Can I send money over WeChat?
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- Number of Currencies
- 4
- Minimum Transfer Amount
- 1
- Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Summary
What started as an IM service now lets you pay for anything from your dry-cleaning bill to your groceries.
You can't send money internationally from Australia using the WeChat app itself, since its transfer feature only works between users who both have a Chinese bank account linked to a verified account. However, you can use a money transfer service like Remitly, Ria, or Wise to send funds directly to someone's Weixin (the mainland Chinese version of WeChat) wallet. This is a straightforward option for anyone in Australia needing to get money to friends or family in China who rely on the app.
This guide explains why the WeChat app doesn't support international transfers and walks you through sending money the right way using a third-party service. If you're a tourist heading to China, we also cover how you can now link your Australian credit or debit card to Weixin Pay to spend on the mainland. Note that this only covers paying merchants (with transaction and monthly limits), not sending money to individuals.
Pros
-
Service is free
-
Managing payments is quick and convenient
Cons
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Service is limited to certain countries
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No specified delivery time
Details
Product details
| Product Name | WeChat International Money Transfers |
| Customer Service | Phone, Email |
| Maximum Transfer Amount | 2000 |
| Number of Currencies | 4 |
Sending money to a WeChat (Weixin) wallet: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convenient for the recipient in China
- Funds are delivered in Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Services like Remitly make the process straightforward
- The recipient receives the money in their most-used app
Cons
- You cannot use the WeChat app to send the money
- Requires signing up for a third-party transfer service
- Fees and exchange rate markups apply
- Limits are set by the transfer service not WeChat
Why can't you send money internationally with the WeChat app?
You cannot use the WeChat app for international money transfers because its payment function, Weixin Pay, was not designed for that purpose. An update in July 2023 allowed foreigners to link international credit cards, but the official WeChat Help Center confirms this feature is for "daily purchases within China's mainland" and does not support money transfers or sending "red packets".
Essentially, an Australian user can link their card to pay for a coffee in Shanghai but cannot use the app to send money to a friend's wallet, whether they are in China or Australia. To do that, you need a different approach.
How to send money to a Weixin wallet from Australia
The only way to send money from your Australian bank account or card to a recipient's Weixin wallet in China is by using a specialised international money transfer service. Companies like Remitly have a direct integration that allows this.
Here is the typical process:
- Choose a provider. Select a money transfer service that lists Weixin or WeChat as a delivery option for China. Remitly is a well-known provider that offers this service.
- Create an account. Sign up with the provider using your email address and personal details. You will likely need to verify your identity.
- Set up your transfer. Enter the amount in AUD you wish to send. The service will show you the exchange rate, fees and the final amount in CNY the recipient will get.
- Enter recipient details. You will need your recipient's full name and the phone number associated with their Weixin account.
- Fund the transfer. Pay for the transfer using an approved method, such as a bank transfer, PayTo or your debit or credit card.
- Track the transfer. Once sent, you can monitor the progress of your payment through the provider's app or website. Your recipient will usually get an SMS or in-app notification and will need to actively claim the funds, often within 24–48 hours, by verifying their identity and choosing where the money lands (their Weixin wallet balance or a linked bank card).
When looking for a provider, it's worth comparing a few of the best international money transfer apps to find the best rates and fees for your specific amount.
Using Weixin Pay in China with an Australian card
If you are travelling to mainland China, you can now link an international credit card, like one from an Australian bank, to your Weixin Pay account. This allows you to pay for goods and services at millions of shops, restaurants and hotels, just like a local.
However, there are specific fees and limits to be aware of:
- Fees: Transactions under 200 RMB are fee-free. For single transactions over 200 RMB, a 3% transaction fee applies.
- Transaction Limits:
- Single transaction limit: 6,500 RMB
- Monthly cumulative limit: 50,000 RMB
- Yearly cumulative limit: 65,000 RMB
These limits are important to consider. If you are planning on making a very large payment, such as for buying property overseas, this method will not be suitable. You would need to use a service that specialises in how to make a large international money transfer.
Remember, this functionality is for consumer payments only. It does not enable you to send money to other people.
Is it safe to send money to a Weixin wallet?
Yes, it is safe, provided you use a reputable and regulated money transfer company. In Australia, money transfer services must be registered with AUSTRAC, which helps protect against fraud and money laundering.
When you use a service like Remitly, your transaction is protected by their security systems. The money does not go through WeChat's international servers but rather through the secure payment rails of the transfer provider. Always check that the provider you choose is well-reviewed and regulated in Australia.
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