PAOB vs Statrys: Which is Better in 2025?

For SMEs entering or expanding into Hong Kong, one of the first challenges is finding the right business account. Traditional banks can feel slow and complex, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to alternatives like virtual banks and fintech platforms. Among the available options, PAO Bank Limited (PAOB) and Statrys stand out — but for very different reasons.

The key question for many international SMEs is simple: do you need a business account built for local transactions in Hong Kong, or one designed to manage cross-border payments and multiple currencies?

• PAOB offers fast, mobile-based onboarding and free domestic transfers, but limits itself to HKD banking.
• Statrys, by contrast, provides multi-currency accounts, transparent FX fees, and international payment tools aimed at SMEs working with suppliers and clients across borders.

In this guide, we’ll compare PAOB and Statrys side by side, looking at their:

✅ Account features and supported currencies

✅ Pricing and FX rates

✅ Cards and spending tools

✅ Account setup and eligibility requirements

✅ Customer support

✅ User feedback and reviews

By the end, you’ll have a clearer view of which provider aligns with your needs — whether your business operates solely in Hong Kong or is expanding globally.

The biggest distinction between Statrys and PAOB lies in the scope. Statrys is designed for international SMEs, offering a single account that holds 11 major currencies and connects to over 140 countries. Real-time SWIFT tracking provides end-to-end visibility on payments, while a dedicated trade desk supports spot FX orders for businesses handling larger volumes. 

PAOB, by contrast, is deliberately local. Accounts are limited to HKD, and payments are restricted to domestic transfers, with inbound SWIFT possible but without tracking. The bank does not provide FX services or integrations, instead focusing on SME banking basics such as deposits and loans. 

For a Hong Kong-only business, this simplicity can be an advantage. But for companies with cross-border exposure, the absence of multi-currency support, outbound international transfers, and FX tools is a significant limitation. 

If international payments are part of your operations, Statrys provides the infrastructure, transparency, and support to handle them more effectively than PAOB.

At Statrys, our prices are transparently displayed on the website. Account opening and monthly maintenance are free for most companies, with only special cases incurring costs. Local payments are low-cost, at HKD 5 for standard transfers, and even large-value payments remain competitive. 

International payments are supported with fixed fees (HKD 60 to receive, HKD 85 to send), plus access to real-time mid-market FX rates and tiered low fees starting from 0.1%. This helps SMEs budget without surprises.

PAOB, on the other hand, is simpler but less versatile. Domestic payments are completely free, which is attractive for businesses operating purely in Hong Kong. However, the bank does not support outbound international transfers, and fee transparency is limited. We could not find any published information on inbound SWIFT costs or FX markups. 

While PAOB’s more straightforward setup can keep costs down for SMEs that never trade outside Hong Kong, they are not ideal for any business with cross-border needs.

In terms of cards and fees, Statrys offers both physical and virtual prepaid Mastercards®, designed for business spending flexibility. Each account is eligible for one physical and four virtual cards, denominated in HKD, with limits of USD 200,000 monthly and USD 12,000 per transaction. 

ATM withdrawals are also supported with defined annual limits, foreign transactions are handled at Mastercard® rates plus a small fee, and cards can be managed directly in-app. 

PAOB, by contrast, does not offer corporate cards at all. 

If you are an SME that needs employee expense management, international spending, or card-based controls, PAOB is not ideal for you.

In terms of eligibility and setup, Statrys accepts most business structures, from sole proprietorships to LLCs and PLCs, and is open to companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Applications are handled entirely online via our website, and approvals are typically completed within three business days. 

PAOB, in contrast, is only available for Hong Kong-registered companies, and applications must be made through its mobile app. Once the form is submitted, accounts can be activated immediately. 

For businesses with international structures or cross-border presence, Statrys is the recommended option. PAOB is suitable for Hong Kong-only companies that value instant setup.

Support is another area where we take very different approaches. At Statrys, we put personalised service at the centre, assigning every client a dedicated account manager who understands our clients’ business. 

During Hong Kong business hours, clients can reach the team through multiple channels, such as phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp, and WeChat. This human-first approach ensures that complex issues are handled quickly and with context.

PAOB, meanwhile, relies on round-the-clock availability. Their support runs 24/7, including public holidays, but it is managed through phone, email, and in-app chat without a dedicated account manager. While the always-on model provides reassurance that someone will answer, the lack of personalised service may mean longer resolution times or less tailored advice.

Overall, if you value direct, knowledgeable support from a dedicated manager, Statrys wins. PAOB’s model appeals to businesses that prioritise 24/7 access, even if the service feels more generalised.

Statrys holds a strong Trustpilot rating of 4.4 from more than 300 reviews, with clients often highlighting the smooth onboarding process, responsive support, and a platform that feels intuitive for day-to-day business use. The most common criticism relates to application rejections, typically tied to company sector or location, which underscores Statrys’ stricter compliance checks.

PAOB, in contrast, has no Trustpilot presence, and feedback mainly comes from app store reviews, where its SME app averages mixed ratings. Positive comments focus on the quick signup process, but these are balanced by complaints of technical issues during account opening, limited functionality once inside the app, and unresponsive customer support. For SMEs that depend on reliability and robust features, these weaknesses raise concerns.

Choosing the right choice depends less on which provider looks “better on paper” and more on how your business actually operates. If your clients or suppliers are overseas, your needs will be very different from a company serving only the Hong Kong market.

Both Statrys and PAOB are solving two very different problems: one designed for international payments, the other focused on local SME banking.

• Businesses operating across borders that need a single account to hold and transact in multiple currencies
• Companies prioritising transparent fees, competitive FX rates, and access to a trade desk for spot orders
• teams that value responsive, human support through a dedicated account manager and multiple contact channels
• Users seeking mid-market FX rates without hidden costs for international payments

• Businesses operating exclusively in Hong Kong that do not require international banking capabilities
• Hong Kong–registered SMEs wanting immediate account approval through a mobile app
• Businesses benefiting from free local transfers and no ongoing account fees for domestic operations
• SMEs seeking access to loan products and interest-bearing savings accounts alongside day-to-day banking
• Companies comfortable with a mobile-only banking experience and 24/7 support via a third-party provider