Step-by-step guide for foreigners to verify WeChat & Alipay with a passport, unlock transfers/red packets, and fix common restrictions. Includes required documents, bank card tips (China debit card needed), and customer service contacts.
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Foreigners using WeChat and Alipay in China must complete real-name verification to unlock all functions. Below are the full verification procedures and solutions for function restrictions.
Pursuant to the Measures for the Administration of Online Payment Services by Non-Bank Payment Institutions of China, all online payment users must complete real-name verification. Unverified accounts will be restricted from core functions including transfer, withdrawal, and red packets, with a daily consumption limit of up to RMB 1,000.
Foreign users must complete verification for both apps using a valid passport. Unverified accounts will gradually have functions restricted and cannot meet daily payment needs.
II. WeChat Real-Name Verification
1. Documents required
- Valid passport (clear photo of the information page, full corners, no reflection, no editing)
- China domestic debit card or Visa/MasterCard international credit card under your own name
- Mobile phone number capable of receiving SMS verification code (Chinese or overseas number)
2. Official path
- Recommended: Me → Services → Wallet → Payment Management (··· in top right corner) → Real-Name Verification
- Alternative: Me → Settings → Account & Security → Real-Name Verification
3. Steps
- Select "Passport" as ID type
- Enter name and passport number exactly as on your passport; upload passport page
- Complete facial verification (even lighting, blink/nod as prompted; some require lip-reading verification)
- Bind bank card and enter SMS verification code
- Set a 6-digit payment password to finish verification
WeChat official notice:
- Binding only an international credit card allows payments only — no transfers, withdrawals or red packets.
- Unlock all functions by binding a China domestic debit card (ICBC and CMB have the highest approval rates).
- Accounts in high-risk regions may need additional proof of residence
1. Documents required
- Valid passport (photos of information page + entry stamp page)
- China domestic debit card under your own name (high-level verification cannot be completed with only an international credit card)
- Regular mobile number (Chinese number recommended; add country code for overseas numbers)
2. Official path (Alipay guidelines)
Log in to Alipay → Me → Settings → Account & Security → Real-Name Verification → Verify Now.
Select "Non-Mainland of China", fill in name, passport number, document expiration date, date of birth, and submit.
3. Steps
- Choose "Bank Card Verification" or "Facial Verification"
- Bind a China domestic debit card (name on passport must match name on bank card)
- Alipay sends a small amount (<1 yuan) to your card; enter the amount after 1–2 days to verify
- All functions unlocked after manual review
Alipay official notice:
- If passport number is shorter than 8 digits, add leading zeros.
- Names longer than 20 characters only support verification with CMB and CCB cards.
- Unverified accounts allow small balance payments only — no withdrawals or transfers.
IV. Restrictions After Verification: 4 Common Causes & Solutions
1. Cause: Inconsistent ID information (mismatched names, expired passport, blurry photos)
Solution: Check and correct verification info, re‑upload clear documents. Renew expired passport and re-submit for review.
2. Cause: Improper bank card binding (only international card, or card not in your name)
Solution: WeChat – add a China domestic debit card. Alipay – switch to your own domestic card. Unbind non‑personal cards and re-verify.
3. Cause: Abnormal account activity (frequent cross-border logins, large/unknown transfers)
Solution: Go to "Security Center" in WeChat/Alipay, submit passport photo and facial verification, explain purpose, and contact customer service for manual review (1–3 working days). Avoid frequent device switches and large transfers.
4. Cause: Abnormal network (overseas login, use of illegal VPN)
Solution: Disable illegal VPN, use mainland network or legal international roaming. Overseas users may activate Chinese carrier roaming. Then contact customer service to lift restrictions.
V. Key Tips
1. Update real-name verification information in WeChat and Alipay **1 month before your passport expires**.
2. For restriction issues, contact official support:
- WeChat: 95017
- Alipay: 95188
State your foreign identity and provide passport materials for manual assistance.
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