Holy cow！How Difficult For Expat To Get A Credit Card in China?

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Do you have a Chinese credit card? Seems you might be one of the lucky ones - the GiC Team has received some comments and questions about how to get a credit card in China.

So, was it difficult for expats to get a credit card in China?

After some research, we can conclude that the answer is…

Yes, it is super hard.

GiC team has made phone calls to 6 different China bank, here’s the story:

China Merchants Bank

We talked to a lovely friend who is now the Customer service manager of a bank outlet of China Merchants Bank. Here are the informations she gave us:

You need to meet the following conditions if you want to apply for a credit card at China Merchants Bank.

1, A Savings account with more than 500,000 CNY for over 3 months.

2, Valid, recognized identity documents: Passport and  ID card from your own country.

3, Working proof materials for opening a savings account: work permit and certificate of employment.

To apply for a credit card, you only need to bring your passport and China Merchants Bank savings deposit card. Go to a nearby China Merchants Bank personally, and the Lobby Assistant Manager will assist you in applying for the credit card.

China Citic Bank

We tried to call the national service hot-lines and service hot-lines for consulting on application for a credit card. After following the voice prompts and trying to input the Chinese weD number several times, we were reminded every time that we’d entered the wrong information. After a few tries, their line hung up. 😅 We’ve double checked but it still doesn’t work. Sorry guys...but if us Chinese nationals can’t apply it’s likely to be even harder for expats!

INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA

No matter when, which line, or how many times we called, no one ever answered the Customer service call. Too bad.😢

China Construction Bank

We’ve tried to call the national service hot-lines of China construction bank twice.

The first time we called, the lady said three materials are required : Scanned copy of ID card, permanent residence permit for foreigners, 5,000 CNY deposit, and financial documentation (didn’t specify what kind).

The second time we called, another lady said, to apply for the credit card of China Construction Bank, you need:

1. To be above the age of 18 or under the age of 70.

2. A scanned copy of your passport 

3. Working proof materials or financial documentation (to determine the credit limit of your credit card). 

Agrcultural Bank of China

The lady who picked up the phone said she doesn’t know much about it because the bank outlets from different areas have different requirements to meet...

Bank of China

A sweet friend who is working in Bank of China have told us that any expats who want to apply for a credit card with Bank of China need:

1, To be above the age of 18 or under the age of 65

2, Have valid recognized identity documents: Passport，Residence Permit (Applicant or spouse's property）

3, Financial documentation

4, Working proof materials: work permit and certificate of employment (Business license is also accepted）

All in all, it would not be easy for those who is currently a student or normal Office worker to apply for a credit card. If anyone have applied a credit card successfully, please share your story with us.

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