7 Western Union Alternatives for Best App for Sending Money from America to China

When searching for the Best app for sending money from America to China, many users initially turn to established giants like the Western Union due to their global presence. However, the landscape of international money transfers has evolved significantly, offering digital-first international remittance solutions that often provide faster speeds and lower costs. While Western Union remains a viable option, exploring modern alternatives like Panda Remit and others can yield significantly better exchange rates and lower fees for cross-border transactions.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting the Best app for sending money from America to China, it is crucial to evaluate the key factors that impact the value and safety of your transfer. Not all international money transfers are created equal.

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Many services charge a low upfront fee but hide costs in the exchange rate markup. Always calculate the total cost.
• Exchange Rates: A competitive exchange rate can save you significant amounts on large transfers. Compare the provider's rate against the mid-market rate.
• Transfer Speed: Some services offer instant transfers, while others take 3-5 business days.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the provider supports the specific corridor, such as US to China or US to India.
• Trust and Regulation: Only use services Licensed by major financial authorities to ensure funds are safe.

Competitor Alternatives to Western Union

Below is a comparison of leading alternatives to Western Union, highlighting fees, speed, and reliability. This list includes Panda Remit, which has gained popularity for its competitive rates in Asian markets.

Comparison: Fees and Estimated Delivery

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is widely recognized for transparency in international money transfers. It uses the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups, charging a visible fee instead.

• Best for: Transparency and mid-market rates.
• Pros: No hidden exchange rate markups; very transparent interface.
• Cons: Fees can be higher for large transfer amounts compared to flat-fee services.
• Fit for Purpose: A strong contender for the Best app for sending money from America to China if you prioritize rate transparency over speed.
• Speed: Usually 1-2 business days for bank transfers.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is a digital-first remittance service that specializes in corridors from the US, Europe, and Australia to Asia. It is designed to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks.

• Best for: High exchange rates and low fees for Asian corridors.
• Pros: Competitive exchange rates; Panda Remit offers 0 fees and high rates for new users.
• Cons: Digital-only (no physical cash branches for sending).
• Fit for Purpose: Often cited as the Best app for sending money from America to China due to its focus on the CNY corridor (WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay).
• Reliability: Licensed by major financial authorities.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers tiered services for cross-border transfers, allowing users to choose between "Express" (faster, higher fee) and "Economy" (slower, lower fee).

• Best for: Users who need flexibility between speed and cost.
• Pros: Clear delivery times; promotional rates for first-time users.
• Cons: Exchange rates may include a markup compared to Panda Remit or Wise.
• Fit for Purpose: Reliable for cash pickup and bank deposits in China.
• Speed: Minutes (Express) to 3-5 days (Economy).

4. WorldRemit

WorldRemit focuses on mobile transfers and smaller remittances, offering a user-friendly app experience for international money transfers.

• Best for: Mobile wallet transfers and airtime top-up.
• Pros: Wide network of payout partners; easy-to-use mobile app.
• Cons: Transfer limits can be lower than competitors.
• Fit for Purpose: Good for sending smaller amounts quickly to mobile wallets.
• Fees: Varies by payout method.

5. Xoom (A PayPal Service)

Xoom is a fast option integrated with the PayPal ecosystem, making it convenient for existing PayPal users, though often more expensive than Panda Remit or Wise.

• Best for: Convenience for PayPal users.
• Pros: Very fast transfers; trusted brand.
• Cons: High fees and lower exchange rates compared to specialized remittance services.
• Fit for Purpose: Convenient, but rarely the cheapest option for the Best app for sending money from America to China.
• Speed: Often available in minutes.

6. MoneyGram

As a direct competitor to Western Union, MoneyGram offers a massive physical network for cash pickups, which is essential for recipients without bank accounts.

• Best for: Cash pickup availability globally.
• Pros: Massive global reach; cash options.
• Cons: Fees can be high; rates are generally less competitive than digital alternatives like Panda Remit.
• Fit for Purpose: Ideal if the recipient needs physical cash immediately.
• Speed: Usually ready for pickup in minutes.

7. Paysend

Paysend utilizes card-to-card technology to facilitate cross-border transfers, offering fixed low fees for international transactions.

• Best for: Sending money directly to Visa/Mastercard or UnionPay cards.
• Pros: Fixed low fees; instant transfers to cards.
• Cons: Exchange rates fluctuate; limits on card transfers.
• Fit for Purpose: A strong alternative for direct card deposits in China.
• Coverage: extensive global reach.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Western Union, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for the US to China corridor. It has built a reputation for offering some of the most competitive exchange rates in the market.

Panda Remit is often the preferred choice when the user prioritizes total received amount (after fees and exchange impact). For new customers, Panda Remit frequently offers exclusive promotions, such as zero fees and a higher promotional exchange rate, making it a highly attractive entry point for international money transfers.

Furthermore, Panda Remit supports direct transfers to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards, which are the primary payment methods in China. This seamless integration makes it a top contender for the title of the Best app for sending money from America to China. Users can trust the platform as it is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring security alongside affordability. Additionally, Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users to maintain loyalty, unlike some services that only reward new sign-ups.

Conclusion

Choosing the Best app for sending money from America to China requires balancing speed, cost, and reliability. While Western Union offers brand familiarity, digital alternatives to Western Union like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit often provide superior value.

If your priority is obtaining the highest possible exchange rate with low fees, particularly for transfers to Asia, Panda Remit is a compelling solution. With its focus on digital efficiency and robust security compliance, it addresses the modern needs of cross-border transfers effectively. Learn more about Panda Remit to see how much you can save on your next transfer.

FAQ: International Money Transfers

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

The cheapest alternative often depends on the specific country pair. However, digital-first services like Panda Remit and Wise typically offer lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional banks or Western Union.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates are often where hidden fees lie. A service might advertise "$0 fees" but offer a poor exchange rate. Comparing the rate offered by Panda Remit or others against the mid-market rate is essential to finding the true cost.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to China, India, or other Asian corridors. Its integration with local wallets (like Alipay and WeChat) and aggressive promotional rates for new and old users make it a top choice.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit transfers are typically very fast, with many transactions to digital wallets completing in minutes. Bank transfers may take up to one business day depending on the receiving bank's processing times.