When sending money, timing is everything. Payment delays can disrupt entire workflows.

Two of the most commonly used systems for transferring money internationally are ACH and SWIFT. But when it comes to speed, cost, and ease of use for sending USD to China, which one comes out on top?

What is ACH?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) is a US-based system that facilitates electronic bank-to-bank payments domestically. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes network that handles direct deposits, bill payments, and payroll transfers in the United States.

ACH is:

• Fast for domestic transfers – usually processed within 1–2 business days.
• Low-cost or free – especially when compared to international wire fees.
• Batch-based – transactions are processed in groups, not in real-time.

Limitations of ACH

ACH isn’t designed for international use. It doesn’t work directly with banks outside the US. That means if you’re trying to send USD from the US to China, ACH isn’t a direct solution. Banks may rely on intermediary services to reroute ACH payments, but that introduces complexity, time, and cost.

Also read: ACH vs SWIFT: Which is better for USD transfers to India?

What is SWIFT?

SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the global messaging network banks use to communicate transaction details. It’s the go-to method for sending money across borders and currencies.

Here’s how SWIFT works:

• Secure and global – connects over 11,000 financial institutions worldwide.
• Used for international wire transfers – including USD to CNY transactions.
• Fast but variable – processing can take 1–5 business days, depending on the banks involved.

The catch

While SWIFT gets the job done, it’s not always efficient. Multiple intermediary banks may handle a single transaction, each taking a small fee. These “hidden charges” and unpredictable delays can eat into your funds.

ACH vs SWIFT: Key differences

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So, if you need to send USD to China, ACH isn't a viable option. SWIFT is.

Also read: ACH vs Wire Transfers: Which is faster for sending US dollars to Egypt?

How to send USD to China with Grey

What if you could skip the complexity of traditional transfers and use a modern, digital-first solution? Grey is perfect for that.

Grey is a financial platform built for freelancers, remote workers, and businesses handling international payments. It offers virtual USD accounts you can use to receive and send money across borders.

Here’s what makes Grey a smarter option:

• No delays: With Grey, you don’t wait days for confirmation. Payments are processed quickly.
• No hidden fees: You get upfront, competitive rates with full transparency.
• Multi-currency accounts: Hold and convert between USD, GBP, EUR and more.
• Works anywhere: Perfect for individuals living outside the US who still need a USD account.

How to send USD to China using Grey

Getting started with Grey is simple and can be done entirely online:

1. Sign up for a free account

Head to grey.co or download the app and create an account.

2. Complete verification

Upload your ID and a selfie to meet basic compliance requirements.

3. Access your virtual USD account

Grey will issue you a US bank account number (ACH and SWIFT supported), ready to receive funds.

4. Fund your USD balance

Receive payments from clients, platforms like PayPal, or fund it yourself.

5. Send to China

Input your recipient’s bank details in China, confirm the amount, and transfer. Funds arrive faster and cheaper than traditional methods.

Also read: How wealthy people in China send money abroad

Start sending USD to China the modern way. Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking, designed to carry your dreams across borders.

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