Retail Banks

HSBC launches digital account opening service for foreign passport holders

Processing time shortened from two weeks to less than 10 minutes.

To better support customers planning to move to Hong Kong and international citizens with banking needs in the city1, HSBC has introduced a new service for opening a Hong Kong bank account remotely on a mobile device in less than 10 minutes.

Previously, non HKID card holders who wanted to apply for a Hong Kong bank account had to either visit a Hong Kong branch or an overseas branch in person. Application from overseas might take two weeks to complete.

The new service - the first of its kind among banks in Hong Kong - enables eligible individual customers to open an HSBC HK bank account with a passport via the HSBC HK App remotely. Not only can customers complete the entire procedure on a mobile device and access their account within 10 minutes, they can also setup their mobile banking login and may receive their ATM card before arriving in the city.

Over the past few years, HSBC has continued to introduce new features and improvements on its HSBC HK App as part of its digital strategy to put its fullservice power in the pocket of customers. The launch of the service reflects HSBC’s ongoing commitment to investing in technology to make banking simpler, safer and more personalised for its customers.

According to a recent global study of international citizens by HSBC, among those who plan to move to Hong Kong, 62 per cent worry about how to manage their finances upon arrival, and 75 per cent worry about getting the right financial services for their needs. The findings show financial uncertainty can have a negative impact on their new experience or impression.

 

Winnie Ng, Head of International, Jade and Premier Propositions,Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC, Hong Kong, said: “With the ambition to become the world’s leading and most recommended bank for international customers, we endeavor to provide the best solutions to customers with a hassle-free and consistent experience. As we continue to embrace technology to enrich our mobile banking experience, this first-in-market service also shows our commitment to supporting Hong Kong in its quest to become a leading international city by attracting talent and investment from around the world.”