(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Until recently, accepting Alipay and WeChat Pay required a mainland China company—blocking most overseas brands. New cross-border programs launched since 2023 now enable direct integration with global settlement, making these payment giants accessible to international merchants for the first time. Here’s the exact roadmap used by thousands of successful overseas sellers.
1. Alipay+ Cross-Border Program Requirements & Setup
1.1 Documentation & Verification Global Business License: Submit overseas company registration, beneficial owner details, and product catalog—no Chinese entity needed. Approval Timeline: Standard verification completes in 7–21 days via Alipay’s international merchant portal.
1.2 Technical Integration Options API vs SDK: Choose between lightweight H5 payment links (ideal for websites) or full Mini Program SDK for native experience. Multi-Currency Display: Automatically show prices in RMB while settling in your home currency.
2. WeChat Pay Cross-Border Merchant Program
2.1 Simplified Onboarding Process Tencent Global Team: Work directly with WeChat Pay International team or approved partners (Stripe, Adyen, PingPong) for activation. KYC Requirements: Provide business license, bank account, and expected transaction volume.
2.2 Supported Platforms Tmall Global & JD Worldwide: Native integration available day one. Independent Sites: Use WeChat H5 payment links or Mini Program for full functionality.
3. Choosing the Right Payment Service Provider (PSP)
3.1 Top Cross-Border PSPs PingPong, LianLian, Wanlihui: Offer one-contract access to Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, and 20+ local methods with competitive 1% fees. Value-Added Services: Automatic tax invoices, refund handling, and fraud detection tailored for China.
4. Testing & Go-Live Best Practices
4.1 Sandbox Environment Realistic Testing: Both Alipay and WeChat provide sandbox environments with virtual Chinese user accounts. Common Pitfalls: Ensure SSL certificates, proper return URLs, and mobile-responsive checkout pages.
Case Study: Australian Health Brand’s First-Week Alipay Success
An Australian collagen brand partnered with LianLian Global to activate Alipay+ and WeChat Pay on their independent site and Xiaohongshu store. With zero mainland entity requirements and T+1 USD settlement, they processed ¥8 million in sales during their first Double 11 pre-sale with 98.7% payment success rate.
Conclusion
The barriers to accepting China’s dominant digital payments have collapsed. Overseas brands that move quickly to integrate Alipay and WeChat Pay through official cross-border channels instantly gain credibility and conversion advantages no international card can match.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
