How to send money to China from the UK

A clear path for UK-to-China transfers

Sending money to China from the UK does not need to be slow or expensive. Traditional bank wires often take days and add sizable fees on top of weaker exchange rates. Fintech providers now use local payout rails and digital wallets to move money quicker and for far less, so more of your pounds turn into yuan. The key is knowing which service fits your purpose, how fees really work, and what details you must provide to avoid delays.

We will walk through the main options used by people in Britain today. For urgent personal transfers, app-to-wallet or card-based sends can arrive in seconds. For larger or regular business payments, local CNY rails and specialist FX often deliver better rates and predictable timing. We will cover the pros and cons, what to watch out for, and clear steps to get it right first time.

The golden rule: focus on the net CNY your recipient receives, not just the advertised fee.

Who this helps most

If you are a UK resident paying family in China, supporting students, settling invoices with suppliers, or funding a local team, this guide is for you. It is written in plain English, with practical steps and transparent comparisons so you can balance speed, cost, and convenience with confidence.

What counts as a smart UK-to-China transfer

A good transfer is fast, transparent, and cost-effective. Fintechs now outpace banks on all three:

• Airwallex uses local CNY payout rails for same-day or next-day delivery, typically pricing around 0.5% above the interbank rate. Many UK businesses see more than 80% savings versus high street banks.
• Ria lets you send to WeChat Pay or Alipay using a phone number or email, or arrange cash pickup with ID and a PIN. UK users can pay by debit or credit card.
• Key Currency offers fee-free transfers with competitive GBP-CNY rates for bank-to-bank payments. You will need the recipient’s full name, account number, BIC, and address.
• Revolut supports bank transfers to CNY accounts in roughly 3-5 days and card transfers that can land in seconds to minutes. App pricing is shown upfront, with discounts on some paid plans.
• Wise delivers most GBP to CNY transfers in under a day, with many arriving in seconds. Funding via bank transfer or a Wise balance typically costs less than paying by card.
• Paysend focuses on zero-fee transfers with strong FX rates, designed for low-cost convenience.
• Remitly emphasises transparent pricing and quick delivery options across bank and wallet routes.

Traditional SWIFT wires from UK banks remain common but are slower at around 3-5 business days and usually more expensive overall.

Quick comparison at a glance

How to get it done without the faff

Start by deciding what matters most for this payment: speed, the lowest possible cost, or ease for the recipient. If your recipient uses WeChat or Alipay, a wallet route via Ria can be near-instant and convenient. If you are paying a supplier and every basis point counts, services like Airwallex, Wise, or Key Currency can deliver sharper FX and reliable timing via local rails.

Create an account with your chosen provider and complete identity checks. For bank transfers you will usually need the recipient’s full name, bank details, and address. For wallet payments you will need the recipient’s phone number or email linked to their WeChat or Alipay. Fund the transfer by bank transfer, Faster Payments, or card. Bank transfer funding often costs less than card funding.

Review the quoted rate, fees, and estimated arrival time before you press send. Aim to transfer during UK banking hours for smoother processing. Keep your reference clear and share the receipt or PIN if the recipient needs it for cash collection.

Quick tip: do a small test transfer first if you are sending a large amount.

Why choosing carefully saves real money

UK banks often bundle wire fees, correspondent bank charges, and weaker exchange rates. The result can be a materially lower amount received in China and a longer wait. Fintech alternatives compete on transparency and speed, often using local payout rails to avoid SWIFT, which reduces both cost and uncertainty.

If time is critical, card-to-card or wallet routes from providers like Revolut or Ria can arrive in seconds. If total value is your priority, Wise, Key Currency, or Airwallex typically post tighter FX with clear fees, so your recipient sees more CNY. For businesses paying invoices, predictable same-day or next-day settlement can help cash flow and supplier relationships.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on the transfer size, urgency, and the recipient’s preferences. Checking two or three providers before sending can save you pounds and hours.

The upsides and the trade-offs

Watch-outs before you press send

Double-check names, account numbers, and wallet identifiers. Even a minor typo can trigger delays or rejections. Make sure the recipient’s bank accepts CNY and that the account is eligible to receive international funds. If you are sending to WeChat or Alipay, confirm the phone or email matches their wallet and that they have completed any required ID checks.

Be mindful of funding method costs. Paying by UK bank transfer or via a provider balance often attracts lower fees than using a debit or credit card. Keep an eye on FX volatility for larger amounts. If the rate is moving, consider sending in stages or using a provider that allows you to lock a rate for a short window. Finally, set realistic timing expectations. While many transfers arrive fast, compliance checks or bank holidays in either country can add time.

Alternative routes worth considering

1. Traditional bank wire via SWIFT - widely accepted by suppliers but slower with higher total costs.
2. Pay via a multi-currency account - hold GBP and convert to CNY when rates suit, then send locally.
3. Scheduled transfers - automate regular payments to smooth FX timing and avoid last-minute rushes.
4. Rate alerts - get notified when GBP-CNY hits your target, then execute.
5. Combine methods - use instant wallet sends for small urgent needs and FX specialists for larger invoices.

FAQs

Q: What is the fastest way to get money to China? A: Wallet or card routes are typically fastest. Ria to WeChat or Alipay and Revolut card transfers can arrive in seconds, subject to checks.

Q: Which option is usually cheapest overall? A: Bank-funded transfers with providers like Wise, Airwallex, or Key Currency often produce the best net CNY thanks to sharper FX and lower fees.

Q: Do I need the recipient’s address for bank transfers? A: Often yes. Services may require full name, account number, BIC or equivalent, and address to satisfy compliance checks.

Q: Are there hidden fees on arrival in China? A: Using local CNY payout rails can avoid intermediary lifting fees. With SWIFT wires, intermediary banks may deduct charges before funds arrive.

Q: Can I send to WeChat or Alipay from the UK? A: Yes. Ria supports WeChat Pay and Alipay using the recipient’s phone or email. Ensure the wallet is verified and active.

How Switcha makes this simpler

At Switcha, we compare trusted UK-to-China money transfer providers side by side so you can see speed, fees, and the true exchange rate in one clear view. Our approach is designed to highlight the net CNY your recipient will receive, helping you avoid hidden costs and slow routes. Whether you need instant wallet delivery for family support or sharper FX for supplier payments, we surface options that fit your priorities.

You can filter for same-day CNY rails, zero-fee offers, or instant card-to-wallet transfers, then follow straightforward steps to set up your payment. We keep the language simple and the process transparent, so you can move your money with confidence and keep more of it where it belongs - with your recipient.

Next step: compare live GBP-CNY rates and delivery times before you send.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always check fees, rates, limits, and eligibility with your chosen provider before sending. Transfer times can vary due to compliance checks and bank holidays.