5 Best Ways To Send Money To China from the US (2025 Comparison)

China’s unique capital controls, foreign exchange limits, and regulations on inbound transfers make sending money there more complex than in most countries. However, with the right service, it’s entirely possible to transfer funds quickly and cost-effectively.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?

I’ve selected five reliable and cost-effective services for sending money to China in this article—detailing their fees, transaction limits, and transfer speeds—to help you choose the best option for your needs.

• Recipient’s Details: You’ll need the recipient's full name as it appears on their ID, and their address.
• Recipient’s Bank Details: Include the recipient’s bank name, branch address, and bank account number. China uses bank and branch codes, and they don't have IBANs like in Europe.
• CNAPS Code: A bank identifier issued by the People's Bank of China, used for domestic RMB transfers. While it's mainly for local use, you may need it when using services that support local payment systems.
• SWIFT/BIC Code: For international transfers, you'll need the SWIFT/BIC code of the recipient’s bank. This unique code helps identify the correct financial institution internationally.
• Transfer Amount and Currency: Clearly specify the amount you wish to send, and confirm the currencies involved (e.g., USD to CNY).
• Payment Method: Choose your payment method (e.g., bank transfer or debit/credit card) The transfer fees will vary depending on how you pay.
• Reason for Transfer: Many services may ask for the reason behind the transfer (e.g., personal support, business, family, etc.), especially if the amount is large. This is to comply with international money transfer regulations.

Western Union is a US-based multinational financial services company that offers an online money transfer in over 200 countries and territories.

Western Union offers several convenient ways to send money from the US to China. You can transfer funds in person by visiting a Western Union agent location, or opt for digital transfers, including digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay. However, it's important to note that Western Union only facilitates transfers to personal accounts—business accounts are not supported.

Step 1: Get started online by visiting https://www.westernunion.com or downloading their mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Select “Register” and complete the sign-up form. You'll need to enter personal details such as your full name as appeared on your ID, date and country of birth, nationality, address, phone number, and occupation.

Step 3: Submitting a valid form of ID. (such as a US driver's license or passport)

Step 4: Enter a valid email address. This will be used for important updates, including registration status and digital receipts for any transfers you send.

Step 5: Once all details are submitted and verified, you’ll receive a confirmation email indicating that your account is successfully registered.

Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is a UK-based payment service provider that allows users to receive and send money worldwide in over 160 countries and supports over 40 currencies. They also offer personal and business multi-currency accounts and payment cards. 

With Wise, you can send funds from the US to China using bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal account users can also send money to Alipay and to WeChat Pay. The recipient may receive the money in CNY directly from Wise's local bank account, which makes the process quicker and more cost-effective. 

Step 1: Visit https://wise.com/register or get the Wise app from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Find the "Register" button 

Step 3: Enter your email address. Alternatively, you can sign up using your Google, Facebook, or Apple credentials for faster access. 

Step 4: Provide your personal and business details:

• Personal Information: Full name, residential address, and date of birth.
• Business Information: Business name, registration details, addresses (both registered and trading), and the personal information of any involved stakeholders.

Step 5: Upload a valid photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver's license), proof of address, and a selfie holding your ID.
Step 6: If you are applying for a business account, submit documents verifying the individuals in control of the business. Wise will guide you through the required paperwork.
Step 7: After verification, your Wise account will be activated and ready for use.

Headquartered in Seattle, Remitly is a US-based online remittance service offering international money transfers to over 150 countries. Remitly is an option to consider for expats and individuals who regularly transfer money for personal purposes. 

With Remitly, you can send money from the US directly to bank deposits in China, to Alipay, WeChat, UnionPay, and other bank cards in China. While Remitly primarily focuses on personal remittances, it also offers services for US-registered businesses looking to send international payments.

Step 1: Go to https://www.remitly.com/ or download the Remitly app from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2: Click “Sign up”.

Step 3: Enter your email and create a password. If you're opening a business account, use your business email (it should be different from your personal one).

Step 4: Select the country you’re sending money from and the destination country.

Step 5: Enter your information

• For a personal account, Remitly may ask for your full name, date of birth, address, and a valid government-issued ID. In some cases, they may also request documents like a utility bill, proof of income, occupation, or bank statements.
• For a business account, enter your business details and business type, then click “Check eligibility.”. Follow the on-screen steps to complete business verification.

Step 6: Once your information is reviewed, you'll get a confirmation that your account is ready to use.

Xoom is a service offered by PayPal, a widely recognised payment option in online stores and a well-established ecommerce payment gateway. While PayPal allows users to make online purchases and receive funds, Xoom specifically focuses on facilitating money transfers to designated countries.

With Xoom, you can send money from the US to your recipient's Renminbi (CNY) bank account at many Chinese banks, including Bank of China, Ping An Bank, and others. Xoom also supports transfers to Alipay and WeChat mobile wallets for added convenience.

Step 1: Visit https://www.xoom.com/sign-up

Step 2: If you already have a PayPal account, you can log in using your PayPal credentials to start using Xoom. If not, you can choose to sign up with PayPal.

Step 3: To sign up with PayPal, you'll need to provide your phone number. Enter your number and confirm it by entering the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your phone.

Step 4: Fill in your personal details, starting with your first and last name, email address, and your home address.

Step 5: Complete the information as prompted on the screen. You will receive an email verification and approval before you can start using the service.

MoneyGram is a US-based financial services company offering international peer-to-peer money transfers.

You can send money from the US to China using MoneyGram’s online platform, mobile app, or by visiting an agent location. Cash can also be sent for pickup at agent locations in China.

Step 1: Go to https://www.moneygram.com or download the MoneyGram® Money Transfers app. Click on “Register” to get started.

Step 2: Provide your email, full name, and a US phone number.

Step 3: Follow the prompts to finish setting up your account. You may be asked to verify your identity, so keep a valid government-issued photo ID handy.

Step 4: After submitting your details, you’ll receive a notification once your account is verified and ready to use.

If you're running a business in China, having a Hong Kong multi-currency account can make a significant difference. 

With a Statrys Hong Kong multi-currency account, you can hold, send, and receive payments in multiple currencies, including RMB (Chinese Yuan), access low-fee payments to mainland China, and benefit from FX services when you want to convert funds. This helps reduce conversion costs and simplify payments to Chinese suppliers.

Additionally, you can enjoy value-added products such as payment cards.

The Statrys business account is designed to meet the needs of SMEs, with features including:

Now that I’ve covered the list of money transfer providers, here are some key points to help you understand the nuances and context when sending money to China.

China caps foreign currency exchanges for domestic residents at USD 50,000 per year. Exceptions apply for specific needs, like overseas study or medical treatment, but larger transfers require approval from the local State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).

These restrictions may impact how you send money to your recipient, particularly if you're sending funds in foreign currency or it may affect your recipient’s preference for the currency they want to receive.

When sending money to China, you will come across 3 different terms related to the Chinese currency: CNY, CNH, and RMB.

In short, the official currency of China is Renminbi (RMB) or the Chinese Yuan, while the difference between CNY and CNH is that:

• CNY is the onshore version of the RMB used within Mainland China.
• CNH refers to the offshore RMB, which is traded outside Mainland China.
• Within China, CNY and CNH have a 1:1 exchange rate in China (CNH 1 = CNY 1). However, slight discrepancies may arise when converting from foreign currencies. For example, converting USD to CNY will yield a different amount than converting USD to CNH.

Like all international transfers from one country to another destination country, sending money to China involves exchange rates, processing, transfer, and conversion fees, which vary by provider and amount.

Don’t just look at transaction fees—many providers also profit from currency conversion by adding a markup. Always check their exchange rates and hidden charges. Some providers may also require an intermediary bank, which incurs additional fees. 

If you're importing from China, factor in extra costs like import duties, shipping, and taxes. These can impact the total cost, so choose a transfer method that minimises fees and maximises efficiency. 

China is about 13 - 14 hours ahead of the United States. If a transfer is initiated late in the US business day, it may not be processed until the next day in China, causing delays. Be mindful of the time difference to avoid unexpected hold-ups in your transfer.

Both the US and China observe a variety of public holidays throughout the year, which may affect the operation of financial institutions and cause delays in your transfer. 

For example, the US celebrates major holidays such as Independence Day on July 4 and Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. Meanwhile, China celebrates significant holidays like Chinese New Year, which usually falls between January and February depending on the lunar calendar, National Day on 1 October, and Dragon Boat Festival around May and June, and more.

If you're planning a transfer between the US and China, it's essential to account for these holidays. Transfers initiated right before or during these holidays may not be processed until the next business day. 

There are a few different ways to transfer money to China. Fees, currencies, remittance limits, and the urgency of the delivery can affect which method you choose. I hope the information above can help you get a brief overview of your options for sending money to China.