China Construction Bank (CCB): Overview and Account Opening Guide

China Construction Bank (CCB) is the second-largest bank in China and one of the world’s leading financial institutions by total assets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Beijing, CCB is part of China’s “Big Four” state-owned banks.

Initially established to finance China’s infrastructure development, CCB has since expanded into retail banking, corporate lending, trade finance, and private wealth management. With operations in over 30 countries and regions, including branches in Singapore, London, and New York, CCB plays a critical role in global financial markets.

Bank Profile

• Founded: 1954
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Market Cap (2025): ~USD 420 billion
• Global Presence: 30+ countries (notably Hong Kong, Singapore, London, New York)
• Key Services: Retail banking (personal accounts, loans, credit cards) Corporate lending and infrastructure finance Cross-border RMB settlement and trade finance Private banking and wealth management Asset management and investment services

Why Choose CCB?

• Strong backing as a state-owned bank with vast resources
• Leading position in infrastructure and corporate finance
• Expanding cross-border RMB clearing and settlement services
• Comprehensive retail and business banking services across China
• Growing international presence for overseas clients

Account Types Available

1. Personal Accounts RMB and foreign currency checking/savings accounts Debit and credit cards linked to accounts Online and mobile banking services
2. Business Accounts Corporate RMB settlement accounts Foreign currency accounts for trade and investment Specialized accounts for cross-border businesses
3. Private Banking For high-net-worth individuals (threshold typically USD 1 million+) Services include investment advisory, trust and estate planning, and global asset allocation

Account Opening Requirements

For Individuals (China Residents):

• Valid Chinese ID card
• Proof of residence (household registration, utility bill, or rental contract)
• Employment or student documentation (optional for some accounts)

For Non-Residents / Foreign Clients:

• Valid passport
• Secondary ID (if available)
• Proof of overseas residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Chinese visa or residence permit (if applying within China)
• Tax identification documents (FATCA/CRS compliance)

For Corporate Accounts:

• Business license or certificate of incorporation
• Articles of Association / Operating Agreement
• Tax registration documents
• Proof of registered office address
• Identification of legal representatives, directors, and shareholders

Step-by-Step Account Opening Process

1. Initial Contact Visit a CCB branch in China or an overseas branch (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong, London). Non-residents are often required to apply in person.
2. Document Submission Submit identification, proof of address, and supporting documents. Corporate accounts require business licenses and shareholder disclosures.
3. Compliance and Screening CCB conducts KYC and AML checks. Additional scrutiny for cross-border applicants.
4. Approval Timeline Personal accounts: 3–5 business days Corporate accounts: 2–3 weeks Private banking: varies, usually 3–4 weeks
5. Account Activation Clients receive account numbers, debit/credit cards, and digital banking access.

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

• State-owned bank with strong credibility and stability
• Leading position in infrastructure and large-scale project financing
• Strong RMB clearing and settlement capabilities

Considerations

• Language and documentation barriers for foreign clients
• Compliance requirements are strict, especially for offshore clients
• Limited retail services outside Mainland China

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can foreigners open a CCB account?
A1: Yes, but they usually need to be physically present in China and provide passport, visa, and proof of residence. Some overseas branches may offer limited services.

Q2: What is the minimum deposit for personal accounts?
A2: Very low in China (RMB 1–100). However, premium and private banking services require significant deposits.

Q3: Does CCB operate in Singapore?
A3: Yes. CCB Singapore focuses on corporate finance, RMB clearing, and trade settlement services, with limited personal banking offerings.

Internal Link Suggestions

• Link from Global Top 20 Banks by Market Cap 2025 → “China Construction Bank (CCB)” anchor text
• Related banks: [ICBC Guide], [Bank of China Account Opening], [Agricultural Bank of China Overview]

China Construction Bank, CCB, account opening, Chinese banks, corporate banking, private banking

About the Author

Helen Lili – Editor, Research Lead
Helen leads tariff analysis and product change tracking. She maintains the normalized dataset that powers our comparison tables and ensures each claim links back to a dated primary source. Read more articles