Who sends money from the US to China
- Workers in the US supporting parents in China
- Cross-border sellers converting USD sales proceeds
- Graduates moving savings back to China
Worked example: sending 1,000 USD
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 USD = 6.7046 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 USD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 7.00 USD | 6,657.67 CNY | 46.93 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 USD | 6,651.06 CNY | 53.54 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 USD | 6,624.14 CNY | 80.46 CNY |
| Western Union | 5.00 USD | 6,537.66 CNY | 166.94 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 20.00 USD | 6,406.25 CNY | 298.35 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 251.42 CNY more than a typical bank wire. Rates move daily and providers change pricing, so treat this as an illustration from our model; the live calculator above and the provider's own quote are what count. See how we estimate.
What to know when sending from the US
- US banks commonly charge $25–50 per international wire, and intermediary banks may deduct another $10–30.
- Sellers should compare payout-platform conversion fees (often 0.3–1%) with bank conversion rates.
- The 'amount the recipient will receive' disclosed before payment is the number to compare. Screenshot it.
Rules and limits
In the US: Under the CFPB Remittance Transfer Rule, US providers must disclose the exchange rate, fees and the amount to be received before you pay, and you can generally cancel for free within 30 minutes. Gifts to one person above the annual gift-tax exclusion may require a Form 709 filing (usually no tax is due); ask a tax professional.
In China: individuals have a USD 50,000-equivalent yearly quota for converting foreign currency into CNY. Larger amounts need proof of genuine purpose, and splitting across other people's quotas is not allowed.
How your recipient can receive it
- A mainland Chinese bank card in the recipient's name (a full-function Type I account avoids receiving limits)
- Alipay or WeChat on some providers, with per-transfer and yearly caps
- Foreign-currency wires must be converted by the recipient; many digital services pay out CNY directly
How to pick the cheapest option
- Compare the amount received, not the fee. "Zero fee" offers usually hide their cost in the rate. How markups work.
- Small amounts: watch fixed fees. Large amounts: watch the markup.
- Avoid intermediary deductions. Why SWIFT wires arrive short.
- Check the payout method and the recipient's name format. See how to send money to China.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from the US to China?
It depends on the amount and the day's pricing. This page calculates, at today's mid-market rate, how much CNY each provider delivers for 1,000 USD. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 USD?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 251.42 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
Do I need to report money I send to family in China?
Providers verify your identity; ordinary family transfers usually need no separate report. Gifts to one person above the annual exclusion may require Form 709. In China, recipients' conversions count against a USD 50,000-equivalent yearly quota.
Is there a limit on money sent to China?
Recipients in China have a USD 50,000-equivalent yearly quota for converting foreign currency into CNY; amounts above it need supporting documents.
How long does a transfer take?
Digital services: same day to 2 business days. Bank wires: typically 2–5 business days, longer through intermediaries.