Opening a Chinese bank account

✅ Updated May 2026

A local bank account makes salary, rent, and large payments much easier and links cleanly to Alipay and WeChat. Go in person to a major bank — Bank of China and ICBC are the most foreigner-friendly — with your passport, a Chinese phone number, and often proof of address, study, or work. You will get a debit card and can enable mobile banking. Some branches require a residence permit or a minimum stay, so call ahead or try a larger downtown branch.

1. 1

   Pick a major bank (Bank of China or ICBC) and a larger branch.

2. 2

   Bring your passport, a Chinese SIM phone number, and proof of address/study/work.

3. 3

   Fill in the forms and set a 6-digit PIN.

   密码 · mì mǎ

4. 4

   Activate mobile banking and link the card to Alipay and WeChat Pay.