Source: https://rivet.global/blog/hong-kong-wire-transfer-fees-and-fps-for-business
Published: 2026-06-26 · Updated: 2026-06-26 · By Alexia M.

# Hong Kong wire transfers for business: TT fees, FPS and CHATS

How Hong Kong companies send and receive money: telegraphic transfer fees and timing, FPS limits, CHATS, and how to cut the cost of overseas payments.

## Key takeaways

- FPS settles HKD and RMB payments instantly between participating banks and stored-value providers.
- CHATS is Hong Kong's real-time gross settlement system for large-value payments in HKD, USD, EUR and RMB.
- Telegraphic transfers abroad carry a bank fee, a possible intermediary fee and an FX margin if they convert.
- Paying overseas suppliers on their local rail in their currency usually costs less than a USD telegraphic transfer.

Google's suggestions for "Hong Kong international transfer" include "hong kong wire transfer" and "hong kong wire transfer limit". For a company, the rails are simple, and the cost sits almost entirely in the overseas leg.

## Hong Kong's rails

| Rail | Use | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| FPS | Local HKD and RMB payments, salaries, small suppliers | Instant |
| CHATS | Large local payments in HKD, USD, EUR, RMB | Same day |
| Telegraphic transfer (SWIFT) | Overseas payments | Usually 1 to 3 business days |

## Where the money goes on a TT

A Hong Kong trader pays a supplier in Thailand US$30,000 by telegraphic transfer. Costs come from three places:

1. The sending bank's TT fee.
2. An intermediary bank's fee, deducted on the way unless the payment is sent on OUR terms.
3. The FX margin if the bank converts HKD to USD, or if the supplier's bank converts USD to THB.

The supplier may receive less than the invoice and ask for the difference.

## How companies cut the cost

- Hold USD and pay USD costs from it instead of converting from HKD each time.
- Ask suppliers which currency they prefer, and compare paying in their currency.
- Use a local payout in the supplier's country where your provider has one. Local rails have no intermediary banks.
- Batch payments where your supplier terms allow it.

## Receiving from abroad

Many Hong Kong banks charge a handling fee on incoming TTs. Buyers in the US or Europe can often pay more cheaply on their own local rail if you have local details there.

## Paying into Hong Kong: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | Faster Payment System (FPS) |
| Run by | Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited, under the HKMA |
| Settlement | Seconds, 24/7, in HKD or CNY |

Source: [HKMA: Faster Payment System](https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/key-functions/international-financial-centre/financial-market-infrastructure/faster-payment-system-fps/). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet pays out to 120+ countries on local rails where available, with fee and FX shown before you confirm, from $2 per payout on Starter to $0.50 on Scale. USD details come on Starter, EUR and GBP on Growth and HKD on Scale. Check our eligibility list for Hong Kong companies. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [Swift transfer fees and time](/blog/swift-transfer-fees-and-time).

## Questions

### How long does a telegraphic transfer from Hong Kong take?

Usually one to three business days, depending on the currency, the cut-off time and any intermediary banks.

### Does FPS have a limit?

Each bank sets its own FPS limits for business accounts, often configurable in online banking. Check yours before a large payment.

### What fees apply to incoming transfers?

Many Hong Kong banks charge a handling fee on incoming telegraphic transfers, and the sender's side may deduct intermediary fees before the money arrives.

### Should I pay a mainland supplier in USD or CNY?

Ask the supplier. Many accept both; paying in CNY can avoid the supplier's conversion margin, which often shows up in the price.