Hong Kong · 2026-10-11

Hong Kong's 8 Virtual Banks Compared: ZA, Mox, Airstar, WeLab

A side-by-side of Hong Kong's 8 licensed virtual banks — ZA, Mox, Airstar, WeLab, Livi, Ant, Fusion, PAOB — requirements and highlights.

The 8 at a glance

Hong Kong has 8 licensed virtual banks: ZA Bank ZA Bank, Mox Mox Bank, Airstar Airstar Bank, WeLab WeLab Bank, Livi Livi Bank, Ant Bank Ant Bank (Hong Kong), Fusion Fusion Bank, and PAOB Ping An OneConnect Bank (PAOB).

Choose by need

For overall experience, high deposit rates and cashback, start with ZA Bank ZA Bank and Mox Mox Bank. For the simplest flow, Airstar Airstar Bank and WeLab WeLab Bank are solid. For ecosystem/wallet integration, consider Ant Bank Ant Bank (Hong Kong).

Opening process

Download the app, verify with your ID and permit, upload entry records, and link a phone number. Most finish in minutes with no branch visit.

FAQ

How do virtual banks differ from traditional banks?

Virtual banks have no branches and run fully online, usually with no minimum and no monthly fee — good for everyday use. Traditional banks offer more services but stricter requirements.

Can mainland visitors open a virtual bank account in Hong Kong?

Yes. Visitors physically in Hong Kong can apply online with a mainland ID, Mainland Travel Permit, and entry records — no HK address needed.

Which virtual bank is easiest to open?

Most finish online within minutes with no minimum. They differ mainly in deposit rates, cashback and cross-border features — choose by need.

Is money in a virtual bank safe?

All are licensed and covered by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Scheme up to HKD 800,000 per depositor — the same as traditional banks.

Banks mentioned in this guide

ZA Bank虚拟银行 ★ 4.3 Mox Bank虚拟银行 ★ 4.2 Airstar Bank虚拟银行 ★ 4.2 WeLab Bank虚拟银行 ★ 4.2 Livi Bank虚拟银行 ★ 3.9 Ant Bank (Hong Kong)虚拟银行 ★ 4.1 Fusion Bank虚拟银行 ★ 4 Ping An OneConnect Bank (PAOB)虚拟银行 ★ 4

More guides

How Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Brazil? 2026 Guide How Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Italy? 2026 Guide How Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Spain? 2026 Guide How Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in China? 2026 Guide How to Open a Hong Kong Bank Account (2026 Guide) Open a Bank Account Fully Online — No Branch Visit Zero-Minimum, No-Fee Bank Accounts How to Open a Singapore Bank Account (2026 Guide) US Bank Accounts for Non-Residents (2026 List) How to Open a UK Bank Account: Digital vs Traditional How to Open a UAE (Dubai) Bank Account: Non-Resident Friendly How to Open a Japanese Bank Account: Online vs Traditional How to Open a German Bank Account: N26 and Traditional Banks Bank Accounts Non-Residents Can Open (2026 List) Multi-Currency Accounts Compared: Wise, Revolut, Paysera How to Open a Canadian Bank Account (Students & Newcomers) How to Open an Australian Bank Account How to Open a South Korean Bank Account How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan, China How to Open a French Bank Account How to Open a Dutch Bank Account: ING, ABN and bunq Swiss Bank Accounts: Private Banks, Digital Banks & Non-Residents How to Open a Thai Bank Account: Traditional vs Digital Banks How to Open a Malaysian Bank Account: MM2H, Work Visa, Digital Banks How to Open a Mexican Bank Account: What Non-Residents Can Open How to Open a New Zealand Bank Account: The Big Four, Digital Banks How to Open an Indian Bank Account: NRO, NRE and Non-Resident Cheapest Way to Send Money Abroad: SWIFT vs Wise vs Banks CRS and FATCA: What You Should Know About Reporting Overseas Accounts