Sending money to China can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you use traditional banks. But new payment methods have emerged that are cheaper, faster, and more convenient. Here are the top 5 methods for sending cross-border payments to China in 2026.
1. Wise
Best overall
Fees: 0.5% - 1.5% | Speed: 1-2 days | Limit: $1M/year | Best for: Most transfers
2. UnionPay MoneyExpress
Fastest
Fees: 1% - 2% | Speed: Real-time to 12h | Limit: $50K/year | Best for: Urgent transfers
3. PayPal
Most convenient
Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 | Speed: 1-3 days | Limit: $10K/transaction | Best for: Small amounts
4. Western Union
Best for cash
Fees: $5 - $50 | Speed: Minutes | Limit: $50K/transaction | Best for: Cash pickup
5. Bank Transfer
Best for large
Fees: $20 - $50 | Speed: 3-5 days | Limit: No limit | Best for: Large amounts
Comparison Table
| Method | Fees | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.5% - 1.5% | 1-2 days | Most transfers |
| UnionPay MoneyExpress | 1% - 2% | Real-time to 12h | Urgent transfers |
| PayPal | 2.9% + $0.30 | 1-3 days | Small amounts |
| Western Union | $5 - $50 | Minutes | Cash pickup |
| Bank Transfer | $20 - $50 | 3-5 days | Large amounts |
Conclusion
For most cross-border payments to China in 2026, Wise is the best option with the lowest fees and fast transfers. If you need money there urgently, UnionPay MoneyExpress offers real-time delivery.
Want to learn more about cross-border payments? Check out our Payments section.