Key Takeaways
- Compare the total BRL cost, not just the transfer fee. Check the exchange rate, provider charges, potential bank deductions and applicable taxes.
- Choose the invoice currency first. Paying in CNY may avoid an unnecessary conversion when your supplier quotes in renminbi and the route supports CNY settlement.
- Match the payment method to the order. Bank transfers suit established supplier relationships; letters of credit can add documentary protection for larger transactions; online checkout may suit smaller orders.
- Consider local BRL payment options. XTransfer's Brazil Local Account supports BRL payments and collections, with local payment infrastructure available for eligible transactions.
- Check the amount your supplier will receive. Confirm the final currency, beneficiary details, fees and expected settlement time before sending.
How much does it cost to pay a Chinese supplier from Brazil?
The true cost of an international supplier payment has four main components.
| Cost | What to check |
|---|---|
| Exchange rate | The rate used to convert BRL into CNY or USD, including any markup |
| Provider fee | The fee charged by your bank or payment platform |
| Bank deductions | Potential charges from intermediary or receiving banks |
| Taxes | Applicable Brazilian taxes, including IOF where relevant |
A provider advertising a low transfer fee may not offer the lowest total cost if its exchange rate is less competitive. Likewise, a payment sent in USD may involve another conversion if your supplier ultimately prices or settles the transaction in CNY.
The most useful comparison is: how many Brazilian reais will the payment cost, and how much will the supplier receive?
Ask each provider to quote the same invoice amount, currency and beneficiary account. Confirm whether the quoted amount includes all fees and whether any intermediary or receiving-bank deductions may still apply.
Brazilian tax treatment depends on the nature and structure of the transaction. For IOF and other applicable obligations, confirm the current treatment with your financial institution or Brazilian tax adviser rather than relying on a single rate for every payment.
Which payment method is best for paying China?
There is no single best method for every importer. Use this comparison as a starting point, then confirm current pricing and eligibility with the provider.
| Payment method | Best for | Main costs or trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| XTransfer | Recurring B2B trade payments and businesses seeking local-currency funding and cross-border settlement options | Check the applicable FX rate, payout route and transaction terms |
| International bank transfer (T/T) | Large payments to established suppliers | Sending fees, FX spread and possible intermediary-bank deductions |
| Letter of credit (L/C) | Large or higher-risk transactions where documentary payment conditions matter | Bank issuance, amendment and document-handling fees; strict compliance with document terms |
| Escrow or marketplace payment | First orders, samples or purchases made through a platform with buyer-protection terms | Platform fees, transaction limits and the scope of protection |
| Online payment service or card | Smaller orders, samples and tooling charges when accepted by the supplier | Processing fees, FX charges and possible supplier surcharges |
| Sourcing agent or buying office | Businesses needing supplier sourcing, inspection or consolidation in China | Agent commission, additional payment steps and documentation requirements |
Cash-transfer services are generally not the first choice for regular commercial inventory payments. For business purchases, use a route that provides appropriate transaction records and supports the documentation needed for accounting, customs and compliance.
Bank transfer (T/T): familiar, but check the full cost
A traditional international bank transfer can be suitable for established supplier relationships and large invoices. Before sending, ask your bank for the exchange rate, sending fee, estimated delivery time and whether intermediary or beneficiary-bank charges could be deducted.
If the supplier needs to receive an exact amount, clarify who bears the transfer charges and whether the payment instruction supports that arrangement. Do not assume that paying the sender's fee guarantees the beneficiary receives the full invoice amount.
Letter of credit: useful when payment conditions matter
A letter of credit can reduce certain payment risks by making payment conditional on the presentation of documents that comply with its terms. It may be worth considering for large or higher-risk orders, particularly when both parties need a bank-backed documentary process.
The trade-off is cost and complexity. A mismatch between the commercial invoice, bill of lading or other required documents can delay payment. Discuss the documentary requirements and total bank charges before choosing this route.
Escrow or online checkout: practical for smaller orders
Escrow and marketplace payment services can provide a structured process for eligible purchases, depending on the platform's terms. Online payments may also be convenient for samples and tooling charges.
Check the protection's actual scope, transaction limits, refund conditions and total processing and currency-conversion costs. Fees and limits shown for one marketplace checkout method should not be treated as universal rates for all cards or platforms.
How XTransfer supports payments between Brazil and China
XTransfer offers three options that serve different payment needs. The right fit depends on how your business funds payments, which currency your supplier invoices in and whether the supplier also uses XTransfer.
Local Accounts: pay through local BRL payment infrastructure
XTransfer's Brazil Local Account is designed to support BRL payments and collections for businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
XTransfer has also established a local presence in São Paulo and announced a partnership with Ouribank to support Brazil-related payment and foreign-exchange services. These local arrangements help connect Brazilian payment needs with cross-border trade workflows.
For an importer paying a Chinese supplier, the key questions are whether the business is eligible, how the BRL funding step works for its account, which currency the supplier can receive and what fees apply to the complete transaction.
Learn more: XTransfer Brazil payments | XTransfer Local Accounts
Global Accounts: manage multiple currencies in one account
If your supplier invoices in USD—or your business works with suppliers and customers in several markets—XTransfer Global Accounts provide access to multiple currencies and cross-border payment capabilities.
XTransfer's Global Accounts have access to more than 20 currencies across 200+ countries and regions. This can help businesses manage international trade payments in one place rather than treating every market as a separate banking workflow.
Learn more: XTransfer Global Accounts and pricing
X2X: transfer between XTransfer users
If both your business and your supplier use XTransfer and the transaction is eligible, X2X enables transfers between XTransfer accounts. These transfers are near-instant, with zero transaction fees.
This can be useful for recurring trade payments between participating businesses. It is not the same as a transfer to an external bank account: separate currency conversion, funding or withdrawal routes may have different terms and charges.
Before relying on X2X for an invoice, confirm that your supplier can receive the payment through an eligible XTransfer account and that the transaction meets your agreed payment terms.
Learn more: XTransfer Brazil payments
How to choose the right payment route
Use these questions to narrow down your options.
If your supplier invoices in CNY: Ask whether the provider can settle directly in CNY to the supplier's designated account. Compare the full BRL cost and check whether any additional conversion is involved.
If your supplier invoices in USD: Compare USD payment routes on an all-in basis. A Global Account may be worth evaluating if your business regularly manages USD and other currencies.
If you pay suppliers every month: Look for a repeatable process with clear payment instructions, transparent pricing and records that are easy to reconcile. Local BRL funding may be useful where available.
If the order is large or the supplier is new: Consider the payment risk as well as the cost. A letter of credit, escrow or another contractually agreed safeguard may be appropriate depending on the transaction.
If both businesses use XTransfer: Check whether X2X is available for the payment. Confirm the amount, currency and transaction terms before initiating the transfer.
FAQs
How long does it take to open an XTransfer account?
The registration and document upload process takes only a few minutes. Once submitted, the compliance review is typically completed within 1 to 3 business days if all documents are valid.
What documents are required to open an XTransfer account?
Basic company and identity documents, including a Certificate of Incorporation, company constitutional documents or shareholder/director registers, valid ID for directors/shareholders owning 25% or more, and photo or mobile verification. Additional documents may be requested depending on your company structure and verification requirements.
How can I send money to Brazil with XTransfer?
Create an XTransfer account in just a few minutes and complete verification. Then, tap Send Money on the XTransfer app homepage and choose how you'd like to pay your recipient: bank account, XTransfer account, or digital wallet. Before confirming, you'll see the exchange rate, fees, estimated delivery time, and exact BRL amount the recipient will receive.
How much does it cost to send money to Brazil with XTransfer?
If your recipient is an XTransfer user, you can choose X2X (XTransfer-to-XTransfer) and enjoy 0 transfer fees. You'll also get competitive exchange rates, with any applicable fees shown upfront before you confirm your payment. For bank payments, fees may vary depending on the correspondent bank.
How long does it take for BRL payments to arrive with XTransfer?
If your recipient is an XTransfer user, you can choose X2X (XTransfer-to-XTransfer) for near-instant arrival. For bank payments, delivery times may vary depending on the receiving bank and payment route, but payments typically arrive within 1–3 business days.
Is XTransfer safe to use?
Yes. XTransfer operates under regulatory oversight across 8 major jurisdictions, including the FCA (UK), FinCEN (US), MAS (Singapore), and DNB (Netherlands), and safeguards client funds separately from its operational funds. XTransfer also partners with 170+ global financial institutions, including BNP PARIBAS, J.P. Morgan, VISA, BBVA, DBS, Standard Chartered and Bank of China, supporting secure and compliant cross-border payments.
Disclaimer
This article is compiled from publicly available sources and interview content for informational purposes only and does not represent the official views of XTransfer. XTransfer accepts no liability for any damages arising from reliance on this content.
