How to Get a Credit Card in China

If you make a sizeable income, having a Chinese credit card has a few main benefits. You can save money on exchange rates by having money available directly in RMB and rack up points to redeem for flights, hotels, etc. Credit cards also make it possible to make larger purchases without the money immediately available in your account.
1
Why get a Chinese credit card?


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If you make a sizeable income, having a Chinese credit card has a few main benefits. You can save money on exchange rates by having money available directly in RMB and rack up points to redeem for flights, hotels, etc. Credit cards also make it possible to make larger purchases without the money immediately available in your account.
2
Who qualifies for a credit card?

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Different banks have different rules. The general requirements to receive a credit card in China: you must be over 18 years of age, be in China on a valid visa. (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China requires the applicant being 25-65 years old).
3
What documents do I need to apply?


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Here’s a quick list of the documentation you’ll need for your application:
1. Passport and residence permit.
2. Proof of address – lease contracts, utility bills, or bank statements
3. Proof of income – your employment contract with the salary listed.
4. You may need to open an account with the bank you apply for the card through.
4
How do I prove I will pay?
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In addition to the above documentation, the bank will need proof that they’ll get their money – if not through you, then through someone else. Here are your options.

1. Cosigner – if you’re married to a Chinese spouse or have a friend who’s willing to help, they can sign up to shoulder your debt should you be unable to pay.

2. Collateral – if you have fixed assets, you can put these up as collateral. To do this, you’ll need to bring documentation, e.g. the title for your car or a property deed.
3. Employer – if you work for a Fortune 500 company that has an account with your bank, the bank will chase after them if you don’t pay your bills.
4. Deposit – You can give the bank a deposit (usually 5K-10K RMB) as proof of payment, but your credit limit probably won’t exceed the amount of the deposit.
5
Which bank should I choose?


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This depends on your needs, and it’s worth doing some comparison shopping. If you work for a Fortune 500 company, you might want to use their bank. Also because some local banks don’t approve credit cards for non-Chinese, you may want to try big ones. Bank of China and China Merchants Bank are popular choices. Citibank was recently granted the ability to issue credit cards, making it the first foreign bank in China that can do so.
6
What’s the application process?


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Once you choose your bank, give them all of the materials listed above. The application travels from you to the bank branch to the credit card center, which is ultimately responsible for approving/denying it. Be sure to collect your application number and the credit card center’s phone number so you can track the results. The more documentation you’re able to give them, the better your chances of being approved.
For more questions, contact AUPairInChina.
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