Using foreign bank cards for mobile payments in China

Using foreign bank cards for payments in China has become increasingly convenient, thanks to the widespread adoption of mobile payment platforms such as WeChat and Alipay. Here’s a guide on how to get started and what to consider:

1.Account registration
You can download and install WeChat or Alipay APPs and follow the instructions to input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers for account registration.

2.Binding bank cards
You can bind the APP with international bank cards with the Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover logos or Chinese bank cards with the logo of UnionPay.

3.Making payments
You can scan the collection QR code or show the payment QR code when making payments.

Notes for binding international bank cards

1. Authorization from issuing bank
When binding an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat, it is necessary to obtain authorization from the foreign issuing bank. However, some issuing banks may reject the binding request due to their system's inability to recognize the connection information. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the issuing bank's customer service center or consider using a Chinese bank card instead.

2. Transactoin fees
When using WeChat or Alipay for QR code payments through the bound international bank card, users are not required to pay an additional service fee if the transaction amount does not exceed 200 yuan ($27.61); or users need to pay a service fee at three percent of the transaction amount if the amount exceeds 200 yuan.

3. Transaction limits
WeChat and Alipay have set transaction limits for bound international bank cards, with an annual limit of $50,000 and a single transaction limit of $5,000. It is recommended that users who have bound international bank cards to the APPs consider your specific use cases before using mobile payment.