Which banks in Hong Kong charge a Cross-Border Fee (CBF)?

Most major banks in Hong Kong, including HSBC, Hang Seng, and Bank of China, charge a Cross-Border Fee, typically ranging from 1% to 1.95%. As of late 2024, Standard Chartered (for the Smart Card) and American Express (for the Explorer Card) are the primary issuers that waive this fee.

Is it better to pay in HKD or the local currency when I'm overseas?

You should almost always choose to pay in the LOCAL currency (e.g., JPY in Japan, EUR in Europe). Choosing to pay in HKD overseas triggers a process called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which uses an unfavorable exchange rate and still incurs the Cross-Border Fee. Always select the local currency to save money.

Does the CBF apply to online subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify?

Yes, it often does. Services like Netflix, Spotify, and iCloud are processed by overseas entities. Even if they charge you in HKD, your bank sees it as a cross-border transaction and will apply the CBF if your credit card has one. Using a no-CBF card is the best way to avoid these extra charges.

No CBF | Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees! Top No-CBF Credit Cards in Hong Kong

Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees: Top No-CBF Credit Cards in Hong Kong

A graphic showing credit cards with a red cross over the text CBF, illustrating no cross-border fee credit cards in Hong Kong.

Ever noticed an extra 1.95% fee on your credit card statement after an overseas trip or an online purchase from a foreign website? That's the notorious **Cross-Border Fee (CBF)**, a charge that many cardholders in Hong Kong overlook.

As more banks begin to add this fee, knowing how to avoid it is crucial for savvy consumers. Our editor has created this complete 2025 guide to explain what CBF is, which cards still waive it, and how you can save money on your next purchase.

What Exactly is the Cross-Border Fee (CBF)?

The Cross-Border Fee (CBF), also known as a foreign transaction fee, is a charge applied by credit card issuers when you make a transaction that is processed outside of Hong Kong. This applies even if you pay in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). Most banks in Hong Kong charge a CBF of around 1% to 1.95% of the transaction amount.

When Are You Charged a Cross-Border Fee?

You can be charged a CBF in two main scenarios:

1. Online Shopping with Overseas Merchants

When you shop on international websites like Uber, Airbnb, iHerb, Netflix, or Amazon, their payment processors are based overseas. Even if they show prices and charge you in HKD, the transaction is still "cross-border," and your bank will likely add a CBF to your statement.

2. Paying in HKD While Traveling Abroad (DCC)

When you use your credit card overseas, the merchant might offer to charge you in HKD. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). While it seems convenient, you should almost always **decline this option**. The exchange rate used for DCC is typically very poor, and on top of that, you will still be charged the CBF by your bank because the transaction is physically happening abroad.

3 Smart Ways to Avoid Paying the CBF

▌1. Use a Credit Card with No CBF

The most direct method is to use a credit card that waives this fee. With major issuers like HSBC applying a 1% CBF from November 9, 2024, the number of fee-free cards is shrinking. Currently, the best options in Hong Kong that do not charge a CBF are the Standard Chartered Smart Card and the American Express Explorer® Credit Card.

▌2. Use a Card with High Rebates

If you don't have a no-CBF card, the next best thing is to use a card with a high cash back or rewards rate on foreign or online spending. For example, if a card offers a 4% rebate on online spending, it can more than offset the ~1.95% fee, leaving you with a net gain.

▌3. Always Pay in the Local Currency Abroad

When you are traveling, if the card machine asks if you want to pay in HKD or the local currency (e.g., JPY, EUR), **always choose the local currency**. This ensures you get your bank's more competitive exchange rate and avoids the terrible rates associated with DCC.

Hong Kong Credit Cards: Foreign Transaction Fee Comparison

Credit Card	Online Rebate	CBF Charge	Status
Hang Seng MMPower	5%	1%	From Oct 2, 2024
HSBC Red Card	4%	1%	From Nov 9, 2024
CNCBI inMotion	6%	1%	Effective Now
AEON WAKUWAKU	6%	1%	From Nov 2024
BOC Chill Card	5%	0.95%	Effective Now
AMEX Explorer Card	~2.08% (Miles)	0%	No Fee
Standard Chartered Smart Card	5% (Designated)	0%	No Fee

Top No-CBF Credit Card Recommendations

▌Standard Chartered Smart Card

Feature	Details
Foreign Transaction Fee	No Fee (whether paying in foreign currency or HKD)
Rebate on Designated Merchants	5% cash back at 759 Store, Circle K, SASA, Watsons, Klook, Deliveroo, Japan Home Centre, HKTVmall, and more.
Welcome Offer	New customers can get a Marshall Emberton Speaker or HK$900 coupon via partner sites.
Rebate Details	- Designated merchants: 5% rebate. - Basic spending: ~0.56% rebate.
Application Link	Apply Now

▌American Express Explorer® Credit Card

Feature	Details
Foreign Transaction Fee	No Fee
Airport Lounge Access	8 free visits to Plaza Premium Lounges annually
Miles Earn Rate	As low as HK$3.6 per mile on airlines and designated travel websites.
Application Link	Apply Now

For a detailed comparison of more travel and rewards cards, check out our Complete Hong Kong Credit Card Comparison Tool!