Financial Services China

Mastercard and Bank of Shanghai Streamline Money Transfers to China

Brandon Richards
Brandon Richards ·
Verified · 3 sources· Updated July 2, 2026
Mastercard and Bank of Shanghai Streamline Money Transfers to China

Mastercard Move has partnered with the Bank of Shanghai to enable bi-directional cross-border payments into and out of China. This integration allows for seamless transfers directly to and from bank accounts, supplementing existing options for Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. The system utilizes domestic networks like CIPS to route payments with multi-currency support, including CNY and USD.

This development significantly impacts digital nomads, expats, and travelers who previously relied heavily on cash or mobile wallets. It simplifies receiving local payouts and sending funds back home to regions including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Additionally, the roughly 700,000 Chinese students studying abroad can now receive support from their families with faster processing and more predictable exchange rates.

To use this service, nomads and travelers should look for the Mastercard Move logo within their participating global bank or payment provider app. The system offers account-to-account routing with transparent tracking and simplified documentation requirements. While specific fees and transaction limits depend on your individual bank, the "multi-rail" approach means you can now choose between sending money to a card, a digital wallet, or a traditional bank account.

Stay updated on the latest nomad news to see how these financial integrations make living abroad easier.

Read our full China guide for the complete picture.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Mastercard Move and Bank of Shanghai partnership do?
It enables bi-directional cross-border payments into and out of China. Transfers can go directly to and from bank accounts, with support for Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay.
Can digital nomads in China use Alipay and WeChat Pay with this service?
Yes, the integration simplifies cross-border transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay wallets. It is designed to make local mobile payment systems easier to use for digital nomads in China.
What currencies does the payment system support?
It supports multi-currency transfers, including CNY and USD. The system uses domestic networks like CIPS to route payments.
How do I access Mastercard Move through my bank or payment app?
Look for the Mastercard Move logo inside a participating global bank or payment provider app. The service uses account-to-account routing with transparent tracking and simplified documentation requirements.
Can I send money from China back home with this service?
Yes, it supports sending funds back home. The source text says transfers can be routed to regions including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Are fees and transaction limits fixed for Mastercard Move transfers?
No, specific fees and transaction limits depend on your individual bank. The source does not give fixed pricing or limits.

Stay updated on China

Visa changes, travel alerts, and destination news — delivered when they actually matter.

Related Updates