A UnionPay payment is a fast and convenient way to send funds in Chinese Yuan (CNY). Unlike some other payment methods, a UnionPay payment does not require you to upload any verification documents. There are also no restrictions on the payer's nationality or their relationship to the student.
Requirements for a UnionPay payment from China
- Use an eligible card: You must use a debit card or credit card that displays the China UnionPay logo. This payment method only processes transactions in Chinese Yuan (CNY).
- Match your card type: The UnionPay card you use must exactly match the specific payment option you selected on Flywire (e.g., you must use a debit card if you chose the "UnionPay Debit Card" option).
Enable UnionPay cross-border transactions: Before making a payment, make sure your UnionPay debit or credit card is enabled for cross-border transactions and that this feature is not restricted. You can check this through your bank's mobile app or contact your issuing bank for confirmation.
- Complete the payment within 24 hours: Your online card payment request will automatically expire 24 hours after you create it.
Check your transaction limits: Payment limits depend on your issuing bank and card type. You can check your card's activation status and transaction limits through the Cloud QuickPass App (云闪付) or contact the official UnionPay customer service hotline at 95516.
💡 What to do if your payment exceeds your limit
If your transaction fails at the final step due to a bank limit restriction, you can easily split the total amount by creating multiple smaller payment requests on Flywire. Alternatively, you can select "Domestic Bank Transfer in CNY" for high-value payments.
Steps to complete your UnionPay payment from China
Step 1: Create your payment request
Select "UnionPay Debit Card" or "UnionPay Credit Card" to match the card you plan to use. Enter the required payer information to create your payment request.
Step 2: Enter your card details
On the payment details page, enter your UnionPay card information and the mobile phone number registered with your card's issuing bank.
Saving your card is optional. Where available, the option to save your card and set it as your default is selected automatically. Leave it selected to save your card after a successful payment, or uncheck it and confirm your choice to pay without saving.
💡 If you see an additional prompt
- Card not eligible: The card you entered may not match the payment option you selected. Select "Change card" to enter a different card, or "Accept" to view other supported payment methods.
- Choose currency: If your card's currency differs from your billing country's currency, you may be asked to choose a payment currency. Compare the amounts and any service fees shown, then select the currency you wish to use.
Step 3: Verify your payment
If you are entering a new card, select "Pay". Your bank may send a one-time password (OTP) by SMS to your registered mobile phone number. If prompted, enter the code on screen to authorize your payment.
If you have a saved UnionPay card available for your payment, you may be able to select it without entering your card details again. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete any required verification.
Step 4: Confirm your payment status
After your UnionPay payment is successful, your payment status will typically update to "Payment Received" on the payment tracking page.
If you chose to save your card, it will be saved after the payment succeeds. If you already have a saved card, you may be asked whether to make the new card your default. Select "Yes, set as default" or "No, keep current". The new card is saved either way.
Your funds will then be delivered to your institution within 2–3 business days. Once the payment is completed, you will receive an email notification from Flywire and be able to download your official payment receipt.
How to view and manage your saved UnionPay cards
Sign in to your Flywire account and open "My account" in the top-right corner. Select "My profile", then "Payment methods" > "Cards" to view your saved cards.
The card marked "Default" is your current default card. To change it, select "Make Default" beside another saved card. To remove a card from your account, select the trash icon beside that card.