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The short version
- For most small importers, the cheapest safe way to pay a Chinese supplier is a business transfer to the supplier's company bank account through a service like Wise or Airwallex, which charge far less on the exchange rate than a bank wire.
- On Alibaba.com, paying through Trade Assurance keeps your order protected. Paying the same supplier outside the platform loses that cover.
- PayPal protects buyers, but the supplier pays around 5% in fees, so many factories refuse it or add it to your price.
- Always pay the company named on your contract, never a personal account, and confirm any 'new bank details' email by phone.
What is the best way to pay a Chinese supplier?
The best way to pay a Chinese supplier is usually a business transfer to the supplier's company account, sent through a low-cost provider such as Wise or Airwallex, or through Alibaba Trade Assurance if you ordered on Alibaba.com. Here's how the main options compare for a US or Canadian business.
| Method | What it costs you | Protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | One-time US$31 / CA$55 setup, no monthly fee; about 0.85% + US$3.10 to send USD to a CNY company account | None beyond a normal transfer | Regular supplier payments in CNY or USD |
| Airwallex | Free Explore plan; exchange 0.5% to 1% above the interbank rate; SWIFT transfers US$15 to 25 | None beyond a normal transfer | Businesses paying in several currencies |
| Bank wire (T/T) | About US$25 to 50 per wire, plus a 1% to 3% exchange markup and possible intermediary fees | None | Large payments when your bank gives you a good rate |
| Alibaba Trade Assurance | Card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay 2.99%; T/T about US$25 to 40 | Covers quality and shipping disputes on the order | First orders with a new Alibaba supplier |
| PayPal | Free for you; the supplier pays about 3.49% + 0.49 plus 1.5% international, and conversion costs 3% to 4% | PayPal Purchase Protection | Samples and very small orders, if the supplier accepts |
Fees from each provider's pricing pages, checked October 5, 2026. Wise's percentage is from its live price tool on a US$1,000 transfer and changes with the amount and currency; it always shows the exact fee before you send.
How do you pay a Chinese supplier with Wise?
Wise Business can send Chinese yuan (CNY) straight to a company bank account in mainland China, at the mid-market exchange rate with the fee shown up front. A few rules to know:
- Business to business only. A Wise Business account can pay Chinese companies, not individuals. Personal Alipay and Weixin transfers are for personal accounts.
- You need the company's name in English letters, its account number, the bank's SWIFT code and the bank address. The receiving bank must take cross-border yuan payments (most large Chinese banks do).
- Pick the right payment purpose (goods) and keep your invoice and contract: the Chinese bank may ask for them.
- Match the currency to the invoice. If your contract and invoice are in US dollars, Wise suggests sending USD rather than CNY.
Wise Business sends USD or CNY to supplier company accounts at the real exchange rate, with the fee shown before you pay. No monthly fee.
Open a Wise Business accountWise vs Airwallex: which is better for paying suppliers?
Both beat a typical bank on the exchange rate. Wise is simplest if you mostly send money out: no monthly fee, one setup fee, and a clear fee per transfer. Airwallex suits businesses that also collect money in several currencies or want multi-currency cards, with a free plan and a small markup over the interbank rate. One catch: Airwallex's local CNY payouts into China are mainly for businesses with a link to China, so a typical US or Canadian company pays Chinese suppliers by SWIFT, which adds US$15 to 25 per payment. Compare both on a real invoice before you choose.
How do you pay on Alibaba safely?
If you found the supplier on Alibaba.com, pay through the Alibaba order with Trade Assurance. Card payments cost 2.99% (up to US$12,000), and bank transfers (T/T) cost a flat bank fee. If the goods arrive late or don't match the agreed quality, you can open a claim. A supplier who asks you to pay outside the platform, 'to save fees', is asking you to give up that protection. See our guide to the Alibaba Verified Supplier badge for what else to check.
What payment terms are normal with Chinese factories?
The most common terms for a first order are 30% deposit, 70% before shipping, after you've approved photos or a third-party inspection. Larger or repeat orders may move to 30% deposit and 70% against the bill of lading, or to a letter of credit for big amounts. Avoid paying 100% up front to a new supplier unless the order is small enough to lose.
How do you avoid supplier payment scams?
- The account name must match the company on your contract and invoice. A personal account or an unrelated company in Hong Kong or elsewhere is a red flag.
- Treat 'our bank details have changed' as suspicious. Confirm by calling a number you already had, not one in the email.
- Check the email address letter by letter. Payment scams often use a look-alike domain.
- Look the company up in China's official business registry (gsxt.gov.cn) and compare the name and registration number.
- Start small. Pay for samples or a small first order before sending large amounts.
Banks can rarely recall an international transfer once it has been paid out. Check the details before you send, not after.
Add payment fees to your true cost per unit, along with freight and duty.
Open the free landed cost calculatorFrequently asked questions
Can I pay a Chinese supplier with Wise?
Yes. A Wise Business account can send CNY to a company bank account in mainland China, or USD if your invoice is in dollars. You need the company's English name, account number, SWIFT code and bank address. Wise Business can't send to individuals in China.
Is it safe to pay Chinese suppliers by bank transfer?
It is normal and safe when you pay the right company. Check that the account name matches the company on your contract, confirm any change of bank details by phone, and start with a small order.
Should I pay a Chinese supplier in USD or CNY?
Pay in the currency on your contract and invoice. Paying in CNY through a low-cost provider can save on the exchange rate, but if the invoice is in USD, sending CNY can cause problems with the supplier's bank.
Do Chinese suppliers accept PayPal?
Some do, often for samples, but PayPal charges the seller about 5% on international payments, so many factories refuse it or add the fee to your price.
What is the cheapest way to send money to China for business?
For most small businesses, a specialist provider such as Wise or Airwallex costs less than a bank wire because the exchange rate markup is much smaller. Compare the total amount the supplier receives for the same invoice.
What does T/T mean in payment terms?
T/T means telegraphic transfer, the trade term for an international bank wire. '30% T/T deposit, 70% before shipment' means you wire 30% to start production and the rest before the goods leave.
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General information as of October 6, 2026, not financial advice. Fees and limits change; check each provider's current pricing and terms before you pay.