East West Bank Account Registration Guide Step-by-Step Instructions Key Considerations

A Complete Guide to Opening an East West Bank Account Every Step and Detail You Need to Know

In today's increasingly complex global financial environment, with growing demand for cross-border fund management, more and more people are turning their attention to opening overseas bank accounts. As one of the most important regional banks in the United States, East West Bank has become a top choice for many Chinese users seeking to open offshore accounts due to its strong background in U.S.-China finance and high-quality service.

1. Why Choose East West Bank?

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in California, East West Bank is currently one of the largest independent commercial banks in the United States, specializing in providing financial services to Asian and Asian-American clients. In recent years, as Sino-U.S. trade and economic cooperation has deepened, the bank has continuously improved customer experience, especially excelling in digital banking, international money transfers, and wealth management.

According to a 2025 Wall Street Journal report, East West Bank has ranked among the top community banks in the U.S. for several consecutive years and has been widely recognized for its outstanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises and international clients. Additionally, the bank offers online services and customer support in Chinese, making it particularly convenient for Chinese users.

2. Who Should Open an East West Bank Account?

An East West Bank account is ideal for the following groups

International students or new immigrants For receiving scholarships, living expenses, and building local credit history.

E-commerce entrepreneurs Accounts can be directly linked to platforms like PayPal and Amazon, reducing intermediary fees.

Investors or high-net-worth individuals Useful for overseas asset allocation, U.S. dollar fixed deposits, and stock investments.

Business owners For foreign exchange settlements and international trade payments and receipts.

While East West Bank welcomes non-U.S. citizens to open accounts, applicants must still meet certain identity verification and compliance requirements.

3. Documents Required Before Opening an Account

To ensure a smooth account-opening process, please prepare the following documents in advance

1. Identification Documents

Original and photocopy of passport;

U.S. visa page or green card if applicable;

Driver’s license or state-issued ID if already residing in the U.S.

2. Proof of Address

Utility bills, bank statements, or credit card statements issued within the last three months;

Chinese-language bills must be accompanied by notarized English translations.

3. Tax Information

W-8BEN form for non-U.S. taxpayers;

W-9 form may be required if you have U.S. income sources.

4. Additional Supporting Documents

Employment or student status proof required for some account types;

Explanation of initial deposit source for anti-money laundering review.

4. Methods of Account Opening

1. In-Person Account Opening Recommended

For first-time account holders, especially those without U.S. residency status, we recommend visiting an East West Bank representative office or branch in mainland China for in-person sign-up. The bank currently operates branches in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where staff can assist with the account-opening process.

The advantage of in-person account opening is that staff can guide you through form filling, document submission, and answer any questions on-site. Internet banking and debit cards can also be activated immediately, improving efficiency for future transactions.

2. Online Account Opening Suitable for Those with U.S. Status

If you hold a valid U.S. visa e.g., F1, H1B, L1 and legal residency status, you can apply for an account online via the East West Bank official website.

Steps

Visit the official website at www.eastwestbank.comhttp//www.eastwestbank.com, click Open an Account;

Select individual or business account type;

Fill in personal information including name, address, date of birth, and contact details;

Upload scanned copies of ID and address proof;

Complete video verification or mail physical documents;

Set up online banking login credentials;

Activate your card after receiving it along with the PIN.

Please note that online account opening typically requires an initial deposit depending on the account type, and identity verification will be completed via phone or video call.

5. Types of Accounts Offered

East West Bank provides various personal and business account options, including

No-Monthly-Fee Checking Account Ideal for daily transactions, includes free checks, debit card, and mobile payment support.

Savings Account Offers higher interest rates than standard savings accounts, suitable for short-term savings.

Money Market Account Provides greater liquidity and better returns than regular savings accounts.

Certificate of Deposit CD Suitable for conservative investors, with terms ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

Joint Account Designed for shared family financial management.

Each account type comes with different minimum deposit requirements and fee structures. It’s advisable to choose based on your specific needs.

6. Frequently Asked Questions and Important Notes

1. Is a U.S. Social Security Number SSN required?

No. Non-residents can use their passport number instead of an SSN, but they must complete Form W-8BEN.

2. Can I open an account remotely from China?

Yes, but you must either visit a designated representative office or complete the video verification process.

3. Are there annual or monthly fees?

Most basic accounts are free of monthly fees, though some premium accounts may require maintaining a minimum balance to avoid charges.

4. How do I make international transfers?

East West Bank supports SWIFT wire transfers and ACH for free domestic transfers within the U.S.

5. How secure is my account?

All accounts are insured by the FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per depositor.

7. Conclusion

As globalization accelerates, having a reliable overseas bank account has become a necessity for more and more people. With its professional service, streamlined account-opening process, and deep understanding of Chinese customers’ needs, East West Bank has emerged as a key player bridging U.S. and Chinese financial systems. Whether for personal finance or business operations, understanding the correct procedures and details of opening an account will help you manage and grow your wealth more efficiently.