How To Open a Bank of China Account Online?
If you're moving to China or Hong Kong soon, it might interest you to know that you can open a Bank of China (Hong Kong) account online. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps involved.
Keep in mind that you'll need a valid passport or Hong Kong ID card handy when you start the application process.
Let's get started!
All About the Bank of China (HK)
The Bank of China (BOC), the oldest bank in China, was founded on July 1, 1912. This bank is one of the largest banks in Asia, with more than 6 million daily transactions. It was founded in 1850 by British investors and is now owned by the government of China.
Although legally separated from its parent company, the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited cooperates with BOC in several areas, such as reselling BOC's insurance and securities services.
BOCHK offers various online services, including mobile banking apps and desktop versions that you can download from BOCHK's website.
Eligibility and Requirements
If you want to open a BOCHK account through the convenience of your mobile device, here are some criteria you'll need to meet:
- A customer who is either new to banking or who does not currently have single or joint savings or current account with BOCHK (those with a BoC Pay Payment Account or BOC Credit Card are eligible);
- At least 18 years old;
- Possess a current Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID);
- Originating from the Chinese territories of Hong Kong, the Mainland, or Macau;
- Proof of Residence.
How To Open BOCHK Account Online
Step 1. Download the BOCHK Mobile Banking App
On the website, you'll see options for downloading its application. You can choose between the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery according to your device.
Once you have downloaded the app, install and open it immediately to start the application.
The app will present its Terms and Conditions to you, so you better read it first and click 'Accept' when finished reading.
Step 2. Open an Account
After you have read the Terms and Conditions, you will be directed to a page where you can choose between the Open Account option (which lets you open a new account) or the Login option (which allows you to sign in using an existing account).
Select the Open Account button if you do not yet have an account. You'll be asked for an Invitation Code, but this is optional.
Step 3. Complete Identity Verification
In this part, you will have to verify your identity in one of the following ways:
If you choose "iAM Smart" for identity verification, you will be prompted to log into the "iAM Smart" application. You can also store your info and use the auto-fill feature to speed up web sign-ups via the "Form-Filling with "e-ME" function in "iAM Smart."
If you choose "Capture HKID Card" or “Resident Identity Card” for identity verification, you'll need to take a photo of your card and your face.
When done with the verification, then proceed to Step 4. Step 4. Set Up Your Username and Password
Inputting a strong password is crucial when opening an online account to prevent cybercrime. Here are some tips to remember:
Use phrases or short sentences that use letters, numbers, and symbols instead of combining one or two more words. Don't use your real name or other easily-guessable words (such as your street name, high school mascot or favourite colour). Use a mix of alphabetic characters, numeric values, and special characters. Lastly, never share your password with others.
Step 5. Fill in Personal Information
The last part of the application requires you to fill in your personal details.
To get started, check that all details are correct and submit any necessary supporting documents.
Also, ensure that your information is accurate. Once that's complete, BOCHK will take care of the rest.
Then that's it! Congratulations, you now have a Bank of China (HK) account. Are you still having second thoughts? Here is why you should choose BOCHK.
Why Bank With the Bank of China Hong Kong?
The BOCHK's internet and mobile banking allow you to manage your various accounts--checking, savings, and more--by logging in online.
Besides, it's one of the few Chinese banks that allows customers to open accounts online. Most other Chinese banks require individuals to visit their branches in person.
Not every branch will also allow non-Chinese people to open accounts!
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