Shanghai Pudong Development Bank is a joint-stock bank headquartered in Shanghai, known for credit cards and free-trade-zone finance; its Shanghai airport branches issue a passport-only travel card to foreign arrivals.
Apply in person at a branch; freshly arrived foreign travellers can get an airport travel card first. Foreign applicants: see the notes below.
SPDB accepts foreign passports with a valid Chinese visa or residence permit plus a mainland real-name mobile number. A highlight: its Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao airport branches issue a Travel Card (prepaid) to freshly arrived foreigners using passport OCR on the spot — enough to cover mobile payments for your first days before opening a full account (subject to each branch's current notice).
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; freshly arrived travellers can get a prepaid travel card at airport branches with just a passport. Fully remote opening of a full account from abroad is not possible.
No minimum deposit; account opening is free, and the airport travel card requires a small prepaid balance.
Residents: mainland ID card + real-name mobile number. Foreigners: passport + valid visa or residence permit + mainland real-name mobile number; the airport travel card needs only a passport.
In person at a branch, about 30 minutes; the airport travel card is issued on the spot.
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.