Top 5 DBS Hong Kong Alternatives in 2025 (and What They Do Better)

2025-07-30

8 minute read

DBS Alternatives

If you’re here, there’s a good chance you’ve already tried opening a business account with DBS, or at least thought about it.

Maybe you hit a wall with the onboarding requirements. Maybe you’re based overseas and realised a remote setup isn’t as simple as you hoped. 

DBS is one of Asia’s most established banks, and for many businesses, it delivers. But for others, especially founders building cross-border, digital-first companies — it’s not always the best fit.

In this guide, we compare 5 alternatives to DBS Hong Kong, each with different strengths: faster onboarding, clearer fees, better multi-currency support, or a platform that just feels easier to use. If you're looking for a provider that matches the way you run your business, this is for you.

What Makes a Good Alternative to DBS Hong Kong?

Not every business is the right fit for a traditional bank, and you might be wondering: “What should I look for instead?”

Here are 4 things you should look for in an alternative:

1. Faster onboarding, even without an HKID
Opening a business account with DBS online requires at least one director with a Hong Kong ID. This can be a challenge if you’re based overseas or don’t have local partners. Some alternatives allow you to apply fully online and don’t require a local director, which makes the process faster and more accessible.

💡 If you’re running your business from abroad, check if the provider lets you apply remotely without needing an HKID or in-person visit.

2. Simple and transparent fees
Traditional banks often publish detailed fee schedules, but understanding the actual costs can still be difficult. Between monthly charges, currency conversion spreads, and transaction fees, it’s easy to underestimate what you’ll pay, especially as your business grows.

💡 Look for providers that clearly show their FX rates and fees up front, so your costs stay predictable even as your business grows.

3. Real multi-currency support, not just a balance
It’s not enough to hold funds in multiple currencies. A good provider should let you pay suppliers or clients in their local currency, without forcing you to convert funds first.

💡  Choose a provider that supports local payments in the currencies your business actually uses.

4. Full control, without the paperwork
When something goes wrong, the quality of support makes all the difference. Some providers offer live chat or a dedicated manager, while others route you through email or phone support with long wait times.

💡 Check recent user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot to see how responsive and helpful the support team really is.

Provider Best For Key Advantage Over DBS Hong Kong
Statrys SMEs and international founders needing remote onboarding 100% online setup for Hong Kong, Singapore, and the BVI companies.
No setup cost, no monthly fee with FX fees as low as 0.1%.
HSBC Businesses needing a full-service bank with a global presence Larger international branch network and global brand recognition for cross-border operations.
Hang Seng Bank Hong Kong-based SMEs wanting digital-first onboarding Offers remote setup and a 12-month fee waiver for local startups.
Airwallex High-volume international businesses and tech-savvy teams 20+ currencies, API access, no monthly fees, and fast onboarding.
OCBC Businesses dealing in Southeast Asia and Greater China 15 currency support, waived setup and monthly fees for eligible local SMEs.
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Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of 25 July 2025, but it may be subject to change. We recommend checking each provider’s official website for the latest details.

Trusted by 5,000 SMEs Worldwide

Open your account online within 3 days—no HKID required. Manage 11 currencies, send local payments in 12 currencies with FX fees as low as 0.1%.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard. The interface displays account details for "Happy Client Limited," showing a total balance of HKD 886,277.52 across multiple currencies (HKD, USD, EUR). The left sidebar contains navigation options such as Accounts, Transfer, Convert, Secure your FX Risk, Payees, Cards, Team, Statements and documents, and Integrations. A prominent "Add a payee" and "View Account Details" call-to-action section is visible.

1

Statrys

Statrys is a payment service provider in Hong Kong, and we offer a range of payment solutions to businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). These include virtual business accounts, low-cost telegraphic transfers, business expense cards, and more.

Statrys is licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and now served over 5,000 businesses worldwide. Each account comes with a dedicated account manger to help your business manage payment with ease.

Key Services Offered by Statrys

  • Multi-Currency Account: Hold and manage funds in 11 currencies, including USD, HKD, RMB, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, JPY, CHF, NZD, and CAD.
  • Global Payments: Send funds to 140+ countries via SWIFT, or use local payment options in 12 currencies to save on transfer fees.
  • Business Expense Cards: Issue virtual and physical Mastercard® cards to track and manage business spending.
  • Xero Integration: Sync transactions automatically with Xero to simplify bookkeeping.
  • MT103 Document Access: Download proof of payment (or MT103) online for free.
  • Personalised service: A dedicated account manager for every business account who is available via phone, WhatsApp, WeChat and more.

Statrys Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Fee Free*
Initial Deposit No minimum deposit
Monthly Fee Free
Domestic Payments in Hong Kong HKD/CNY
Receive: HKD 0
Send: HKD 5**

USD
Receive: HKD 0
Send: HKD 75
Send Local Payments HKD 25: USD, AUD, INR, EUR, GBP, SGD, IDR, PHP
HKD 35: THB, TRY, KRW
HKD 50: VND
International Payments via SWIFT Receive: HKD 60
Send: HKD 85
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee FX rate based on real-time mid-market rates with fees as low as 0.1%
Cards ATM Fee: 1.99% or min. HKD 31
Conversion: 1.5%
Inactivity Fee HKD 88 if you have less than 5 outgoing payments that month

More details

Pros and Cons of Statrys

✅100% remote account opening regardless of the owner's location.

✅No account opening or monthly fees.

✅Support 11 major currencies in one account.

✅Dedicated account manager for every account.

✅Fixed-fee structure with no hidden fees.

❌No physical branches for in-person services

❌Fewer niche currencies are available compared to some providers.

❌Only available for businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore and the BVI.

Statrys vs DBS Hong Kong

Feature Statrys DBS Hong Kong
Currencies Supported 11 currencies 14 currencies
Remote Account Opening Eligibility Companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI. Only for Hong Kong-registered businesses with at least 1 director holding an HKID.
Account Opening Time Within 3 business days As fast as 1 business day if you complete the application online.

Otherwise, it may take up to a few weeks.
Setup Fee No setup fees HKD 1,200 (for Hong Kong companies), or

HKD 10,000 (for overseas companies)

+ HKD 20,000 (initial deposit)
Monthly Fee No monthly fee HKD 250 if average balance < HKD 50,000
Dedicated Account Manager

Looking for a Simpler Business Account?

Manage all major currencies in one account with FX fees as low as 0.1%. Completely remote application—no HKID required.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard. The interface displays account details for "Happy Client Limited," showing a total balance of HKD 886,277.52 across multiple currencies (HKD, USD, EUR). The left sidebar contains navigation options such as Accounts, Transfer, Convert, Secure your FX Risk, Payees, Cards, Team, Statements and documents, and Integrations. A prominent "Add a payee" and "View Account Details" call-to-action section is visible.

2

HSBC Hong Kong

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) is one of the leading financial institutions. Established in Hong Kong in 1865, it is now a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, a British banking group headquartered in London. 

HSBC Hong Kong offers a wide array of business banking services, including Business Integrated Accounts, Business Instalment and Profits Tax loans, and HSBC Business Mastercard® credit cards.

Key Services Offered by HSBC Hong Kong

  • Business Integrated Account: Manage your deposits in 12 currencies, including HKD, USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, and SGD, and access the functions of savings, current, time deposit, and investment accounts under one account number.
  • Payroll Service: Set up and automate payroll payments from your business account with no annual or registration fees.
  • WeChat Banking and Notification Service: Receive real-time WeChat notifications on account balance and transactions.
  • Real-Time Remittance: Send same-day remittances to Greater China (Service available for HSBC Business Direct and BusinessVantage clients).
  • Xero Integration: Seamlessly manage your accounting process with Xero accounting software integration.
  • HSBC Business Mastercard®: Earn RewardCash for every card spending and benefit from discount offers as well as an interest-free repayment period of up to 56 days.
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Tip: Learn more about HSBC Hong Kong services and fees with our HSBC business account review.

HSBC Hong Kong Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account opening fee HKD 1,300
Initial Deposit HKD 20,000
Monthly fee HKD 200 or HKD 450 (fees waivable based on account tier and balance conditions)
Local FPS payments up to HKD or RMB 1 million Receive: Waived
Send: HKD 5
International Payments (SWIFT) Receive: HKD 65 (may vary depending on factors such as currency conversion)
Send: From HKD 100
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee Not specified

Please refer to HSBC's Commercial Tariff document for updated pricing information.

Pros and Cons of HSBC Hong Kong

✅Full business banking service, including loans, and trading products.

✅ Same-day remittance to Greater China

✅ Global brand recognition

✅ In-person service, phone, and chatbot

❌ Complex pricing structure

❌ Requires a high initial deposit and charges a fee to open an account

❌Slow onboarding for businesses that don't meet online criteria

HSBC vs DBS

Feature HSBC DBS
Account Opening Online for eligible businesses; others may require a branch visit Online for local companies with HKID/PRC ID; otherwise, video or in-person ID check
Initial Costs HKD 1,300 setup fee + HKD 20,000 minimum deposit HKD 1,200 setup fee (HKD 10,000 for overseas companies) + HKD 20,000 minimum deposit
Currencies Supported 12 currencies 14 currencies
FPS Payments Up to HKD/RMB 1 million per transaction Up to HKD/RMB 5 million per transaction
Integrated Payroll Service
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Interested in HSBC? See what documents you need and how to open HSBC business account in our detailed guide.

3

Hang Seng Bank

Founded in 1933, Hang Seng Bank is a part of the HSBC Group. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the bank has a wholly-owned subsidiary in mainland China, branches in Macau and Singapore, and a representative office in Taipei.

Hang Seng Bank currently provides services to close to 4 million customers and has over 260 service outlets in Hong Kong. Its business banking products include Integrated Business Solutions Account, Biz Virtual+ Account, Visa Platinum Commercial Card, and Bill Payment Collection Service.

Key Services Offered by Hang Seng Bank

  • Integrated Business Solutions Account: An all-in-one business account that combines the features of HKD current, savings (in HKD, RMB, and foreign currencies), time deposit, investment, and Statement Gold accounts under one account number for convenient access.
  • Biz Virtual+ Account: Biz Virtual+ Account is an integrated account designed to provide local startups and SMEs with digital convenience and a simplified application process.
  • AutoSweeping Service: Automatically moves funds from your savings account to cover any overdrafts or surpassing your credit limit.
  • Payroll Services: Automates salary payments and helps generate employee tax returns.
  • Hang Seng Commercial Card: Choose from HKD Commercial World Mastercard®, UnionPay Renminbi Diamond Commercial Card, or HKD Visa Platinum Commercial Card to facilitate business spending and operations.
  • Investment and Treasury Services: Integrate your business account with an investment sub-account to protect your funds from currency exchange and interest rate fluctuation risks.

Hang Seng Bank Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Fee HKD 1,000 for remote account opening, plus
HKD 150 company search fee for local companies, and
HKD 10,000 for overseas company
Initial Deposit HKD 20,000
Monthly Fee Biz Virtual+ Account: Waived for the first 12 months and HKD 200 afterwards
Integrated Business Solutions Account: HKD 200
Local FPS payments Receive: Waived
Send: From HKD 2.5-10
International Payments (SWIFT) Receive: HKD 65
Send: HKD 85 / HKD 125, depending on the recipient's location
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee FX rate: Not specified
FX fee: Depending on currency and types of transactions

For more details, please refer to Hang Seng’s service fee table.

Pros and Cons of Hang Seng Bank

✅Full business banking services.

✅Integrated account structure for managing multiple currencies and services (e.g., investments) under one number.

✅Extensive ATM network across Hong Kong.

❌ Limited international presence outside Hong Kong.

❌ Requires a high initial deposit and charges a fee to open an account

Hang Seng Bank vs DBS

Feature Hang Seng Bank DBS
Account Opening Remote onboarding for eligible Hong Kong companies Online for local HK companies with HKID/PRC ID; others may require video or in-person ID check
Initial Costs HKD 1,000–10,000 setup fee depending on company type +
HKD 150 company search +
minimum deposit of HKD 20,000
HKD 1,200 setup fee (HKD 10,000 for overseas companies) +
minimum deposit of HKD 20,000
Currencies Supported HKD 14 currencies
Monthly Fees HKD 200/month (waived first 12 months for Biz Virtual+) HKD 250/month if balance < HKD 50,000
Integrated Payroll Service
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Tip: Learn how to open a Hang Seng business account in our guide.

4

Airwallex

Founded in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex is one of the fast-growing fintech companies, specialising in cross-border money transfer solutions for businesses. It has since expanded to 19 offices around the world, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Airwallex’s services are exclusively for business customers, with an extensive payment network allowing users to send money to over 150 countries in more than 60 currencies. 

Key Services Offered by Airwallex

  • Global Accounts: Open local currency accounts with unique account numbers and local account details in 13 locations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe (SEPA), the UK, and the US.
  • Airwallex Borderless Cards: Make business purchases in multiple currencies with multi-currency prepaid Visa cards for your company and employees.
  • Core API: Programmatically manage your finances with APIs for accepting payments, making global payouts, and more.
  • Accounting Software Integration: Connect to software such as Xero, NetSuite, and QuickBooks to simplify your accounting process.
  • Batch Transfers: Send money to up to 1,000 recipients across countries, currencies, and transfer methods.
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Tip: Read our Airwallex review to see how we think of their services, fees and more.

Airwallex Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Fee Free
Monthly Fee Free
Local Payments Receive: 0.3% from non-linked account
Send: Free
International Payments (SWIFT) Receive: 0.3% from non-linked account
Send: HKD 120-200
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee From 0.2% above interbank exchange rates

For detailed Airwallex Hong Kong fees, please visit their Pricing page.

Pros and Cons of Airwallex

✅No account opening or monthly fees.

✅100% online account opening process.

✅Competitive fees compared to traditional banks.

✅Include advanced capabilities like multi-currency debit cards, batch payments and APIs for developers.

❌No physical branches

❌Charges 0.3% fee on all incoming payments from non-linked account, which can add up quickly.

Airwallex vs DBS

Feature Airwallex DBS Hong Kong
Account Opening 100% online, no setup fee Online for local entities; HKD 1,200–10,000 setup fee based on company type
Monthly Fee Free HKD 250/month if balance < HKD 50,000
Supported Currencies 20+ currencies 14 currencies
Receiving Payment Fee 0.3% from non-linked account Free (local payments)

HKD 65 (SWIFT payments)
FX Fees From 0.2% above interbank rates Not specified
API

5

OCBC Bank (Hong Kong)

OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) is a wholly owned subsidiary of OCBC Group, the second-largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets.

Headquartered in Singapore, OCBC serves businesses in Hong Kong through a broad range of commercial banking solutions. These include SME Business Accounts, business loans, commercial insurance, and MPF services.

The bank has also received multiple industry awards, including being named Best Commercial Bank for SMEs by FinanceAsia Awards.

Key Services Offered by OCBC Bank (Hong Kong)

  • Integrated Accounts: Consolidate current, savings and time deposit accounts into one.
  • Multi-Currency Business Accounts: Hold and transact in 15 currencies, including HKD, USD, RMB, SGD, EUR, GBP.
  • Business Internet Banking: Manage payments, payroll, and statements securely through OCBC Velocity.
  • Business Debit Card: Make secure global payments and track expenses in real time.
  • Commercial Loans: Apply for working capital loans, equipment financing, and SME business lending.
  • Welcome Offer for New Local SMEs: Waived account opening fee (HKD 1,200), search fee (HKD 150) and monthly fee for new SMEs in Hong Kong. (T&C applies)

OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Fee HKD 1,200 (for local company with all UBOs are Hong Kong residents)

HKD 6,500 (for local company with non-Hong Kong resident UBOs)

HKD 10,000 (for overseas company)
Monthly Fee Free
Receive Local Payments Not specified
Send FPS Payments HKD/RMB 5 for transfers up to HKD/RMB 500,000

HKD/RMB 10 if more than HKD/RMB 500,000
International Payments (SWIFT) Receive: HKD 65

Send: HKD 115
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee Not specified on the website

Please refer to the Service Fees Booklet for detailed pricing information.

Pros and Cons of OCBC

✅Support 15 currencies in one account.

✅Combine current, savings and time deposit in one solution.

✅Strong presence in Southeast Asia and Greater China.

✅Fee-free business accounts for eligible SMEs.

❌Online application limited to Hong Kong-registered businesses.

❌High account setup cost for overseas or non-resident shareholders.

OCBC vs DBS

Feature OCBC DBS
Account Opening Free (for eligible businesses) or

HKD 1,200–10,000
HKD 1,200–10,000
Monthly Fees Free (for eligible businesses) or

HKD 150 if average balance < HKD 50,000
HKD 250 if average balance < HKD 50,000
Currencies Supported 15 currencies 14 currencies
Local & International Transfers FPS: Send HKD 5–15; Receive: Not specified

SWIFT: Send HKD 115; Receive HKD 65
FPS: Send HKD 5–25; Receive: Free

SWIFT: Send from HKD 85; Receive HKD 60–65
Xero Integration
API
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Based in Singapore? Read our OCBC business account review to learn more about the services offered in Singapore.

Bottom Line

Whether you are still choosing the business account for your company or looking for an additional account to streamline your business operations, we hope this article helps you narrow down the alternatives for DBS business accounts.

Before making a decision, carefully evaluate your business needs and weigh the pros and cons of each option to ensure optimal efficiency in your business operations.

Open a Hong Kong Business Account

Access 11 major currencies, real support, and fees that won't surprise you. Trusted by 5,000+ SMEs globally.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard. The interface displays account details for "Happy Client Limited," showing a total balance of HKD 886,277.52 across multiple currencies (HKD, USD, EUR). The left sidebar contains navigation options such as Accounts, Transfer, Convert, Secure your FX Risk, Payees, Cards, Team, Statements and documents, and Integrations. A prominent "Add a payee" and "View Account Details" call-to-action section is visible.

FAQs

What are the best DBS business account alternatives in Hong Kong?

The best DBS alternatives are Statrys, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and OCBC. Each provider has strengths in different areas, so the right choice depends on your priorities, such as currency coverage or personalised support.

Which bank is the best in Hong Kong?

Which is better, DBS Bank or HSBC Bank?

Disclaimer

More info

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited is the custodian bank for Statrys in Hong Kong.

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statrys dashboard payments 2025