WeChat Pay Registration & Card Binding: Full Step-by-Step Guide

By caca, ChinaNexa Editor · Published October 16, 2026 · Last verified October 16, 2026

✓ Hands-on testTested Oct 16, 2026 · iPhone 17 Pro Max (iOS 26.0) · WeChat 8.0.79 · American Savings Bank Mastercard

Every screenshot below is from a real test we ran ourselves — registering a new WeChat account with a US mobile number and linking a Mastercard. No Chinese phone number was needed at any step.

Download WeChat:

Before you start

  • A mobile phone that can receive SMS (any country)
  • A Mastercard, Visa, or other supported bank card
  • WeChat app installed (version 8.0.79 or later)
  • About 10 minutes

Part 1: Register your WeChat account

Step 1: Start sign-up with your mobile number

WeChat sign-up step 1

Step 2: Enter your details

WeChat sign-up step 2

Step 3: Privacy policy

WeChat sign-up step 3

Step 4: Confirm your information

WeChat sign-up step 4

Step 5: Age verification

WeChat sign-up step 5

Step 6: Select your birthdate

WeChat sign-up step 6

Step 7: Accept the terms

WeChat sign-up step 7

Step 8: Verify your phone number

WeChat sign-up step 8

Step 9: Complete registration

WeChat sign-up step 9

Step 10: Welcome to WeChat!

WeChat sign-up step 10

Registration complete! You now have a WeChat account tied to your US phone number.

Part 2: Link your bank card

Step 11: Go to Me → Pay and Services

WeChat Pay step 11

Step 12: Open Wallet

WeChat Pay step 12

Step 13: Go to Bank Cards

WeChat Pay step 13

Step 14: Add a Bank Card

WeChat Pay step 14

Step 15: Enter your card number

WeChat Pay step 15

Step 16: Card auto-detected as Mastercard

Card auto-detected as Mastercard

WeChat automatically recognized our American Savings Bank card as Mastercard.

Step 17: Enter card details

WeChat Pay step 17

Step 18: Set your payment password

WeChat Pay step 18

Create a 6-digit Weixin Pay password for transactions.

Part 3: Activate your payment code

Step 19: Card added successfully

WeChat Pay step 19

Step 20: Confirm the binding

WeChat Pay step 20

Step 21: "Added" — card linked!

Card added successfully

The "Added" screen confirms your card is linked.

Step 22: Enable the payment code

WeChat Pay step 22

Step 23: Verify your identity

WeChat Pay step 23

Step 24: Payment code active!

WeChat Pay payment code active

Your payment QR code and barcode are now active. Show them to merchants to pay.

Troubleshooting

  • Didn't receive the SMS code? Wait 60 seconds and try again. Some carriers may delay international SMS.
  • Card not accepted? Make sure your card supports international transactions. Contact your bank if unsure.
  • Payment code not showing? Complete the identity verification step with your payment password.

← Back to the Alipay & WeChat Pay overview guide