BEA Credit Cards

The Bank of East Asia offers almost every type of credit card making it easy to choose a credit card that suits your requirements perfectly. You can also collect BEA Bonus Points on most transactions.

Hong Kong’s largest independent local bank, BEA features several co-branded and affinity cards that offer benefits with local institutions. Compare the range here and apply for the card that enhances your lifestyle.

Types of BEA credit cards

You will find both cash rebate rewards and travel rewards in the range of BEA cards. All five major credit card networks are present in the BEA range, and you can even save on foreign exchange fees with a dual currency card. All cards come with unique perks and benefits so have a close look before you make your choice.

• • Everyday use card

The BEA Platinum Card is issued as a Visa or a Mastercard and benefits from entertainment privileges and merchant offers all through the year. Every card is eligible for earning Bonus Points which you can redeem from the Bonus Gallery which features a range of products.

• • Cash rebate cards

Choose from striking colours when you apply for the BEA i-Titanium Card. This card gives you additional cash rebates when you shop online, featuring a 3% i-Dollar rebate for all online spending. You receive HK$1 in cashback on your account for every HK$250 in spending. There is also a range of online merchant offers you can take advantage of.

• • Premium cards

Take advantage of travel offers and perks as well as leisure benefits and discounts by applying for the BEA Visa Signature Card. You receive 6 X the standard Bonus Points when you dine out, while overseas spend gets you 4 X Bonus Points. If you meet minimum spend requirements your annual fee will be waived on this exclusive Visa Signature card.

• • Travel benefits cards

Frequent travellers should consider the BEA Flyer World Mastercard which allows you to turn your everyday payments into Asia Miles. There are regular promotional periods on the card which include sign-up bonus miles. Or choose the BEA World Mastercard for exclusive travel privileges, including discounts on airport transfers and an enhanced Asia Miles earnings rate.

• • Dual currency cards

For a credit card with both a Hong Kong dollar and a renminbi credit account consider the BEA UnionPay Dual Currency Platinum credit card. A dual currency card can lead to significant savings when travelling to mainland China as BEA waives foreign exchange conversion fees when you are paying in renminbi. You still receive all the BEA rewards on your local spending, including merchant offers around the year.

• • Affinity cards

BEA has many partnerships with associations and institutions, and each affinity card comes with a unique set of benefits. For example, you can take advantage of a flexible repayment plan for tuition fees with the Hong Kong Management Association Mastercard while earning double points on your association fees.

• • Educational institution cards

Whether you are a student or a graduate a BEA university credit card leads to substantial benefits and discounts. Covering a range of institutions, the BEA institutional cards include discounts on library and gym membership, free cinema tickets and higher cash rebate rates depending on the exact card you apply for. You need to be a current student or alumni of the institution to apply.

• • Corporate cards

Manage your corporate expenses with a BEA Corporate Card and earn a 1% cash rebate on all your credit card spend. This card includes access to the Mastercard smartdata.gen2 system which allows for easy and sophisticated management of corporate card usage. Your company will receive individual card statements for each cardholder and a consolidated statement of the entire corporate account.

What benefits can I get with a BEA credit card?

• Bonus Points or cash rebates on your card use

  Almost every BEA credit card offers you either Bonus Points or a cash rebate on your credit card use. For every eligible Hong Kong dollar you spend, you will receive Bonus Points which you can exchange for a range of goods and services or for a percentage rebate on your statement. Some BEA cards allow you to convert your Bonus Points into Asia Miles.

• Contactless and mobile payments

  Use contactless payment on your Visa or Mastercard from BEA to quickly and easily complete transactions. You can also enrol your qualifying BEA credit card with Apple Pay or Android Pay to make quick and easy payments without carrying your credit card.

• Interest-free instalment option

  BEA has teamed up with a range of merchants to offer you interest-free instalments on selected goods and services, including electrical goods and appliances, travel and jewellery and watches. You can repay purchases over a maximum of 48 months and won’t be charged interest during this period, as long as you keep to the terms and conditions.

• GlobePass Offers

  As a member of the GlobePass Alliance, BEA can offer its credit card holders special overseas offers and benefits. These include free beverages and discounts at participating restaurants and special discounts at participating stores.

• Year-round offers for BEA card holders

  With your BEA credit card, you qualify for a range of exciting offers throughout the year. BEA has negotiated discounts at retailers and restaurants around Hong Kong so you can save on shopping and dining out, as long as you pay with your BEA credit card.

How can I apply for a BEA credit card?

You have a wide choice of credit cards at BEA. Compare the different offers and think about which set of benefits would be most valuable to you. If you’re a frequent flyer, you might get more advantages from a card that allows you to earn Asia Miles. For others, a simple cash rebate could be the best option. Once you’ve reviewed your options click the green “Go to Site” button and you’ll be directed to the secure application process.

Eligibility requirements

• Age. To apply for a BEA credit card you need to be at least 18-years-old when you’re applying.
• Residential status. Only residents of Hong Kong can apply for a credit card at BEA Hong Kong. Foreigners who are resident in Hong Kong can also apply.
• Income requirements. The income requirements for BEA cards are different and start at HK$40,000 per annum. The BEA Visa Signature card has a minimum income requirement of HK$240,000.
• Other requirements. Note that triggering the “Welcome” offer on some cards may result in minimum spending requirements. For example a minimum spend of HK$10,000 within two months of the account opening is required to trigger the cash rebate on the Visa Signature card.
• Credit history. You won’t qualify for a BEA credit card if you’ve recently been declared bankrupt. The bank will also consider your current credit arrangements and your ability to repay existing debt.

Necessary documents and information

• Proof of identification. You need to supply a copy of your HKID card. Foreigners who are not permanently resident in Hong Kong will also need to supply a valid Hong Kong visa and a valid passport. Existing BEA customers don’t need to provide proof of identification.
• Documents supporting your income. BEA will require one of the following four groups of documents as proof of income: Your latest Income Tax Demand Note or payslip with your name visible; bank statements showing your name and salary payments for the most recent three months; your business registration certificate and tax return if you’re a sole proprietor or partner of a business; and finally you could provide proof of assets if you’re retired.
• Proof of residence. If you’re not an existing BEA customer you need to supply an English-language proof of residence which could be a utility bill, bank statement or a letter issued by a bank.

BEA offers a wide range of cards, but you should also consider other credit card providers and compare similar products to ensure the BEA card you pick is the best choice for you. Your application will take about 10 working days if you decide to apply.

What supporting documents and information will I need?

By following standard credit application procedures, BEA will require you to submit identification including your Hong Kong ID or your passport. You will also need proof of your income and your address. Existing BEA customers can follow a quicker application process, skipping many of the documentation requirements.

Frequently asked questions about BEA credit cards

• Does BEA have a mobile banking app?

  You can manage your credit card on your mobile phone using the BEA app. With the i-Spend facility, you can view your transactions, outstanding balance and your accumulated Bonus Points instantly. The BEA app also shows your minimum payment amount and minimum payment due date.

• Do Bonus Points expire?

  The Bonus Points you earn while using your card will expire. Any points due to expire will be indicated as due to expire in online banking and you need to redeem these points as soon as possible to avoid losing the points.

• Can I add a supplementary card member to my credit card account?

  BEA allows the principal cardholder to nominate supplementary cardholders who can share your credit card benefits. All spending on supplementary cards will also count toward earning Bonus Points. Supplementary cardholders need to be Hong Kong residents and need to meet the minimum age requirement.

• How can I make payments on my BEA credit card?

  It is easy to repay your BEA credit card. Authorise BEA to settle your account via Autopay and you choose from making a monthly minimum payment, a partial payment or a full payment for the total outstanding amount. You can also pay using BEA Cyberbanking or make a cash deposit at a BEA ATM which provides a cash deposit service. There are a few other options for making payments, consult the BEA website.

• What happens if my credit card is close to expiring?

  BEA will automatically send you a new card when your physical card is due to expire. Contact the bank if you do not receive a replacement card before your existing card is due to expire.

• Can I earn airline miles while I use my BEA credit card?

  Though BEA does not offer a card that directly converts card spend into miles with airline programs such as Asia Miles, you can convert your BEA Bonus Points into Asia Miles via the Bonus Gallery.