How To Add Merchantrade Money To Alipay & WeChat Pay

Traveling to China? Here’s How to Pay Like a Local (Event Without A Local Bank Account)

If you are planning a trip to China, you have probably been told that physical credit cards rarely work and cash is barely used anymore.

It is completely true. China runs almost entirely on mobile payments. From large shopping malls to tiny street food stalls, everyone pays by scanning QR codes with their smartphones. For a tourist, this might sound complicated, but it does not have to be.

The trick? Link your Merchantrade Money card to China’s two main payment apps: Alipay and WeChat. This lets you spend easily, get fair exchange rates, and pay just like a local.

What Are Alipay & WeChat?

Before you fly out, make sure you download these two apps. They are the most widely used apps for daily life in China:

  • Alipay: The most traveler-friendly app. It’s open to everyone and very easy to set up.
  • WeChat (Weixin Pay): It’s primarily a messaging app but has a built-in wallet that is used everywhere and also has features like ordering food or booking a taxi etc.

The best part? Both platforms are fully accessible to international travelers. No Chinese bank account required. Meaning, you can easily link your Merchantrade Money card to both these apps to get highly competitive CNY exchange rates and enjoy smooth payments.

Note: Both apps support multiple languages so you can easily switch your preferred language anytime while using.

Why Use Merchantrade Money Instead Of A Regular Credit Card?

While you could link a standard credit card, using your Merchantrade Money card gives you a financial advantage:

  • Lower Exchange Rates & No Hidden Fees: Traditional credit cards often surprise you with unexpected foreign transaction markups that show up on your monthly statement weeks later. Merchantrade Money offers lower exchange rates and complete transparency. No conversion charges or hidden fees.
  • Lock-In Your Rates: It is best to exchange your funds to CNY (Chinese Yuan) in your Merchantrade Money app before you travel. When you make a payment in China, the app will automatically deduct from your CNY balance first.

Seamless Auto-Conversion: If your CNY balance runs low mid-trip, don’t panic! Merchantrade Money’s auto-conversion feature will automatically draw from your other active currency balances to complete the payment instantly.

How to Link Your Card 

Alipay

New Users

  1. Once your account verification is done, click on Add Credit or Debit Card on the Homepage
  2. Enter your Merchantrade Money card number manually or you can scan the card to capture the details
  3. Enter your card details & click on Agree to Terms & Add
  4. Follow the prompts on-screen & that’s it.
  5. Your Merchantrade Money card is added successfully!

 

Adding Card From Settings

  1. From the Homepage, go to your account
  2. Click on Bank Cards
  3. Add Bank Card
  4. Enter your Merchantrade Money card number manually or you can scan the card to capture the details
  5. Enter your card details & click on Agree to Terms & Add
  6. Follow the prompts on-screen & that’s it.
  7. Your Merchantrade Money card is added successfully!

WeChat

  1. Go to Me
  2. Click on Pay and Services
  3. Next, click on Wallet
  4. Tap on Bank Cards
  5. Click on Add a Bank Card
  6. Enter your Merchantrade Money card number
  7. Enter your 6-digit payment PIN.
  8. Next, enter your card details
  9. Your Merchantrade Money card is added successfully!

Switch WeChat Wallet Region

Once your card is linked, there is one final, crucial step you need to do before you arrive in China. By default, your WeChat app might be set to Malaysia region. To be able to pay local merchants and use China’s transit systems, you need to toggle your wallet region to China Mainland.

Here is how to do it

  1. On the Pay and Services screen, tap the three dots (…) in the top right corner.
  2. Select Switch Wallet Region.
  3. Tap China Mainland.

Pro Tips Before You Travel: What to Prepare

To ensure your arrival in China is completely stress-free, follow this simple pre-travel checklist:

  • Setup before you leave home: Download the apps, select the “International User” option if prompted, and link your card while you are still in Malaysia. The setup process requires an SMS verification code, which is much easier to receive while you’re still in Malaysia unless you activate roaming while traveling. 
  • Keep your passport ready: To activate payment features as a foreigner, both apps will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a quick photo of your passport. This is a standard security requirement for all foreigners.
  • Try the “Airport Test”: Once you land in China, do not wait until you are trying to buy a big purchase to test the app. Head straight to a convenience store at the airport and buy a small item, like a bottle of water or a snack. This lets you confirm everything is working before you head into the city.
  • Keep an eye on the 200 CNY limit: Both Alipay and WeChat Pay are completely free to use for transactions under 200 CNY. For any single purchase above 200 CNY, the apps charge a 3% fee. (Quick Tip: If your bill is slightly over 200 CNY, you can politely ask the cashier to split the bill into two smaller payments to avoid the fee).
  • How to pay in-store: When it’s time to pay, you have two simple options. You can either use the app to scan the merchant’s QR code, or you can show your personal QR code to the merchant to let them scan you. Every purchase is securely authorized using your custom 6-digit payment password.
  • Use it for transport: Beyond shopping, setting up these apps lets you use local ride-hailing services (like Didi), book train tickets, and tap through public transport turnstiles in over 50 cities.
  • Keep emergency cash: While mobile payments are popular, it is always smart to keep a small amount of physical cash in your pocket just in case your phone battery dies or if there’s any technical glitch while using the apps.

Don’t Have a Merchantrade Money Card Yet?

Getting started is easy and takes just a few minutes:

  1. Download: Get the Merchantrade Money app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
  2. Sign Up: Follow the e-KYC process (you’ll just need your ID/Passport).
  3. Top-Up: Add funds to your wallet via FPX online banking.

Receive Your Card: Your physical card will be delivered to your doorstep.

Follow this step-by-step guide to register for Merchantrade Money

Ready To Explore China Like A Local?

Skip the payment hassle and enjoy your travels. Lock-in great rates, bypass hidden bank fees, and scan your way through China just like a local.

Get Merchantrade Money Now!