Topping Up Alipay - Mainland China: Bank Cards, Credit Cards, and Fees

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You want to top up Alipay quickly, and you can choose bank cards from Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and others, supporting debit cards, credit cards, and even international cards like Visa and Mastercard. You only need to link a bank card and follow the prompts to complete the top-up. Some methods may incur a transaction fee, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1% (converted to USD based on the real-time exchange rate). You can choose the most suitable top-up method based on your actual needs.

Key Takeaways

• Alipay supports topping up with debit cards, credit cards, and international cards from multiple Chinese banks, with simple operations and fast crediting.
• Debit card top-ups are usually fee-free, suitable for daily small-amount top-ups; credit card and international card top-ups may incur fees of 0.5% to 3%.
• Completing Alipay real-name verification can increase top-up limits and ensure fund security, and it’s recommended that users verify promptly.
• When choosing a top-up method, consider fees, crediting speed, and top-up limits to select the most suitable option for yourself.
• When topping up, ensure the bank cardholder’s name matches the Alipay account’s real name, and pay attention to protecting personal information and network security.

Supported Bank Card Types

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Debit Card Support

You can use debit cards issued by multiple Chinese banks to top up your Alipay account. Commonly supported banks include:

1. Bank of China
2. China Construction Bank
3. Agricultural Bank of China
4. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
5. China Merchants Bank
6. Bank of Communications
7. Industrial Bank
8. China Minsheng Bank
9. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank
10. Guangdong Development Bank
11. Ping An Bank
12. China Everbright Bank
13. China CITIC Bank
14. Bank of Shanghai
15. Bank of Hangzhou
16. Bank of Ningbo
17. Postal Savings Bank of China
18. Huaxia Bank
19. MYbank

When linking a bank card, the cardholder’s name must match the Alipay account username. You can complete the linking through Alipay’s “Add/Change Bank Card” function. When topping up Alipay with a debit card, the system will automatically recognize the card type. You cannot use passbooks, credit-only cards, electronic payment cards, or prepaid cards for topping up.

Tip: Debit card top-ups are usually fee-free, with fast crediting, suitable for daily small-amount top-ups.

Credit Card Support

You can also use credit cards issued by Bank of China to top up Alipay. The range of supported banks for credit cards is similar to that for debit cards. You need to complete real-name verification before linking a credit card. Some credit card top-ups may incur a certain transaction fee, subject to the announcements from the bank and Alipay. Credit card top-up limits are usually higher than debit cards, but some banks may set daily or monthly limits for credit card top-ups.

Note: Credit card top-ups may affect your personal credit record, so it’s recommended to use them reasonably.

International Card Support

If you hold an international bank card, such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, or American Express, you can also top up Alipay. You need to complete Alipay real-name verification first, uploading documents like a passport or ID card. When topping up with an international card, the system will automatically convert foreign currency to RMB based on the real-time exchange rate. You need to pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations, as the actual USD amount paid may differ from expectations. International card top-ups typically incur a fee of 0.5% to 1%, with varying fee standards depending on the bank and card issuer. You also need to be aware of the payment limits of the bank card to avoid top-up failures due to exceeding limits.

It’s recommended to operate in a secure network environment to protect personal information security.

Alipay Top-Up Methods

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Debit Card Top-Up

You can use debit cards from banks like Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Construction Bank to top up your Alipay account. The entire process is simple:

1. Open the Alipay App and go to the “My” - “Bank Cards” page.
2. Select “Add Bank Card” and enter the debit card number and related information.
3. The system will automatically recognize your bank card type. You need to enter a mobile verification code to complete the linking.
4. Go to the “Top-Up” page and select the linked debit card as the funding source.
5. Enter the amount you want to top up (the system will automatically display the equivalent USD amount, calculated based on the real-time exchange rate).
6. After confirming the information is correct, enter the payment password to complete the top-up operation.

Debit card top-ups to Alipay are credited quickly, usually within minutes. You don’t need to pay additional transaction fees, making it suitable for daily small-amount fund management.

Tip: When linking a bank card, the cardholder’s name must match the Alipay account’s real name, or the top-up will not succeed.

Credit Card Top-Up

You can also choose to use a credit card issued by Bank of China to top up Alipay. The credit card top-up process is slightly more complex than debit cards and requires you to enable online banking services in advance. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Bring your credit card and ID to a bank counter to enable online banking services.
2. Log in to Alipay and select the “Top Up Alipay” function.
3. Select “Online Banking Payment” and click Next.
4. Insert the bank’s K-token (USB security key).
5. Enter the top-up amount and click Agree.
6. Click Confirm to enable and top up.
7. Follow the prompts to enter the K-token password and click Confirm.
8. Select the payment card number, enter the payment password, and click Confirm.
9. Enter the K-token password again, and the system will prompt that the top-up is successful.

Credit card top-ups have higher limits, suitable for large-amount funding needs. Some banks may charge a fee of 0.5% to 1%, and the actual credited amount is based on USD, with the system automatically converting the exchange rate.

Note: Credit card top-ups may affect your personal credit record. You should arrange funds reasonably to avoid overdue repayments.

International Card Top-Up

If you hold an international bank card like Visa, Mastercard, or JCB, you can also top up Alipay. You need to complete Alipay real-name verification first, uploading documents like a passport or ID card. The operation process is as follows:

1. Open the Alipay App and go to the “Bank Card Management” page.
2. Select “Add Bank Card” and enter the international card information.
3. The system will prompt you to upload relevant documents to complete real-name verification.
4. Go to the “Top-Up” page and select the linked international card.
5. Enter the top-up amount, and the system will automatically display the equivalent USD amount, settled based on the real-time exchange rate.
6. After confirming the information, enter the payment password to complete the top-up.

International card top-ups typically incur a fee of 0.5% to 1%. You need to pay attention to exchange rate changes, as the actual payment amount may vary. Some banks and card issuers may also charge additional fees.

It’s recommended to operate in a secure network environment to protect personal information security.

Other Top-Up Methods

In addition to bank cards and credit cards, you can also choose multiple ways to top up Alipay. The table below summarizes common methods and their processes:

You can choose the most suitable top-up method based on your actual needs. When topping up Alipay, it’s recommended to prioritize methods with low fees and fast crediting.

Top-Up Fees

Debit Card Fees

When you use debit cards from banks like Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, or China Construction Bank to top up Alipay, you usually don’t incur transaction fees. Most banks support real-time crediting, with the top-up amount settled directly based on the day’s USD to RMB exchange rate. You only need to check if the bank has special promotions or temporary policies. Debit card top-ups are suitable for daily small-amount fund management, with almost no additional costs.

Tip: Some banks may set single-transaction or daily limits for large-amount top-ups, so it’s recommended to consult bank customer service in advance.

Credit Card Fees

When you use credit cards from Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, or others to top up Alipay, the fee structure is more complex. Based on the latest policy, the fees and limits for credit card top-ups are as follows:

1. For single transactions of USD 200 or less, no transaction fee is charged.
2. For amounts exceeding USD 200, a 3% fee is charged.
3. When a refund is issued, the transaction fee is refunded proportionally.
4. The single-transaction limit for Alipay is USD 3,000.

When topping up, the system will automatically calculate the transaction fee and display it on the payment page. Some banks may also charge credit card cash advance fees or interest. You need to be aware that credit card top-ups may affect your personal credit record, so it’s recommended to arrange funds reasonably.

Note: If you use a credit card issued by a Hong Kong bank, the fee and limit policies may differ from those of Mainland China banks, so it’s recommended to check the relevant regulations in detail before topping up.

International Card and Foreign Card Fees

When you hold an international bank card like Visa, Mastercard, or JCB, you can also top up Alipay. International card top-up fees mainly include the following aspects:

1. Payment institutions or banks typically charge a fee of 0.5%-1% based on the transfer amount, with the specific amount subject to the service provider’s policy.
2. The exchange rate conversion fee is based on the real-time exchange rate, and the system will display the USD to RMB conversion ratio on the top-up page. You can review and decide whether to proceed with the top-up before the transaction.
3. During cross-border payments, additional fees from intermediary banks and the recipient bank may apply.
4. Taking Wise as an example, fees and exchange rate differences together constitute the total cost, with fees approximately 0.5%-1% of the transfer amount and exchange rate differences around 0.5%-1%.

When using an international card to top up Alipay, it’s recommended to choose platforms with lower fees and transparent exchange rates. Some platforms will list all fees in detail on the payment page, helping you make informed decisions.

It’s recommended to carefully review all fee details before topping up to avoid reduced credited amounts due to exchange rate fluctuations or hidden fees.

Fee Comparison

When choosing a top-up method, you can refer to the table below to quickly understand the fee structure of different methods:

You can flexibly choose the most suitable top-up method based on the top-up amount, crediting speed, and fee level. Debit cards and some credit card top-ups are suitable for users seeking low costs and high efficiency. International cards and third-party platforms are suitable for users with cross-border funding needs. Recharge codes and mobile recharge cards provide convenience for users without bank cards.

Reminder: If you need to withdraw or transfer funds, Alipay may charge additional fees for excess amounts. It’s recommended to understand the relevant policies in advance and arrange fund flows reasonably.

Top-Up Limits and Verification

Single Transaction and Daily Limits

When you use debit cards from different banks to top up, the limits may vary. Below are the limit details for common banks:

• For debit cards from Agricultural Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the maximum top-up per transaction is USD 10,000, with a daily maximum of USD 100,000, with specific amounts converted based on the day’s exchange rate.
• For China Merchants Bank debit cards, the per-transaction and daily top-up limits are both USD 10,000.
• For Great Wall RMB debit cards via quick payment (including Alipay), the cumulative limit per transaction and daily is generally USD 10,000.
• You can contact the bank or third-party payment platform to adjust the limit based on your needs.
• The actual limit is also affected by the Alipay real-name verification status, with lower limits for unverified accounts.

If you use international cards or Tourpass, the top-up limits are set based on the platform and bank policies. Some international cards have lower daily limits, so it’s recommended to check the relevant regulations in advance.

Reminder: Top-up limits are subject to restrictions from both the bank and Alipay, with the specific amount displayed on the actual operation page.

Real-Name Verification Process

To increase your top-up limit, you must complete Alipay real-name verification. You can choose two common methods:

1. Real-name verification via online banking
   • Log in to your Alipay account, go to the “My Alipay” page, find “My Account,” and click [Apply for Real-Name Verification].
   • Read and agree to the service agreement, select “Activate Alipay Card Link and Complete Real-Name Verification Online.”
   • Select your bank, enter your real name and bank card information. The payment password is usually the ID number minus the first 6 digits.
   • Log in to online banking, complete the E-Pay authorization, and enter the dynamic password.
   • Return to your Alipay account, confirm the account status changes to “Real-Name Verified Member,” and verification is successful.
2. Real-name verification by confirming remittance amount
   • Log in to your Alipay account, go to the real-name verification entry, and select “Via Confirming Bank Remittance Amount.”
   • Enter personal and bank card information and submit the verification application.
   • Wait 2-3 days and check the small-amount remittance received in your bank card from Alipay.
   • Log in to Alipay, enter the exact remittance amount received to confirm.
   • After the review is passed, the account status will show “Real-Name Verified Member.”

You need to prepare materials including ID information and bank card information (such as bank card number, issuing bank, cardholder’s name, etc.). If you use an international card, you also need to upload a passport and a selfie. After completing real-name verification, your top-up limit will significantly increase, and fund security will be better protected.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Top-Up Methods

Debit Card Advantages and Disadvantages

When you top up with a debit card, the experience is usually convenient. You can carry a debit card with you, offering flexible operations. Debit cards have high security, and funds are less likely to be stolen. You can also withdraw cash via ATMs when needed, enjoying the convenience of cash.
However, some banks’ debit cards cannot query complete transaction records, which may affect your user experience. Some banks’ online banking systems have lower security, posing a risk of hacker attacks. Third-party payment platforms have limited support for smaller banks, so you may only use quick payment, with restricted functionality. Debit cards have limited usage scenarios, as some small merchants do not support card payments.

It’s recommended to use multiple verification methods like U-shield when topping up via online banking to enhance fund security.

Credit Card Advantages and Disadvantages

When you top up with a credit card, fees, convenience, and security each have their characteristics.

You can complete top-ups with your mobile phone, with funds credited in real-time, greatly improving payment efficiency. You also need to note that some banks may charge transaction fees, so it’s recommended to understand the relevant fees in advance. You need to protect your account password to prevent information leakage.

International Card Advantages and Disadvantages

When you hold an international card like Visa or Mastercard, you can use Alipay for scan-to-pay in China, suitable for foreigners traveling, doing business, or shopping in China. You can register with a phone number or email, and after linking an international card, you can pay by scanning, which is convenient.

• Applicable scenarios: International cards are very convenient for overseas spending or cross-border e-commerce shopping.
• Disadvantages: Payments are restricted in some countries or regions, with higher fees. For single transactions exceeding USD 200, a 3% fee applies. Some merchants do not support foreign card payments, especially small merchants and non-tier-1 cities. You may encounter language barriers and complex operations during real-name verification and card linking. Foreign card payments have higher risks and higher chargeback rates.

When using an international card, it’s recommended to check in advance whether merchants support foreign card payments to avoid payment failures.

Other Method Advantages and Disadvantages

You can also choose recharge codes, mobile recharge cards, quick payment, and other methods. Recharge codes and mobile recharge cards are suitable for users without bank cards, offering convenient purchase and simple operations.

• Advantages: You can buy recharge codes at convenience stores and top up anytime. Mobile recharge cards also enable quick top-ups.
• Disadvantages: Fees are higher, with recharge codes at about 2% and mobile recharge cards at about 5%. Top-up amounts are limited, suitable for small-amount temporary needs. Quick payment is convenient but less secure, with risks of password leakage.

When choosing these methods, weigh the fees and convenience, prioritizing fund security.

You can choose the appropriate top-up method based on your identity. The table below summarizes suitable methods for different user groups:

• Bank card top-ups have the lowest fees, are the most convenient, and have fast crediting, suitable for most users.
• Common reasons for top-up failures include insufficient balance, incorrect password, unstable network. You can check the balance, reset the password, or improve the network environment to ensure smooth payments.

FAQ

1. Which bank cards can you use to top up Alipay?

You can use debit and credit cards from major Chinese banks, such as Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Construction Bank. You can also use international cards like Visa and Mastercard, requiring real-name verification.

2. How long does it take for an Alipay top-up to be credited?

Debit and credit card top-ups are usually credited within minutes. International card top-ups may take longer, depending on the bank and exchange rate settlement speed.

3. What to do if a top-up fails?

You can first check the bank card balance and payment password. If the network is unstable, try changing the network environment. If issues persist, contact Alipay or bank customer service.

4. What are the fees for international card top-ups?

International card top-ups incur a fee of 0.5%-1%. You also need to pay attention to USD to RMB exchange rate changes. Some banks may have additional fees.

5. How can you increase your Alipay top-up limit?

You can complete real-name verification by uploading an ID card, passport, and selfie. After verification, Alipay will automatically increase your top-up limit, and fund security will be higher.

While Alipay top-ups with debit cards, credit cards, and international cards remain common, users often face fees ranging from 0.5% to 3%, plus exchange rate differences and limits. For cross-border users, cost and speed matter most.

BiyaPay offers a smarter alternative:

• Fees as low as 0.5%, cheaper than most international card or code top-ups
• Real-time, transparent exchange rates
• Same-day arrival with fiat and digital currency support
• No hidden charges—perfect for remittances, student payments, and everyday recharges

Stop overpaying for slow and costly top-ups. With BiyaPay, your money moves faster, safer, and cheaper.

Try BiyaPay today.