China’s first internet bank (founded in 2014 with Tencent as lead shareholder). Built on the WeChat ecosystem and known for products such as Weilidai and Huoqi+, it is one of the largest digital banks in China.
Requires a mainland ID card, mobile number and bank card; fully online.
WeBank is online-only and requires a mainland ID card, mobile number and bank card, so foreigners cannot open an account. Foreigners can use traditional bank branches with a passport + valid visa or residence permit (see the other banks on this page).
These are stable, standing account benefits (not time-limited) — available as long as you qualify:
Not online. WeBank requires a mainland Chinese ID, a mainland mobile number and a mainland bank card. Foreigners can open accounts at branches in China with a passport plus a valid visa or residence permit, but not through online channels.
No initial deposit is required and the account can be opened and kept at zero.
Mainland Chinese resident ID, a mainland mobile number in your name, a mainland bank card, and face recognition.
About 5–10 minutes online, usually effective immediately.
Common reasons: ID does not match face recognition, the mobile number is not in your name, card verification fails, or credit/risk checks fail.
Standing benefits: No Monthly Fee, No Min Deposit, Fully Online, Digital Bank, Fast Approval. 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.