Guide for opening an HSBC business account
- •Basic requirements for opening an HSBC account
- •Different HSBC business accounts
- •Steps for opening an HSBC account
- •HSBC’s online banking services
- •Airwallex Global Account: manage your international funds on one single platform
- •HSBC vs. Airwallex: comparing business accounts
- •Frequently asked questions
Before opening an account with HSBC, businesses should familiarise themselves with the requirements, associated fees and required documentation. This article offers a comprehensive and straightforward guide to the account opening process at HSBC, covering three types of HSBC business accounts. You’ll also be provided with a comparison between Airwallex, a one-stop financial and remittance platform, and HSBC.
Basic requirements for opening an HSBC account
The requirements for opening an HSBC business account vary based on the type of entity applying for it. Taking a sole proprietorship registered in Hong Kong as an example, the following documentation is typically necessary:
Identification documents: such as company registration certificate, articles of association, etc.
Proof of source of wealth: the initial capital mainly comes from the founder of the company. It is essential to provide personal bank statements, income verification, asset documentation, and a one-time income certificate. For businesses that have been in operation for a while, audited financial statements and company bank statements are required.
Source of funds: The business must clarify the origin of the funds (specifying the country or region), the total amount, whether the funds are sourced from buyers and the payment methods used.
Besides, businesses must also ensure a minimum initial deposit of HK$10,000 to activate the account.
Different HSBC business accounts
HSBC’s Business Integrated Account combines savings, fixed deposits, investment opportunities and trade services. HSBC Sprint Account, HSBC Business Direct and BusinessVantage are the three different types of Business Integrated Account. Below is a concise summary of the features, fees, and ideal business types for each account option:
1. HSBC Sprint
The HSBC Sprint Account is tailored specifically for startups. Applicants must have a business that is registered and operational in Hong Kong for no longer than three years. This can include limited companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships, provided they have a single-tier company structure with an annual turnover that does not exceed US$3 million. Businesses can access the “online banking” service at no cost, along with the HSBC Business Express mobile app, which provides a full suite of tools for managing company deposits, credit, investments, and payment services. Please note that trade services are excluded.
All service fees are waived for the first year following the successful account opening. From the 13th month onward, the fee will continue to be waived if the average total wealth value over the preceding three months is HK$50,000 or more. Otherwise, a fee of HK$200 will be charged. Please note that counter transaction fees are set at HK$10 per transaction.
2. HSBC Business Direct
The HSBC Business Direct account is designed for expanding businesses that prefer minimal in-branch account management. This account also provides complimentary access to the “online banking” service and the HSBC Business Express mobile application. Remittances to Greater China can be credited on the same day. Meanwhile, businesses can apply for HSBCnet, which facilitates the management of all global accounts through an integrated wealth management platform. This includes trade-related services, such as overseeing trade transactions and confirming export letters of credit.
Upon account opening, there will be no monthly service charge if the average total wealth value is maintained at a minimum of HK$10,000 over the preceding three months. The first three counter-transaction service fees each month will also be waived.
3. HSBC BusinessVantage
The HSBC BusinessVantage account provides an extensive range of banking services tailored for established and mature businesses with international operations. It supports branch, online, and telephone banking. Similar to the HSBC Business Direct account, it includes complimentary access to the “online banking” service and the HSBC Business Express mobile application, as well as HSBCnet.
The monthly service fee is waived if the average total wealth value over the preceding three months is maintained at a minimum of HK$500,000. Additionally, account holders can benefit from a waiver of service fees for the first 50 counter transactions each month.

Steps for opening an HSBC account
Businesses can either visit an HSBC Business Centre to schedule an appointment for account opening or directly apply online. Eligible clients* can also open a Business Integrated Account via the HSBC Business Express mobile app.
Below are the steps for remote account opening with HSBC:
Click on “Apply Online” on the HSBC Business Account official website, create a profile and complete the application form with information regarding the company’s business, structure and contact details.
Once the company information is submitted, eligible clients can submit an account opening application remotely anytime, anywhere.
Download the HSBC Business Express Hong Kong mobile app, upload the necessary documents and complete identity verification to confirm the application.
Once completed the above steps, pay the account opening fee to receive an account number immediately.
Register for Business Internet Banking and activate the mobile security PIN code.
Provide an electronic signature using your mobile device.
The account opening process can be completed as fast as within 3 working days.
HSBC’s online banking services
HSBC Business Integrated Account holders can use the bank’s online banking services to access a wide range of functions, including payment processing, telegraphic transfers, foreign exchange, investment options, card and loan service, etc. Clients can also monitor the status of submitted service requests and applications at any time and from any location. They can also update their company account details through the “Business Information Update” feature.
Limitations of HSBC online banking
Various services are subject to different cut-off times. For example, the cut-off time for telegraphic transfers is 6 pm on weekdays and 11:55 am on Saturdays. For transfers to HSBC accounts in mainland China and Taiwan, the cut-off time is set at 4:30 pm, while transfers to specific cities in mainland China via Bank of Communications accounts have a cut-off time of 4 pm. These restrictions could be inconvenient for customers who regularly make cross-border transfers.

Airwallex Global Account: manage your international funds on one single platform
As a one-stop financial platform, Airwallex offers a wide range of services designed for businesses, including Global Accounts, multi-currency accounts, rapid international transfers, online payment, Visa cards and Expense Management tools, etc. These functions enable businesses to expand their international operations while minimising high exchange and transaction costs.
With just a single account, businesses can establish multi-currency accounts tailored to their registered locations, such as USD, GBP, and RMB, to receive cross-border payments from various countries. Such an account will be registered under a business name, and it comes with local banking details, branch codes, and a unique business account number. With this account, businesses can receive payments from customers or business partners in their preferred currency.
It only requires a few minutes to set up a business account via the Airwallex website or mobile app. The account gives you access to local and international multi-currency accounts and does not charge any account opening fees or hidden fees.
HSBC vs. Airwallex: comparing business accounts
| Airwallex Business Account | HSBC Business Integrated Account |
---|---|---|
Account opening fee | No | Online: HK$1,300; Applying at HSBC overseas branches: HK$2,250 |
Account opening method | Online | Eligible clients can open accounts remotely |
Transfer processing time | As fast as 1 working day | Same-day for some regions |
Cut-off time | None | Varies by currency, with different cut-off times |
Frequently asked questions
1. How much does it cost to open a business account at HSBC?
HSBC imposes an account opening fee. For those applying for a business account online, the “Business Account Application Centre” should apply and a fee of HK$1,300 should be claimed. If the application is made at HSBC branches located overseas, the fee increases to HK$2,250 per application.
2. What documents are required to open an account with HSBC?
Company registration documents, such as the certificate of incorporation and the articles of association, are fundamentally required when opening a business account with HSBC. For startups or individuals, personal bank statements and proof of income may be required. Established businesses typically need to provide audited financial statements and company bank statements.
3. Can I open an HSBC account online?
Yes. However, only eligible customers can complete the account opening process remotely.
*Limited to limited companies/ partnership firms/ sole proprietorships that are established or registered in Hong Kong or China. Must operate without any corporate directors or shareholders, with a maximum of two related parties.

Sources:
Information on HSBC was retrieved as of January 2025, from below sources. Information provided is for reference only. Please refer to the official website of HSBC for the most up-to-date details
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/business-integrated-account
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/hsbc-business-direct
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/regulations/compare-accounts
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/hsbc-sprint-account
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/hsbc-sprint-account
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/businessvantage
https://www.online-banking.business.hsbc.com.hk/portalserver/onboarding/account-opening?vid=0190b54880850098623c854fbda80507d004107500978&sid=1735572791601
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/business-integrated-account?DCSext.nav=foot-mat
https://www.online-banking.business.hsbc.com.hk/portalserver/onboarding/account-opening?vid=0190b54880850098623c854fbda80507d004107500978&sid=1735572791601
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/products/business-integrated-account?DCSext.nav=foot-mat
https://www.business.hsbc.com.hk/zh-hk/regulations/document-checklist
Disclaimer: The information was based on our own online research and we were not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed every 6 months. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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Kirstie is a fintech writer at Airwallex, and has built up a wealth of knowledge in financial operations systems. Her background in analytics and product marketing gives her a unique perspective on guiding businesses through the complex world of payments.
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