5 Best Chinese payment gateways for UK businesses

Paying and getting paid across the UK and China can work differently from domestic transactions, with businesses needing to navigate local payment methods, currency conversion, transaction fees, and different payment requirements.

For UK businesses trading with China, choosing the right payment solution can affect how easily you collect customer payments, pay suppliers, and manage money across currencies.

This guide compares five of the best Chinese payment gateways for UK businesses, looking at their supported payment methods, transaction fees and key features, while explaining what to consider when choosing a provider for your China payments.

Key Takeaways

• UK businesses can use Chinese payment methods such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay to accept payments from Chinese customers, while businesses paying suppliers may need a broader China payment solution.
• Compare the full cost, including transaction fees, FX costs, cross-border charges and settlement fees.
• The best provider depends on whether you need to accept customer payments, pay Chinese suppliers, or manage multiple currencies.
• Check CNY/CNH support, payment routes, settlement times and integration options before choosing a provider.
• WorldFirst can be a useful option for businesses making China supplier payments, paying 1688 suppliers, and managing multiple currencies alongside their wider international payments.

What are Chinese payment gateways?

Chinese payment gateways let businesses process payments using methods and payment networks commonly used in China. For UK businesses, they can support cross-border transactions with Chinese customers or suppliers.

A payment gateway provides the technology to process a transaction, while a payment method is how the payment is made, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay. A cross-border payment solution helps businesses send or receive money internationally, often with support for multiple currencies and payment routes.

The right option depends on how you use it. Businesses accepting payments from Chinese customers may need support for local payment methods, while businesses paying Chinese suppliers may prioritise CNY payments, FX rates, transaction fees and reliable payment routes.

How much do Chinese payment gateways cost?

The total cost depends on the provider, payment method, and transaction type. Beyond the headline transaction fee, businesses may also need to account for FX costs and other charges. Here are the main costs to consider:

• Transaction fees: Providers may charge a percentage of each transaction, a fixed fee, or both.
• FX costs: If you receive or send money in a different currency, the exchange rate and any FX margin can affect the total cost.
• Cross-border fees: International transactions may involve additional charges for processing or settlement.
• Payment method fees: Some providers apply different rates depending on whether the customer pays through a wallet, card network, or another method.
• Settlement fees: Charges may also apply when funds are transferred to your business account.

For UK businesses trading with China, it’s worth comparing the total cost of a transaction, including payment fees and currency conversion, rather than choosing a provider based only on its advertised processing rate.

Chinese payment methods UK businesses should know

China has a range of payment methods that UK businesses may need to support when trading with Chinese customers or suppliers. Here are some of the main Chinese payment methods to know:

Alipay: Alipay is a digital payment platform widely used by consumers and businesses in China. Customers can use it to pay online and in stores, while merchants can integrate Alipay to accept payments.

For UK businesses selling to Chinese customers, accepting Alipay can provide a familiar payment option. Its suitability depends on the business model, payment setup, and whether the provider supports the required cross-border transactions.

WeChat Pay: WeChat Pay is a digital wallet integrated into WeChat. It allows users to make payments through the app and is widely used for online and in-person purchases in China.

UK businesses targeting Chinese customers can use WeChat Pay where supported by their payment provider and merchant setup. It can be particularly relevant for businesses already engaging customers through the WeChat ecosystem.

UnionPay: UnionPay is a Chinese card network that supports debit and credit card payments in China and internationally. UK businesses can accept UnionPay through payment providers and acquiring arrangements that support the network.

It can be relevant to merchants that want to accept card payments from Chinese customers without relying solely on digital wallets.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay vs UnionPay: What’s the difference?

The best option depends on your customers, sales channels, and payment provider. Some businesses may benefit from supporting more than one method.

5 best Chinese payment gateways and payment solutions for UK businesses

The right payment solution depends on how your business trades with China. Here are five options to compare based on the payment methods they support, transaction costs, and the type of business they suit:

1. WorldFirst

WorldFirst is a strong option for businesses that need to manage cross-border payments to China alongside their wider international payments. Its World Account supports multiple currencies, including CNY and CNH, while businesses can pay Chinese suppliers and 1688 suppliers directly from their account. For UK businesses comparing Chinese payment gateways, it suits supplier payments, 1688 purchases, and multi-currency management.

Key features:

• Direct China payments: Pay Chinese suppliers through dedicated payment routes, with same-day options available depending on the route and cutoff time.
• CNY and CNH payments: Hold CNH and make payments to eligible Chinese supplier accounts.
• 1688 integration: Pay 1688 suppliers directly from your World Account without needing a Chinese bank account.
• Multi-currency management: Hold, receive, and manage funds across 20+ currencies, including CNH.
• World Card: Pay in 150+ currencies, with no FX fees on 15 major currencies when you pay from a matching World Account balance. Eligible business spending earns up to 1.2% uncapped cashback.
• Free WorldFirst-to-WorldFirst payments: Payments to suppliers who also use WorldFirst are instant and free.

Open a World Account to simplify China payments and manage multiple currencies.

2. Airwallex

Airwallex is a strong option for businesses that want to accept payments from Chinese customers alongside other international payment methods. Its payment platform supports popular China payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, as well as UnionPay, allowing businesses to offer local payment options through a wider global payments infrastructure.

Key features:

• Alipay and WeChat Pay: Accept payments through two widely used Chinese digital wallets.
• UnionPay: Accept payments from UnionPay cardholders.
• 160+ local payment methods: Support customers across different markets through one payment platform.
• Multi-currency settlement: Manage and settle funds in multiple currencies.
• Global payment acceptance: Accept local and international payment methods through one platform.

3. PayPal

For businesses looking for a Chinese payment gateway to support international sales, PayPal provides a familiar way to accept customer payments across markets. Its business platform supports commercial transactions, multiple currencies and online checkout, making it suitable for UK businesses selling to customers internationally.

Key features:

• International payments: Accept commercial payments from customers across different markets.
• Recognised payment option: Offer customers a familiar way to pay online.
• Multi-currency support: Receive payments in supported currencies.
• Online checkout: Add PayPal to e-commerce and other online payment journeys.
• Global reach: Accept payments from international customers through one platform.

4. Stripe

Stripe makes it easier for online businesses to offer China payment options within their existing checkout. Its payment infrastructure supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay, giving Chinese customers familiar ways to pay without requiring separate integrations for each method.

Key features:

• Easy integration: Add payment options through Stripe Checkout, Elements, and other Stripe integrations.
• Global payment support: Manage Chinese payments alongside payment methods used in other markets.
• Unified payments platform: Manage payments, refunds, and other payment operations from one system.
• Payment analytics: Access reporting and transaction data through the Stripe Dashboard.
• Flexible checkout: Build payment experiences for different customer and business requirements.

5. Adyen

Adyen brings popular payment options used by Chinese shoppers into a wider global payment infrastructure. It supports Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay, helping businesses provide a familiar checkout experience while managing payments across other markets through the same platform.

Key features:

• Global payment coverage: Manage payment acceptance across multiple markets through one platform.
• Online and in-person payments: Support different customer payment journeys within the same infrastructure.
• Unified reporting: Monitor payment performance and transaction activity from one platform.
• Single integration: Connect multiple payment methods without building separate payment systems.
• Scalable infrastructure: Support payment operations as the business expands into additional markets.

How to choose a Chinese payment gateway for your UK business

The right payment solution depends on how your business trades with China. Consider these factors before choosing a provider:

• Payment methods: Check whether the provider supports the payment methods your Chinese customers or suppliers actually use.
• Transaction fees: Compare processing, transfer, and other payment charges, not just the headline rate.
• Currency support: Look for CNY/CNH and other currencies you need to receive, hold, or send.
• Settlement: Check how quickly payments reach your account and which currencies you can settle in.
• Integration: Make sure the solution works with your website, ecommerce platform, or existing payment setup.
• Cross-border payments: If you pay Chinese suppliers, check the available payment routes, transfer limits, and supported beneficiary accounts.
• Security and compliance: Choose a provider with appropriate controls for processing international payments.
• Scalability: Consider whether the provider can support higher transaction volumes and additional markets as you grow.

Paying Chinese suppliers from the UK: what to consider

Paying suppliers in China involves more than choosing a payment provider. Consider the following before sending a payment:

• Payment currency: Check whether your supplier accepts CNY, CNH, USD, or another currency, and whether your provider supports the required payment route.
• Total payment cost: Compare transfer fees, FX costs, and any charges applied by intermediary or beneficiary banks.
• Payment speed: Check processing times and cut-off times, particularly if you need suppliers to receive funds quickly.
• Supplier details: Make sure the beneficiary name, bank account, and other payment details match the supplier’s instructions.
• Payment limits: Check daily or transaction limits before making larger supplier payments.
• Payment security: Use verified supplier details and established payment channels to reduce the risk of payment fraud.
• Payment records: Keep invoices, payment confirmations, and supplier documentation for your business records.
• 1688 payments: If you source through 1688, check whether your payment provider supports direct payments to eligible suppliers.

Why UK businesses choose WorldFirst for China payments

For UK businesses trading with China, the right payment solution should make it easier to pay suppliers, manage currencies and control international payment costs. WorldFirst brings these needs together in one platform, with CNY and CNH support, direct supplier payments and 1688 World Pay. Its multi-currency account and World Card also give businesses more flexibility when managing and spending their international funds.

Open a World Account to simplify China payments and manage your international funds.

FAQs

1. Can UK businesses accept payments from customers in China?

Yes. UK businesses can accept payments from Chinese customers through providers that support local payment methods. The available options, currencies, fees and settlement times vary between providers.

2. What are the most popular Chinese payment methods?

Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay are among the main payment methods used in China. Alipay and WeChat Pay are digital wallets, while UnionPay is a card network.

3. What is the best Chinese payment gateway for UK businesses?

It depends on your payment needs. Stripe, Airwallex and Adyen are suitable for businesses accepting payments from Chinese customers, while WorldFirst is particularly useful for businesses making supplier payments to China and managing multiple currencies.

4. How much do Chinese payment gateways charge?

Fees vary by provider and payment method. You may pay a percentage-based transaction fee, a fixed processing fee, FX costs, or additional cross-border and settlement charges. Compare the total cost rather than the transaction fee alone.

Sources:

1. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/pay-chinese-suppliers/
2. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/pricing/
3. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/help-center/faqs/1688-world-pay/
4. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/pricing
5. https://www.paypal.com/uk/business/paypal-business-fees
6. https://www.paypal.com/uk/digital-wallet/send-receive-money/send-money-internationally/send-money-to-china
7. https://stripe.com/gb/payments/chinese-payment-methods
8. http://stripe.com/gb/pricing/local-payment-methods
9. https://www.adyen.com/en_GB/pricing
10. https://www.adyen.com/en_GB/payment-methods-guides/asia-pacific/china