Written by Bertrand Théaud, Founder
20+ years in Asia as a corporate lawyer, investor, and fintech founder. I've sat on both sides of the table and seen the same avoidable mistakes hit founders again and again. The reviews and articles I write are for founders who'd rather skip the mistakes.
Last reviewed by June 2026.
Quick Answer: Which account is right for you?
Non-residents and overseas directors: Statrys — fully online application, passport accepted, no HKID required.
HKID holders wanting zero fees: OCBC — fee-free with no minimum balance, same-day digital onboarding.
Digital-first startups with HKID: ZA Bank or livi — fully online, fast onboarding, access to business loans.
Established businesses needing full banking infrastructure: DBS or HSBC — broadest product range, lending, investment, trade finance.
Local HK-based business wanting integrated savings + investment: Hang Seng or BEA.
Most traditional banks in Hong Kong require all directors to hold a HKID (Hong Kong Identity Card) for online applications.
After two decades working across Asia as an investor and founder, I've seen repeatedly how businesses lose time and money by picking the wrong business account at the start.
Between traditional banks, virtual banks, and fintech providers, every option comes with different fees, capabilities and eligibility. Pick the wrong one, and you're stuck with a monthly fee you didn't expect — or an application rejected.
If you are an overseas founder — a director without a Hong Kong Identity Card — the majority of traditional bank accounts are either off-limits for online applications or will ask you to visit a branch in person after weeks of document submission.
This guide compares the 8 main options available in Hong Kong as of mid-2026. It covers who each account is designed for, what it actually costs, and which providers will accept your application if your directors are not based in Hong Kong.
Disclaimer: I am the founder of Statrys, which is included in this guide. I have applied the same evaluation framework to every provider. This guide covers the most widely used options for Hong Kong-incorporated companies. It is based on a review of each provider's official pricing pages, publicly available terms, and product documentation as of June 2026.
Can non-residents open a business account in Hong Kong?
Yes, but the options are genuinely more limited. Most traditional banks in Hong Kong require all directors and shareholders to hold a HKID for their standard online application process. Without one, you are typically directed to an in-person branch visit, which is a significant barrier for founders based overseas.
The three categories of providers and how they handle non-residents:
| Provider type | Non-resident policy | What this means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional banks | HKID strongly preferred for digital onboarding. Non-residents typically invited to a branch for verification. | Plan for a longer process. Some banks may decline applications from fully foreign-owned companies even after in-person verification. |
| Digital banks / virtual banks | HKID or Mainland ID required for online applications. Overseas directors not supported through the standard digital flow. | Not accessible for overseas founders without a local co-director. |
| Statrys (MSO, fintech) | No HKID required. Passport copies accepted. Fully online for HK, SG, or BVI companies. | Fully accessible online process for non-residents. |
Required documents for a non-resident applying to Statrys: passport copies for all directors and shareholders, plus the Business Registration Certificate. No initial deposit or minimum balance required. Over 10,000 businesses use Statrys accounts. 96% of clients opened their accounts within 3 business days.
For more guidance, see our full guide on why opening a business account in Hong Kong is difficult and opening a business account in Hong Kong as a non-resident.
Quick Comparison: 8 Best Business Accounts in Hong Kong
| Provider | Best For | Fee | Online Application & Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statrys | Overseas founders managing multiple currencies | No opening fee; No monthly fee; No minimum balance | Yes (No HKID required), 96% opened within 3 business days |
| OCBC Bank (HK) | HKID-holding founders wanting a traditional bank account with no monthly fees | No opening fee; No monthly fee | Yes (all owners must hold HKID), as fast as 1 working day |
| ZA Bank | Digital-first startups and SMEs, businesses seeking financing | HKD 1,500 opening fee | Yes (all owners must hold HKID), as fast as 1 working day |
| DBS Bank (HK) | Businesses needing full-service banking, lending, trade finance, treasury services | HKD 1,500 opening fee, HKD 250 monthly fee (waivable) | Yes (all owners must hold HKID or PRC ID) |
| Livi Bank | HKID holders seeking fast onboarding and access to business loans | HKD 1,200 opening fee | Yes (all owners must hold HKID or PRC ID), as fast as 1 working day |
| Hang Seng Bank | Local SMEs seeking a traditional banking partner and strong branch network | HKD 1,000 opening fee, HKD 200 monthly fee (waivable) | Not specified, 3–5 business days |
| HSBC Business Integrated Account | International businesses and growing SMEs needing comprehensive banking services | HKD 1,300 opening fee, 200–450 monthly fee (waivable) | Not specified |
| BEA CorporatePlus | Local businesses needing integrated banking, payroll, and investment services | HKD 800 opening fee, HKD 200 monthly fee (waivable) | Not specified |
Fees based on publicly available pricing as of June 2026. Always confirm directly with the provider before applying.
The 8 best business accounts in Hong Kong (2026)
The providers below cover the main categories: fintech MSOs, virtual banks, and traditional banks. Each section follows the same structure: what the account is, who it works for, and what it costs.
1. Statrys Multi-Currency Business Account
Statrys is a Hong Kong-based fintech company, licensed as a Money Service Operator and launched in 2020.
What the account does: hold and move money in 11 major currencies, convert with FX fees from 0.1%, and send payments to 100+ countries — all managed remotely with a dedicated account manager.
Additionally, Statrys is the only provider in Hong Kong to provide company registration and accounting services on the same platform— an integrated back-office ecosystem.
Who can apply: Companies incorporated in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the British Virgin Islands (BVI) can apply fully online. Non-residents and overseas directors can apply entirely online using passport copies, with no HKID, no branch visit, and no minimum balance. The primary required documents are the director's and shareholder's passport copies plus the Business Registration Certificate.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- No Monthly Fees. No Opening Fees* No minimum deposit. No minimum balance.
- Hold in 11: HKD, USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, NZD, RMB.
- Pay like a local in 12 currencies to avoid SWIFT international transaction fees.
- International SWIFT transfers to 100+ countries, with free MT103 document (proof of payment) and real-time tracking.
- FX fees from 0.1%, rate based on mid-market rates.
- Physical and virtual business cards for spending
- Xero sync, invoicing tool, bookkeeping and accounting services available on the same platform.
- Integration with Shopify, Stripe, PayPal
- Dedicated account manager support via phone, email, WhatsApp, or WeChat.
*No account opening fee for most companies. Additional charges may apply to complex structures outside Hong Kong, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Is Statrys a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Overseas founders and non-residents — no HKID, no branch visit, and no local director required
- Businesses dealing with multiple currencies and international payments
- Founders who want payments and accounting in one place — the business account connects directly to bookkeeping without switching platforms
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Company must be incorporated in HK, SG, or BVI — other jurisdictions not currently supported
- No physical branches — all support is remote via phone, email, WhatsApp, or WeChat
- Lending, business loans, and trade finance are not available
2. OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) SME Business Account
Formerly Wing Hang Bank, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) has been a subsidiary of Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation of Singapore since 2014. For HKID-holding founders who want a fully traditional bank account at zero monthly cost, it is a strong option in this list.
Who can apply: Hong Kong-registered companies where all directors hold a Hong Kong permanent resident ID card, for sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited companies with up to two connected parties. No corporate shareholders.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- No Monthly Fees. No Opening Fees. No minimum balance.
- Opening your account as fast as 1 working day for eligible HKID holders
- Hold and convert up to 15 major currencies
- Business Debit Card for online and in-store payments locally and overseas
- ASEAN and Greater China connectivity through the OCBC Group
Is OCBC Business Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Simple-structured company seeking a traditional business bank account with no monthly fees
- HKID-holding founders seeking a fast, fully digital onboarding process.
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Overseas directors and foreign-owned companies may require branch visits, incur fees, or face restrictions.
- FX services are only available during business hours on business days, which may be restrictive for businesses making frequent international payments.
3. ZA Bank Business Account
ZA Bank launched in 2020 as Hong Kong's first virtual bank to go fully live. Owned by ZhongAn Technologies International Group, it operates entirely through its mobile app with no physical branches.
It offers a well-rounded banking solution for digital-first businesses, combining everyday business banking, savings features, local payment capabilities, international transfer options, and access to business financing through a fully online platform.
Who can apply: Online applications are available for companies where all business owners hold a valid HKID, with a simple structure of up to three partners or four shareholders and no corporate shareholders.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- No monthly fee, but an upfront HKD 1,500 charge is required to cover the first 12 months of service, then HKD 138 per month after that, waived if the account balance stays above HKD 50,000.
- 11 savings currencies, with time deposits in HKD, CNY and USD
- Local transfer, FPS and CHATS
- International transfers and FX
- Application in as little as 6 minutes and account opening in as little as 1 working day for a simple-structured company with HKID holders.
- Business loans of up to HKD 4,000,000 for companies operating for at least 1 year
Is ZA Bank Business Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Digital-first startups and SMEs
- Hong Kong-based businesses that want fast, fully online, low-touch banking
- Growing SMEs seeking financing – ZA Bank has a large loan product in this list for simpler structures
⚠️ Things to Consider
- An HKD 1,500 upfront payment may be a barrier for cost-sensitive startups
- HKID required for all business owners
- Not for complex treasury or trade finance services
Want to learn more about ZA Bank? Read our detailed ZA Bank Business Account Review and step-by-step guide on How to Open a ZA Bank Account.
4. DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Business Account
DBS has operated in Hong Kong since 1999. Its multi-currency business savings account supports HKD, USD, RMB, and up to 11 other currencies through separate wallets under a single account number. It also offers FX services and accepts both local and overseas companies, though an account-opening fee applies. As DBS is a full-service bank, you can also access a broader range of products beyond everyday banking, including lending, trade finance, and treasury solutions as your business grows.
Who can apply: Fast onboarding for Hong Kong-incorporated companies where all shareholders and directors hold a HKID or PRC Resident Identity Card. Contact DBS directly for other eligibility situations.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- HKD 250 monthly fee, waived if the account balance is HKD 50,000 or above
- Account opening fee from HKD 1,200 for local companies or HKD 10,000 for overseas companies
- 14 savings currencies, including HKD, USD, RMB
- Option to add a current account in HKD, RMB, or USD, as well as a Fixed Deposit Account
- Instant local fund transfers via FPS with a high transaction limit and cash rebates
- 24/7 foreign exchange services with custom watchlists and real-time price alerts
- Real-time tracking of SWIFT payment and collection status
Is DBS Business Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Companies seeking a comprehensive range of services from a traditional bank with a strong regional presence in Asia.
- Businesses with high FPS transaction volumes are looking to maximise rebates
❌ Things to Consider
- Account setup fees apply, unlike many digital banking alternatives that provide free onboarding.
- Monthly fees apply unless the minimum balance requirement is maintained
5. livi Business Account
livi Bank launched in 2020, backed by Bank of China (Hong Kong), JD Technology (the fintech arm of JD.com), and Jardine Matheson. It runs entirely through its mobile app.
livi's Business Account focuses on simplicity and fast onboarding. Businesses can open an account fully online, with approval in some cases possible within 24 hours and, for eligible applicants, without submitting documents. Another standout feature is its instalment loan product with no collateral required.
Who can apply: Single-layered Companies where the ultimate beneficial owner, director, or controller holds a HKID or Mainland Resident Identity Card, fully online. No restriction on operating history.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- Opening fee HKD 1,200 (standard structure) or HKD 3,000 (special structures). Charged regardless of whether the account is approved.
- 100% digital, potentially within 24 hours and no documents for eligible applicants
- Support HKD, CNY, USD (savings and transfers) and time deposit in HKD
- Instant HKD and CNY via FPS; USD via RTGS
- Up to HKD 18,000,000 business finance with repayment up to 10 years, no collateral required
Is livi Business Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- HKID-holding founders seeking both a business savings account and access to substantial credit facilities
- A newly incorporated company wanting Fast digital onboarding for HKID and Mainland China ID holders
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Application fee starts from HKD 1,200 minimum
- More limited currency support compared with alternatives that offer broader multi-currency capabilities
6. Hang Seng Bank Business Account
Hang Seng Bank was established in 1933. It offers two business account tiers: Biz Virtual+ for startups and local SMEs, and the Integrated Business Solution (IBS) Account for established businesses.
Who can apply: Hong Kong-registered companies whose related parties are based in Hong Kong or mainland China. Contact Hang Seng bank for other eligibility situations.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- Account opening fee from HKD 1,000 (local) or HKD 10,000 (overseas)
- Monthly fee of HKD 200/month, waived for balances above HKD 50,000 (Biz Virtual+) or HKD 100,000 (Integrated Business Solution (IBS) Account)
- Account opening time of 3 business days for Biz Virtual+ and 5 business days for Integrated Business Solution (IBS) Account
- Complimentary payroll services
- Mastercard®, UnionPay, or Visa commercial card
- Preferential TT rates for eligible users
Is Hang Seng Bank a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Local SMEs and established businesses seeking a long-term traditional banking partner
- Businesses that want a bank with an extensive ATM network across Hong Kong
⚠️ Things to Consider
- The main account supports HKD only, which is limited for multi-currency operations
- A branch visit may still be required to complete the application process, depending on the company profile and subject to the bank's discretion
7. HSBC Business Integrated Account
HSBC is one of the largest banks operating in Hong Kong. Its Business Integrated Account covers current, savings, deposits, investments, and loans under one account number, across three tiers designed for digital startups, growing SMEs, and established businesses. Same-day remittance to mainland China is available on higher tiers.
Who can apply: Companies that are incorporated and have business operations in Hong Kong. Remote account opening is available but subject to approval and may not be available to directors without a HKID.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- Opening fee from HKD 1,300 (online) or HKD 1,600 (offline)
- Monthly fee of HKD 200 to HKD 450, depending on the account tier. The fee is waived if the average total relationship balance exceeds HKD 50,000, HKD 100,000, or HKD 500,000, depending on the tier.
- Savings, current, and time deposit accounts in HKD, RMB, and 11 other currencies
- Complimentary payroll services
- Commercial cards
- Investment and loan facilities
- Same-day remittance to Mainland China for higher-tier customers
Is HSBC Business Integrated Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Strong international banking network
- Three tiers with features matched to business needs, from digital-savvy startups to growing and well-established SMEs.
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Complex fee structure with multiple tiers
- Remote opening for non-HKID directors is subject to additional review and may not be available
- Higher monthly fees on upper tiers if balance threshold not maintained
Tip: Check out our comprehensive HSBC business account review for full feature and fee details and our step-by-step guide on how to open an HSBC business account online
8. Bank of East Asia CorporatePlus Account
Bank of East Asia (BEA) was founded in 1918 and is the largest independent local Hong Kong bank. The bank also has branches and representative offices in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, and the US.
Its CorporatePlus Account combines savings, current, time deposits, and investments under one account number, with physical corporate cards.
Who can apply: Available to most business entities. The online application is limited to sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited companies with up to three individual directors or shareholders and no corporate parties. A branch visit is required for application signing.
All other entity types may also apply, but cannot complete the process online. This includes trustees (individual or corporate), statutory bodies, government agencies, charitable organisations, societies, clubs, associations, and similar entities.
Highlighted Features & Fees
- Monthly fee is HKD 200 per month and is waived if the average daily balance exceeds HKD 50,000
- Opening fee is HKD 800 for standard companies and HKD 10,000 for special companies
- Initial deposit is HKD 10,000
- Single account number covering current, savings, time deposit, and investment sub-accounts. HKD, RMB, and USD time deposit. Optional add-ons include USD current account, Securities, and Linked Deposit accounts
- Pay staff salaries in HKD or RMB directly to any local bank on a chosen date, plus automatically calculates MPF contributions
- Card supports cash withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and bill payments.
- Investment options include stocks, funds, bonds, linked deposits, and IPO subscriptions
Is Bank of East Asia CorporatePlus Account a Good Fit?
✅ Works Well For
- Local Hong Kong businesses looking for an all-in-one account (current, savings, deposits, and investments under one number)
- Businesses that deal lots with payroll management with MPF calculations
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Branch visit is required to sign the application
- An initial deposit of HKD 10,000 is required, which is relatively substantial
What makes a good business account in Hong Kong?
The five criteria that matter most for cross-border SMEs and overseas founders are: eligibility (can you actually open it?), real FX cost, currency support, opening speed, and scalability. Most fee tables focus on the monthly charge — that is rarely the most important number.
The criteria that matter most
- Eligibility: Can you actually open it? For non-residents, HKID requirements rule out most traditional banks for online applications.
- Opening speed and process: Some accounts open in a day for simple HKID-holding structures. Others take weeks or require in-person meetings for any overseas elements.
- Real cost: The monthly fee is a starting point. Add FX markups, fall-below fees, opening charges, and international transfer fees. A 'free' account with a 1.5% FX margin costs HKD 750 on a HKD 50,000 conversion. A paid account with a 0.1% margin costs HKD 50 for the same trade.
- Currency support: How many currencies can you hold, receive in, and pay out in? Does the provider support local payouts in your key corridors
- Scalability: Can the account support multi-user access, accounting integrations, higher transfer limits, and FX tools as your business grows?
NEXT STEP
Still not sure which account suits your company? Take this business account quiz, answer a few questions about your business and get a tailored recommendation in minutes.
Find the Right Business Account for Your Company
Finding and getting a business account in Hong Kong often takes longer than founders expect. The process involves identifying a provider that accepts your specific business type and understanding the fees and features to see if they fit your business needs.
To help with this, we've researched and published in-depth reviews of business accounts to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
To read our reviews, you can visit business account reviews and find the best business account for your business today.
You may also be interested in the next step: our guide on opening a business account in Hong Kong.
If you're a cross-border SME, an overseas founder, or a company incorporated in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI, Statrys offers a fully online application trusted by over 10,000 businesses.
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FAQs
What are the best online and digital business accounts in Hong Kong?
The leading fully digital options are - Statrys (fintech)— Fully online, open to local and overseas companies, passports needed - ZA Bank (digital bank) — no branches, online only for HKID holders - livi(digital bank) — 100% digital onboarding for HKID holders, approval possible within 24 hours
What are the best business accounts in Hong Kong for 2026?
The best business account in Hong Kong for 2026 depends on your company's structure, director residency, and payment needs. For international SMEs and non-residents, Statrys (a non-bank provider) offers fully online applications supporting 11 currencies. For HKID holders, OCBC provides a fee-free option. For established businesses requiring full banking infrastructure, DBS and HSBC are the strong choices. Our picks at a glance: • Statrys – best for international SMEs and non-residents • DBS and HSBC – best for established businesses needing full banking infrastructure • Hang Seng – best for HK-based SMEs wanting integrated banking • OCBC – best for HKID holders seeking a fee-free account • ZA Bank and livi— best for digital-first startups with HKID holders • Bank of East Asia — (best for local, cash-based operations
What are the best business accounts for small businesses, SMEs and startups in Hong Kong?
For non-residents or overseas directors: Statrys (fintech) is the accessible choice, offering fully online applications that accept passport documentation and accept newly incorporated companies. For HKID holders: OCBC is one of the strongest options, with no account opening fee, and an account designed specifically for SMEs. Livi is another good option with acceptance of newly incorporated companies, although it does charge an account opening fee.
Which documents do you need to open a business account in Hong Kong?
You’ll need the Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, and ID and proof of address for directors and shareholders. You may also require a board resolution, business proof, or a certificate of incumbency for offshore companies. Requirements vary by provider.
How much does it cost to open a business account in Hong Kong?
For Hong Kong-incorporated companies, opening fees typically range from HKD 800 to HKD 1,600. For overseas-incorporated companies, fees can reach HKD 10,000 depending on the provider. With Statrys, a licensed fintech, no opening fee is charged.
Can non-residents open a business account in Hong Kong?
Yes, but options are more limited. Most traditional banks require at least one director with an HKID or an in-person branch visit. Statrys accepts fully online applications from non-residents using passport documentation, with no branch visit or minimum balance required, as long as the company is incorporated in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI.
How long does it take to open a business account in Hong Kong?
It typically takes 1 - 7 business days, depending on the provider and your company structure. For simple Hong Kong companies with an HKID-holding owner, some providers can approve accounts within 24 hours. More complex applications, especially those involving overseas directors or additional compliance checks, can take several weeks. For Statrys, the process is fully online, and 96% of our clients were able to open their business accounts within 3 business days.
