In recent years, Hong Kong bank accounts have attracted the attention of many mainland residents for their convenient cross-border financial services. However, the account opening policy changes from time to time and the process is confusing to many. This article will provide you with a systematic overview of the current mainstream methods for mainland residents to remotely apply for a Hong Kong personal account (using HSBC as an example), the latest policy changes and the reasons behind them, so as to help you complete the account opening in an efficient and compliant manner.

I. Core policy highlights: online application, activation in Hong Kong

The mainstream process of opening a personal account with HSBC in Hong Kong (e.g. HSBC ONE account) has now been significantly simplified for Mainland residents, the core of which can be summarized as follows:"Remote Application in Mainland + Online Activation in Hong Kong"The

Application stage (completed in the Mainland)::

• Full cell phone operationHSBC HK: No need to visit Hong Kong in person, you can submit your application online via the official app "HSBC HK".
• Material simplification: The core material is onlyHong Kong and Macau Travel Permit valid for more than 3 monthsand an NFC-enabled smartphone.
• Brief description of the process: Just choose to open an account within the app, read the pass chip with your phone's NFC, complete face recognition, and truthfully fill in your personal information, occupation and tax background. After submitting, you will get an importantreference numberBe sure to save.

Activation stage (in-person visit to Hong Kong required)::

• necessary condition (math): Upon approval of the application, the applicant mustWithin 90 daysArrive in person in Hong Kong territory.
• Activation method: After connecting to the local network in Hong Kong, use the reference number in the APP to complete the identity verification and upload the document downloaded from the WeChat "Immigration 12367" app.immigration recordThe account can be activated without the need to visit a bank branch.
• crux: This step is a compliance requirement to verify the applicant's actual entry and is an offline step that must be completed during the "remote" process.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

II. Important Policy Update: New HSBC ONE Account Management Fee Regulations (from 2026)

It is worth noting that the "zero-threshold" HSBC ONE account, which has been widely publicized, has not been available since the launch of the HSBC ONE account.January 1, 2026A new policy on management fees has been implemented. This is a direct reflection of the trend of tightening bank account opening policies in Hong Kong.

• Who is affected?: Primarily forNew account opened on or after January 1, 2026 and do not hold a Hong Kong ID cardcustomers (the vast majority of Mainland residents fall into this category).
• Fee Schedule: If the average Total Relationship Balance of the account over the past three monthsLess than HK$10,000The bank will chargeHK$100 per monthof account management fees.
• Why the adjustments?: The banks' move is aimed at optimizing their customer structure, reducing the operational and compliance costs associated with "low-balance" or "idle accounts", and focusing their resources on customers with genuine business needs. This signals a tightening of the "free bonus period" commonly offered by banks in Hong Kong.

III. Why is the overall policy on bank account opening in Hong Kong tightened?

Understanding the above process and fee changes requires an understanding of the macro reasons behind them, which are common considerations not only for HSBC but also for many Hong Kong banks:

1. Global Compliance Pressure: As an international financial center, Hong Kong is subject to stringent international anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT) and tax information exchange (e.g. CRS) standards. Banks are required to conduct due diligence on customers' backgrounds and sources of funds to ensure compliance and avoid facing huge regulatory fines.
2. Cost and Risk Control: A large number of inactive accounts take up the bank's system and management resources without generating corresponding revenue. Strict account opening auditing is a front-loaded tool for banks to carry out risk control, screen quality customers and reduce operating costs.
3. Resource optimization and service enhancement: In the past, messy practices such as intermediary solicitation have affected the quality of service provided by banks to regular customers. Tightening the policy will help to standardize the market and improve the service experience for real, needy customers.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

IV. Supplementary Information on Hong Kong Companies' Public Accounts

For entrepreneurs interested in opening a Hong Kong company account, the process is usually more rigorous, but the core logic is similar:

• Basic Processes: Prepare company registration documents, director and shareholder identification, business proof and other materials → submit to the bank for preliminary examination → make an appointment for face-to-face interview (directors and shareholders need to go to Hong Kong in person or through the mainland branches that support video witnessing to complete) → open an account after passing the examination.
• core element: The top priority of a bank audit is to understand the company'sPractical operational contexttogether withLegitimacy of funding sourcesMake sure that the account is used for genuine business activities.

V. Practical advice and considerations for applicants

1. Truth in information is paramount: When filling out all application information, it is important to ensure that the information is true, accurate and consistent. Any false or contradictory information may result in account opening failure or account closure at a later date.
2. Focus on policy timeliness: The account opening policies of banks in Hong Kong may be adjusted at any time, and the information in this article is based on the current (early 2026) situation. Before taking action, it is recommended to reconfirm the latest requirements through official bank channels.
3. Proper management of accounts: After successfully opening an account, please use the account in a reasonable manner, avoid abnormal transactions such as long-term low balance or fast in and out, and fulfill your tax reporting obligations on time in order to maintain the long-term stability of the account.
4. Define your needs: Before opening an account, please clarify whether you need a Hong Kong account for investment, study, trade or other purposes. Choose the bank and type of account that best suits your needs, rather than blindly following the crowd.

Opening a Hong Kong bank account is a key to connecting to a wider financial market, but the process is moving towards greater standardization and compliance. For the average user, understanding the logic behind the policy, keeping up with official information, and rigorously preparing documents are the keys to successful account opening and long term account maintenance. We hope that this popular science article can clear the fog for you to make wise financial planning.