Top 20 international banks of China (2026) explained. Compare leading Chinese banks with global presence, services, pros & cons, official websites, and expert insights for trade, FX, and international banking.
Top 20 International Banks of China (2026): Detailed Guide, Pros & Cons + Official Websites
China’s banking system powers a huge share of global trade, cross-border payments, project finance, and corporate lending. If you’re an importer/exporter, multinational business, investor, or NRI-style global customer working with China-linked supply chains, choosing the right Chinese bank can directly impact:
- International wire transfer speed (SWIFT/CIPS)
- Trade finance availability (LCs, BGs, invoices)
- FX pricing and settlement convenience
- Overseas branch access and multi-currency services
- Global compliance comfort for counterparties
Below is a carefully curated list of 20 Chinese banks with notable international footprint (overseas branches/subsidiaries, cross-border products, or strong global corporate banking/trade finance capabilities), with pros/cons, official websites, and a comparison table to help you choose.
Note: “International” here refers to banks headquartered in China (or China-based groups) that operate meaningful cross-border services—via overseas branches, subsidiaries, or international banking units.
Quick comparison table: Top 20 Chinese banks with international reach
| # | Bank | Category | Best known for (internationally) | Typical best-fit users | Official website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) | Big state-owned commercial | Global corporate banking + overseas network scale | Large corporates, global treasury | https://www.icbc-ltd.com/ICBCLtd/en/ |
| 2 | China Construction Bank (CCB) | Big state-owned commercial | Trade finance + corporate banking + overseas presence | Corporates, infrastructure-linked firms | https://www.ccb.com/en/home/index.html |
| 3 | Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) | Big state-owned commercial | Corporate + retail scale, overseas institutions | Mixed retail/corporate users | https://www.abchina.com/en/ |
| 4 | Bank of China (BOC) | Big state-owned commercial | Cross-border specialist heritage, FX + global branches | Import/export, FX-heavy users | https://www.boc.cn/en/ |
| 5 | Bank of Communications (BoCom) | Major state-owned commercial | Corporate banking + HK/overseas branches | Mid-large corporates | https://www.bankcomm.com/ (group) / HK: https://www.hk.bankcomm.com/ |
| 6 | Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC) | Major state-owned commercial | Retail reach + growing corporate services | Retail/SME + broad domestic footprint | https://www.psbc.com/en/ |
| 7 | China Merchants Bank (CMB) | Joint-stock commercial | Premium retail/wealth + corporate banking | Affluent retail, modern digital banking | https://english.cmbchina.com/ |
| 8 | China CITIC Bank | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate banking, cross-border solutions | Corporates needing China tie-ins | https://www.citicbank.com/ |
| 9 | China Minsheng Bank (CMBC) | Joint-stock commercial | Private-enterprise focus + cross-border products | Private businesses, SMEs | https://en.cmbc.com.cn/ |
| 10 | Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB) | Joint-stock commercial | Treasury/markets + overseas branches | Corporates, institutional clients | https://eng.spdb.com.cn/ |
| 11 | Ping An Bank | Joint-stock commercial | Digital banking + offshore/online services | Tech-forward retail & corporate users | https://bank.pingan.com/en/index.shtml |
| 12 | China Everbright Bank (CEB) | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate + retail, expanding cross-border | Mixed retail/corporate | (Brand site noted as cebbank.com) |
| 13 | Industrial Bank (CIB) | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate banking + green finance reputation | Corporates, ESG-linked finance | https://www.cib.com.cn/en/ |
| 14 | Huaxia Bank | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate/retail + correspondent network | Corporates using correspondent routes | https://www.hxb.com.cn/en/ |
| 15 | China Zheshang Bank (CZBank) | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate banking + growing global business | Mid-market corporates | https://www.czbank.com/en/ |
| 16 | China Bohai Bank (CBHB) | Joint-stock commercial | Corporate banking + cross-border linkages | Corporates, regional trade | https://www.cbhb.com.cn/ |
| 17 | Bank of Beijing | City commercial bank (large) | Corporate/retail with select overseas presence | Beijing-linked corporates | https://www.bankofbeijing.com.cn/en |
| 18 | Bank of Shanghai (BOS) | City commercial bank (large) | HK subsidiary + Shanghai trade ecosystem | Shanghai trade & corporate users | HK: https://www.bankofshanghai.com.hk/en/ |
| 19 | China Development Bank (CDB) | Policy bank | Sovereign/project finance (global infra) | Large projects, governments, EPCs | https://www.cdb.com.cn/English/ |
| 20 | Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim) | Policy bank | Export credit + buyer’s credit + trade support | Exporters, overseas buyers of China goods | https://english.eximbank.gov.cn/ |
1) ICBC (Industrial & Commercial Bank of China)
Why it’s globally relevant: ICBC is one of the world’s largest banks by assets and is widely recognized for its international branch and subsidiary footprint, especially for corporate banking and institutional clients.
Pros
- Massive scale; strong capacity for large corporate credit and syndications
- Broad global presence in key financial centers (varies by country/branch)
- Comprehensive corporate + treasury offerings
Cons
- Retail user experience varies by jurisdiction
- Account opening/compliance can be documentation-heavy for foreign entities
Official website: https://www.icbc-ltd.com/ICBCLtd/en/
2) CCB (China Construction Bank)
Why it’s globally relevant: A “Big 4” bank with strong corporate banking and international services, often active in infrastructure-linked financing.
Pros
- Strong corporate banking and trade-related products
- Large balance sheet; stable brand recognition
- Full-service banking with dedicated corporate channels
Cons
- International service quality differs across countries/branches
- Some digital flows can feel enterprise-oriented rather than consumer-friendly
Official website: https://www.ccb.com/en/home/index.html
3) ABC (Agricultural Bank of China)
Why it’s globally relevant: Another “Big 4” bank with overseas institutions and wide product coverage across retail and corporate banking.
Pros
- Very large branch base and diversified operations
- Useful for corporates needing broad domestic reach + overseas touchpoints
- Recognized brand for counterparties in trade
Cons
- International onboarding can be slow for complex structures
- Service experience varies by branch and location
Official website: https://www.abchina.com/en/
4) BOC (Bank of China)
Why it’s globally relevant: Often viewed as China’s most “cross-border native” major bank—strong in FX, remittances, and international corporate banking.
Pros
- Strong cross-border orientation and global brand familiarity
- Popular for FX-related services in many markets
- Robust corporate/trade finance positioning
Cons
- Product availability differs across countries (BOC branches/subsidiaries)
- Compliance checks can be strict (normal for global banks)
Official website: https://www.boc.cn/en/
5) Bank of Communications (BoCom)
Why it’s globally relevant: A major state-owned commercial bank (often counted among the top state-owned group) with international branches and subsidiaries, including Hong Kong operations.
Pros
- Strong corporate and institutional banking depth
- Useful for firms with HK/Mainland connectivity
- Established history and state-linked credibility
Cons
- Digital UX can vary by region
- Some services are relationship-manager driven
Official website: Group/HK examples: https://www.hk.bankcomm.com/
6) PSBC (Postal Savings Bank of China)
Why it’s globally relevant: Known for enormous retail reach in China and expanding corporate capabilities; relevant for businesses needing deep domestic coverage plus official-grade banking.
Pros
- Huge network and strong retail presence
- Growing service offerings across segments
- Strong brand recognition in China
Cons
- International proposition can be narrower than “Big 4”
- Best fit is often China domestic + cross-border basics rather than complex global treasury
Official website: https://www.psbc.com/en/
7) China Merchants Bank (CMB)
Why it’s globally relevant: Frequently associated with strong retail, wealth management, and modern banking services, with growing international interfaces.
Pros
- Strong digital banking reputation (especially domestically)
- Good for affluent retail and premium service models
- Competitive product depth for many users
Cons
- International branch coverage may be smaller than “Big 4”
- Some services may be easier via domestic account relationships
Official website: https://english.cmbchina.com/
8) China CITIC Bank
Why it’s globally relevant: A major joint-stock commercial bank with corporate and cross-border capabilities; its ecosystem includes international banking arms (e.g., Hong Kong-based entities).
Pros
- Strong corporate banking focus
- Useful for companies operating across Mainland–Hong Kong corridors
- Broad product suite for trade/settlement
Cons
- Documentation requirements can be heavy for foreign corporates
- Availability of international retail products depends on entity/region
Official website: https://www.citicbank.com/
9) China Minsheng Bank (CMBC)
Why it’s globally relevant: Known as a national joint-stock bank with a history of serving private enterprises; provides online banking and cross-border offerings through its platforms.
Pros
- Strong private-enterprise orientation
- Broad corporate services toolkit
- Clear online banking structure for multiple segments
Cons
- International network may be smaller than the biggest state banks
- Best results often come with relationship-led banking for trade products
Official website: https://en.cmbc.com.cn/
10) SPDB (Shanghai Pudong Development Bank)
Why it’s globally relevant: Strong in markets/treasury and corporate banking, and explicitly highlights overseas branches (e.g., London/HK) on its English portal.
Pros
- Solid treasury/markets capabilities
- Clear “Overseas Branches” visibility on its global site
- Good fit for corporates needing China–global settlement
Cons
- Retail international proposition varies
- Some advanced services are better via corporate RM channels
Official website: https://eng.spdb.com.cn/
11) Ping An Bank
Why it’s globally relevant: Known for digital-forward banking and explicitly lists offshore/online banking access points on its English pages—useful for cross-border oriented users.
Pros
- Digital-first positioning, multiple online login options
- Good for tech-enabled corporate/retail workflows
- Strong brand via Ping An group ecosystem
Cons
- Branch footprint overseas is not “Big 4” scale
- Some offshore services depend on eligibility/region
Official website: https://bank.pingan.com/en/index.shtml
12) China Everbright Bank (CEB)
Why it’s globally relevant: A significant joint-stock bank; often used by corporates and retail customers, with cross-border linkages via group/markets structures. (Its brand site is commonly referenced as cebbank.com.)
Pros
- Broad corporate + retail services
- Strong presence in China’s financial ecosystem
- Works well for standard trade/corporate needs depending on branch
Cons
- International footprint may be less extensive than the “Big 4”
- Non-China clients may interact via specific channels/entities
Official site reference: (cebbank.com)
13) Industrial Bank (CIB)
Why it’s globally relevant: Positions itself with corporate banking strength and has been recognized for sustainability/ESG orientation (often relevant for international counterparties).
Pros
- Strong corporate banking + structured finance capabilities
- ESG/green finance alignment can be a differentiator
- Clear English portal
Cons
- International branches may be fewer than the biggest state banks
- Best for corporates and institutions vs. casual retail
Official website: https://www.cib.com.cn/en/
14) Huaxia Bank
Why it’s globally relevant: Provides corporate and personal banking and is known to operate through broader correspondent networks for cross-border settlement routes.
Pros
- Solid bank for conventional corporate and retail needs
- Useful correspondent relationships (helpful for cross-border settlement)
- English portal available
Cons
- Overseas physical footprint may be limited vs. global giants
- Some international services rely on partner/correspondent banks
Official website: https://www.hxb.com.cn/en/
15) China Zheshang Bank (CZBank)
Why it’s globally relevant: A joint-stock bank that explicitly mentions expanding business “worldwide” in its investor overview and maintains an English portal.
Pros
- Good mid-market corporate banking fit
- Growing footprint and international ambition
- Clear English site and investor disclosures
Cons
- Smaller than “Big 4” for global coverage
- Best for corporate needs; retail international value may vary
Official website: https://www.czbank.com/en/
16) China Bohai Bank (CBHB)
Why it’s globally relevant: A joint-stock commercial bank; relevant for corporate banking and regional trade connectivity, with an English web presence and investor disclosures.
Pros
- Corporate banking focus
- English site materials and compliance statements available
- Useful for some region/trade-linked relationships
Cons
- Smaller international presence than top-tier giants
- Best for specific corporate cases rather than “global retail”
Official website: https://www.cbhb.com.cn/
17) Bank of Beijing
Why it’s globally relevant: One of the most prominent city commercial banks; offers an English portal and is commonly used by corporates connected to Beijing’s business ecosystem.
Pros
- Strong in its home market and corporate relationships
- Good for Beijing-linked suppliers/companies
- English information portal available
Cons
- International footprint is typically smaller than national champions
- Best for targeted use-cases rather than broad global coverage
Official website: https://www.bankofbeijing.com.cn/en
18) Bank of Shanghai (BOS)
Why it’s globally relevant: Strong in Shanghai, with a Hong Kong subsidiary presence—useful for cross-border commerce and settlement in the Shanghai–HK corridor.
Pros
- Strong Shanghai-linked business connectivity
- HK platform can support cross-border needs
- Clear HK website and disclosures
Cons
- Not a “global everywhere” bank—more corridor-focused
- Service depends on which entity (Mainland vs HK) you use
Official website (HK): https://www.bankofshanghai.com.hk/en/
19) China Development Bank (CDB) — Policy Bank
Why it’s globally relevant: One of China’s key policy banks, heavily involved in large-scale development and project finance internationally (infrastructure, sovereign-backed lending, etc.).
Pros
- Deep capability for mega infrastructure and national-priority projects
- Often involved in long-tenor, large-ticket financing
- Strong institutional credibility in project finance circles
Cons
- Not a retail bank
- Access is typically institutional/government/EPC-level, not casual business banking
Official website: https://www.cdb.com.cn/english/
20) Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim) — Policy Bank
Why it’s globally relevant: A core policy bank for export credit, overseas buyer’s credit, and trade-support financing tied to Chinese exports and overseas projects.
Pros
- Specialized export/import and trade-support financing
- Strong fit for export-linked transactions and overseas buyers of Chinese goods/services
- Clear English portal explaining products and profile
Cons
- Not a retail bank
- Primarily policy-driven mandate; products are structured around trade/export priorities
Official website: https://english.eximbank.gov.cn/
How to choose the best Chinese bank for international needs (practical checklist)
If you need global branches + strong FX/trade finance
Choose from: BOC, ICBC, CCB, ABC
If you need modern digital banking + premium services
Consider: CMB, Ping An Bank
If your work is project finance / sovereign / infrastructure
Look at: China Development Bank (CDB), China Exim
If you are a mid-market corporate trading with China
Shortlist: BoCom, SPDB, CITIC, Minsheng, Industrial Bank, Zheshang
FAQs: International banks of China
Q1. Are these banks available for foreigners outside China?
Many of them operate through overseas branches/subsidiaries, but availability depends on your country and entity type (individual vs company). Start by checking the bank’s “Overseas” or “Global” sections on the official site (examples: ICBC, BOC, SPDB).
Q2. Which Chinese bank is best for FX and cross-border business?
Often Bank of China is strongly associated with cross-border orientation and FX-heavy business, while ICBC/CCB/ABC also handle large international corporate flows.
Q3. Which banks are “policy banks” and what does that mean?
China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank of China are policy banks—focused on national development priorities, export credit, and large projects rather than standard retail banking.
Q4. What documents do companies usually need for opening accounts with Chinese banks (internationally)?
It varies by jurisdiction and bank entity, but commonly includes incorporation documents, beneficial ownership/KYC, board resolutions, and business proofs. Expect stricter compliance for cross-border activity.
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