Sending money from China to the United States can feel complicated: multiple routing numbers, fees, exchange-rate markups, and delayed arrival windows.
This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step process to send money from China to the U.S. cheaply and quickly using SkyRemit.
It compares SkyRemit with traditional banks, explains the exact information U.S. recipients need (including ACH routing numbers), shows the math for received amounts, and gives troubleshooting tips so your transfer succeeds on the first try.
Quick overview: SkyRemit vs traditional banks
SkyRemit’s model emphasizes local USD payouts in the United States through partner banks, which often produces faster arrival times and better effective exchange rates for many transfer sizes compared to banks that execute international USD wires.
| Attribute | SkyRemit | Traditional Chinese Bank (example: BOC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer path | USD local transfers via U.S. partner banks | International USD wire (SWIFT) | Local payout avoids some intermediary SWIFT routing steps |
| Typical arrival time | 0–1 business days (not including U.S. holidays/weekends) | 1–5 business days depending on routing and intermediaries | SkyRemit faster for many routes |
| Exchange rate advantage | ~0.30% better (example comparison vs BOC for amounts < ¥1,000,000) | Higher markup typical | Advantage varies with market rates and the bank |
| Fees structure | Fixed fee + percentage; intermediary fees may apply | Fixed wire fee + possible correspondent bank fees | Check final quote before confirming |
| Recipient info required | Final beneficiary account details; ACH routing number for direct deposit | Beneficiary account plus SWIFT/BIC and intermediary bank details | SkyRemit typically needs the ACH/direct deposit routing number, not SWIFT |
Who should consider SkyRemit
- Expat professionals in China paying U.S. mortgages, student loans, or credit cards
- Freelancers and contractors receiving USD in U.S. bank accounts
- Families sending remittances to relatives in the United States
- Investors funding U.S. brokerage or retirement accounts (confirm broker acceptance of local payout method)
If your recipient account or a receiving institution requires SWIFT/international-wire details (rare for consumer checking accounts), a bank wire might still be necessary.
Confirm the receiving bank’s accepted deposit channels before choosing.
How SkyRemit’s USD local payout works (plain explanation)
- You initiate a transfer in RMB (CNY) on SkyRemit’s platform in China.
- SkyRemit converts RMB to USD using its quoted rate and fees.
- Instead of sending USD over SWIFT, SkyRemit instructs a U.S.-based partner bank to credit the beneficiary account via local payment rails (e.g., ACH or domestic wire).
- Because funds are routed through local networks, the receiving bank often posts the funds faster and avoids some SWIFT correspondent fees.
Key outcome: faster posting times and fewer intermediary deductions for many common personal transfers.
Step-by-step: How to make a smooth SkyRemit transfer from China to the U.S.
1. Prepare sender-side requirements in China
- Valid ID: Passport or Permanent Residence ID Card as required by KYC rules.
- Funding method: confirm you can pay in RMB using the supported funding channels (bank transfer, Alipay/WeChat if supported, or card).
- Amount: pick the transfer amount and verify Chinese foreign exchange limits or regulations that may apply to your situation.
- SkyRemit account: sign up and complete identity verification early to avoid last-minute delays.
2. Gather correct recipient bank details (most critical)
- Recipient full name: must match the receiving bank’s account name exactly; avoid special characters.
- Recipient account number: make sure you enter the account number (not a debit/ATM card number).
- ACH routing number: use the “Direct deposit & electronic payments” routing number — not the domestic wire or international wire routing numbers.
- Bank name and branch (optional in many SkyRemit flows): include the U.S. bank name exactly as it appears on the account.
- For joint accounts: enter the beneficiary name as instructed by SkyRemit; if the bank requires a specific name, put the name of the account holder who will receive funds.
- Notes/memo: only add information the receiving bank uses; avoid confusing phrases that may trigger manual review.
3. Confirm the ACH routing number (how to find it)
- On a physical check: the first group of numbers (usually 9 digits) is the ACH routing number.
- Online banking: look under Account Details or Bank Information for “Routing number for direct deposit / ACH”.
- Contact bank customer service: ask specifically for the routing number used for Direct Deposit / ACH (not domestic wire or international SWIFT).
4. Calculate expected received amount before pressing “Confirm”
Expected Received USD = (Send Amount in CNY converted at SkyRemit’s USD rate) – Fixed Fee – (Send Amount × Variable Fee%) – Intermediary Fees
Tips:
- Ask SkyRemit for a live quote and confirm the net received USD figure before confirming.
- Intermediary bank fees are less likely when SkyRemit uses local payout rails, but some receiving banks may still apply inbound fees on certain accounts — check with the recipient’s bank.
5. Execute the transfer
- Enter the recipient details carefully; double- and triple-check account number and routing number.
- Confirm the quote and all fees shown on SkyRemit.
- Authorize payment from your RMB funding source.
6. Monitor and verify arrival
- SkyRemit will usually provide a transaction reference ID and expected arrival window.
- Check the recipient’s bank account within 0–1 business days typically (U.S. bank holidays and weekends can delay).
- If money doesn’t arrive in the expected window, use SkyRemit’s reference ID when contacting support and also have the recipient check with their bank.
Fee and exchange-rate optimization strategies
- Compare total cost (fees + exchange rate) not just the headline fee; a low fee with a worse exchange rate can be more expensive.
- For amounts under ¥1,000,000, SkyRemit’s USD rate example shows ~0.30% advantage versus a major bank; run sample quotes for the exact amount to confirm current savings.
- Avoid multiple small transfers if fixed fees are high; for very small amounts check whether SkyRemit’s minimums or fixed fees make transfers uneconomical.
- Consider weekday transfers during U.S. business days to avoid weekend/holiday holds.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Wrong account number vs card number
Always confirm you’re entering the bank account number, not a debit card number.
The formats differ; if in doubt ask the recipient for “account number for ACH/direct deposit”.
Using the wrong routing number
There are three common routing numbers:
- Direct deposit & electronic payments (ACH) — use this for SkyRemit recipient info.
- Domestic wire transfers — for domestic wire only.
- International wire transfers — used in SWIFT/international wire contexts.
Enter the ACH routing number when SkyRemit asks for routing details.
Special characters in account names
Remove special characters; use the plain legal name exactly as the receiving bank records it.
Inactive recipient accounts
If the recipient account hasn’t been used for a long time, confirm it’s active.
An inactive or closed account will cause a failed transfer and potential return delays.
Troubleshooting checklist (if transfer is delayed or fails)
- Re-check the account number and ACH routing number were entered correctly.
- Confirm the recipient name matches the receiving bank’s recorded account name.
- Verify the receiving bank doesn’t require SWIFT/international wire details for that account type.
- Check U.S. holiday calendars and weekends — these pause ACH processing.
- Ask SkyRemit for the transaction reference ID and any timestamps; forward to the recipient so they can check with their bank.
- If a transfer returned due to inactivity or error, request a detailed reversal report and confirm whether returned funds are net of fees.
Security and compliance considerations
- KYC processes: SkyRemit will require identity verification; prepare ID and tax records.
- Anti-money-laundering checks: unusually large transfers may trigger checks or require additional documentation.
- Limits and declarations: be aware of Chinese foreign exchange rules and record-keeping for large sums.
- Always use the official SkyRemit website or app; avoid clicking payment links in unsolicited messages.
Example scenarios with sample calculations
Example A — Small personal transfer (¥10,000)
- Send amount: ¥10,000
- Hypothetical fixed fee: ¥20; variable fee: 0.5%; SkyRemit exchange rate advantage 0.30% vs bank
- Intermediary fees: none (local payout)
Step 1: Fee deduction = ¥20 + (¥10,000 × 0.005) = ¥20 + ¥50 = ¥70
Step 2: Amount converted to USD at SkyRemit rate (example): assume SkyRemit rate yields USD 1,400 after conversion and fee adjustments. Final received: approximately USD 1,400 (illustrative — always check live quote).
Example B — Larger transfer (¥300,000)
- Fixed fee and percentage might be lower as a percent of amount; exchange rate difference can produce significant savings compared to bank wire. Run a live quote and compare.
Note: The specific USD totals depend on live exchange rates and fee schedules; use SkyRemit’s preview quote before confirming.
When to prefer a traditional bank wire
- If the receiving institution explicitly requires SWIFT/BIC details (some corporate or escrow accounts do).
- If you are sending very large institutional transfers that need bank-to-bank confirmation and SWIFT trails.
- When internal bank relationships or negotiated rates make the bank wire cheaper for your specific corporate setup.
Best practices for recipients in the U.S.
- Provide the sender the ACH routing number labeled for “Direct deposit / electronic payments”.
- Verify account name exactly as the bank displays it; avoid nicknames.
- If receiving on a business account, confirm whether the bank charges inbound ACH or non-customer fees.
- Ask the recipient’s bank about any hold policies for incoming ACH credits.
Checklist before you hit “Send”
- [ ] SkyRemit account fully verified
- [ ] Funding source available and authorized
- [ ] Recipient account number verified (not card number)
- [ ] ACH routing number verified for direct deposit/electronic payments
- [ ] Recipient name matches bank records (no special characters)
- [ ] Exchange rate and total received USD checked on live quote
- [ ] Transfer scheduled on a U.S. business day if timing matters
Table: Quick reference — Recipient details and where to find them
| Detail required | Where to find it | Common mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Account number | Bank statement; online banking; ask recipient | Entering card number instead |
| ACH routing number (direct deposit) | Check bottom of a cheque; online banking; bank support | Using domestic wire or international wire routing number |
| Account holder name | Bank account registration | Adding titles, nicknames, or special characters |
| Bank name | Bank website or statement | Misspelling or abbreviated names causing manual review |
| Branch (if requested) | Bank statement | Not required in many ACH transfers; unnecessary data can delay processing |
External links and further reading
- SkyRemit official site: https://remit.skyee360.com/client/signUp/register?inviteCode=R26652
- U.S. Federal Reserve (ACH basics): https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/ach.html
- Example bank info for routing numbers (sample bank pages you can consult): https://www.bankofamerica.com/help/ach-routing-number/
Pricing transparency and negotiation tips
- Always get an itemized quote showing:
- Fixed fee
- Variable percentage fee (if any)
- Exchange rate used
- Expected net USD amount
- Any possible intermediary fees
- If you are a frequent sender, ask SkyRemit about volume discounts, loyalty rates, or business accounts.
- For business transfers, request commercial terms in writing.
Compliance note
- Large transfers may trigger inquiries under China’s FX and tax rules.
- Keep records of invoices, contracts, and correspondence to justify the transfer purpose if asked.
- For salaried or personal remittances within personal allowance limits, follow local compliance procedures.
Final checklist for a smooth, cheap, fast transfer
- Verify identity and prepare funding source in China.
- Confirm the recipient’s ACH routing number (direct deposit) and account number.
- Use SkyRemit live quote and confirm net received USD.
- Execute transfer on a U.S. business day when possible.
- Track via SkyRemit reference ID; have recipient check their bank if funds don’t arrive within expected window.
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