Practical guide
China bank cards: apply at a commercial-bank outlet with your passport
A local bank card can be useful, but obtain it through the bank’s current process rather than assuming every outlet offers the same product.
The State Council’s English guide says foreigners can bring valid documents such as a passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to a commercial-bank outlet to apply for a bank card. Account products, eligibility, charges and issuance timing are bank-specific live conditions. Ask the bank what it can issue for your status and secure the card immediately if it is lost or compromised.
A clear next step
- Take your passport or other valid identity document to a commercial-bank outlet.
- Ask the bank which current account or card product is available for your visitor status and what documents it requires.
- Keep any issued card secure and report a loss to the issuing bank promptly.
Sources & verification
Last verified
- Guide to Working and Living in China (2025) | State Council of the People’s Republic of China commercial-bank outlet and valid-document application route · passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card examples · card-security and loss-reporting guidance
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