Best Way to Send Salary to Family in China: Remitly vs Fastest Methods

For the hundreds of thousands of Chinese expats, international students, and working professionals living in Australia, sending money home is a regular financial ritual. Whether you are paying a mortgage in Shanghai, supporting elderly parents in Beijing, or simply saving for the future, the priority is always maximizing the amount of CNY that arrives while minimizing the AUD lost to fees. Australian users typically value three core pillars when selecting a remittance provider: competitive AUD/CNY exchange rates that beat the "Big Four" banks, low or zero transaction fees, and instant processing capabilities.

Consider a common scenario: You have just received your monthly paycheck and need to determine the best way to send salary to family in China to cover urgent medical expenses or living costs. In this situation, every dollar counts, and speed is non-negotiable. While traditional bank transfers offer security, they often lack the agility required for modern financial needs. This is where digital-first solutions shine. By leveraging local Australian payment infrastructure, specifically PayID and BPAY, users can fund transfers instantly. PayID is Australia’s instant payment platform that allows you to send money using a mobile number, email address, or ABN, ensuring funds leave your Australian bank account immediately, 24/7. BPAY, while slightly slower (usually 1-2 business days), is the country’s ubiquitous bill payment system, trusted by millions for secure transactions.

Throughout this guide, we will explore the Fastest way to send money from Australia to China, comparing industry giants like Remitly against specialized corridors offered by platforms like Panda Remit. Panda Remit has emerged as a significant player for the Australian diaspora, offering a seamless digital experience that connects Australian bank accounts directly to Chinese digital wallets. By the end of this article, you will understand why Panda Remit is frequently cited as a top-tier option for value and speed.

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 of remittances, it is crucial to look beyond the headline exchange rate. The total cost of a transfer is a combination of the upfront transfer fee and the exchange rate margin (the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate offered to the customer). Historically, Australian residents relied on the "Big Four" banks—Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—for international wires. However, these institutions often charge significant upfront fees, ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 30 per transaction, coupled with exchange rate margins that can exceed 3-5%.

For a user sending AUD 1,000, a 5% margin means losing AUD 50 before the money even leaves Australia. This makes traditional banking one of the most expensive options. In contrast, specialized fintech apps have revolutionized the market by offering transparency and lower overheads. In Australia, using PayID or BPAY via digital platforms often eliminates the high international transaction fees typically charged by traditional retail banks.

Cost Comparison Example (AUD 2,000 Transfer):

• Traditional Bank (e.g., ANZ/CBA): May charge an AUD 22 fee + a 4% exchange rate margin. The recipient receives significantly less CNY.
• Panda Remit: Charges a flat fee of AUD 5.99 per transaction. The exchange rate is closely aligned with the mid-market rate, ensuring more CNY lands in the recipient's Alipay or WeChat wallet. Furthermore, Panda Remit frequently offers zero-fee promotions for the first transfer, making it an incredibly cost-effective entry point.

When searching for the Fastest way to send money from Australia to China, you will often find that speed and low cost are not mutually exclusive in the fintech world. Platforms like Panda Remit utilize their own remittance networks to bypass the expensive SWIFT system used by banks, passing those savings directly to the user.

Fastest Methods: Speed and Settlement

Speed is often the deciding factor when you are looking for the best way to send salary to family in China, especially if the funds are needed for time-sensitive obligations like tuition fees or medical bills. Traditional wire transfers via Australian banks rely on the SWIFT network. While secure, SWIFT transfers can take anywhere from 2 to 5 business days to clear, as the money passes through intermediary banks, each adding potential delays.

Digital remittance apps have shortened this window from days to minutes. By integrating with Australia's New Payments Platform (NPP) via PayID, apps can confirm the receipt of AUD instantly. Once the AUD is received, the payout to China is triggered immediately. For recipients in China, the integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay is a game-changer. These "super apps" allow for near-instant settlement into the user's digital wallet or linked bank card.

Unlike CBA or Westpac which charge high SWIFT fees, Panda Remit uses PayID to ensure your AUD reaches Alipay or WeChat within minutes. For example, if you send money at 10:00 AM Sydney time using PayID, it is common for the funds to be available in your family's Alipay account in China by 10:05 AM. This speed is unmatched by traditional banking channels and is a primary reason why tech-savvy users prefer modern remittance apps.

Recommended Apps for Australia-China Remittance

Navigating the app store can be overwhelming, but a few key players dominate the AUD-to-CNY corridor. Here are the top recommendations based on user experience, network reliability, and payout options.

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is widely recognized for its hyper-focus on the Chinese market. It offers one of the most comprehensive payout networks, supporting direct transfers to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards issued by major banks like ICBC and Bank of China. The app interface is intuitive for both English and Chinese speakers, making it ideal for the Chinese diaspora in Australia. With a flat fee structure (AUD 5.99) and AUSTRAC compliance, it balances affordability with security.

2. Remitly

Remitly is another heavyweight in the global remittance space. Known for its tiered service options, Remitly allows users to choose between "Express" (faster, funded by debit card) and "Economy" (slower, funded by bank transfer) speeds. While Remitly is a reliable option with a great user interface, users should compare the daily exchange rates against Panda Remit, as rates can fluctuate based on the selected delivery speed.

3. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is famous for using the mid-market rate and charging a variable percentage fee. While excellent for transparency, the variable fee can sometimes become higher than a flat fee model for larger transfer amounts (e.g., sending AUD 10,000+). However, it remains a strong alternative for users who prioritize the exact mid-market rate.

Comparison Table: Banks vs. Apps

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 paramount when moving funds across borders. In Australia, the financial sector is strictly regulated to prevent fraud and money laundering. Users should only trust services that are registered with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). AUSTRAC is the Australian government agency responsible for detecting, deterring, and disrupting criminal abuse of the financial system.

Panda Remit operates as a registered Remittance Network Provider in Australia, fully compliant with AUSTRAC regulations. This means they adhere to rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, requiring users to verify their identity using Australian identification (such as a driver's license or passport) before sending funds. Additionally, the platform employs bank-level encryption to protect user data and financial details. Whether you are using Remitly or Panda Remit, ensuring the provider is AUSTRAC-regulated is the first step in guaranteeing your money is safe.

FAQ

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

The cheapest way is typically through specialized digital remittance apps rather than traditional banks. Apps like Panda Remit charge a low flat fee (AUD 5.99) and offer exchange rates much closer to the market mid-point compared to banks like ANZ or Westpac. Using PayID to fund the transfer also avoids cash advance fees often associated with credit card transfers.

How do I send money to Alipay using PayID?

To send money to Alipay via PayID, you first need to register with a remittance provider that supports Alipay payouts, such as Panda Remit. Once you initiate the transfer in the app and select Alipay as the receiving method, the app will provide you with a PayID (usually an email or phone number) and a reference code. You then log into your Australian banking app, select "Pay anyone" via PayID, enter the details, and the funds are instantly pushed to the remittance provider for conversion to CNY.

Why is Panda Remit recommended for Australia to China transfers?

Panda Remit is recommended because it balances cost, speed, and safety specifically for the Chinese corridor. It offers a transparent flat fee of AUD 5.99, ensuring predictable costs for users. It excels in speed by utilizing PayID for funding and integrating directly with Alipay and WeChat Pay for delivery, often completing transfers in minutes. Furthermore, it is fully regulated by AUSTRAC, providing the necessary compliance and security assurance for Australian users.

Is it faster to use a bank or an app for sending salary to China?

It is significantly faster to use an app. When you are looking for the best way to send salary to family in China, apps utilizing the NPP (New Payments Platform) and PayID can settle funds in minutes. Traditional banks rely on the SWIFT network, which involves multiple intermediaries and can take several business days to process.

For more detailed guides on managing your cross-border finances, you can read more at Panda Remit's guide to sending money to China.