You can do a lot with Alipay (Zhi Fu Bao 支付宝) —  pay for stuff, transfer money, utility bills, Didi, literally just about anything all with a quick scan of your phone.  

Since the app is used by billions of people, it has frequent, regular app updates and tweaks where the requirements may change. This is especially the case if you’re a foreigner and looking to use Alipay without a Chinese bank account. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up and use Alipay without a Chinese Bank Account. If you’re also looking to set up and use WeChat Pay, then you may read our updated guide on how to do that.

Let’s dive right in and get you your own Alipay.

How to Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank: 9 Steps

1. Firstly, go ahead and download the Alipay app on either your iOS or Android device from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or straight up from Alipay’s website. You can also use your computer instead and the steps for that will be below. Simply click here to jump straight to the computer section.

2. Next, you’ll need to sign up by creating an account using your phone number. The great thing is you don’t need to use a Chinese number for this. Simply create the account using your phone number and when you’re done, log in to your newly created account.

3. Now, tap on the Me menu which will be located towards the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. See it? From there on the menu, tap on your profile avatar.

4. Next, tap on Identity verification and choose to Verify Photo. You’ll need to provide verification in the form of uploading a photo of your passport or your ID. Do not provide a scanned copy as it could be declined and you’ll be needed to submit once again.
5. Lastly, your verification should be indicated now as “In progress” and the waiting times are 24 hours for it to be completed. 

Help! What if something is wrong?

If something goes wrong, then chances are you most probably may not have activated your account. Try to access this link to verify this case and proceed to fulfill what they require from you or should you be needed to re-submit your registration.  Feel free to go through our community comments to figure out the way to go. 🙂

Note

Keep in mind that your mobile phone number actually is the name of your Alipay account. In case the account isn’t activated, you’ll get an email from Alipay with steps to help you finish the procedure.

6. Once you find that your Alipay account has been verified, you can proceed to add your own credit card and not any Chinese credit/debit card. To do this, open the Alipay app once again and then tap the Me section.
7. Next, once again go into your account by tapping your profile avatar on the menu and then look for My Cards option which also says Add Now to its right. Tap on Add Now.

7. You’re almost done! Now the first time you open this menu, you’ll be asked to select a six-digit password that you will be used when making any payments with your Alipay account. Enter the six-digit code and then jump into My Cards – Add Now once again.
8. You will need to reenter your new password. Then enter your bank card number for the Number field.

9. Next, under the Fill in bank information menu section, you’ll need to enter your name exactly how it is written on your credit/debit card. After that, the other details you need to enter include such as the ID Type where you choose Passport as your type especially if you’re not from China. Otherwise, you would have to choose Home visit Permit. 

10. You will also need to verify your phone number. An SMS with a verification code will be sent to you where you’ll need to enter that code from the message before tapping on Next. 

That’s it! If you’ve done all the steps above properly and correctly then you’ll have successfully added your credit/debit card onto your Alipay.

You can proceed to use your Alipay to make payments. If the steps above you find did not work for you, then you’ll need to repeat the steps but with a Chinese phone number. It’s easy to get a Chinese phone number as it usually can be gotten from the airports or any kiosk.

If You’re On A Computer — Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Account.

You can also verify an Alipay using your computer, here are the steps:

1. Jump into Alipay, log in and then go to the Account Settings (账户设置). You can find this option, by going to the first tab in the top right-hand corner and then proceed to go the third smaller tab.
2. Great! Next, you need to go to the first tab on the left if it’s not already selected. From here you will have to select the first option “Verify Now” (立即认证) located towards the right.
3. Now click on the big blue “Verify Now” (立即认证) button. Then enter your personal info — including your country, your full name as written in the passport, and your passport number.
4. Almost there! Simply click on the button that is located under these options. This will bring you to the verification process which is pretty straightforward. You may refer to the steps above on how it is similarly done for on mobile to have an idea on how to proceed with it. 

Annnd that’s it!

Alipay will then let you know once you’ve successfully submitted your verification request and they’ll get back to you in 24 hours. Once that is finished, you’ll have a verified Alipay account that can be used to make payments without a Chinese bank account.

If this guide was helpful, please share it. 🙂

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