A Chinese bank account is essential for any foreigner living or working in China. It unlocks full access to Alipay and WeChat Pay, allows you to receive your salary, pay rent, and transfer money abroad. Opening one is straightforward if you go to the right branch with the right documents.
Before you go: Not all branches handle foreigner accounts. Call ahead or go directly to a large central branch in your city. Smaller neighborhood branches often turn foreigners away even if they technically should be able to help you.
Which Bank to Choose
| Bank | Foreigner-friendliness | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of China (中国银行) | ★★★★★ | International transfers, currency exchange; most foreigner-friendly overall |
| ICBC (工商银行) | ★★★★☆ | Widest branch network; good for everyday banking |
| China Merchants Bank (招商银行) | ★★★★☆ | Best mobile app; popular with younger expats |
| Bank of Communications (交通银行) | ★★★☆☆ | Good coverage; less consistent with foreigners |
| Agricultural Bank of China | ★★☆☆☆ | Avoid for foreigners — rural focus, harder process |
Recommendation: Go to Bank of China for your first account — they handle the most international transactions and their staff are most experienced with foreigner requirements.
Documents You Need
Bring originals — copies are not accepted for the initial application:
- Passport (valid, with your current Chinese visa)
- Chinese phone number (required for SMS verification and online banking — get a local SIM first)
- Proof of address — rental contract, hotel registration card, or employer accommodation letter
- Initial deposit — typically ¥1,000–¥2,000 (varies by bank and account type)
Some banks may also ask for your employer letter or enrollment letter (for students). Bring it if you have it.
Step-by-Step Process
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Get a Chinese SIM card first — you cannot complete the bank account setup without a Chinese phone number for SMS verification. China Unicom and China Mobile both offer SIMs to foreigners with a passport.
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Go to a major branch — find the nearest flagship branch of your chosen bank (not a small satellite branch). Allow 60–90 minutes.
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Take a queue number at the service counter and wait for a teller who can handle foreign accounts. If the first teller can’t help, ask for someone with experience handling overseas clients (涉外业务).
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Present your documents — passport, phone number, and proof of address. Fill in the account opening form (staff will guide you).
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Receive your debit card — usually issued immediately. UnionPay is the standard card network in China; some banks also issue a Visa or Mastercard co-branded card for international use.
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Set up online banking — while at the branch, ask staff to activate your online banking (网上银行) and mobile app. This requires SMS verification to your Chinese number.
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Link to Alipay and WeChat Pay — once you have your card number and account details, add it to both apps within 24 hours.
Account Types
Most foreigners open a standard personal current account (活期存款账户). This gives you:
- Debit card (UnionPay)
- Online banking access
- Mobile app
- ATM withdrawals
- RMB deposits and withdrawals
- International transfer capability (Bank of China especially)
You don’t need a savings account or fixed deposit account initially — those are for interest-earning on larger balances.
After Opening: Key Things to Do
- Activate online banking — essential for transfers and balance checks
- Download the bank’s mobile app — China Merchants Bank app is the best in class; ICBC and Bank of China apps are functional but less polished
- Link to Alipay and WeChat Pay immediately — this gives you full access to China’s mobile payment ecosystem
- Register for international transfers — Bank of China requires a separate registration for overseas remittance; do this at the branch when you open the account
ATM Access
Your Chinese debit card works in UnionPay ATMs (the vast majority in China). For withdrawing from foreign ATMs abroad or using foreign cards in China:
- Most Bank of China ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard
- ICBC and China Merchants Bank ATMs in major cities also accept international cards
- Daily withdrawal limit for foreigners on Chinese debit cards: typically ¥20,000–¥50,000
Frequently Asked Questions
In theory, yes. In practice, most major branches now require a valid non-tourist visa (work visa, student visa, or residence permit) to open an account. Some smaller banks or branches may still open accounts for tourists, but it’s inconsistent. Your best chance is with Bank of China or ICBC in a major city. Bring all your documents and be prepared to be turned away and try a different branch.
Yes, but with limitations. The account remains open, and you can access it via online banking and the mobile app from abroad. The mobile app may require a VPN depending on your country. International transfers out of the account work normally. However, if you lose your Chinese phone number (which your account’s SMS verification is tied to), accessing the account remotely becomes very difficult — try to keep the number active or update it before leaving.
A standard UnionPay card works only within China and in countries where UnionPay is accepted (most of Asia, increasingly globally). A dual-currency card (双币卡) has both a UnionPay network for China and a Visa or Mastercard network for international use — it’s more useful if you travel internationally. Bank of China and ICBC both offer dual-currency cards; ask specifically for one when opening your account.