【2025 Latest】Hang Seng Bank Account Opening Tips

Hang Seng Bank (Hang Seng Bank) was established in 1933, is Hong Kong's longest history, one of the most reputable local banks, services covering personal and commercial customers, long-term commitment to providing high-quality, customer-centric banking, investment and wealth management services. As one of Hang Seng's top choices for account opening, the Bank now serves nearly 4 million customers and is trusted by both Hong Kong people and cross-border customers.

With 260 service outlets in Hong Kong, Hang Seng Bank combines powerful digital capabilities with the award-winning Hang Seng Mobile App to create a seamless online and offline integrated service experience that allows customers to manage their personal or family finances anytime, anywhere. For those who need to open a Hang Seng Online Account, the App is simple and intuitive to use, making it particularly suitable for the new generation of digital banking customers.

In addition to Hong Kong, Hang Seng Bank is also actively expanding into the Asian market. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, has set up branches in nearly 20 major cities in Mainland China to serve local and cross-border financial needs of customers. Hang Seng also has branches in Macau and Singapore and a representative office in Taipei, providing a wide range of business coverage.

Hang Seng Bank is one of the key members of HSBC Group, one of the world's largest financial services organizations, and has significant advantages in terms of capital strength, global connectivity and risk control capabilities. Choosing Hang Seng to open an account means not only enjoying the convenience of a local bank, but also connecting to the global financial network at the same time.

As a deeply rooted local financial institution, Hang Seng Bank has long been involved in local community development and sustainable development programs, covering a wide range of areas such as youth education, green finance and climate action, reflecting its corporate social responsibility.

Introduction to Hang Seng Bank Account Types｜Satisfying Different Customers' Financial Needs

Hang Seng Bank offers a wide range of bank accounts to meet the diverse needs of different customers in terms of savings, investment and family finance. Whether you are a high net-worth customer seeking a privileged financial experience, a new user just starting to manage your finances or a parent wishing to consolidate your family assets, Hang Seng's account opening solutions provide you with the right choices.

Prestige Private 

Suitable for: High net worth clients seeking high-end, customized services Account Opening Threshold: Average “Total Relationship Balance” of HK$8,000,000 or above in the past 12 months Service Features:

• Dedicated team of financial advisors
• Customized financial solutions
• Dedicated Customer Service Manager
• A wide range of exclusive investment products and offers
• Priority service channels and high-end privileges

Tailor-made for customers with outstanding performance, this account provides comprehensive and precise wealth management and is one of the most prestigious account categories at Hang Seng Bank.

Prestige Banking

Target: Customers with steady growth in assets Account Opening Threshold: Total Relationship Balance of not less than HK$1,000,000 in the latest month Service Features:

• Dedicated Relationship Manager
• 24-hour financial support services
• Diversified investment and financial tools (securities, funds, insurance, etc.)
• Prestigious privileges and offers
• Mobile App Support Hang Seng Online Account Opening

Note: Customers who cannot maintain the asset threshold are required to pay a low monthly balance service fee of HK$40.

Preferred Banking Account is suitable for customers who wish to enhance their wealth management efficiency, enjoy professional services and expand their investment portfolio.

Preferred Banking

Target: Young financial planners, digital users, novice investors Account Opening Threshold: No minimum total value requirement Service Features:

• Support Hang Seng Online Account Opening (via Hang Seng Mobile App)
• Zero commission stock trading
• Can use SimplyFund to purchase funds with threshold as low as HKD1
• Support card-less withdrawal, quick transfer, foreign currency exchange and other services
• Low balance service fee waiver, no monthly fee pressure
• Exclusive financial offers and in-app rewards

Preferred by Hang Seng Bank in recent years, Preferred Banking Account is a digital banking solution ideal for customers who prefer self-service operation and pursue efficiency and flexibility.

Family+ Account

Target: Customers with family financial planning needs Account Opening Requirements: Holders of Prestige Banking or Preferred Banking accounts can apply for Family+ Account Highlights:

• Each family member can set up up a maximum of 4 separate accounts.
• Supports account naming and individual financial goal setting
• Centralized management of all family accounts in one app
• Separate monthly statement and overview of family finances
• Dedicated family account manager to provide counseling services
• Extended “Prestige Banking” status and benefits for family members
• Provide exclusive family benefits such as child eye care services, shopping discounts, etc.

Family+ account is a popular account type for families as it provides customers with a clear and efficient way to manage their family finances.

Hang Seng Bank offers a comprehensive account system for customers at different stages and with different needs. The account opening methods are flexible, with both mobile and branch account opening.

Hang Seng Account Opening Methods in Detail

In order to meet the account opening needs of different customers, Hang Seng Bank offers a variety of account opening methods, including Hang Seng Online Account Opening (cell phone account opening), branch account booking and cross-border customer account opening. Different account opening methods are applicable to different identity backgrounds and account types, which are explained in detail below.

Mobile Account Opening (Hang Seng Online Account Opening)

Applicable objects:

• Aged 18 or above
• Hong Kong residents
• Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card and reside in Hong Kong
• Open an individual single name account (not applicable to joint name accounts)

Account types can be opened:

• Prestige Banking
• Prestige Banking
• Family+ Account (Prior holding of Prestige or Superior account is required)

Account opening steps:

1. Download and open Hang Seng Mobile App
2. Click “Mobile Account Opening” on the homepage
3. Take a photo of your Hong Kong Identity Card
4. Take a selfie to verify your identity
5. Fill in basic information and submit the application
6. Upon successful completion of the application, personal e-Banking will be activated to support account operation and financial management functions.

Account opening time:

• Account will be activated within 3 working days after completion of application.
• Withdrawal card will be mailed within 5 working days (not applicable to Family+ account)

Pros:

• Convenient and fast, no need to visit the branch
• Real-time access to your account and start investing
• Paperless process, environmentally friendly and efficient

Cautions:

• If you exit the app in the middle of the application process, the information will not be saved and you will need to start again.
• If you need to apply for a checkbook or activate your ATM card, you may need to visit a branch to submit your signature.

Online Branch Account Opening

Applicable objects:

• Joint account applicants
• Non-Hong Kong residents
• Existing or new customers who are unable to use cell phone to open accounts
• Customers who wish to inquire about account opening details face-to-face

Account Opening Process:

1. Make an appointment for a branch meeting via Hang Seng's official website or App
2. Prepare the required original account opening documents (see next section)
3. Visit the selected branch at the appointment time to complete the account opening procedures
4. Upon successful account opening, e-Banking service will be activated instantly and you can apply for ATM card/cheque book services.

Advantages:

• Wide range of applications and account types
• Detailed communication with bank staff on account opening requirements
• Suitable for high-end accounts, family accounts or cross-border customers

Recommendation:

• Make an appointment in advance to avoid waiting
• Ensure to bring all required original documents to enhance the success rate of account opening
• Account Opening for Cross-border Customers (Applicable to Mainland China Residents)

Applicable to:

• Mainland China residents
• Have cross-border financial needs, plan to go to Hong Kong to open an account

Account opening process:

Step 1: Submit account opening information via cell phone (when operating in Hong Kong)

• Download Hang Seng Mobile App
• Prepare the following documents:
  • Chinese Identity Card
  • Exit-entry Permit to Hong Kong and Macao or Chinese Passport
  • Cell phone number that can receive SMS
• Follow the instructions to submit personal information and make a branch appointment

Step 2: Visit a Hong Kong branch to complete the account opening

• Bring along the following documents:
  • Cell phone number and SMS verification code
  • Identity document (China ID card + EEP/passport)
  • Proof of address (e.g. opening an investment account)
  • Hong Kong immigration record (e.g. applying for insurance services)
  • Non-US passport (e.g. to open a US stock account)
• Open the app and select “I have submitted an online application”, present the QR code and the staff will complete the account opening.

Advantages:

• One-stop process, submit the information in advance to save the processing time of the branch.
• No need to submit information repeatedly to enhance the efficiency of account opening
• Suitable for cross-border investment, asset allocation, children's education fund management, etc.

Hang Seng Bank provides account opening services through multiple channels, regardless of whether you are a local customer, an existing user or a cross-border applicant.

Hang Seng Bank Account Opening Documentation Requirements

When opening an account with Hang Seng, whether through Hang Seng Online (mobile account opening) or by making an appointment to open an account at a branch, customers are required to prepare account opening documents that meet the requirements for the bank's Due Diligence Check (KYC) and regulatory compliance. Below is a breakdown by document type and applicable scenarios.

 Core Account Opening Document Types

Depending on the type of customer and the purpose of account opening, Hang Seng Bank will generally require the following three types of documents:

Document Type	Description
Part I	Proof of Identity
Part II	Documentary proof of residential address (if applicable)
Part III	Other relevant information (e.g. occupation, purpose of account opening, etc.)

Identification documents (required)

Depending on the identity of the customer, one of the following documents must be submitted

Type of Documents	✔ Applicable to Hang Seng Mobile App Remote Account Opening	Applicable to other account opening channels
Hong Kong Residents Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption from Registration issued by the Hong Kong Government	✔ Only for the new version of the Smart ID card (launched in November 2018)	✔
Residents of Mainland China Valid People's Republic of China passport (with entry stamp) or current Hong Kong-Macao Travel Permit or Mainland Resident's Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan or Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong-Macao Special Administrative Region on official business; and Second Generation Resident Identity Card / Temporary Resident Identity Card		✔
Macau Residents Macao Resident Identity Card and Arrival Record Sheet issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department / Macao Resident Travel Card		✔
Residents of other countries/regions Valid passport or Valid Seafarer's Identity Card (must be accompanied by valid proof of entry)		✔
Other required documents (for branch account opening only) Valid non-US passport (applicable to non-Hong Kong permanent residents applying for US securities trading services) Immigration record paper issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (applicable to non-Hong Kong residents applying for relevant insurance services)

Documentary proof of residential address (where applicable, especially for opening investment type accounts)

The document must contain the customer's name and residential address. Common address proofs include:

	Category of documents	Printed electronic documents
1	Utility bills issued within the last three months	✔
2	Mobile phone, fixed-line phone, Internet service or pay TV statements issued within the last 3 months	✔
3	Communication documents (e.g. tax bill, rates bill, etc.) issued by government departments / organizations in or outside Hong Kong within the last 3 months	✔
4	Statements/notices issued by banks, licensed corporations or insurance companies within the last 3 months	✔
5	Proof of address (e.g. fee payment notice, enrollment notice, etc.) issued by a university / college in Hong Kong within the last 12 months.	✔
6	Letters issued by immediate family members residing with you within the last 3 months (must state your residential address, kinship and attach proof of the same address of the family member) Applicable to those who are unable to provide proof of personal address (e.g. students, housewives)	✔
7	Residents of Mainland China: Valid Hukou Booklet or Residence Permit recently issued by the Public Security Bureau (can be retrieved by logging on to the National Government Service Platform through the “WeChat App”)	✔
8	Letter of address proof issued by Hong Kong Nursing Home, Home for the Aged or Care and Attention Home for the Disabled within the recent three months
9	Hong Kong tenancy agreement with stamped by the Inland Revenue Department within the last 24 months
10	Letter of confirmation of subscription or legal document confirming ownership issued by a solicitor within the last 3 months
11	Latest letter from Hong Kong employer and proof of employment within 3 months (with declared residential address in Hong Kong)
12	Valid employment contract of Hong Kong domestic helper and visa copy stamped by a qualified consulate within the last 24 months.
13	For non-Hong Kong residents: Valid government-issued driving license / national identity card with photo and current residential address, or bank statement
14	Acknowledgement letter signed by you for letters sent by the Bank to the address provided by you within the last 3 months.
15	Records of the Bank's visits to the address you provided in the last three months

Remarks:

• Hang Seng accepts hardcopies of electronic documents (e-Statements / Notifications) in items 1-6 above as proof of address, but you are required to sign on the documents to declare that they are true electronic hardcopies.
• If the address proof document is not in Chinese or English, a certified translation from a professional third party (e.g. solicitor, notary public, actuary, certified public accountant, company secretarial service, consulate, etc.) is required.
• Forwarding company address, forwarding personal address, business address or P.O. Box will not be accepted as proof of address.
• Addresses printed on envelopes are not accepted as proof of address.
• Personal accounts are for personal banking services only. For business use, please contact Hang Seng's 24-hour Business Partner with Hang Seng Service Hotline 2198 8000 or visit our Business Banking Centers for details of business accounts.

Other account opening related information (subject to availability)

In order to assist the Bank to fully understand the customer's background, Hang Seng Bank may additionally require the following information:

• Occupational status (position, company, monthly income, etc.)
• Proof of student status (e.g. student card or school letter)
• Purpose of account opening and usage
• Source of account funds and source of income
• Expected account activity (transaction amount, frequency, etc.)
• Residence tax jurisdiction and tax ID number
• All residential addresses within the last year

Simplified Mobile Account Opening Documentation Requirements (applicable to new customers)

If you use Hang Seng Mobile App to open an account online, the process will be more streamlined and only the following two items are required:

1. Hong Kong Identity Card scan (front and back)
2. Self-photo (for face recognition)

Online banking services can be activated immediately after successful account opening. Some services such as ATM card and cheque book may still require signature or activation in person at a branch.

Preparing complete account opening documents is the key to improving the success rate of opening an account with Hang Seng. Applicants are advised to check the validity and clarity of the documents in advance to ensure that the information is true, complete and error-free. If you are unsure of any items, please contact Hang Seng Customer Service or make an appointment for branch consultation in advance.

Hang Seng Account Opening Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

1. Do I have to visit a branch in person to open a Hang Seng account?

No, not necessarily. If you are a Hong Kong resident and aged 18 or above, you can open a Hang Seng account online via Hang Seng Mobile App without visiting a branch. However, you still need to visit a branch for the following cases:

• Open a joint account
• Upgrade your existing account to Prestige Private Banking
• Account opening for non-Hong Kong residents or cross-border customers
• Required to submit proof of address or other supplementary documents

2. Is it safe to open a Hang Seng online account?

Yes, it is. Hang Seng Online Account opening adopts Face Recognition + ID Card Scanning technology and data transmission through Hang Seng's self-developed Mobile App. All information will be encrypted and processed in compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance of Hong Kong and the Group's confidentiality policy.

3. How can I obtain the List of Documents for Hang Seng Bank Account Opening?

You can access the List of Documents in the following ways

• Logon to Hang Seng's website > select “Personal Banking Services” > “Account Opening Services” page to view it
• Download the Hang Seng Mobile App, which will automatically guide you in preparing the documents during the account opening process.
• Section 4 of this article has provided you with a complete list of Hang Seng Bank account opening documents.

4. Can Prestige Banking be upgraded to Prestige Personal Banking? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can. You can upgrade from Prestige Banking to Prestige Private Banking by maintaining an average Total Relationship Balance of HK$8,000,000 or above in the past 12 months. Existing clients can contact your Relationship Manager for upgrading procedures.

5. Can I open a separate Family+ account?

No. You must have a Prestige Banking or Preferred Banking account before you can apply for up to 4 Family+ accounts. This is designed to consolidate family financial management. The accounts are managed by the master account holder, which is suitable for parents to centralize the management of their children's and spouse's finances.

6. What is the minimum deposit requirement for opening a Hang Seng account?

• Prestige Personal Banking: Average total wealth management value of HK$8,000,000
• Prestige Banking: Average total wealth management value of HK$1,000,000 in the past month, otherwise, a low monthly balance service fee of HK$40 will be charged.
• Prestige Banking and Family+ Account: No minimum deposit requirement and low balance service charge waived, suitable for beginner users

7. Can I use an overseas address to open a Hang Seng account?

If you are a non-Hong Kong resident or a cross-border customer, you can submit your information through the Hang Seng Mobile App and complete the account opening procedures at a branch upon arrival in Hong Kong. This process is known as cross-border customer account opening and is applicable to Mainland residents or persons from other countries.

8. How soon can I activate my account after opening? How long does it take to receive the ATM card?

• Upon successful completion of mobile account opening, the account will be activated within 2-3 working days (Hang Seng new customers may take up to 3 days to withdraw funds)
• Withdrawal card will be mailed to you within 5 working days. Customers can set password and activate it via Mobile App.

9. I have already submitted my Mobile Account application, but I have exited the App in the middle of the process, what should I do?

If you exit the Hang Seng Mobile App in the middle of the process, the system will not save any completed information and you need to start the account opening process again.

10. I have completed the account opening application, does it mean the account has been successfully opened?

After submitting the application, a confirmation message will be displayed on the App page. If the account is successfully opened, you will receive an SMS notification on your cell phone, and you can activate the e-Banking function and start making deposits at the same time. Withdrawal, checkbook application and other services will be available in a few days.

The above are the most common FAQs in the account opening process of Hang Seng. In case of special circumstances or if you have any questions about the account opening process, it is recommended that you call the Hang Seng Customer Service Hotline directly or visit your nearest branch.

[Related Reading] HK Bank Account Opening Guide

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Summary and Account Opening Advice

As one of the leading local banks in Hong Kong, Hang Seng Bank has become the first choice for individuals, families and high net worth clients to open accounts for financial management with its strong digital wealth management capabilities, robust service system and international background as part of the HSBC Group.

Whether you are a superior private financial client pursuing high-end customized services, a family user wishing to consolidate your family's financial goals, or a young financial novice just starting out, Hang Seng can provide you with suitable account solutions with flexible account opening methods, clear documentation requirements and quality service experience.

Account Opening Advice 1: Define the account type to match your assets and needs

• Those with higher assets can choose “Superior Wealth Management” or “Superior Private Wealth Management” to enjoy exclusive advisors and high-end investment services.
• For those who emphasize on convenience and cost control, they can choose “Prestige Banking” account, which is suitable for daily financial management and cell phone operation.
• For those who need to consolidate family assets, they can centralize the management of multiple accounts through the “Family+” function.

Account Opening Suggestion 2: Save time by opening an account online with Hang Seng

If you are eligible (aged 18 or above, Hong Kong resident), it is highly recommended to use Hang Seng Mobile App to open an account. The process is simple and fast, most accounts can be completed online, without queuing, no need to fill in the form, the account can be immediately after the opening of the Internet banking, investment operations.

Account Opening Recommendation 3: Prepare complete account opening documents before opening an account

Refer to the list of “Hang Seng Bank Account Opening Documents” set out in Section 4 of this article to ensure that ID cards, proof of address and related information are prepared in advance, which can significantly enhance the success rate of account opening and processing efficiency.

Account Opening Advice 4: Cross-border customers can make an appointment in advance for a smoother account opening in Hong Kong.

If you are a mainland or overseas customer, it is recommended to use the App to submit information and make an appointment with a branch in advance, so that you can complete the account opening in Hong Kong with just one visit, with a clear and simplified process.

Whether you are opening an account for the first time or intend to upgrade your existing account, mastering the correct account opening and document preparation steps is the key to a smooth opening of a Hang Seng Bank account. We hope this Hang Seng account opening guide can help you get started quickly and smoothly start your financial journey in Hong Kong.