How to Apply for a US Bank Card in Mainland China? Detailed Steps Notes

How to Apply for a U.S. Bank Card in Mainland China A Step-by-Step Guide and Key Considerations

With the growing economic exchanges between China and the United States, an increasing number of mainland Chinese residents are exploring how to apply for a U.S. bank account from within China. Whether for studying abroad, international shopping, investing in U.S. stocks, or conducting cross-border business, having a U.S. bank card has become increasingly important. However, for most mainland residents, the process of applying for a U.S. bank account remains unfamiliar. This article provides a detailed overview of the steps and important considerations for applying for a U.S. bank card in mainland China, based on the latest available information.

1. Why Do Mainland Residents Need a U.S. Bank Card?

In recent years, as Chinese investors have shown growing interest in overseas asset allocation-particularly in U.S. stocks, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies-having a U.S. bank account has become a necessity for many. For instance, according to a report by Securities Times in August 2025, the number of Chinese investors purchasing U.S. stocks through overseas platforms has continued to rise, with a U.S. bank card serving as a crucial tool for fund settlements.

The number of students heading to the U.S. for higher education is also growing. Based on data released by China’s Ministry of Education in 2025, the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. increased by nearly 12% year-on-year in 2025. For these students, having a U.S. bank card helps avoid the fees associated with frequent cross-border money transfers and offers convenience in daily expenses and tuition payments.

2. Can Mainland Residents Apply for a U.S. Bank Card Without Traveling to the U.S.?

Legally, mainland residents can open a U.S. bank account without traveling to the United States. However, not all U.S. banks support remote account opening for non-residents. Currently, only a few banks offer this service, often through partnerships with third-party platforms.

For example, Bank of America does not currently allow non-U.S. residents to open accounts online. In contrast, financial institutions such as Charles Schwab Bank and Silicon Valley Bank SVB collaborate with Chinese platforms or agents to provide account-opening services for non-residents.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a U.S. Bank Card

1. Choose a Target Bank and Partner Platform

Most mainland residents need to use a third-party platform to apply for a U.S. bank account. Platforms such as WorldFirst, PingPong, and Airwallex have partnerships with U.S. banks and offer remote account-opening services.

2. Prepare Required Documents

While requirements may vary by bank, the following documents are generally needed

Scanned copy of a valid passport

Proof of residential address e.g., utility bill, credit card statement

Identity documents ID card or passport

Purpose of the bank account e.g., investment, study

Invitation letter from a U.S. company or institution required by some banks

3. Complete the Online Application Form

After submitting your application through the partner platform, you will need to fill out the bank’s online account application form. This includes personal details, contact information, and the intended use of the account. Some banks may also require a video verification or phone confirmation.

4. Review and Account Opening

Once the bank receives your documents, it will conduct a review. Upon approval, the bank will send your account details and mail the physical bank card. The entire process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the bank’s processing time and the completeness of the submitted documents.

4. Important Notes and Frequently Asked Questions

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

In most cases, non-residents do not need an SSN to open a bank account. However, some banks may require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN, especially for accounts used for investment or tax reporting purposes.

2. Is a U.S. Address Required?

Although some banks accept a mainland Chinese address, using a U.S. address is recommended to ensure smooth delivery of the bank card and official mail. Some platforms also offer virtual U.S. address services.

3. Are There Annual or Management Fees?

Fee structures vary by bank. For example, Charles Schwab Bank offers no-monthly-fee savings accounts, while others may charge annual fees or require minimum balances. Always review the fee schedule before applying.

4. How Can I Deposit and Withdraw Funds?

After opening the account, users can transfer funds via wire transfer, third-party payment platforms like PayPal, or by linking a mainland Chinese bank card. Withdrawals can be made via bank transfer or ATM, though cross-border fees may apply.

5. Recent Trends and Recommendations

Since 2025, as cross-border RMB settlement has become more convenient, more U.S. banks have begun to focus on the Chinese market. For example, Citibank announced in the third quarter of 2025 an expansion of its partnerships with Chinese fintech companies, further streamlining the account-opening process for non-residents.

Mainland residents are advised to choose platforms with strong reputations and stable services to avoid losses due to data breaches or poor customer support. Additionally, it's wise to stay informed about policy changes at the target bank to avoid rejection due to updated requirements.

Conclusion

While applying for a U.S. bank card in mainland China still involves some complexity, the process has become increasingly accessible due to advancements in international financial services. With proper preparation and by selecting the right bank and platform, mainland residents can successfully open a U.S. bank account without leaving the country-meeting the needs of education, investment, and cross-border transactions.