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The short version
- PayPal is the most expensive way to pay a factory: the supplier pays 4.4% + US$0.30 (about US$220 on US$5,000) and usually adds it to your price.
- Wise sends US$5,000 in USD to a China bank for about US$7, or as yuan (CNY) for about US$45, with no exchange-rate markup.
- Airwallex converts at 0.5% over the market rate on a free plan, cheapest when you pay in yuan, but its SWIFT fees are higher.
- Bank wires look cheap on the fee line (US$25 to 50) but add a 1% to 3.5% exchange markup and intermediary deductions.
Cost to pay your supplier: calculator
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Estimated cost
Prices checked October 6, 2026 on each company's own pricing page. Links marked "affiliate" may earn us a commission; the ranking is by cost only.
Wise vs PayPal vs Airwallex vs bank wire
| Method | Fee on US$5,000 | Exchange markup | Speed | Supplier acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | US$7.28 in USD (SHA); about US$45 in CNY | None (mid-market rate) | 1 to 2 working days | Common if the supplier has a CNY business account |
| Airwallex | About US$15 to 25 SWIFT; 0.5% on CNY | 0.5% (major currencies) | Same day to 2 days | Growing |
| Bank wire (T/T) | US$25 to 50 + intermediary US$15 to 50 | 1% to 3.5% when converting | 1 to 5 days | Most requested by factories |
| PayPal | About US$220 paid by the supplier | 3% to 4% if converting | Instant | Mostly samples and small orders |
Wise quote from wise.com on October 6, 2026 (mid-market USD/CNY 6.7049); PayPal China merchant fee 4.4% + US$0.30; Airwallex and bank figures from their pricing pages and Corpay/Venn (2026).
Paying in yuan can save more than the fee difference: factories often build an exchange cushion into USD quotes. Wise can only send CNY to a mainland China business account, so ask your supplier first. Our full guide to paying Chinese suppliers covers deposits and scams, and our Wise Business review covers setup.
Wise Business sends supplier payments at the real exchange rate with the fee shown up front.
See Wise BusinessFrequently asked questions
Is Wise or PayPal cheaper for paying Chinese suppliers?
Wise, by a wide margin. On US$5,000 Wise costs about US$7 in USD or US$45 in CNY; PayPal's 4.4% + US$0.30 seller fee is about US$220, which suppliers usually pass on.
Can I pay a Chinese supplier in yuan with Wise?
Yes, if the supplier has a business account in mainland China that receives CNY. The payment must be for goods or services.
Do Chinese suppliers accept PayPal?
Many do for samples and small orders, usually with a 3% to 5% surcharge. Factories prefer bank transfers (T/T) for production orders.
General information as of October 6, 2026. Fees and exchange rates change daily; check the live quote before you send money. Not financial advice.