DBS Bank users in Singapore can now remit funds directly to WeChat Pay e-wallets, eliminating the 3 per cent transaction fee previously charged when topping up via linked debit or credit cards. This change, enabled by TenPay Global, allows travellers to make payments via merchant QR codes in China without incurring additional platform fees. The move follows similar efforts by OCBC Bank, which has integrated direct QR code scanning for WeChat Pay, Alipay, and UnionPay into its own mobile application.
Why the shift in payment methods matters
For frequent travellers to China, the update addresses a significant pain point involving hidden transaction costs and restricted payment infrastructure. According to 29-year-old account manager Victoria Goh, the 3 per cent fee on transactions exceeding 200 yuan (S$38) often resulted in unnecessary expenses during her frequent work and leisure trips. The reliance on foreign-issued cards previously forced travellers to seek workarounds, such as asking friends with Chinese bank accounts to transfer funds directly, a method financial adviser Ryan Lok utilized during work trips in 2026.
Did You Know? Before these recent banking integrations, foreign passport holders were restricted to topping up their WeChat Pay wallets exclusively via linked credit or debit cards, as direct transfers from foreign bank accounts were not permitted.
Integration of banking apps and digital wallets
The landscape for cross-border payments in China is becoming more streamlined as major banks move away from third-party app requirements. OCBC Bank has allowed its customers to scan Alipay and UnionPay QR codes since 2023 and 2024 respectively, with WeChat Pay integration following in February. Regina Lim, OCBC’s head of card payments and personal loans, noted that these features have driven usage, with one in five overseas “Scan & Pay” transactions on the OCBC app originating in China last year. For users like undergraduate Teng Xin Yi, the appeal lies in the convenience of avoiding multiple app downloads while maintaining competitive exchange rates.
What may happen next for travellers
As TenPay Global continues to work with 60 major banks and institutions globally, further expansion of this network is expected. A TenPay Global spokesperson stated the company is exploring new partnerships in Singapore to achieve “ubiquitous connectivity.” For OCBC customers, a possible next step is the planned launch of a feature by the end of June, which will allow users to transfer money directly from the OCBC app to non-Chinese passport holders using WeChat Pay. Travellers like Carol Ang, who currently uses direct remittance as a backup to Alipay, may find these integrated services increasingly reliable for handling smaller transactions at local food stalls where standard card payments are often rejected.
Expert Insight: The transition toward direct bank-to-wallet remittances signifies a maturation of the digital payment ecosystem for foreigners in China. By removing the 3 per cent surcharge, banks are not just lowering costs; they are effectively reducing the friction that previously forced tourists to carry physical cash as a contingency for payment failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the new direct remittance feature from DBS?
The service is available to DBS Bank users, allowing them to remit funds directly to their WeChat Pay e-wallet to make payments via merchant QR codes without platform fees.
How does the current payment process differ from the previous method?
Previously, travellers had to link a credit or debit card to WeChat Pay, which incurred a 3 per cent fee on transactions over 200 yuan. Direct remittance now bypasses these card-based platform fees.
Can I use the OCBC app to pay for items in China?
Yes. Since February, OCBC customers have been able to scan WeChat Pay merchant QR codes directly through the OCBC app, in addition to existing support for Alipay and UnionPay QR codes.
How would the elimination of these transaction fees influence your choice of payment method when travelling abroad?
