Revolut Taps Alipay to Power Remittances to China

July 9, 2025 • FinTech News
Revolut Taps Alipay to Power Remittances to China

Breaking Down Barriers in Cross-Border Payments

Revolut has forged a strategic partnership with Ant International to revolutionize money transfers to mainland China. This collaboration enables Revolut’s 35+ million global users to send funds directly to Alipay accounts, tapping into China’s massive $48 billion annual remittance market. The integration marks a significant step in digital payment innovation, combining Revolut’s borderless banking platform with Ant International’s extensive Chinese payment infrastructure.

How the New Remittance Service Works

Sending money to China through Revolut is now remarkably simple:

  1. Initiate Transfer: Open the Revolut app and select “Send International”

  2. Select Destination: Choose China as the recipient country

  3. Choose Method: Pick Alipay as your transfer option

  4. Enter Details: Provide the recipient’s Alipay ID, full name, and address

  5. Confirm Transaction: Review and complete your transfer

“We’ve eliminated the complexity from cross-border payments to China,” explained Raymond Ng, CEO of Revolut Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Competitive Advantages for Users

The new service offers compelling benefits:

Cost Savings

  • Standard users pay just 0.15% fee

  • Premium members enjoy reduced 0.12% rates

  • Significant savings versus traditional remittance services

Speed and Convenience
✔ Near-instant transfers through Ant’s network
✔ Fully mobile experience
✔ No need for bank account details
✔ 24/7 accessibility

Security and Reach
→ Regulated and secure transfers
→ Direct to Alipay’s 1.3 billion users
→ Ideal for family support and business payments

Market Impact and Strategic Importance

This partnership addresses three critical needs:

  1. Growing Remittance Demand: China receives over $48B annually in cross-border payments

  2. Digital-First Solutions: Consumers increasingly prefer mobile payment options

  3. Cost Efficiency: Reducing fees for frequent senders

“Our collaboration with Revolut creates a seamless bridge between global users and Chinese recipients,” an Ant International representative stated.

Future of Cross-Border Payments

The integration reflects broader trends in fintech:
✔ Partnerships between global and regional players
✔ Disruption of traditional remittance channels
✔ Mobile-first financial solutions
✔ Competitive pricing pressures

With this move, Revolut strengthens its position as a leader in affordable, accessible international money transfers while Ant International expands its global reach.