Best Cross-Border Payment Providers for China Importers in the UK

For UK businesses importing goods from China, choosing the right way to pay suppliers can affect costs, payment speed and day-to-day cash flow. With £69.7 billion worth of goods imported from China in 2025, cross-border supplier payments are an important consideration for businesses trading along this route.

From FX rates and transaction fees to payment speed, multi-currency accounts and China supplier payment capabilities, providers can differ significantly in what they offer.

In this guide, we compare seven best cross-border payment providers for China importers in the UK, explore the key factors to consider when choosing a provider for paying Chinese suppliers, and help you find an option that fits your business needs.

Key Takeaways

• The best cross-border payments for China importers depend on factors such as FX costs, payment speed, supported currencies, and China-specific payment capabilities.
• China-specific features such as CNY/CNH payments, 1688.com integration, and local payment routes can be particularly useful for businesses sourcing regularly from China.
• WorldFirst and PingPong take different approaches to China supplier payments, with differences in China-specific capabilities, FX costs, transfer speeds, and multi-currency management that may matter depending on how your business handles regular supplier transactions.
• FX fluctuations, payment delays, multiple currencies, and supplier payment requirements can make cross-border transactions more complex and increase the cost of importing.
• WorldFirst helps China importers in the UK pay Chinese suppliers through USD and CNY payments, 1688 World Pay, multi-currency management, and FX tools.

What Should China Importers Look for in a Cross-Border Payment Provider?

China importers in the UK can choose from several China import payment methods, but the right option depends on factors such as cost, payment speed, and supplier requirements. Before comparing providers, it is important to understand the features that can affect your international supplier payments. Key factors to compare include:

• FX rates and fees: Compare exchange rates, transfer fees, and other costs that could affect the total cost of your payments.
• Payment speed: Check how long payments typically take to reach your suppliers.
• Multi-currency accounts: Consider whether you can hold and manage multiple currencies for international payments.
• Supported currencies: Check that the provider supports the currencies you need for supplier payments.
• Transaction limits: Review any minimum or maximum payment limits, particularly for high-value or regular payments.
• Payment security: Look at the security measures and payment controls available for business transactions.
• Business requirements: Check eligibility, required documentation, and whether the provider suits your business and payment needs.

7 Best Cross-Border Payment Providers for China Importers in the UK

Choosing the right provider can help China importers manage supplier payments, FX costs, and international transactions more efficiently.

Let’s compare the 7 cross-border payment providers for China importers to see how they differ and which option may suit your business.

Correct as of 30th September 2026

1. WorldFirst

WorldFirst is a digital payment platform designed to help businesses manage international payments and currencies. For China importers in the UK, it provides dedicated ways to pay Chinese suppliers in CNY, CNH and USD, including direct payments through local Chinese payment routes.

Key Features of WorldFirst:

• China supplier payments: Pay Chinese suppliers in USD or CNH, with same-day transfers available and instant, free transfers between WorldFirst accounts.
• 1688 integration: Connect your World Account to 1688.com and pay eligible suppliers directly at checkout using your CNH balance, without needing a Chinese bank account.
• Multi-currency account: Hold funds in 20+ currencies and convert between currencies within your World Account.
• FX management: Use spot contracts for immediate conversions, firm orders to target a preferred rate, and forward contracts to lock in rates for future payments.
• World Card: Use the World Card for eligible business spending, with 0% FX fees when spending from an eligible currency balance and up to 1.2% cashback on eligible purchases.
• Payment tracking: Track supplier payments in real time and make instant payments to Chinese suppliers who also use WorldFirst.

Why choose WorldFirst for Chinese supplier payments?

WorldFirst stands out for its China-specific payment capabilities, particularly its direct 1688.com integration and dedicated CNH payment routes. This can make it a practical option for China importers that regularly source from Chinese suppliers or 1688.com and need more control over their FX costs.

Open a World Account today and simplify payments to your Chinese suppliers.

2. PingPong Payments

PingPong Payments provides cross-border payment solutions for businesses, including multi-currency accounts and international supplier payments. Its payment and currency management features can support businesses sourcing goods from China and making regular payments to overseas suppliers.

Key features of PingPong Payments:

• China supplier payments: Make cross-border payments to Chinese suppliers in supported currencies.
• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage balances in 20+ currencies.
• International payments: Send business payments in 25+ currencies.
• Payment security: End-to-end encryption, mandatory 2FA, 24/7 transaction monitoring, and fraud protection.

Why choose PingPong for Chinese supplier payments?

PingPong can suit China importers that need to manage regular supplier payments alongside multi-currency balances. Its business account supports 20+ currencies, making it useful for businesses that source from China while also paying suppliers across other international markets.

3. Wise Business

Wise Business helps businesses send and receive international payments, manage multiple currencies, and pay overseas suppliers. For China importers in the UK, it can support international supplier payments with transparent exchange rates and fast transfers where available.

Key features of Wise Business:

• China supplier payments: Make eligible CNY payments to business accounts in China.
• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage multiple currencies from one business account.
• FX fees: Transparent conversion fees starting from 0.24%, depending on the currency.
• Payment speed: 70% of payments arrive in 20 seconds and 95% within 24 hours.
• Payment security: 24/7 support, anti-fraud detection, and safeguarded funds.

Why choose Wise Business for Chinese supplier payments?

Wise Business may suit China importers looking for transparent FX pricing and fast international transfers. Its focus on straightforward currency conversion can be useful for businesses making regular supplier payments from GBP into CNY.

Learn more: Wise Business multi-currency account: fees, features and limits

4. Airwallex

Airwallex provides business payment and financial management solutions, including international transfers, multi-currency accounts and FX services. For businesses sourcing from China, it supports payments in CNY through local payment rails and major Chinese payment methods.

Key features of Airwallex:

• China supplier payments: Send GBP-to-CNY payments through local payment rails, with support for payment methods including Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay.
• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage 20+ currencies from one account.
• FX fees: 0.5% above interbank rates for major currencies and 1% for other currencies.
• Payment speed: 90% of payments are received within one business day.
• Payment security: 24/7 security controls, PCI DSS, SOC 1 and SOC 2.

Why choose Airwallex for Chinese supplier payments?

Airwallex can suit businesses that need to pay Chinese suppliers while managing other international transactions from one platform. Its local payment rails and support for major Chinese payment methods can make supplier payments more convenient.

5. Revolut Business

Revolut Business provides business accounts for managing international payments, multiple currencies, and everyday business finances. It supports CNY payments to Chinese bank accounts, giving businesses a straightforward way to pay Chinese suppliers while managing other international transactions.

Key features of Revolut Business:

• China supplier payments: Send CNY payments directly to Chinese bank accounts.
• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage 25+ currencies.
• FX fees: 0.6% over the monthly plan allowance and 1% outside market hours.
• Payment speed: International transfers to China can take 3–5 business days.
• Payment security: 2FA, anti-fraud alerts, and recipient confirmation.

Why choose Revolut Business for Chinese supplier payments?

Revolut Business can suit businesses that want to combine international supplier payments with broader business finance tools. Its direct CNY transfers to Chinese bank accounts provide a straightforward option for regular supplier transactions.

Learn more: Revolut Review

6. XTransfer

XTransfer provides cross-border payment services for businesses involved in international trade. For businesses sourcing goods from China, it supports CNY payments to Chinese suppliers and can simplify recurring transactions, making it one of the options to consider when choosing a China import payment method.

Key features of X Transfer:

• China supplier payments: Make CNY payments to Chinese suppliers.
• Fees: CNY payments to Chinese suppliers carry a fee of up to 0.4%. XTransfer doesn’t publish its FX margin.
• Payment speed: Same-day fund arrival, with near-instant transfers between XTransfer accounts.
• Multi-currency account: Receive and manage funds in major global currencies.
• Payment security: Secure and compliant payment processing.

Why choose XTransfer for Chinese supplier payments?

XTransfer is designed specifically around cross-border B2B trade, with payment features focused on transactions between businesses and their overseas suppliers. Its CNY settlement and fast transfer options can be useful for businesses making regular payments to suppliers in China.

7. Payoneer

Payoneer provides international payment solutions for businesses, including supplier payments, multi-currency management, and cross-border transfers. It supports payments to Chinese suppliers in CNY, making it relevant for businesses sourcing goods from China.

Key features of Payoneer:

• China supplier payments: Pay Chinese suppliers directly in CNY.
• Multi-currency account: Supports payments and transfers in 70+ currencies.
• International payments: Send and receive business payments across global markets.
• Payment security: Multi-factor authentication and security controls help protect business transactions.

Why choose Payoneer for Chinese supplier payments?

Payoneer can suit businesses that need to combine payments to Chinese suppliers with wider international payment needs. Its CNY payment support provides a direct way to settle supplier transactions while managing other cross-border payments through the same platform.

WorldFirst vs PingPong for China Supplier Payments

WorldFirst and PingPong both offer business payment solutions for international supplier transactions, but their features differ across China payments, FX, transfer speeds, and multi-currency management. Let’s compare the two providers across the factors that matter when paying Chinese suppliers:

Correct as of 30th September 2026

Which provider may suit your business?

The right choice depends on how you make supplier payments and which features matter most to your business. WorldFirst offers China-specific capabilities such as 1688 World Pay and dedicated CNH payment routes, while PingPong combines international supplier payments with multi-currency account capabilities. Consider your payment volumes, preferred currencies, FX requirements, and supplier payment needs when comparing the two.

Common Challenges China Importers Face When Making Cross-Border Payments

Businesses importing from China may face several challenges when making international supplier payments. Understanding these issues can help when choosing a suitable way to pay Chinese suppliers and managing the costs involved:

• High or unpredictable FX costs: Exchange rate movements and provider mark-ups can increase the cost of supplier payments, particularly for frequent or high-value transactions.
• Payment delays: Delays can affect supplier relationships, inventory orders, and shipment timelines.
• Complex payment processes: Different currencies, payment routes, and banking requirements can make supplier payments more difficult to manage.
• Limited visibility over payment costs: Fees and FX charges may come from different parts of the payment process, making the total cost harder to assess.
• Managing multiple currencies: Businesses may need to hold, convert, and send different currencies depending on their suppliers and markets.
• Supplier payment requirements: Chinese suppliers may have specific requirements for payment currency, account details, or payment routes.

Why China Importers Choose WorldFirst for Cross-Border Payments

For UK businesses sourcing from China, the right payment provider can make a difference to how quickly suppliers receive funds, how much businesses spend on FX, and how easily payments can be tracked. WorldFirst is built around international supplier payments, with China-specific features that can simplify regular transactions.

Here’s how WorldFirst can help

• Pay Chinese suppliers in USD or RMB: Send payments directly to Chinese bank accounts, with around 90% of payments clearing the same day, subject to cut-off times and beneficiary banks.
• Pay 1688 suppliers directly: Connect your World Account to 1688.com and pay eligible suppliers directly at checkout using your CNH balance, without needing a Chinese bank account.
• Manage multiple currencies: Hold and manage 20+ currencies in one World Account, making it easier to handle payments across different markets.
• Track payments in real time: Monitor supplier payments through WorldFirst instead of relying on limited visibility once a transfer has been sent.
• Manage FX for supplier payments: Convert GBP to USD or RMB using live rates, with FX tools available to help manage currency movements and future payments.
• Spend with the World Card: Use the World Card for eligible business purchases, with 0% FX fees when spending from an eligible currency balance and up to 1.2% cashback on eligible purchases.
• Make instant transfers to WorldFirst suppliers: Payments between WorldFirst accounts are instant and free, which can be useful when your Chinese suppliers also use the platform.

Open a World Account today and simplify payments to your Chinese suppliers.

FAQs

1. What is the best cross-border payment provider for China importers?

The right provider for a UK business depends on its payment needs and how it works with Chinese suppliers. Compare FX rates and fees, payment speed, supported currencies, multi-currency features, and China-specific payment options before choosing.

2. What should I look for when choosing a provider to pay Chinese suppliers?

Look at the total cost, transfer speed, and supported payment currencies. It is also worth checking transaction limits, security features, and whether the provider supports your suppliers’ preferred payment routes.

3. How much does it cost to pay Chinese suppliers?

The cost can include an FX margin, transfer fees, and other charges depending on the provider and payment route. Comparing the total cost of converting GBP and sending the payment can help businesses understand the actual cost of paying a Chinese supplier.

4. Can UK businesses pay Chinese suppliers in CNY or CNH?

Yes. Some cross-border payment providers support CNY or CNH payments to Chinese suppliers. Availability can vary by provider, payment route, and supplier requirements, so businesses should check which currencies and payment methods are supported before sending a payment.

5. Can UK businesses pay Chinese suppliers through 1688.com?

Yes. Businesses sourcing products through 1688.com can use payment services that support the platform, depending on the supplier and payment method. WorldFirst’s 1688 World Pay allows eligible businesses to connect their World Account to 1688.com and pay suppliers directly at checkout using their CNH balance.

Sources:

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/trade-and-investment-core-statistics-book/trade-and-investment-core-statistics-book
2. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/
3. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/pricing/
4. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/pay-chinese-suppliers/
5. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/security-and-safety/
6. https://www.pingpongx.com/uk/business/account-home
7. https://www.pingpongx.com/uk/business/account-global-accounts
8. https://www.pingpongx.com/global/trustcenter?lang=en-uk
9. https://wise.com/gb/business/
10. https://wise.com/gb/pricing/business
11. https://wise.com/help/articles/2955298/guide-to-cny-transfers
12. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/business-account/transfers/send-money-to-china
13. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/pricing
14. https://www.revolut.com/business/multi-currency-accounts/
15. https://www.revolut.com/money-transfer/send-money-to-china/
16. https://www.revolut.com/business/business-account-plans/
17. https://www.xtransfer.com/uk/services/paytochina
18. https://www.xtransfer.com/uk/services/pricing
19. https://www.payoneer.com/