Comparing payment infrastructure in Europe, the US, and China: where is it easiest to do business?

When companies engage in international trade, one of the most critical aspects is how efficiently they can move money across borders. Payment infrastructure—the systems and networks that handle financial transactions—varies significantly between Europe, the United States, and China. Each region has its strengths and limitations, and choosing the right partner or system to handle these differences can save time, money, and frustration. In this article, we’ll compare the payment ecosystems in these three regions and explain why a global platform like CrossGlobePay can be a game-changer for businesses working internationally.

Europe: a well-integrated system with SEPA advantages

The European Union has made significant strides in harmonizing payments across its member states. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) allows companies and individuals to send euro-denominated payments within the EU with the same ease as domestic transfers. SEPA Credit Transfers and SEPA Instant Payments make transactions quick, usually settling in under 24 hours—and in many cases, within seconds. Fees are low or even zero, especially for transfers between banks in the SEPA system.

However, SEPA only supports the euro, and payments outside the SEPA zone or in other currencies still require SWIFT-based transfers. These can be slower and more expensive, especially when dealing with countries like China or the US. Despite this limitation, Europe still offers one of the most transparent and predictable banking environments, backed by strong financial regulations and consumer protections.

The US: reliable but fragmented

The United States has a long-established banking system, but it remains surprisingly fragmented. Domestic payments are often processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system, which is cost-effective but slow—transfers can take 1–3 business days. Wire transfers are faster but come with higher fees. Instant payment solutions such as the FedNow system are emerging, but adoption is still in the early stages.

When it comes to international payments, most US banks rely on the SWIFT network. This means higher costs, longer timelines, and potential issues with intermediary banks. US regulations, especially around compliance and sanctions, add another layer of complexity. Businesses operating from the US must ensure their payment workflows are aligned with federal and international laws, which can create friction when working with overseas partners.

China: advanced domestically, restricted internationally

China has one of the most technologically advanced domestic payment systems in the world. Platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate the market and enable real-time, mobile-first transactions across the country. However, these systems are largely closed to international businesses unless they operate within China and set up local entities.

For international payments, China still relies heavily on the traditional banking system, including the use of the SWIFT network. However, due to capital controls and strict regulations from the People’s Bank of China, moving money into and out of the country can be complex and time-consuming. Foreign companies often need to provide detailed documentation and partner with local banks that are experienced in handling international trade. Currency conversion is also tightly controlled, which can cause delays and uncertainty in financial planning.

So, where is it easiest to do business?

If the focus is purely on intra-regional payments, Europe offers the smoothest experience thanks to SEPA. For cross-border transactions, especially between Europe, the US, and China, each region presents different challenges. Europe’s efficiency fades when dealing with non-euro payments. The US is reliable but expensive and slow for international transfers. China’s domestic tech is unmatched, but access is restricted for foreign businesses and international transactions are tightly regulated.

This is where CrossGlobePay becomes essential.
As a global payment platform tailored for cross-border business, CrossGlobePay bridges the gaps between these regions. It offers fast, secure, and fully compliant payment solutions that bypass many of the limitations of traditional banking. For companies working with partners in Europe, the US, and China, CrossGlobePay simplifies complex transfers, reduces fees, and ensures that transactions are completed with transparency and speed.

The platform provides a user-friendly interface for managing multiple currencies, beneficiary accounts, and compliance documentation—all in one place. Instead of navigating different banking systems and payment regulations in each region, businesses can centralize their international financial operations through CrossGlobePay and focus on growth rather than bureaucracy.

Conclusion

While each region has its advantages, none offers a perfect solution for global businesses on its own. Europe provides seamless intra-EU payments, the US has financial stability but slow processing, and China has powerful local tools but complex international access. Using a specialized international payment service like CrossGlobePay helps companies overcome these regional limitations, streamline their operations, and build stronger, faster, and more reliable business relationships across borders.