How to avoid delays and high fees in cross-border transfers between the US and China

Konstantin Dokuchaev
Konstantin Dokuchaev
How to avoid delays and high fees in cross-border transfers between the US and China

Sending money between the USA and China is a common necessity for importers, exporters, and international service providers. However, cross-border payments between these two countries are often slow, expensive, and complicated

Sending money between the USA and China is a common necessity for importers, exporters, and international service providers. However, cross-border payments between these two countries are often slow, expensive, and complicated. Many businesses encounter unexpected delays, high transaction fees, currency conversion losses, and compliance-related obstacles. To avoid these issues, it’s important to understand how the system works and choose the right tools for the job. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to reduce both the time and cost of transferring funds from the US to China—and why using a specialized service like CrossGlobePay makes a real difference.

Traditional bank wires through the SWIFT network are still the most commonly used method for international payments. While this method is globally recognized, it often involves multiple intermediary banks. Each bank in the chain may apply its own processing fee, sometimes without clear communication to the sender. This results in higher total costs, with fees that can add up to $50 or more per transaction. On top of that, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 7 business days, depending on the banks involved and the accuracy of the payment details.

Delays are also caused by regulatory reviews. Both the US and China have strict financial controls in place to prevent money laundering, fraud, and unauthorized transactions. This means that payments are often flagged for additional review if the documents are unclear, if the amount is large, or if the transaction appears unusual in any way. A missing invoice or incorrect beneficiary detail can lead to the entire transfer being rejected or held for further verification. These delays can cause tension with suppliers, disrupt production timelines, and damage business relationships.

To avoid such issues, businesses need a payment strategy that is specifically designed for high-volume or regular US–China transactions. This includes selecting the right currency, ensuring document accuracy, and working with payment partners who understand the regulations of both countries. One proven approach is to avoid sending funds directly from a US bank to a Chinese bank via SWIFT. Instead, use a specialized international payment platform that has built-in infrastructure for local settlement in China.

This is exactly what CrossGlobePay offers. The platform is designed for international B2B payments, with a strong focus on optimizing cross-border transfers between North America and Asia. It helps businesses avoid unnecessary intermediaries, offering direct routes for payments that significantly reduce both cost and processing time. With CrossGlobePay, many transactions are completed in 1–2 business days, even when dealing with complex banking environments like China.

Another way CrossGlobePay helps is by offering clear, upfront fee structures. Unlike banks that might charge hidden intermediary fees or use unfavorable exchange rates, CrossGlobePay provides real-time currency conversion with transparent pricing. This allows businesses to know exactly how much the recipient will get—something that’s not always possible with traditional wire transfers.

Additionally, the platform provides full support for compliance. Cross-border transactions often require supporting documents like contracts, invoices, or customs declarations. Submitting incomplete or mismatched information is one of the most common reasons for delayed payments to China. CrossGlobePay’s team guides businesses through the documentation process, ensuring everything is in order before the transfer is initiated. This dramatically reduces the risk of payments being blocked, returned, or held for review.

A further advantage is automation. For companies that send frequent payments to the same recipients, CrossGlobePay allows users to save beneficiary information and reuse it securely. Batch payments, recurring transfers, and detailed reporting are all part of the platform’s toolkit—saving businesses time on every transaction.

In conclusion, cross-border payments between the US and China are challenging, but they don’t have to be painful. To avoid delays and high fees, companies should move away from outdated banking channels and embrace specialized fintech platforms that are built for global business. CrossGlobePay is one of the best solutions available for businesses looking to streamline payments, reduce costs, and ensure smooth financial operations across continents. Whether you're sending payments to manufacturers, freelancers, or logistics partners in China, CrossGlobePay helps you do it faster, safer, and with full transparency.



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