Wire Transfers to China: CNAPS vs. SWIFT Code
When transferring funds to a bank account in mainland China, the code you need depends on the currency you are sending:
1. Foreign Currency Transfers (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) 👉 Use SWIFT Code
If you are sending foreign currency from overseas, you typically only need the receiving bank's 8-11 character SWIFT Code. The recipient will need to convert the funds into RMB (CNY) upon arrival.
If you are sending foreign currency from overseas, you typically only need the receiving bank's 8-11 character SWIFT Code. The recipient will need to convert the funds into RMB (CNY) upon arrival.
2. Cross-Border RMB (CNY) Transfers 👉 CNAPS Code is Required
CNAPS (China National Advanced Payment System) is China's domestic clearing system. If you are sending RMB directly from overseas (or using services like Alipay/WeChat integration), you MUST provide the specific 12-digit CNAPS Code of the recipient's local branch to ensure the transfer does not get rejected.
CNAPS (China National Advanced Payment System) is China's domestic clearing system. If you are sending RMB directly from overseas (or using services like Alipay/WeChat integration), you MUST provide the specific 12-digit CNAPS Code of the recipient's local branch to ensure the transfer does not get rejected.