China Merchants Bank is one of China's best-regarded retail banks — its All-in-One debit card and mobile app have strong reputations and the wealth-management lineup is deep. Account opening is in person at a branch, with strict questioning during the card-crackdown campaign.
Apply in person at a branch; expect strict checks during the card-crackdown campaign. Foreign applicants: see the notes below.
Foreigners can open an account at a CMB branch with a passport plus a valid Chinese visa or residence permit (most branches want 3+ months of visa validity remaining; tourist visas are often declined). A mainland real-name mobile number is required for SMS verification; some branches also ask for address or employment proof. CMB's app has a well-regarded English interface, several Shanghai branches issue cards to foreigners on the spot without an appointment, and branches near universities run dedicated student counters. Prefer a flagship branch in a tier-1 city and avoid month-end peaks.
These are stable, standing account benefits (not time-limited) — available as long as you qualify:
Conditionally. Foreigners holding a valid Chinese visa or residence permit can open an account in branch; tourist visas are usually declined, and fully remote opening from abroad is not possible.
No minimum deposit and no account-opening fee; some branches ask for a small ¥10–100 activation deposit.
Residents: mainland ID card + real-name mobile number. Foreigners: passport + valid visa or residence permit + mainland real-name mobile number; some branches also ask for address or employment proof.
In person at a branch, about 30 minutes with the card issued on the spot; queues are longer at peak times — weekday mornings are best.
Incomplete or non-compliant documents; inability to explain the account purpose or source of funds; identity or address requirements unmet; too little remaining visa validity.
Standing benefits: No Monthly Fee, No Min Deposit. Promotions change by region and quarter — always check the bank's official promo page (verified 2026-10).
Having documents ready lowers the chance of rejection; policies change, so confirm with the bank before applying.