BOCHK Credit Cards for Mainland Chinese

BOCHK Credit Cards for Mainland Chinese | Generated by AI

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Question: As a Chinese citizen, can I use an entry permit (Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao) to open a Bank of China Hong Kong account and then apply for credit cards there? What kinds of credit cards can I apply for, or are none available because they require Hong Kong citizenship?

Answer:

Yes, as a mainland Chinese citizen, you can open a personal bank account with Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) using your Mainland Travel Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (commonly called the Home Visit Permit or entry permit) along with other ID documents like your mainland ID card or passport. BOCHK offers services specifically for mainland visitors/residents to open accounts, including under Greater Bay Area facilitation measures.

However, for credit cards issued by BOCHK (or its credit card arm, BOC Credit Card International), the situation is more restricted for non-Hong Kong residents.

BOCHK credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay variants) generally distinguish between Hong Kong residents (holders of HKID) and non-Hong Kong residents.
Many standard BOCHK credit cards appear targeted at HK residents, often requiring HKID as primary ID.
For non-Hong Kong residents (including mainland Chinese), there is specific support for applying for certain UnionPay Dual Currency Credit Cards (e.g., RMB + HKD cards). These allow applications from non-HK residents, and a mandatory “Customer Declaration for Non-Hong Kong Resident” form must be completed and signed. This form acknowledges different treatment based on residency status and regulatory requirements.
Application forms for some cards (e.g., BOC Visa Platinum, i-card) explicitly instruct non-HK residents (especially mainland applicants) to provide a valid passport copy or the Exit-Entry Permit (your entry permit), along with other proofs like income documents, address proof, etc.
Approval is not guaranteed — it depends on credit assessment, income proof (often requiring stable income evidence), and BOCHK’s discretion. Non-residents may face lower credit limits or fewer card options compared to HK residents.
Not all BOCHK credit cards are available to non-residents; many everyday or premium cards (e.g., Cheers Card, Chill Card, Go Card) seem oriented toward HKID holders or local residents, though the UnionPay dual-currency ones are the most accessible for mainland applicants.
You cannot apply for cards that strictly require HK citizenship/permanent residency or HKID as the only accepted ID.

In short: You can apply for some credit cards, particularly UnionPay Dual Currency cards, as a non-HK resident/mainland Chinese with a BOCHK account and the entry permit (plus passport if needed). It is not true that none are available just because you are not a Hong Kong citizen/resident — but your choices are limited, and approval relies on meeting income/credit criteria.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, visit a BOCHK branch in Hong Kong with your documents or check their official credit card application pages/forms directly, as policies can vary by card type and change over time.

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