Pay in China

Fix Card Binding Failed: Name Mismatch

For a complete overview of all payment options in China, please read our Ultimate Guide to Paying in China.

Problem: You try to add your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, but it fails. You see a vague error like System error or Invalid card information.

Why It Happens

The name you entered in the app does not exactly match the name your bank has on file for your card. Even a small difference matters.

  • Name Order: You wrote "First Last" but your bank has "Last First".
  • Middle Name: You forgot your middle name or initial, but your bank includes it.
  • Formatting: Differences in spaces, capital letters, or special characters.

How to Fix It: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Find Your Official Bank Name

    You must find the exact name format your bank uses. Check these sources:

    • Your monthly bank statement (Best source): Look at a recent paper or PDF statement. The full name is usually at the top.
    • Your online banking profile: Log in to your bank's website or app and check your personal profile details.

  2. Step 2: Try Different Name Combinations

    In the Alipay/WeChat app, carefully enter your name in the "Given Name" and "Surname" fields. Try every combination from the list below. For example, if your name is John Adam Smith:

    Given Name (名)Surname (姓)Notes
    JOHN ADAMSMITHStandard format, full middle name
    JOHNSMITHNo middle name
    JOHN ASMITHMiddle initial only
    JOHNADAMSMITHNo space in given name

    Important: The "Surname" field is for your Last Name (family name). The "Given Name" field is for your First Name and Middle Name.

  3. Step 3: Contact Your Bank

    If it still fails, call your bank and ask this specific question:

    "What is the exact and complete cardholder name registered for my card for online transactions?"