Best Crypto Cards in Hong Kong (2026)

The SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) regulates crypto exchanges through its VASP licensing regime, introduced in June 2023. Exchanges operating in Hong Kong must hold an SFC VASP license or be in the process of applying.

The HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) oversees stablecoin regulation specifically. Hong Kong's approach is progressive: actively courting crypto businesses while maintaining strict AML/CFT compliance. Retail crypto trading is permitted through SFC-licensed platforms, in stark contrast to mainland China.

Bybit and OKX have significant Hong Kong operations. Crypto.com has historically served the HK market. Bitget operates through APAC licensing. HashKey is a notable SFC-licensed domestic exchange.

The SFC maintains a public register of licensed VASPs. Verify your issuer's status at sfc.hk before applying.

Hong Kong does not levy capital gains tax. Spending crypto through a card is not a taxable event for individual users. There is no GST/VAT on crypto transactions.

Example: You bought 1 ETH at HKD 3,000 and spend it when it is worth HKD 25,000. The HKD 22,000 gain is completely tax-free. In the UK, this would cost approximately GBP 4,400 in CGT. In Hong Kong: HKD 0.

Exception: If crypto trading constitutes your primary business activity, profits may be subject to profits tax (16.5% for corporations, 15% for unincorporated businesses). Personal card spending is not classified as business trading.

No stablecoin strategy needed. Spend whatever maximizes rewards. The HKD-USD peg means USD-settled cards have near-zero FX impact.

Hong Kong crypto card applications require your HKID (Hong Kong Identity Card, for permanent and non-permanent residents) and proof of Hong Kong address (utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence). Non-permanent residents may need to provide their passport in addition.

SFC-licensed platforms typically offer streamlined eKYC verification. Most APAC-focused issuers have established Hong Kong onboarding flows.

Physical cards ship to Hong Kong addresses within 3-7 business days. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay and Google Pay use.

Spend Appreciated Crypto Freely

Like Singapore, Hong Kong's zero CGT eliminates the stablecoin-only strategy. Spend your highest-appreciation BTC, ETH, or altcoins through your card and keep everything. The combination of 8-10% cashback and zero tax on appreciation makes Hong Kong one of the best cities globally for crypto card ROI.

Card Selection by Use Case

• Bitget (8% cashback, free): Best all-around card with zero FX fee
• Bybit (up to 10% VIP): Best for high-volume Bybit traders
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best for lounge access at HKIA and international airports
• KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter card

Spending Scenario: HKD 20,000/month (~USD 2,560)

Both approaches yield the same result: zero tax either way. HKD 22,800/year (~USD 2,923) in combined cashback and FX savings. Pure profit.

The HKD-USD Peg Advantage

The HKD-USD peg (7.75-7.85 range) means USD-settled crypto cards have negligible FX conversion costs for Hong Kong users. For JPY, EUR, THB, or other currencies when traveling, 0% FX fee cards save 1.5-2% per transaction compared to HSBC or BOC debit cards.

Local Payment Infrastructure

Octopus card dominates transit (MTR) and convenience store (7-Eleven, Circle K) payments. Crypto cards complement Octopus for restaurant, retail, and larger merchant spending where Visa/Mastercard contactless is widely accepted. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at all NFC terminals. FPS (Faster Payment System) handles bank-to-bank transfers but does not interact with crypto cards.

Major APAC exchange cards: Bybit (up to 10%, significant HK operations), OKX (5%, strong HK presence), Bitget (8%), and Crypto.com (up to 5%, long HK history) all serve Hong Kong residents.

HK-adjacent issuers: RedotPay is based in Hong Kong and offers a prepaid Visa card. Wirex (up to 8% elite) provides an additional APAC option.

Globally available: KAST, xPlace, and Tria (up to 6% self-custody) round out the options.

SFC-licensed domestic exchange: HashKey holds an SFC VASP license and is the most prominent local platform, though card product availability varies. Gate.io may serve HK users through APAC licensing.

Hong Kong's position as a fintech hub means new card products often launch alongside Singapore as part of APAC expansion. The SFC's pro-crypto stance since 2023 has attracted issuers back to the market.