Payment methods in China
China payment methods are the card, wallet, bank-transfer, BNPL and cash rails that consumers in China actually use at checkout. This page lists the 3 China methods Payment Methods List tracks, grouped by category, with a linked profile for each rail covering how it works, who uses it and which merchants should accept it.
Last updated: July 31, 2026 · By Ale Aznar
All China payment methods we track
| Method | Category | Region | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| UnionPay | Card scheme | Asia-Pacific | Live |
| Alipay | Digital wallet | Asia-Pacific | Live |
| WeChat Pay | Digital wallet | Asia-Pacific | Live |
Browse the profiles
Other categories
Frequently asked questions
What payment methods are used in China?
The most widely accepted methods we track in China include UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay. Coverage spans wallets, account-to-account rails, cards, BNPL and cash vouchers depending on the market.
How many payment methods does Payment Methods List track in China?
We currently track 3 methods attributed to China, each with its own profile page as coverage ships.
Which China payment methods settle in real time?
Real-time account-to-account rails settle within seconds in most markets, while cash vouchers and direct debit run on a delayed cycle. Settlement timing per method is covered in each method profile.
Do merchants need a local entity to accept payments in China?
It depends on the rail and the acquirer. Some domestic rails require a local entity or a merchant of record; others are reachable cross-border through international PSPs. Licensing notes sit inside each method profile.