Last edit by: geclub1
Application Link:
Preferred (UnionPay): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...y&origin=00002
Preferred (Visa): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...a&origin=00002
Premier (UnionPay): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...y&origin=00002
Premier (Visa): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...a&origin=00002
Card Service email address:
[email protected]
Preferred (UnionPay): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...y&origin=00002
Preferred (Visa): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...a&origin=00002
Premier (UnionPay): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...y&origin=00002
Premier (Visa): https://icbc-uscards.com/#/?product=...a&origin=00002
Card Service email address:
[email protected]
US based Union Pay card?
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: B6, DL, UA, AGR
Posts: 69
Is it practical to open an account in Canada as an American?
Looks like Hong Kong might be an option as well... Looks like all the big banks have kinda steep minimum balances or high monthly fees...
Looks like Hong Kong might be an option as well... Looks like all the big banks have kinda steep minimum balances or high monthly fees...
#7
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: HHonors Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, OZ*G, AA Gold, AS MVP
Posts: 1,874
I don't think there's much paperwork involved if you just want a prepaid card. If you want a full bank account, it's still really not too much work- fill out the form, give them your SSN for FATCA reporting purposes, and you get a bank account with UnionPay debit card. The selling point in Canada is that it's only got a fixed foreign ATM fee whereas most banks charge a fixed fee and 2.5%+ on top.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: B6, DL, UA, AGR
Posts: 69
I don't think there's much paperwork involved if you just want a prepaid card. If you want a full bank account, it's still really not too much work- fill out the form, give them your SSN for FATCA reporting purposes, and you get a bank account with UnionPay debit card. The selling point in Canada is that it's only got a fixed foreign ATM fee whereas most banks charge a fixed fee and 2.5%+ on top.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
Thanks!
#9
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA, UA, DL, AS, LH, BA, VS, HHonors, Hyatt, Club Carlson, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 833
UnionPay started in China and was used mostly around Asia. They wanted to start their own network so they are sort of like Discover and JCB from Japan.
I don't think that any US banks issued those cards as there's no demand for them here. Perhaps, in Canada because they have a lot of expats from Asia.
UnionPay does have reciprocity agreements with most US banks and Discover. You're able to use their cards at over 90% of ATMs in North America. There's also an increasing number of merchants accepting it such as Amazon. Expect possibly a lot of fees just to manage to get one so it may not even be worth it.
I don't think that any US banks issued those cards as there's no demand for them here. Perhaps, in Canada because they have a lot of expats from Asia.
UnionPay does have reciprocity agreements with most US banks and Discover. You're able to use their cards at over 90% of ATMs in North America. There's also an increasing number of merchants accepting it such as Amazon. Expect possibly a lot of fees just to manage to get one so it may not even be worth it.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA, UA, DL, AS, LH, BA, VS, HHonors, Hyatt, Club Carlson, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 833
I don't think there's much paperwork involved if you just want a prepaid card. If you want a full bank account, it's still really not too much work- fill out the form, give them your SSN for FATCA reporting purposes, and you get a bank account with UnionPay debit card. The selling point in Canada is that it's only got a fixed foreign ATM fee whereas most banks charge a fixed fee and 2.5%+ on top.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
However, the only bank that issues them charges C$4 a month if you don't maintain a minimum C$1000 balance. It used to be completely free, but they changed that last year.
#11
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: HHonors Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, OZ*G, AA Gold, AS MVP
Posts: 1,874
I'm pretty sure ICBK doesn't ask for a SIN or proof of address. You just provide an address, ideally one you can receive mail at. I believe they do this to accommodate Chinese people who aren't yet resident in Canada but need an account ready on arrival.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: B6, DL, UA, AGR
Posts: 69
Looks like I'm not the only person interested in a US based UnionPay card... ICBC-US looks like they will be launching cards in July!
See here.
Is anyone in the NYC or SFO area able to visit a branch in person and see if more details are available?
--D
See here.
Is anyone in the NYC or SFO area able to visit a branch in person and see if more details are available?
--D
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: B6, DL, UA, AGR
Posts: 69
http://en.xinfinance.com/html/Indust...6/218098.shtml
Hoping someone local can find out...
#15
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: EWR-SEA-IAD
Programs: UA 1P MM, AS MVP G*, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 977
ICBC had ads all over the seattle chinatown station. Literally every billboard. Unfortunately the card pictured was a regular Visa, Not even a signature. Small chance it may be co-branded with Union Pay (perhaps on the other side of the card?) though...