[JohnO]

I have been working in HK for five months now and would like to get a credit card. Hang Seng, with whom I have an account, has just refused my application. Apparently they only issue cards to permanent residents - and I am not quite patient enough to wait 7 years to get that status in order to have one of their cards.

I have searched the forum on this topic and have seen that some people who have had difficulty getting a card have had success with BEA, BOC, and HSBC. However, I did see on the application form for BOC and BEA that they too require permanent residency. Is there anyway around this? Do all banks state that requirement but then overlook it on a case by case basis?

Does anyone have any suggestions on where I would have the most success applying for a card?

[mercury_element]

Originally Posted by JohnO

I have been working in HK for five months now and would like to get a credit card. Hang Seng, with whom I have an account, has just refused my application. Apparently they only issue cards to permanent residents - and I am not quite patient enough to wait 7 years to get that status in order to have one of their cards.

I have searched the forum on this topic and have seen that some people who have had difficulty getting a card have had success with BEA, BOC, and HSBC. However, I did see on the application form for BOC and BEA that they too require permanent residency. Is there anyway around this? Do all banks state that requirement but then overlook it on a case by case basis?

Does anyone have any suggestions on where I would have the most success applying for a card?

You can try HSBC. they just need you three months salary statement and address proof. You can also try SC.

[JohnO]

Originally Posted by mercury_element

You can try HSBC. they just need you three months salary statement and address proof. You can also try SC.

Thank you for the info. Last question on this. Will it be an issue that I have been banking with Hang Seng and not HSBC?

Thanks

[mercury_element]

Originally Posted by JohnO

Thank you for the info. Last question on this. Will it be an issue that I have been banking with Hang Seng and not HSBC?

Thanks

As far as i know, that is not an issue at all. Its not important to have an account with HSBC to apply for credit card.

[Huhu]

you can also try American Express. It's not hard to get their gold card with annual income > 240,000.

[flyingchair]

One thing to note though - credit card interest rates in Hong Kong are among the highest in the world. It is very expensive debt if you stick to minimum payments.

[Laughing_Monkey]

Do they not have VISA debit cards here? Its really a far more sensible idea.

[cerberus]

hey laughing monkey, no visa debits alas, just those eps cards. that's one thing i'm enjoying now stateside, the convenience of debit usage.

but hsbc and hang seng are the same bank, no prob there. and five months on the job will be more than enough. i recommend standard chartered, best bank in hk.

[ppalmer]

I had the same problem when I came to Hong Kong. I bank with HSBC. They told me I had to work full-time for 3 months and then I could apply. Well, I applied and was turned down. I then applied several months later with BEA and HSBC and got two cards! I don't think you have to be a perm. resident - I provided them with copies of my work contract and eventually was successful. I would keep trying with other banks too. good luck

[hkanchor]

Hang Seng Bank is part of HSBC Holdings so there shouldn't be an issue, alternatively switch to HSBC, also check some of the smaller banks, Fubon, Liu Chong Hing and others are happy to have your business