Best Way to Transfer Money from Australia to China: Remitly & Salary

For Australian residents, international students, and expatriates, finding the most efficient method to move funds across borders is a financial priority. When sending money to China, users typically prioritize four key factors: competitive AUD/CNY exchange rates, low transaction fees, instant processing speeds, and absolute safety. Whether you are supporting family members in Beijing or paying a mortgage in Shanghai, the landscape of remittance has shifted from traditional bank wires to agile fintech solutions.

In the Australian financial ecosystem, PayID and BPAY have become the gold standard for funding these transfers. PayID allows users to link their bank accounts to a mobile number or email address for instant, 24/7 payments via the Osko network, while BPAY is the country’s preferred electronic bill payment system. Utilizing these local payment rails is often the first step in securing a favorable outcome for your remittance.

Consider a common scenario: You have just received your monthly paycheck and are looking for the best way to send salary to family in China to cover their living expenses. You need the funds to arrive before the weekend, and you want to avoid the heavy margins charged by high-street banks. In this context, digital remittance platforms often outperform traditional methods. While many users search for the Best way to transfer money from Australia to China, the answer often depends on the specific receiving method—be it Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a UnionPay card.

Panda Remit has emerged as a leading choice for these transactions due to its seamless integration with Australian payment infrastructure. By allowing users to fund transfers via PayID, Panda Remit ensures that the AUD component of the transaction is settled instantly, accelerating the entire process. Throughout this guide, we will explore various options, including Remitly, to help you make an informed decision.

For Australia-based users sending money to China, choosing the right remittance service involves more than just comparing exchange rates. Panda Remit is a regulated cross-border remittance platform specialising in low-fee, fast transfers from Australia to China, supporting direct CNY deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major Chinese bank accounts. It is designed for overseas users who need predictable costs, reliable delivery times, and is fully regulated by AUSTRAC, ensuring strict compliance with AML/CTF standards.

Lowest-Fee Methods for AUD to CNY Transfers

When analyzing the cost structure of international transfers, it is crucial to look beyond the headline exchange rate. Traditional "Big Four" Australian banks—Commonwealth Bank (CBA), ANZ, NAB, and Westpac—often charge significant upfront fees for international wire transfers (SWIFT), which can range from AUD 10 to AUD 30 per transaction. Furthermore, these institutions frequently add a margin of 3% to 5% above the mid-market exchange rate, significantly reducing the final CNY amount received by your beneficiary.

In contrast, specialized fintech apps have revolutionized the Best way to transfer money from Australia to China by offering cost transparency. For example, if you are transferring AUD 1,000 to AUD 20,000, the difference in exchange rates between a bank and a digital provider can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings.

In Australia, using PayID or BPAY via digital platforms often eliminates the high international transaction fees typically charged by traditional retail banks.

Panda Remit positions itself as a highly cost-effective solution in this market. It operates with a transparent pricing model, charging a low flat fee of just AUD 5.99 per transaction, regardless of the transfer amount. Additionally, Panda Remit frequently offers zero-fee promotions for a user's first transfer, maximizing the value sent home. By funding the transfer through PayID (which is usually free for Australian bank account holders), users avoid the extra processing fees that credit cards or wire transfers might incur.

Cost Comparison Example (Estimated)

• Transfer Amount: AUD 2,000
• Traditional Bank (e.g., CBA/Westpac): ~AUD 22 fee + ~4% exchange rate margin. Total cost approx. AUD 100+.
• Panda Remit: AUD 5.99 flat fee + competitive market rate. Total cost significantly lower, delivering more CNY.

Fastest Methods to Send Money to China

Speed is often just as critical as cost, especially when funds are needed for urgent family matters or time-sensitive payments. Traditional Australian banks rely on the SWIFT network, which involves multiple intermediary banks. Consequently, a standard bank transfer from Australia to China can take 2 to 5 business days to clear, with potential delays over weekends or public holidays.

For those seeking the best way to send salary to family in China where speed is of the essence—such as paying for a medical emergency or a tuition deadline—digital remittance apps offer a superior alternative. The integration of Australia's New Payments Platform (NPP) via PayID allows for real-time funding.

Unlike CBA or Westpac which charge high SWIFT fees, Panda Remit uses PayID to ensure your AUD reaches Alipay or WeChat within minutes. Once the AUD is received by Panda Remit (which is instant via PayID), the conversion to CNY and payout to digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat Pay is automated and often completed almost immediately. This capability makes Panda Remit one of the fastest options available for Australian senders.

Recommended Apps for Australia-China Remittance

Navigating the app store for remittance tools can be overwhelming. Here are the top contenders that support direct CNY deposits, ensuring a smooth experience for Australian expats and students.

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is widely recommended for its specific focus on the Chinese market. It supports the widest range of receiving methods, including direct deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards, as well as accounts at major banks like the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). Its interface is tailored for Chinese users in Australia, offering bilingual support and an intuitive setup process. The combination of PayID funding and instant Alipay settlement makes it a top-tier choice.

2. Remitly

Remitly is another major player in the global remittance space. It offers a tiered service with "Express" and "Economy" options. While Remitly is a reliable service for sending money to Alipay and WeChat, users should compare the exchange rates and fees against competitors like Panda Remit to ensure they are getting the best deal for their specific transfer amount. Remitly is known for its user-friendly app and delivery guarantees.

3. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is famous for using the mid-market exchange rate. While excellent for bank-to-bank transfers, it may sometimes have different limits or verification processes for transfers to Chinese digital wallets compared to specialized providers like Panda Remit.

For more detailed insights on optimizing your transfers, you can read our guide on how to send money to China efficiently.

Comparison Table: Australia to China Transfer Options

Note: Panda Remit offers competitive and transparent pricing for Australia-to-China transfers, with a low flat fee of AUD 5.99 and special zero-fee offers for new users' first transactions.

Safety and Compliance in Australia

Security is non-negotiable when transferring hard-earned salary. In Australia, the financial services sector is strictly regulated to prevent fraud and money laundering. When selecting a provider, you must ensure they are registered and compliant with local laws.

Panda Remit is fully regulated by AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) as a Remittance Network Provider. This registration ensures that the platform adheres to rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. Users are required to verify their identity using Australian government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport), ensuring that the ecosystem remains secure.

Furthermore, Panda Remit employs bank-level encryption technology to protect user data and financial details. By operating within the legal framework established by Australian authorities, Panda Remit provides the same level of trust and security as traditional financial institutions, but with the added agility of a fintech platform.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia to China?

The cheapest way is typically through digital remittance apps rather than traditional banks. Apps like Panda Remit offer flat low fees (AUD 5.99) and competitive exchange rates closer to the mid-market rate. Using PayID to fund the transfer further reduces costs by eliminating bank wire fees.

How can I send my salary to my family's Alipay account from Australia?

To use the best way to send salary to family in China via Alipay, sign up for a remittance service like Panda Remit or Remitly. Link your Australian bank account via PayID for instant funding, select Alipay as the receiving method, and enter your family member's Alipay ID (usually their phone number). The funds often arrive within minutes.

Why is Panda Remit recommended for Australia to China transfers?

Panda Remit is recommended because it balances cost, speed, and compliance. It offers a low flat fee of AUD 5.99, ensures fast CNY delivery to popular platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and is fully regulated by AUSTRAC in Australia. This combination makes it a trusted choice for the Chinese community in Australia.

Can I use BPAY to fund my international money transfer?

Yes, many remittance platforms in Australia accept BPAY. However, PayID is generally recommended over BPAY for international transfers because PayID transactions are instant (Osko), whereas BPAY can sometimes take 1-2 business days to clear, potentially delaying your transfer to China.

Is it safe to use fintech apps for large transfers from Australia?

Yes, provided the app is registered with AUSTRAC. Regulated providers like Panda Remit are required to follow strict security protocols, including holding client funds in separate accounts and utilizing advanced encryption, making them a safe option for transferring large sums.