Once you’ve identified a card that best suits you, most eligibility requirements are the same - banks typically require people to be at least 18 years old and a HKID holder in good standing. The next step is to provide proof of your annual income. Most banks have an online portal where you can apply directly online, submit your documents and provide your HKID or passport details. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and can save you the trouble of paying a visit to the bank.

A credit card enables you to borrow money from a bank to make purchases. Most cards have spending limits and require you to pay the bank back within 25-30 days to avoid any additional charges on top of the money you owe the bank. This additional charge is also known as interest. A credit card enables you the convenience of not carrying around cash and unleashes the freedom to make online purchases, typically from anywhere in the world. Visa and MasterCard are the two most common payment networks that banks partner with.

After you’ve successfully submitted your application, the bank/card issuer will process your application. Processing time varies depending on your eligibility, credit history, and documentation. To get your card as fast as possible, make sure to submit all required documentation and fill out your application form fully. Once approved, it can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days to receive your card in the mail.

In order to qualify for a credit card, most Hong Kong banks require that you be at least 18 years of age and that you meet the minimum annual salary requirements. The salary requirements range from card to card, so it’s important to review these requirements before applying.

A debit card is a payment card that is granted by bank and lending institutions. Debit cards are tied to your bank account, and serve two purposes: 1) To enable funds to be automatically deducted when a customer pays for purchases, and 2) To enable consumers to retrieve cash from ATMs (automatic teller machines). In order to withdraw funds at an ATM machine or pay for purchases at offline and online merchants, most cards will require you to enter a PIN (personal identification number) in order to authorize purchases.

When making a purchase, how do you know whether to use a debit or a credit card? Understanding the difference between debit cards and credit cards can help you make that decision. A debit card is directly linked to your bank’s bank account, whereas a credit card is not. In the case where a purchase is made with your debit card, you are deducting funds from your bank account in order to pay for the purchase, so you must have enough funds to pay for the purchase entirely. On the other hand, if you pay using a credit card, you are borrowing money from a bank in which you will need to pay the bank back later - typically electronically via your bank account or by an in person visit to the bank. There are limitations on how much you can charge to the credit card every month, so it’s important to understand your credit limit thoroughly.

Credit card fraud can happen offline and online. One of the most common types of credit card fraud is telemarketing scams, where scammers ask for your credit card details over the telephone. Be wary of who you’re providing this information to, and always confirm whether the person on the other line is legitimate before providing sensitive card information. Another way to prevent fraud is to not sign blank credit card receipts - always indicate the correct amount upon signing the receipt, and take a copy with you in case there is a discrepancy on your credit card statement that month. Report any suspicious activity on your credit card statement to your bank immediately so that they can help you resolve the situation.

There are various ways to pay off your credit card bills in Hong Kong. The most common way is via the bank’s online banking (e-banking) portal. All you need to do is to create an account with your bank, and enter in your unique ID and password to access your bills. There are a number of other ways you may pay for your bills, such as going to the bank’s ATM, visiting the bank in person, PPS (payment by phone service), check, and even via mail centers like DHL Express. Paying off your credit card bills on-time is important so that you don’t accrue any interest on top of your balance. It also helps you maintain a healthy financial profile.

Most of the larger banks in Hong Kong, like HSBC, Hang Seng, Citibank, Standard Chartered, and AEON all require applicants to hold a valid HKID card. There may be a few exceptions, and unique cases which are up to the bank’s discretion, but it’s best to get a HKID to ensure a smoother application process.

It is important to assess your spending ability and cashflow in advance to ensure that you can comfortably pay off the full balance on your credit card when your monthly statement arrives. If you cannot pay the full amount, then you may resort to paying the minimum, so long as you are careful to not make it a habit. If you continuously pay just the minimum, you can potentially accrue larger interest charges and fees, which means that you’ll need to set aside even more money to fully pay off your outstanding debt. Accruing debt can also affect your credit score, which would in turn affect your mortgage and loan applications in the future. Spend responsibly and always pay in your credit card bills - in full and on-time.

If you wish to cancel your credit card, you may cancel the card by calling the bank’s customer service line or by visiting one of the bank’s branch in person to inquire.