Last updated: June 23, 2026 · Credit cards compared: 12 · Data source: Official bank product pages
Reviewed by Zia Shahid, Buzdy Banking Editor · Our methodology
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Looking for the best credit card in China in 2026? We compared 12 credit cards from top banks in China to help you find the right one for your needs, income, and lifestyle.
This guide covers fees, interest rates, eligibility, rewards, and key benefits for every option. All data is sourced from official bank product pages and updated as of June 23, 2026. Every option is from a bank regulated by People's Bank of China (PBOC).
Quick Comparison: All 12 Credit cards in China
Side-by-side comparison of every credit card option in China as of June 23, 2026. Tap any name for full details.
| Credit card | Bank | Rate / Eligibility | Top Features | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. BOC Great Wall Classic | Bank of China | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Purchase Protection, Digital Wal… | View → |
| 2. BOC Mastercard Gold | Bank of China | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protec… | View → |
| 3. BOC Visa Infinite | Bank of China | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
| 4. CCB Gold Card | China Construction B… | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protec… | View → |
| 5. CCB UnionPay Diamond | China Construction B… | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
| 6. CCB Visa Platinum | China Construction B… | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
| 7. CMB Gold Card | China Merchants Bank | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Dinning Benefit… | View → |
| 8. CMB Visa Infinite | China Merchants Bank | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
| 9. CMB Young Card | China Merchants Bank | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Prote… | View → |
| 10. ICBC Gold Card | ICBC | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protec… | View → |
| 11. ICBC Mastercard Platinum | ICBC | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
| 12. ICBC Visa Infinite | ICBC | 1.50% per month | Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, … | View → |
Top 12 Credit Cards in China (2026)
1. BOC Great Wall Classic
Bank: Bank of China
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin, Supplementary Cards
BOC entry-level card with Great Wall points program, basic protection, and wide acceptance across China.
2. BOC Mastercard Gold
Bank: Bank of China
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin, Supplementary Cards
BOC gold card with travel insurance, shopping protection, and rewards points for domestic and international spending.
3. BOC Visa Infinite
Bank: Bank of China
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet
Bank of China flagship card with global lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and premium lifestyle concierge.
4. CCB Gold Card
Bank: China Construction Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin, Supplementary Cards
CCB gold card with shopping protection, basic travel insurance, and rewards points at partner merchants.
5. CCB UnionPay Diamond
Bank: China Construction Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet
Top-tier UnionPay card with unlimited lounge access, premium concierge, and exclusive lifestyle benefits in Greater China.
6. CCB Visa Platinum
Bank: China Construction Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin
China Construction Bank premium card with airport lounge access, travel insurance, and Dragon Card rewards program.
7. CMB Gold Card
Bank: China Merchants Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin
CMB gold card with travel insurance, dining discounts, and accelerated rewards at partner merchants across China.
8. CMB Visa Infinite
Bank: China Merchants Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet
CMB top-tier card with Priority Pass lounge access, premium concierge, comprehensive travel insurance, and highest rewards.
9. CMB Young Card
Bank: China Merchants Bank
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin, Supplementary Cards
Youth-oriented card with cashback on dining and entertainment, no annual fee, and app-based spending management.
10. ICBC Gold Card
Bank: ICBC
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Chip/Pin, Supplementary Cards
ICBC gold tier card with travel insurance, shopping protection, and rewards points across ICBC partner merchants.
11. ICBC Mastercard Platinum
Bank: ICBC
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet, Hotel Discounts & Offers
Premium Mastercard with airport lounge access, hotel discounts, and enhanced rewards for international spending.
12. ICBC Visa Infinite
Bank: ICBC
- Interest Rate: 1.50% per month
- Salary/Eligibility: Not Required
- Benefits: Shopping Discounts, Travel Benefits, Lounge Access, Dinning Benefits, Purchase Protection, Digital Wallet
ICBC premium Visa Infinite card with global airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and UnionPay cross-border benefits.
7 Smart Tips Before You Apply
What banks won't put in their marketing — but every smart applicant should know.
- Compare APR, not just headline rates. The advertised "low interest" is usually a promo. The real cost is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) after fees, balance transfer charges, and FX markups. A 1.5% monthly rate is actually ~19.6% APR.
- Read the small print on rewards. Banks advertise "5% cashback" but cap it at $20/month. After the cap, you earn 0.5%. Always check the monthly cap, eligible merchants, and minimum spend requirements.
- Know your credit profile before applying. Each rejected application damages your credit score. Use the bank's pre-qualification check (soft pull) before submitting a formal application (hard pull).
- Avoid cash advances at all costs. Cash advance APR is usually 5-10% higher than purchase APR, with no grace period and an upfront fee of 2-5% of the amount. Use only in emergencies.
- Set up direct debit for the full balance. Paying only the minimum (often 5% of balance) means interest accrues on the rest. A balance of $1,000 paid at minimum costs ~$1,400 in interest over 5 years.
- Use foreign-fee-free cards abroad. Standard cards charge 2-3% on every foreign transaction plus FX markup. Travel cards charge 0%. On a $3,000 holiday, that's $90 saved.
- Watch the annual fee waiver conditions. Many premium cards waive fees in year 1 only or require a minimum annual spend (e.g. $5,000) to keep the waiver. Set a reminder before renewal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The five most expensive errors people make with credit cards:
- Applying for too many cards at once. Each application is a hard credit pull. 3+ pulls in 6 months drops your score 30-50 points. Space out applications by at least 90 days.
- Only paying the minimum. If you have $5,000 balance at 24% APR and pay only the minimum (5%), you'll pay $1,500+ in interest before clearing the debt. Always pay in full when possible.
- Ignoring the fine print on welcome bonuses. "Get $200 cashback!" usually requires spending $3,000 in 90 days. Read the qualifying spend, the eligible categories, and the payout timeline.
- Not using benefits you've already paid for. If you pay a $400 annual fee for a card with airport lounge access, lost-baggage insurance, and concierge — use them. Most users don't claim 80% of what they paid for.
- Treating credit cards as free money. They're high-cost short-term loans. The minimum payment cycle is designed to keep you indebted for 7-10 years on average.
How to Choose the Right Credit card in China
- Annual fees — compare across banks, some offer zero fee for the first year
- Interest rates — lower rates save money if you carry a balance
- Rewards and benefits — match to your spending habits
- Eligibility — salary and documentation requirements vary by bank
- Digital access — mobile app, internet banking, contactless payments
- Customer support — 24/7 helpline, branch network, dispute resolution time
- Regulation — all products listed are from banks regulated by People's Bank of China (PBOC)
Frequently Asked Questions: Credit cards in China
What is the best credit card in China for 2026?
The best credit card depends on your priorities — income level, spending habits, and eligibility. Use the comparison table above to filter by rate, benefits, and bank. For premium benefits with worldwide acceptance, look at Platinum tier cards. For low income requirements, classic tier cards offer easier eligibility. Compare all 12 options on this page.
What credit score do I need for a credit card in China?
Most banks in China require a clean credit history with no defaults in the last 5 years. Premium products typically require higher monthly income. Each bank publishes its own minimum on the product page.
Can I apply online for a credit card in China?
Yes, most major banks in China now offer fully online applications. Tap "View" on any credit card above to start the application process directly with the bank.
What documents do I need?
Standard documents: valid government ID, tax identification number, proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement), latest 3 months of payslips (for salaried applicants) or 6 months of bank statements (self-employed), and a recent passport-size photograph. Exact requirements vary by bank.
Are these credit cards regulated and safe?
Yes — all 12 options listed are from banks regulated by People's Bank of China (PBOC). Consumer disputes can be escalated to the regulator if a bank does not resolve the issue.
What are the typical fees in China?
Fees vary by tier and bank: classic cards typically ¥ 0–1,500/year, gold ¥ 1,500–3,000, platinum ¥ 3,000–10,000. Many banks waive the first year. Always check the product page for the exact fee schedule.
Can I get a credit card if I am self-employed in China?
Yes. Self-employed applicants typically need: business registration, latest tax returns, 6 months of bank statements, and audited financials (for higher tiers). Approval rates are lower than for salaried applicants but several banks specifically cater to small business owners.
What happens if I default on payments?
Missed payments trigger late fees (typically ¥ 500–2,000), a credit-score drop, and a higher interest rate going forward. After 90 days of non-payment, the account goes to collections and is reported to credit bureaus. Contact your bank BEFORE missing a payment if you have trouble — most banks offer hardship plans.
Related Guides for China
- All banks in China
- Bank branches across China
- Credit Cards In China 2026
- Personal Loans In China 2026
- Savings Accounts In China 2026
- China EMI calculator
- China savings calculator
How We Compare
Our editorial team reviews each product based on annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, eligibility requirements, and verified bank disclosures. We update this comparison regularly to reflect the latest offers. Data is sourced from official bank websites and verified where regulatory filings are publicly available.
Buzdy compares products from 555 banks across 51 countries. We are not affiliated with any single bank — our rankings are based on objective criteria outlined in our methodology.
Disclosure: Buzdy may earn a referral commission when you apply through links on our site. Commissions never influence rankings. Read our full editorial standards.
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