Get a US bank card fast! The most complete strategy for mainlanders to get a U.S. bank card!
Published: 2026-03-19

With the surge in demand for cross-border investment, U.S. stock trading, overseas study, and cross-border e-commerce exchange collection, more and more mainlanders want to apply for a U.S. bank card - not only can they freely exchange U.S. dollars, but also directly connect to U.S. stock brokerage firms and overseas e-commerce platforms, and can also avoid CRS information exchange. Today we will talk about those things for individuals to apply for a U.S. bank account!

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01 Who needs an offshore bank account?

02 3 Common Scenarios for Mainlanders to Get a U.S. Bank Card

  • Scenario 1: Investing in U.S. Stocks/U.S. BondsMainland investors who want to buy Tesla or Apple stocks or invest in US treasury bonds need US bank cards directly connected to brokerage firms (e.g. PCCW Securities and Charles Schwab) to avoid high handling fees and exchange rate losses in cross-border remittances.
  • Scenario 2: Studying/Living AbroadIf your child is attending high school/college in the U.S., you will need a U.S. bank card to pay tuition and living expenses; or if you are working/settling down in the U.S. for a short period of time, you will need a local account to collect your paychecks and pay your rent.
  • Scenario 3: Cross-border e-commerce/foreign trade collectionMainland cross-border e-commerce sellers receiving payments through Amazon US and Shopify need a US bank card to receive the platform's return payment and then settle the payment back home (to avoid the foreign exchange limit for mainland accounts).

If you haveU.S. Bank Account Opening,U.S. company registration, annual review, audit and tax filing, ODI filingetc., 👉 Welcome to sweep the code to add our online customer service (micro letter: jxhqcy890 / cell phone: 16625410105), arrange for the manager to answer questions, provide professional advice and full one-on-one service!

03 How to get a US bank card for mainlanders

Mainlanders applying for U.S. bank cards, the mainstreamRemote Online Account Opening(No U.S. travel, no SSN required)A small number of banks supportDomestic Witness Account OpeningIt is also possible toVisiting the U.S. for an interviewThe following is the most up-to-date and practical guide to the process for 2026. Below is the most up-to-date and practical guide to the process for 2026.

1. Basic conditions

  • Be at least 18 years of age and holdPassport valid for ≥ 6 months(Required)
  • Non-U.S. tax resident with no adverse U.S. record
  • able to provideProof of true address(Last 3 months utility/gas/phone/credit card bill with name + address, English or certified translation required)
  • Cooperate with the bank to complete theKYC / Video Testimonials
  • Fill out and signW-8BEN(Self-declaration for non-US tax residents, template provided by the bank)

2. Processing method

Remote online account opening (most recommended, no need to travel to the U.S.)

Suitable for most mainlanders, the whole process is online and completed in 7-15 working days.

3. Standardized process (using the example of the U.S. Bank of East West, Inc.)
  1. Preparation materials: passport, proof of address, ID card, e-mail address, cell phone number
  2. Contact our business manager to submit a pre-qualification
  3. Fill out the form online + sign W-8BEN
  4. Remote Video Interview (Chinese Customer Service)
  5. Bank review (about 1-2 weeks)
  6. Deposit the activation amount (e.g. $1,500) to activate the account.
  7. Acceptance of physical debit cards

Mode 2: Witness account opening in Hong Kong (Cathay Bank)

Witness account opening in person at a branch in Hong Kong

(Note: The specific account opening policy is subject to the latest regulations of the bank, and it is recommended to consult a professional before proceeding.)

If you haveU.S. Bank Account Opening,U.S. company registration, annual review, audit and tax filing, ODI filingetc., 👉 Welcome to sweep the code to add our online customer service (micro letter: jxhqcy890 / cell phone: 16625410105), arrange for the manager to answer questions, provide professional advice and full one-on-one service!

Tags:
  • Mainlanders applying for U.S. bank cards
  • U.S. Bank Card Processing
  • United States of America
  • Hong Kong and US stocks
  • U.S. bank cards