This China Construction Bank review will delve into the products and services offered by one of the leading banks in the country.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
China Construction Bank was founded in 1954 and has its headquarters in Beijing, China. Since then, it has been providing a wide range of financial services for both individuals and businesses.
In 2021, it placed fourth on Forbes’ Global 2000 list. This ranks companies across the globe according to sales, profits, assets, and market value. Being at the top of the list is a feat because it reflects the value that the company has.
In this article, we will look into the services that they have for personal banking. If you’re a citizen or a foreign national wondering where to open an account and what products are being offered, then read on.
China Construction Bank Services for Personal Banking
1. E-Banking Service
China Construction Bank offers mobile banking services that allow you to conveniently access your account with just a cellphone at hand. Through this platform, you can initiate fund transfers, remittances, and the payment of utility bills. You can also use it to make real-time online purchases.
Furthermore, their e-banking services extend to credit cards. You can open, cancel, or access information about your credit card online. These are just a few of the e-banking services they offer. There are many more bank transactions that you can fulfill with their mobile bank.
2. Deposits Service
Foreign Currency Deposits
You can also choose this financial institution for your foreign currency deposits. They offer two types, namely, foreign currency demand and foreign currency term deposits.
Demand deposits are not locked in for a specific amount of time. Because of this, you can deposit or withdraw your money as needed. On the other hand, term deposits refer to funding your account with a lump sum. When it has reached its maturity, you can withdraw the principal amount together with the interest earned.
The foreign currency deposit account at China Construction Bank can be availed of in any of the 600 outlets found throughout China. This also means that you will not have to scour around the country just to deposit or withdraw money from the account.
They accept the following currencies: US dollars, euro, Hong Kong dollars, Japanese yen, British pound sterling, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, and Australian dollars. However, if you have a different foreign currency on hand, you can directly inquire with them to see if they accept it.
For term deposits, you can park your money in the account for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. The minimum amount required is dependent on the term availed of. It ranges between amounts equivalent to RMB 100 and US $5,000.
All in One Account
The All in One Account, formally named “All Personal Call Deposits in One Account,” offers the advantages of a current deposit account with the interest rate of a seven-day call deposit. With this account, a minimum balance of RMB 50,000, or its equivalent (US $5,000), must be maintained.
It provides the convenience of being able to deposit or withdraw money just as with any other current account. However, it comes with the additional benefit of earning a high interest rate. The interest rate on a seven-day deposit is 2.25% more than what you would earn on a current deposit.
You can deposit currencies apart from the Renminbi into your All in One Account. They also have an automatic redeposit feature where the money in your account will automatically be reinvested after seven days. This means that your principal amount becomes higher in value, earning you more in interest.
The All in One Account can be opened under your existing deposit book or wealth management card with China Construction Bank. It is targeted towards individuals who have spare money that they will not use within a few days and want to earn more from it.
Renminbi (RMB) Deposits
Similarly, you have the option of choosing between demand deposits and term deposits for your RMB savings.
Opening a demand deposit account can be done in any of their branches. You must fill out the application form and show proof of settlement. A valid ID and contact information are also required. After a successful review by the teller, you will be issued a bankbook.
Deposits and withdrawals can be accomplished over the counter. A valid ID must be presented when depositing amounts of at least RMB 200,000 or withdrawing amounts of at least RMB 50,000. The minimum deposit is RMB 1.
The term deposit account that they offer is flexible. You can choose to deposit or withdraw as a lump sum or at intervals, according to your preferences and needs. More details can be found in the table below.
| RMB Term Deposit | Minimum Deposit | Terms |
| Deposit and withdraw as a lump sum | RMB 50 | 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 6 years |
| Deposit at intervals but withdraw as a lump sum | RMB 5 per month | 1 year, 3 years, 5 years |
| Maintain principal but withdraw interest | RMB 5,000 | 1 year, 3 years, 5 years |
| Unspecified term for deposits and withdrawals | RMB 50 | |
| Unspecified term but withdraw by notification | RMB 50,000 | One day or seven days notification prior to withdrawal |
| Education saving | RMB 50 (maximum RMB 20,000 per account) | 1 year, 3 years, 6 years |
3. Long Card
Long Credit Card
China Construction Bank offers a “long credit card,” which is a standard international credit card. It can be used for purchases both within and outside of China. Items bought within the country are charged in RMB, while international purchases are charged in US dollars.
At the same time, China Construction Bank will be ready to help you if you lose your card abroad. They will issue an emergency card that you can use for withdrawals.
The grace period for repayment extends up to 50 days, giving you nearly 2 months to pay off your credit card debt. There are different long credit cards available, such as VISA gold and classic, and MasterCard Gold and Classic.
Long Quasi Credit Card
The Long Quasi Credit Card is a general credit card. It can be used for payments, cash deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and settlements. This is suitable when purchasing small-value items.
Wealth Management Cards
Medium-to-high-end individuals who need more from a credit card than what the Long Quasi Credit Card offers can apply for a platinum or gold Wealth Management Card.
All the services that you might need can be obtained seamlessly from this product. Different currencies and purposes are integrated, enabling you to make do with just one card. You can manage multiple accounts, automate transfers, and perform cross-border transactions, among other things.
Also, you can link your other bank accounts at China Construction Bank to your Wealth Management Card. Specifically, it will incorporate your current and fixed deposit accounts. This is applicable even across different currencies, such as the Yuan, US Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Yen, Euro, and Pound.
Though the endless services they provide may seem daunting, security remains a top priority. Account holders will receive an SMS informing them of real-time transactions. They will also be notified when the maturity of term deposits has been obtained.
Approval of a Wealth Management Card application will be evaluated against the credit rating of the applicant.
4. Personal Loans
Business Loan
A Chinese citizen who is 18 years of age or older can apply for a personal business loan. The minimum amount that can be borrowed is RMB100,000, while the maximum amount is RMB5 million. This can be paid for within one to five years. But make sure that the loan tenure will not coincide with when you turn 61 years old.
There are different repayment options for the principal and interest in terms of schedule. For example, a borrower can pay the interest on a per-month basis but pay the principal amount at irregular intervals.
Car Loan
A Chinese citizen who is 18 to 60 years of age can apply for a personal car loan. The specific amount that can be borrowed depends on how the vehicle will be used.
Up to 80% of the automobile’s purchase price can be loaned if it were for personal use. Only 70% of the purchase price can be borrowed if the vehicle is for commercial use. Lastly, trucks bought for commercial use can only be lent up to 60% of the purchase price. The maximum loan tenure is 5 years for personal use vehicles and 3 years for commercial use vehicles.
Housing Loan
Those who want to buy, construct, or renovate their houses can apply for a personal housing loan. This offer is not just limited to natural Chinese citizens. Rather, they can also be availed of by Hong Kong residents, Macau residents, and foreigners who have the right of abode in the country.
Only up to 80% of the purchase or valuation price of the property can be borrowed. This must be paid within 30 years at most. Because of this, applicants for the housing loan should have the financial capacity to pay at least 30% of the full home price. If accepted, the loan should be used to pay for the first installment of the purchase.
5. Investments in Gold
Physical Gold
Those who want to invest in the most valuable asset in the world can do so with the China Construction Bank gold program. You can purchase and keep physical gold products at this institution.
Personal Gold Account
You can also open a personal gold account that you can use to perform trade activities on gold shares. In comparison to the aforementioned account, this only entitles you to shares, not to physical gold.
6. Foreign Exchange
Individual Exchange Settlement and Sales
You can buy and sell RMB at China Construction Bank. This is helpful for nationals and foreigners alike who frequently travel to and from the country. They accept USD, JPY, HKD, EUR, and GBP.
Individual Foreign Exchange Remittance
Those who need to send or receive money to or from the country can also opt to use the services of China Construction Bank. If you have a family member based abroad, you can easily send them money and vice versa.
Personal Foreign Exchange Options
Purchasing a foreign exchange option allows you to buy or sell a foreign currency at an agreed upon price within a certain maturity. You have two options when it has reached its maturity. First, if you will incur losses from the price, you can choose not to exercise the right to trade. Second, if you will gain from the price, you can practice the right to trade. They offer maturities that span a period of 2 weeks, 1 month, or 3 months.
This service is available to Chinese residents and foreigners who have lived in China for more than a year. However, foreign nationals must have a foreign exchange deposit account with the institution. Alternatively, they should have enough cash in a foreign currency to be eligible.
A minimum of US $10,000 is required. Investing in options can minimize risks from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Personal Foreign Exchange Structured Deposits
There are two structured deposit products offered by the institution, specifically, fixed-term or variable-term and structured products with options. It comes with the benefit of keeping your principal untouched while earning higher interest rates compared to traditional foreign exchange deposits.
A minimum of US $1,000 or US $5,000 has to be initially deposited. It must be kept for a period of 1 to 10 years. This is only suitable for those who can keep their money in such a product. It is not liquid, making it difficult to access should you need it unexpectedly.
Personal Foreign Exchange Trading
They offer 36 currency pairs, some of which are US dollars, Canadian dollars, and Euros. You can make use of different platforms for this purpose, such as over the counter, by phone, online banking, or at a self-service terminal. You will need at least US $10, or its equivalent, to trade.
Foreign Currency Conversion
Citizens and residents of China can have their foreign currency cash exchanged into another foreign currency or the RMB. As stated in the law, they cannot convert their RMB into a different currency. Only foreigners can have their RMB converted into a foreign currency.
Personal Purchase of Foreign Exchange
Chinese residents and foreign citizens living in China can buy foreign exchange for their trips abroad. Different amounts can be bought depending on the purpose of travel. In general, they range between US $100 and US $20,000.
Permit to Carry Foreign Currency Abroad
China Construction Bank also issues a permit to carry foreign currency abroad for purposes of travel, education, and migration. This should be applied for by travelers who will bring at least US $5,000 in cash, but not any more than US $10,000.
If your cash exceeds the allowable maximum, then a permit must be obtained from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).
Foreign Currencies Traveller’s Cheque
Customers can purchase and cash out American Express traveler’s cheques at China Construction Bank.
China Construction Bank Customer Service
China Construction Bank has a 24-hour service window, which means that a representative is ready to assist you at any time, 7 days a week. Just dial the number “95533” to access their banking services.
Specifically, doing so enables you to report the loss of cards, bankbooks, statements, or registered bonds. You can also schedule an appointment to withdraw large amounts of cash.
Apart from that, you can share your unsatisfactory experiences or suggestions with them over the phone, in-person at the outlet, or through email. This allows prompt intervention to address your concerns.
Processing of transactions, such as account access, transfer, third-party payment, or payment of lottery funds, can be easily done by ringing their number.
Pros of China Construction Bank
- With years of experience, the institution has built its credibility in the finance sector. You’re sure that your money is in safe hands.
- Their customer service can easily be contacted and they are ready to assist you with your needs.
- They offer a wide range of services with minimum deposits as low as RMB 1. You can save, invest, and take out a loan from one institution.
- They have e-banking services that provide convenience to account holders.
Cons of China Construction Bank
- Certain conditions apply to foreign nationals
- Bad user experience on their mobile application, which is attributed to slow speed, frequency of updates, and inability to access services through it
Conclusion
With this, if you’re looking for one financial institution where you can perform all your banking transactions, then China Construction Bank should be on your list of options. They offer a diverse, convenient, safe, and accessible banking experience for you.
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