumers.
