5 Western Union Alternatives to Send Money from American to China

When searching for international money transfers, many users default to established giants like Western Union due to brand recognition. However, savvy consumers are increasingly looking for the best providers for send money from American to china to avoid high markups and slow delivery times. While options like Panda Remit are gaining traction for their competitive rates, it is essential to compare various alternatives to find the right fit for your specific remittance needs.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a service for international money transfers, it is crucial to look beyond just the upfront fee. The total cost of remittance services is often hidden in the exchange rate.

• Fees and hidden costs: Many providers charge a transfer fee plus a margin on the exchange rate.
• Exchange rates and markups: A lower fee might mean a worse exchange rate, costing you more in the end.
• Transfer speed and payout methods: Some cross-border transfers are instant, while others take days.
• Geographic coverage: Ensure the provider supports specific corridors, such as US to China.
• Trust, regulation, and reliability: Always use services licensed by major financial authorities.

Competitor Alternatives to Western Union

Below is a comparison of top alternatives to Western Union, including Panda Remit, to help you identify the best providers for send money from American to china.

1. Alternative: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is widely recognized for transparency in international money transfers. Unlike many alternatives to Western Union, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate without a markup, charging a variable fee instead.

• Best for: Users who value transparency over instant speed.
• Strengths: Real exchange rates, no hidden markups.
• Limitations: Fees can be higher for large amounts; not always instant.
• US to China suitability: Supports transfers to Alipay and WeChat.
• Cost: Transparent percentage-based fee.

2. Alternative: Remitly

Remitly is a strong contender among the best providers for send money from American to china, offering tiered services based on speed.

• Best for: Users needing flexibility between cost and speed.
• Strengths: Choice between 'Economy' (cheaper, slower) and 'Express' (faster, costlier).
• Limitations: Exchange rates include a markup.
• US to China suitability: Good coverage for cash pickup and digital wallets.
• Speed: Varies by tier selected.

3. Alternative: WorldRemit

WorldRemit focuses on mobile-first cross-border transfers and is often cited as a convenient alternative for smaller remittances.

• Best for: Sending to mobile wallets and cash pickups.
• Strengths: fast transfers, easy-to-use mobile app.
• Limitations: Transfer limits can be lower than traditional banks.
• US to China suitability: Supports transfers to Alipay users.
• Fees: Generally lower than Western Union but includes rate markups.

4. Alternative: Xoom (A PayPal Service)

Xoom offers speed and the convenience of being integrated with the PayPal ecosystem, making it a familiar choice for international remittance.

• Best for: Existing PayPal users prioritizing convenience.
• Strengths: Instant transfers, high trust factor.
• Limitations: Often has higher fees and lower exchange rates compared to Panda Remit or Wise.
• US to China suitability: Fast delivery but often expensive.
• Reliability: Backed by PayPal's infrastructure.

5. Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit has emerged as a specialized service for Asian corridors, positioning itself as one of the best providers for send money from American to china due to its digital-first approach.

• Best for: Users sending to China, India, and Southeast Asia.
• Strengths: High exchange rates and low fees.
• Limitations: Digital-only (no physical branches).
• US to China suitability: deeply integrated with WeChat and Alipay for payouts.
• Offer: Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users and 0 fee & high exchange rate for new users.
• Security: Licensed by major financial authorities.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Western Union, specific scenarios make Panda Remit a superior choice for international money transfers.

Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the Asian market. If you are looking for the best providers for send money from American to china, Panda Remit offers significant advantages regarding total cost. The platform typically provides a higher exchange rate compared to traditional banks and services like Xoom, ensuring the recipient gets more currency per dollar sent.

Key Advantages of Panda Remit:

• Promotions: Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users and 0 fee & high exchange rate for new users, making the first transfer highly cost-effective.
• Speed: Transfers specifically for corridors like US→China or AU→India are often completed within 2 minutes.
• Regulation: The service is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring funds are secure during cross-border transfers.
• Coverage: Extensive payout networks including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major UnionPay banks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right partner for international money transfers depends on your priorities: speed, cost, or convenience. While Wise offers transparency and Remitly offers tiered speeds, users searching for the best providers for send money from American to china often find that specialized services offer better value.

Panda Remit stands out for its competitive exchange rates, new user incentives, and rapid delivery times to Asian markets. Before sticking with legacy providers, compare your options to ensure you aren't overpaying on fees.

Learn more about Panda Remit and compare today's rates.

FAQ: International Money Transfer Decisions

What is the cheapest alternative to Western Union for international transfers?

The cheapest alternative depends on the destination. For transfers to Asia, Panda Remit is often the most affordable due to its "0 fee" offers for new users and competitive exchange rates. Wise is also a low-cost option for generic global transfers.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates are often where providers hide fees. A service might advertise a $0 transfer fee but offer an exchange rate 3% worse than the market rate. Panda Remit generally offers rates closer to the mid-market rate, reducing the total cost of cross-border transfers.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

You should consider Panda Remit if you are sending money specifically from regions like the US or Australia to China or India. It is designed to be one of the best providers for send money from American to china, offering specialized integration with local wallets like Alipay.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit is known for speed. Many transactions, especially to digital wallets in China, are processed in as little as 2 minutes, making it significantly faster than traditional bank wires.