We got a HSBC account and credit card quite easy in the first week or two in HK. Difficult to remember exactly but cetainly it was done on a temporary address (serviced apartment/hotel) and possibly temporary or no ID card. We did have a contract of employment and passport/work visa.
That sounds ridiculous, but you are right (at least for SC I can see it on their website). But I cannot see any logic to this, when opening an accout with the mobile app, it uses your phones camera to take a snapshot of the HKID. What is it about the new smart ID cards that makes them unusable? Do they have some technology that stops them being photographed?
The SC app is not faster. You apply and a few days later they confirm that your account has been opened given that all your documents are in order. If you want to safe time it's best to go into the bank in person and you'll walk out with a new bank account in less than an hour.
I been dealing with HSBC Canada for a period of time now and they have a lot of deals and the fees are very reasonable. I think partly is because they are trying to get more clients in Canada.
I did notice the requirement in HSBC Hong Kong is higher than both HSBC CA and HSBC Mainland.
Does HK have any online only banking? Canada has a few of these and they are very nice as interest rate tend to be good and next to nothing fees.
Looks like WeLab and ZA Bank been mention in this thread! Are they safe? Do they have very limited amount of ATM for depositing or withdraw cash?
AVOID HSBC like the plague. Irrespective of whether they are good in your home country. They are shit here.
Good to know. thxOriginal Post Deleted