Recently, the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates has attracted widespread attention, particularly in the Hong Kong and U.S. stock investment sectors. This policy not only lowers borrowing costs but may also stimulate market activity among investors, thereby driving up Hong Kong and U.S. stocks. Many mainland users wish to participate in this investment opportunity. Before opening a Hong Kong stock account, you will need an overseas bank card, and a HK card is certainly the top choice for mainland users. Today, let's discuss how to obtain a HK card without spending money.

Preparations Before Traveling to Hong Kong for Account Opening

1. Purchase a Data Roaming Package: Use Alipay to buy a Hong Kong-Macao data roaming package, and enable roaming upon arrival to ensure internet access.

2. Required Documents for Account Opening:

   • Identity Card: Original Mainland ID
   • Hong Kong and Macao Travel Permit: Original
   • Entry Ticket: The entry record generated by the gate upon crossing, must be kept safe.
   • Cash: Prepare 200 HKD in cash for account activation.
   • Address Proof: Can be a credit card bill or utility bill from the last six months. If your ID address differs from your actual residence, a credit card statement can serve as proof.

3. Download Relevant Apps: Install the Bank of China Hong Kong and HSBC Hong Kong apps in advance for easy appointment scheduling and data entry.

Appointment and On-Site Account Opening

1. Appointment Issues:

   • Some banks require appointments, so confirm in advance. For example, the Bank of China in Mong Kok requires an appointment, while other branches may allow walk-ins.
   • Arriving early is crucial to ensure a smooth account opening process.

2. Account Opening Process:

   • Bank of China Hong Kong:
     • Queue at the Bank of China in Ocean Terminal Phase II; even before opening, there are many people in line. They start ticketing at 9 AM.
     • During the wait, staff will assist you in filling out forms on the Bank of China app. Approximately one hour later, the account opening procedure will be completed, and you will need to deposit 100 HKD to activate the account.
   • HSBC:
     • Next, head to the HSBC in Mong Kok, where the queue is shorter. After taking a number, you may only need to wait a few minutes.
     • The entire process will take about 20 minutes. The staff will patiently help you fill out the forms on the app, and you will also deposit 100 HKD to activate your account.

Important Notes for Account Opening

1. Purpose of the Account: When asked about the purpose of the account, be sure to state "investment and wealth management." Avoid mentioning "tourism shopping," as this could lead to your application being rejected.

2. Card Collection: Make sure to collect your bank card on-site. Although staff may offer to mail it to you, many users report that mailed cards can get lost, leading to complications later.

Additional Tips

• Know the Branch Conditions in Advance: Try to choose less busy times to go, avoiding peak hours.
• Keep Your Phone Charged: Ensure your phone has enough battery to use apps and handle account-related matters.

By following these steps and tips, mainland users can successfully open a Hong Kong bank account and lay a solid foundation for future investments.

Hong Kong Bank Account Opening Support Group

If you have any further questions, feel free to consult customer service or join the account opening support group to exchange experiences and tips with other users.