If you are making an international wire transfer (for example, in USD, GBP, or CAD) from China, you may need to follow specific bank requirements and terminology. Please review the FAQs below to ensure your payment is processed smoothly.
How can I pay in a different currency from China?
On the Flywire payment page, scroll below the default local currency options and click “Pay in another currency.” Select your preferred currency (such as USD or GBP) to view available international wire transfer options.
What if the bank address shown by my bank does not match the instructions?
If the beneficiary bank address automatically populated by your bank (typically after entering the SWIFT code) differs from the address shown in your Flywire instructions, this is expected in many cases.
- If your bank allows edits, please use the address provided in your Flywire instructions (e.g., 111 Wall Street).
- If the address cannot be edited, you may safely proceed with the automatically populated address. Your funds will still be processed correctly.
Commonly auto-filled addresses for U.S. banks (all acceptable):
- 399 PARK AVENUE - NEW YORK, NY - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013
- 701 East 60TH ST NORTH Sioux Falls SD 57104 US
What does “OUR/DEBT” mean, and why should I select it?
When making an international wire transfer, please select “OUR” under the “Details of Charges” field. This means all intermediary transfer fees are covered by the sender, ensuring the full amount reaches Flywire.
Tip: If your bank does not support “OU/DEBT”, we recommend adding approximately $30 USD (or equivalent) to your transfer to cover potential intermediary bank fees. Any excess funds received will be forwarded to your institution.
What if my bank asks for an ACH number or only allows “SHA/BEN”?
- ACH number: Our international receiving accounts do not require an ACH routing number. Please follow the SWIFT details provided in your instructions.
- SHA / BEN: If your bank only allows “SHA” (shared) or “BEN” (beneficiary), intermediary banks will deduct fees from the amount. We recommend adding an extra $30 USD to your transfer to avoid underpayment.
I sent my payment without selecting “OUR/DEBT”. What should I do?
If you did not select "OUR/DEBT" and fees were deducted, resulting in a final amount lower than requested, Flywire will process and forward the exact amount actually received. Once your payment status is marked as "Delivered", you can:
- Check your remaining balance with your institution and ask if you can pay the difference directly to them.
- Create a new Flywire payment request for the difference (we recommend selecting an online card payment method).
My bank says the receiving account is “restricted”. What should I do?
High transaction volumes may trigger strict security checks, which may result in temporary restrictions by the bank teller.
How to resolve:
- Explain that Flywire is the official authorized processor for your institution.
- Provide your invoice/admission letter and the Authorization Letter included at the end of your Flywire instructions.
Alternative option: Cancel and select Domestic Bank Transfer in CNY. This uses a local Chinese account and avoids cross-border wire restrictions entirely.
How long does an international wire transfer take?
Typically 2–3 business days for Flywire's offshore account to receive the funds from your sending bank . If not updated after 3 business days, contact your bank for the SWIFT MT103or PACS008 document and provide it to Flywire Support for tracking.
Can I split my payment into multiple international transfers?
Yes. If your bank has daily cross-border transfer limits, you may split your international wire transfer into multiple transactions. Please ensure:
- All transfers are sent from the same bank account.
- Your Flywire Payment ID is included in the remittance message (汇款附言/留言) for each individual transfer.
- The transfers are completed within a close time frame.
We will process your payment once the full amount is received. If any transfer did not include your Payment ID, please contact Flywire Support immediately and provide your bank receipts.