Receiving US dollars (USD) from the USA while living in China used to mean high, hidden fees, long bank queues and complicated paperwork. But today, things are much easier. Whether you’re freelancing, getting paid for contract work, making business payments or receiving support from family back home, there are now faster and simpler ways to get USD from the USA in China. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best options available.

Also read: How non-US citizens can open a US bank account online

What to consider before choosing a platform to receive USD in China

1. Transfer speed: Payment delays can be frustrating, and some platforms take several days to process international transfers. It’s best to choose a platform that doesn’t keep you waiting for more than necessary.
2. Hidden fees: The last thing you want is to lose your money to hidden charges in conversions, withdrawals and transfers. Make sure the platform you use to receive USD has fair and transparent charges to ensure you keep more of your money.
3. Exchange rates: If you plan to convert your USD to Chinese Yuan (CNY) or other currencies, the platform you use must offer fair exchange rates at mid-market with no hidden markups.‍
4. Ease of use: Clunky apps or websites make your money transfer experience more complex than it should be. Choose a platform that allows you to create an account and manage your finances without hassle.

Also read: How to avoid high fees when receiving international payments

How to receive USD in China

• Grey (recommended): Grey is one of the best platforms for getting your USD payments in China. It also offers multi-currency accounts to receive and manage multiple currencies from one app.
• Payooner: Payooner allows you to receive international payments in foreign currencies and withdraw to a local bank account.
• Wise: Wise is another well-known platform that offers money transfers with reasonable exchange rates and transparent fees. It also allows you to receive payments in USD and withdraw CNY.
• For its ease of use, PayPal is a platform many prefer; however, withdrawing funds to local Chinese banks is limited and can often be tricky.

Why is Grey the best choice for receiving USD payments in China?

• Instant US account: You can get your US bank account instantly, skipping the hassle of long signup processes or tedious bank visits, allowing you to receive payments from international clients or employers easily.
• Instant conversions: You can quickly convert your USD to CNY at the best exchange rates in seconds and withdraw to your local bank account.
• No hidden fees: There are no hidden fees or costs, so you’ll get the full value for your money
• Multi-currency support: In addition to US dollars (USD), Grey also supports euros (EUR) and pounds (GBP), making it a versatile option for global transactions.
• Stablecoin payments: You can send and receive USDC payments directly into your Grey US account. No crypto exchange needed.

How to receive USD in China with Grey

Step 1: Sign up for a Grey account

• Visit the Grey website or download the Grey app.
• Choose your country (China) during registration.
• Enter your name, email, and phone number.
• Verify your email with a one-time password (OTP).

Step 2: Complete KYC Verification

To unlock full account features, complete your Know Your Customer (KYC) process:

• Upload a government-issued ID (National ID, Driver’s License, or Passport).
• Submit a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
• Wait for approval (usually within 24 hours).

Step 3: Request your US bank account

Once verified:

• Go to the Accounts section.
• Click “Create Account” and choose USD.
• You’ll instantly receive your US bank account details (account number and routing number).

Get USD payments, convert to CNY and withdraw easily

Grey makes it easy to:

• Receive USD payments from family, clients and other platforms.
• Convert funds at competitive exchange rates.
• Withdraw money directly to your Chinese bank account.
• Track all transactions from one dashboard.

Seamless global banking with Grey

Regardless of where you are in the world, receiving USD should be a breeze and with Grey, it’s now possible. Create your free account today to experience seamless and borderless banking designed for you.