? Alipay can be used with a US phone number, but full functionality typically requires a Chinese bank account. While registration is possible with a US number, users may face issues receiving SMS verification codes and may be prompted to switch to "International Mode." Without a Chinese bank account, key features like transferring money or paying bills are limited, though some international credit cards may work in certain cases. Alternatives such as Alipay or WeChat Pay’s international version may offer smoother experiences for overseas users. Account recovery and security settings also require extra attention when using a foreign number.
Yes, Alipay can technically be used with a US phone number, but there are some important limitations and things to keep in mind — especially if you're not in China or don't have a Chinese bank account.

You Can Register, But Verification Might Be Tricky
Alipay allows international users to create an account using a non-Chinese phone number, including US numbers. However, during registration, you might encounter some friction:

- You’ll need to receive SMS verification codes, and sometimes those can be delayed or not delivered reliably to foreign numbers.
- The app may prompt you to switch to "International Mode" or recommend using a local number if it detects a non-China IP address.
If you're planning to use Alipay while traveling in China or for cross-border purchases, having a working phone number (local or foreign) is essential for two-factor authentication and notifications.
Limited Functionality Without a Chinese Bank Account
Even if you successfully register with a US phone number, the real issue comes when trying to add funds or make payments:

- To fully use Alipay (like transferring money, paying bills, or topping up services), you typically need a linked Chinese bank account.
- Some international users have managed to link their overseas credit cards, but this isn’t always reliable and often limited to certain card types or special promotions.
In short:
- ? You can sign up with a US number
- ? But full functionality usually requires a China-based bank account
Better Alternatives for International Users
If you're outside of China and trying to use Alipay, you might find more success through these options:
- Use the Alipay service, which supports cross-border payments through partner apps like GCash (Philippines), Touch'n Go (Malaysia), or even PayPal in some cases.
- Try WeChat Pay’s international version — it's sometimes easier for foreigners to set up if they’re visiting China temporarily.
- Or go with more universally accepted payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or regular credit/debit cards.
These options might offer smoother experiences depending on your location and needs.
Account Security and Recovery
Using a US number also affects how you recover your account if something goes wrong:
- If you lose access, customer support may ask for a local number or ID for verification.
- It’s a good idea to set up email recovery, security questions, and enable login alerts so you stay in control.
Also, avoid frequently switching devices or locations without enabling trusted device settings — Alipay may flag your account as suspicious.
So yes, Alipay can work with a US phone number, but it’s more of a partial solution unless you're inside China or have access to a local bank account. It's doable, just not always smooth.
The above is the detailed content of Does Alipay work with a US phone number?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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