Step-by-Step: Opening Your Account
- Get a Chinese SIM Card First
You must have a Chinese phone number before opening a bank account. The bank uses SMS to verify your identity during account setup and for every transaction.
- Choose a Branch (Not Online)
Foreign passport holders must open accounts in person at a physical branch — online or app-based account opening is not available for foreigners. Look for branches in business districts or near universities — they're more accustomed to foreign customers. Avoid small community branches — go to a district-level or flagship branch.
- Take a Number and Wait
Chinese banks use a queue number system. Take a number at the entrance machine: select 个人业务 (Personal banking) → 开户 (Open account), then wait to be called (typically 15–45 minutes).
- At the Counter
Tell the staff: "我想开一个储蓄账户" (Wǒ xiǎng kāi yīgè chǔxù zhànghù) — "I want to open a savings account." Hand over your passport. The staff will scan your passport, ask for your Chinese phone number, send you an SMS verification code, have you set a PIN for your debit card, and print account documents for signature. Bring a pen — you'll sign multiple documents.
- Receive Your Bank Card
You'll receive a 银联 (UnionPay) debit card immediately. Some banks also offer to add Visa/Mastercard functionality to the same card.
- Download the Bank's App
Download the bank's official app and link it to your new account. This is how you'll check balances, transfer money, and manage your account day-to-day.
- Link to WeChat Pay and Alipay
WeChat Pay: Me → Wallet → Bank Cards → Add Bank Card. Alipay: Me → Bank Cards → Add Card. Enter your card number, verify with your Chinese phone number, and set a payment password.
Questions fréquentes
Can I open a bank account as a tourist?
Yes, but it's harder. Short-stay tourists can open a Type II account at Bank of China or ICBC with just a passport and Chinese phone number. Some branches will refuse — be prepared to try a few.
Do I need a Chinese address?
Not always. Some banks ask for an address — your hotel address or your employer's address works. Some branches don't ask at all.
Can I have a USD or EUR account in China?
Yes. Most major Chinese banks offer foreign currency accounts. Bank of China is best for this — they have the most experience with foreign currency management. Useful for receiving salary in foreign currency or holding savings in a stable currency.
What if I don't speak Chinese?
Bank of China and HSBC branches in major cities often have English-speaking staff. You can also bring a Chinese-speaking friend. Alternatively, prepare a written note explaining what you need (the staff can read it even if they can't speak English).
Is my money safe in a Chinese bank?
Yes. Chinese banks are state-backed and deposits up to ¥500,000 (~$70,000) per person per bank are insured by the government (similar to FDIC in the US). Major banks like ICBC and Bank of China are among the world's largest by assets.
Can I open a bank account in China as a student?
Yes. The core requirements are the same — passport, a Chinese phone number, and an in-person branch visit — and proof of enrollment (admission letter or student card) helps. Students on an X1 visa who have converted to a residence permit can open a full Type I account; shorter-term students usually start with a Type II account at a foreigner-friendly branch such as Bank of China or ICBC.
Which carrier should a student pick — China Mobile or China Unicom?
Either works for banking — SMS verification accepts any +86 number. China Mobile has the widest coverage (safer for travel beyond big cities); China Unicom is strong in cities and a bit more English-friendly at stores. Ask for a campus plan (校园套餐) in September, and expect to register a physical SIM rather than eSIM for your local number.
Quick Summary: Foreigners can open a Chinese bank account with a passport and phone number. Bank of China and ICBC are the most foreigner-friendly. A local bank account is essential for long-term stays — it unlocks WeChat Pay, Alipay, salary payments, and rent. Short-term visitors (under 90 days) can link foreign cards to WeChat Pay directly without a bank account.
Do You Actually Need a Chinese Bank Account?
It depends on how long you’re staying:
Short-term visitors (under 90 days): You likely don’t need a full bank account. Since 2023, WeChat Pay and Alipay allow foreigners to link international Visa/Mastercard/AmEx cards directly — enough for most daily payments.
See our How to Pay in China guide for setup instructions.
Long-term expats (90+ days) and workers: A Chinese bank account becomes essential for:
- Receiving salary in RMB
- Paying rent (most landlords require bank transfer)
- Unlocking full WeChat Pay and Alipay functionality
- Lower transaction fees than international cards
- Converting and sending money abroad
- Building a financial history in China
Once the salary starts landing, the deductions behind it follow China’s income-tax and social-insurance rules — the China income tax for foreigners guide walks the 183-day threshold, the five insurances and the housing fund.
Which Bank Should You Choose?
Best Banks for Foreigners
| Bank | Foreigner-Friendliness | English App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of China (中国银行) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Most foreigners — most experienced with non-citizens |
| ICBC (工商银行) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Largest ATM network, salary accounts |
| China Merchants Bank (招商银行) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Best mobile app, tech-savvy users |
| HSBC China | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | International transfers, global banking needs |
Recommended for most foreigners: Bank of China (中国银行)
Bank of China has the longest history serving foreign customers and their branch staff are most accustomed to foreigners’ documentation. They also offer the smoothest international wire transfer process.
For the best app experience: China Merchants Bank (招商银行 / CMB)
CMB’s app is widely considered the best among Chinese banks — clean interface, English support, easy transfers.
What Documents You Need
Minimum Requirements (Tourist/Short Visa)
- Passport (original, valid)
- Chinese phone number (SIM card — required for SMS verification)
- Some banks also require: entry stamp visible in passport
Additional for Long-Term Residents
- Residence permit (居留许可) or long-term visa — unlocks higher-tier accounts
- Work permit (for work-related accounts)
- Some banks may ask for: address proof, employer letter
Important: Requirements vary by branch and even by individual bank staff. Some branches are stricter than others. If one branch refuses you, try another branch of the same bank or a different bank entirely.
Which Carrier for Your SIM: China Mobile vs China Unicom
Step 1 below sends you to get a Chinese phone number before the bank visit. For students and other new arrivals the choice usually narrows to two carriers — here is the practical split:
| China Mobile (中国移动) | China Unicom (中国联通) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Largest network; strongest outside big cities and in rural areas | Very good in major cities and on campuses; thinner once you leave urban areas |
| English support | Limited at many outlets | City stores tend to be somewhat more foreigner-friendly |
| Campus plans (校园套餐) | Sold around each enrollment season | Sold around each enrollment season |
| eSIM for your local number | Not dependable — plan on a physical SIM | Not dependable — plan on a physical SIM |
How students actually decide:
- On campus, either carrier works. Both cover university districts in major cities well. Lean China Mobile if you’ll travel to smaller towns or rural areas during holidays — its nationwide coverage is the widest.
- Ask for the campus plan (校园套餐). Around the September enrollment season, both carriers sell discounted student bundles with generous data — typically around ¥30–60/month (verify the current offer at the campus store; packages change every semester). Bring your admission notice or student card.
- Don’t count on eSIM for your +86 number. When you register with a passport at a carrier store, what you’ll walk out with is a physical SIM — mainland-carrier eSIM sign-up isn’t a dependable path for foreigners (the eSIM routes that do carry a mainland number are Hong Kong carrier add-ons). The bank’s SMS verification doesn’t care which carrier you pick.
For buying and registering the SIM itself — passport requirements, plan pricing, linking the number to WeChat and Alipay — see our Chinese phone number guide.
Temporary Accommodation Registration and the 90-Day Window
Separately from banking, foreigners in China must register where they are staying with the local police: hotels do it automatically at check-in, while dorm and private-apartment residents register themselves within 24 hours of moving in. It’s a visa-law requirement, not a banking one.
The link to your bank application is one sentence: the short (90-day) visa window is what makes some branches hesitate (see “Your Visa Is Too Short”), and although a registration slip isn’t on the standard document list, it serves as proof of address at branches that ask for one — so registering early costs nothing and can smooth the visit.
If you’re settling in Wuhan, our police registration guide covers the online and in-person routes station by station.
Step-by-Step: Opening Your Account
Step 1: Get a Chinese SIM Card First
You must have a Chinese phone number before opening a bank account. The bank uses SMS to verify your identity during account setup and for every transaction.
If you don’t have one yet, see our SIM Card Guide.
Step 2: Choose a Branch (Not Online)
Foreign passport holders must open accounts in person at a physical branch. Online or app-based account opening is not available for foreigners.
Find a branch:
- Search “[Bank name] 银行” in Baidu Maps or Amap
- Look for branches in business districts or near universities — they’re more accustomed to foreign customers
- Avoid small community branches — go to a district-level or flagship branch
In Wuhan:
- Bank of China Jiefang Avenue Branch (中国银行解放大道支行)
- ICBC Guanggu Branch (工商银行光谷支行) — good for Optics Valley residents
- China Merchants Bank Hankou Branch (招商银行汉口支行)
Step 3: Take a Number and Wait
Chinese banks use a queue number system. Take a number at the entrance machine:
- Select: 个人业务 (Personal banking) → 开户 (Open account)
- Wait to be called (typically 15–45 minutes)
Step 4: At the Counter
Tell the staff: “我想开一个储蓄账户” (Wǒ xiǎng kāi yīgè chǔxù zhànghù) — “I want to open a savings account.”
Hand over your passport. The staff will:
- Scan your passport
- Ask for your Chinese phone number
- Send you an SMS verification code
- Have you set a PIN for your debit card
- Print account documents for signature
Bring a pen — you’ll sign multiple documents.
Step 5: Receive Your Bank Card
You’ll receive a 银联 (UnionPay) debit card immediately. Some banks also offer to add Visa/Mastercard functionality to the same card.
Step 6: Download the Bank’s App
Download the bank’s official app and link it to your new account. This is how you’ll check balances, transfer money, and manage your account day-to-day.
| Bank | App Name |
|---|---|
| Bank of China | 中国银行手机银行 |
| ICBC | 工商银行手机银行 |
| China Merchants Bank | 招商银行 (CMB Life) |
| HSBC China | 汇丰中国 |
Step 7: Link to WeChat Pay and Alipay
Once your bank account is set up, link it to WeChat Pay and Alipay for seamless daily payments:
WeChat Pay: Me → Wallet → Bank Cards → Add Bank Card
Alipay: Me → Bank Cards → Add Card
Enter your card number, verify with your Chinese phone number, and set a payment password. Done.
Account Types Explained
Chinese banks offer several account tiers for foreigners:
I类账户 (Type I — Full Account)
- Requirements: Passport + residence permit (or long-term visa)
- Limits: No restrictions — can hold large balances, make unlimited transfers
- Features: Salary deposits, full online banking, international transfers
- Best for: Working expats, long-term residents
II类账户 (Type II — Limited Account)
- Requirements: Passport + Chinese phone number (no residence permit needed)
- Daily cumulative limit: ¥10,000 (payments, withdrawals, and non-bound transfers combined)
- Yearly cumulative limit: ¥200,000 — there is no balance cap; counter-opened Type II accounts can hold deposits and receive a physical card (PBOC account-classification rules)
- Features: WeChat Pay/Alipay linking, daily purchases, small transfers
- Best for: Visitors and new arrivals before getting residence permit
III类账户 (Type III — Basic Account)
- Requirements: Phone number only (some banks)
- Very limited — mainly for WeChat Pay top-up
- Not recommended for foreigners
Practical note: Most foreigners without a residence permit open a Type II account. Once you get your residence permit, upgrade it to Type I at the same branch. New graduates trading a student permit for an employment-based one hit exactly this upgrade — the route itself is mapped in our guide to working in China after graduation.
Sending Money Home
From Your Chinese Account
Foreigners can send money abroad from Chinese bank accounts, but there are limits and requirements:
| Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Under $50,000/year | Passport + bank account |
| $50,000+ per year | Additional documentation (tax records, salary slips) |
Process:
- Go to bank branch (international transfer usually done in person for first time)
- Or use bank’s app/online banking if enabled for your account
- Provide recipient’s SWIFT/BIC code, IBAN, and bank details
- Pay transfer fee (usually ¥50–200 plus exchange rate spread)
Processing time: 1–5 business days
Alternative: Money Transfer Apps
For sending money home, dedicated transfer services often offer better exchange rates:
- Wise (TransferWise) — excellent rates, works from Chinese accounts
- Western Union — widely available, good for countries without good banking infrastructure
- Bank of China’s own service — competitive for USD/EUR transfers
Common Problems and Solutions
“We Can’t Open an Account for You”
This happens. Not all branches accept tourists or short-visa holders.
Solutions:
- Try a different branch (district headquarters, not small community branch)
- Try a different bank
- Come back with a Chinese colleague or friend who can explain your situation
- Wait until you have a residence permit — this removes most barriers
“Your Visa Is Too Short”
Some branches require a visa valid for at least 3–6 more months.
Solutions:
- Bank of China is typically most flexible on this
- Try HSBC — they’re accustomed to international banking customers
- If you have a work permit, bring it — it demonstrates long-term intent
Lost Bank Card
Report immediately via the bank’s app or call the 24-hour hotline. Replacement cards are issued at the branch within a few days.
| Bank | 24hr Hotline |
|---|---|
| Bank of China | 95566 |
| ICBC | 95588 |
| China Merchants Bank | 95555 |
Forgotten PIN
Go to any branch of your bank with your passport. They can reset your PIN after identity verification.
Banking Tips for Foreigners
Keep your bank card and passport together when visiting branches — you’ll need both for most in-person transactions.
Screenshot your account details (account number, branch code) — you’ll need these for salary setup and rent payments.
Enable SMS notifications — you’ll get a text for every transaction, which helps spot any unauthorized use.
Keep enough balance to avoid account dormancy — accounts with no activity for 1+ years may be frozen.
Don’t share your card details or verification codes — bank scams targeting foreigners exist. Legitimate bank staff will never ask for your PIN.
Bank Account FAQ
Can foreigners open a bank account in China?
Yes — with a passport and proof of legal stay; a residence or work permit makes it easy, and visa-free entries and tourist visas are accepted at some foreigner-friendly branches (see Common Problems above). The account itself is usually free; a small initial deposit (¥10–100) and a Chinese phone number (for SMS verification) are the practical requirements.
Can foreigners open an account at China Merchants Bank (招商银行)?
Yes — China Merchants Bank is one of the more foreigner-friendly banks, alongside Bank of China and HSBC. CMB’s app has a well-regarded English interface, which is why many expats pick it. As with any bank, branch experience varies: district-level headquarters branches handle foreign passports more smoothly than small neighborhood branches, and short-validity visas are the most common rejection reason. If one branch turns you away, try another branch or Bank of China, which is typically the most flexible.
Related Guides
- How to Pay in China 2026 — Set up WeChat Pay without a bank account
- SIM Card for Foreigners in China — Required before opening a bank account
- China Residence Permit Guide — Unlocks full banking access
- Wuhan Expat Life Guide — Full guide to living in Wuhan