[rayfantastic]

Many banks require permanent resident status of the applicant, yet some of them may elect to ignore this requirement.

Does anyone have lists of banks that:
1. Do not require PR;
2. Requires PR on paper, but in practice waive that
3. Absolutely only issue cards to permanent residents

Thanks!

[dougp]

I'm not PR - I have a Citibank card and I'm pretty sure HSBC don't require it either.

[PDLM]

I'm not aware of any banks that will only issue credit cards to PRs - certainly all of the big ones are happy to issue cards to anyone with a HKID card and proof of income in HK.

[KnowItAll]

Depends on your overall credit score. All the banks have some weighting on the residency factor, some banks like Citi have a much lower weighting on PR.

[clip_my_wings]

HSBC provided me with a credit card and im only HKID card holder.

They intially declined due to low credit score but I went into the branch and explained quite politely my necessity for this service. As they were my account holding branch and could see my work contract details the branch appealed the decision and the credit card company granted me a card. Of course my next course of action would have been the threat to withdraw my funds and seek a new bank which would of been a costly decision for them.

if your are a new resident it can be difficult but i would suggest applying for the credit card of your bank

[TaLL|dUdE]

I don't have PR either and I got an HSBC card and Citibank card 3 months or so after I arrived.

[sideduck]

I work in the banking industry now and I am familiar with this. Most banks require a PR status before they will be willing to issue you a credit card. Reason is, how will they get their money back once you have racked up the credit limit. Even if you just moved to Hk, most banks will be reluctant to offer you a credit card because you do not have a credit history in HK. How do they know you will repay? Even if you show them a pay stub t proves nothing about your character. However, most banks are willing to do secured credit cards where you put up collateral. This can be in a form of cash, term deposit, or real estate. Usually they require 1.25% of the credit limit you are requesting. Ask your local bank and they will tell you more.

(Still looking for a job in HK...if you see postings that you think will fit me, please let me know.)

[erictby]

Originally Posted by sideduck

However, most banks are willing to do secured credit cards where you put up collateral. This can be in a form of cash, term deposit, or real estate. Usually they require 1.25% of the credit limit you are requesting. Ask your local bank and they will tell you more.

1.25% of the credit limit???

I think it should be 1.25 time of the credit limit, is it?

[xue39]

Anyone knows - any chance for tourist without HKID but American credit history and HSBC and Citibank relationships? (debit would be also ok)

[twlewis]

Relationships mean nothing. NOTHING.

Credit ratings abroad mean little. LITTLE.

PR or HKID mean something, but not relevant.

Number one item is collateral. If you have cash that you can drop into a term deposit and let it sit with the bank, you will get a credit card just about anywhere. Your credit limit will be determined by how much you can put in the term deposit. If you skip town and don't pay the bill, they take it out of your term deposit and your card is frozen and likely not reactivated for some time.

But remember, other jurisdiction relationship counts for nothing. HK operations of any multinational bank could care less if you were a big retail customer in your hometown. Big corporate client, maybe.