How to choose a Hong Kong brokerage? Five major platform account opening guide and complete comparison

Which Hong Kong broker should I choose for investing in Hong Kong stocks? Fees, features, and account opening thresholds vary. This article has compiled the characteristics, costs, and user experiences of five mainstream Hong Kong stock trading platforms to help different types of investors find the most suitable option.

Overview of Five Hong Kong Brokers: Features and Trading Markets

Complete Comparison of Hong Kong Broker Fees

Different Hong Kong brokers have significant differences in trading commissions, platform fees, financing rates, etc. Investors should choose based on their trading habits:

Beginner’s First Choice: Changqiao Securities

Basic Info

• Trading Commission: 0.03% (min HKD 3)
• Platform Fee: HKD 15
• Financing Annual Rate: 6.5%
• First Deposit Threshold: HKD 11,000 (HKD 40,000 rewards)
• Need Hong Kong Card: Yes

Platform Features

Headquartered in Singapore, Changqiao Securities integrates technical teams from Alibaba, ByteDance, and others. Its core positioning is a “social” broker, allowing users to watch live streams, participate in discussions, and communicate with other investors.

Main Advantages

• Complete social interaction features, beginners can communicate with investors or experts in real-time
• Visualizes complex data, including financials, valuation analysis, institutional ratings, all at a glance
• Unique “Stock List” feature, users can reference others’ portfolios for investment inspiration

Limitations

• Trading products are relatively limited, mainly Hong Kong, US stocks, ETFs, derivatives

For Experienced Investors: IB (Interactive Brokers)

Basic Info

• Trading Commission: 0.08% (min HKD 18)
• Platform Fee: HKD 10
• Financing Annual Rate: 5.0%
• First Deposit Threshold: USD 10,000
• Need Hong Kong Card: Yes

Platform Features

IB is one of the largest online brokers in the US, rated investment grade by S&P, and has been named “Best Internet Broker” by Barron’s six times. With a single account, you can trade in over 200 countries and 150 markets worldwide.

Main Advantages

• Most diverse product range: stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds
• Professional analysis tools, including fundamental explorers, third-party research, event calendars
• No dividend collection fee, relatively low financing rates
• High execution efficiency

Limitations

• Interface is more traditional, complex on desktop, requiring investment experience
• If funds are under USD 100,000 or monthly commissions under USD 10, a monthly fee of USD 10 applies
• Some real-time quotes require paid subscriptions

No Hong Kong Card Needed to Open Account: Huasheng Securities

Basic Info

• Trading Commission: 0.03% (min HKD 3)
• Platform Fee: HKD 15
• Financing Annual Rate: 6.8%
• First Deposit Threshold: HKD 10,000
• Need Hong Kong Card: No

Platform Features

Huasheng Securities, part of Sina Group, integrates the parent company’s financial resources into the “Huasheng Tong” app, providing first-hand market updates. The platform covers Hong Kong, US, A-shares, ETFs, IPO subscriptions, funds, warrants, and offers margin financing.

Main Advantages

• Rich financial info, integrates KOL live streams and real-time Q&A
• User-friendly chart functions, free real-time quotes
• No need for a Hong Kong bank card to open an account, friendly to Taiwanese users
• Cantonese tutorial videos suitable for non-Cantonese speakers

Limitations

• Server stability is average
• Neutrality of information dissemination is questionable
• News mainly in simplified Chinese

Cost-Effective Choice: Webull Securities

Basic Info

• Trading Commission: 0.02% (min HKD 2), free during commission-free promotions
• Platform Fee: HKD 10
• Financing Annual Rate: 1.5%-6.8%
• First Deposit Threshold: HKD 10,000 / RMB 10,000 / USD 1,300
• Need Hong Kong Card: Yes

Platform Features

Webull, operated by Changsha Fumi Technology, is headquartered on Wall Street, USA. The platform frequently offers promotions with zero commissions and platform fees. Its Hong Kong stock fees are relatively low, attracting many retail investors.

Main Advantages

• Frequent fee promotions, favorable financing interest
• Mutual fund trading feature, no subscription or redemption fees
• Best cost control

Limitations

• Investment products are not comprehensive, lacking bonds, forex, etc.
• Portfolio analysis features are weak
• Customer funds are self-managed, requiring personal responsibility

Best Mobile Experience: Futu Securities

Basic Info

• Trading Commission: 0.03% (min HKD 3), free during promotion
• Platform Fee: HKD 15
• Financing Annual Rate: 6.8%
• First Deposit Threshold: HKD 10,000
• Need Hong Kong Card: Yes

Platform Features

Futu Securities, invested by Tencent, listed on NASDAQ in 2019, holds licenses in the US and Hong Kong. Its mobile and software interfaces are excellent, with built-in active investor community features.

Main Advantages

• Proprietary trading platform with active community
• Powerful stock selection tools and charts, comparable to leading professional platforms
• Wide product range, one-stop investment in Hong Kong, US, and mainland stocks
• Offers IPOs, new stock subscriptions in Hong Kong, and other special services

Limitations

• Cannot deposit via credit card
• Cannot trade futures or CFD derivatives
• Analysis depth is less than IB

Three Ways for Taiwanese to Invest in Hong Kong Stocks

Directly open a Hong Kong stock account

Opening an account directly with a Hong Kong broker significantly reduces trading costs, sometimes even to zero commission. You can choose from the widest range of Hong Kong stocks, including derivatives like options. Be aware of overseas remittance and asset management issues.

With Hong Kong Card: Open online, usually completed in 1-3 working days.

Without Hong Kong Card: You can visit Hong Kong in person or choose brokers that accept postal applications. Prepare ID, passport, recent proof of address (e.g., bill), bank statement; some brokers may require notarization. Minimum deposit thresholds vary; inquire beforehand.

Using Taiwan brokers’ sub-agency services

Open an account with a domestic broker licensed for “Overseas Securities Sub-Agency,” which helps establish an overseas account and foreign currency settlement account. The domestic broker places orders with Hong Kong partner brokers on your behalf.

Advantages include keeping funds in Taiwan and direct contact if issues arise. Disadvantages are an extra intermediary layer, higher costs, and possible restrictions by domestic regulations, such as inability to invest in certain Chinese state-owned stocks. Choice is limited.

Trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs)

CFDs are financial derivatives where investors do not own the actual stocks but trade on their price movements. This method offers more flexibility, including short selling, hedging, and short-term trading. Many platforms offer Hong Kong, US, Australian stocks, zero commissions, low spreads, 24/7 online trading, and features like stop-loss and limit orders.

Conclusion

Choosing a Hong Kong broker depends on your investment style, capital size, and risk tolerance. Beginners can start with Changqiao Securities to experience social features and a simplified interface; experienced investors may prefer IB for the most comprehensive tools and products; cost-conscious traders should consider Webull; those prioritizing mobile experience can choose Futu Securities.

The biggest advantage of opening an account directly in Hong Kong is low fees, the widest range of assets, and tax exemptions on stock trading income and dividends, with no inheritance tax. However, managing overseas assets yourself increases risks and expenses. The Taiwan sub-agency method is more conservative but safer. Ultimately, your choice should be based on personal circumstances, asset allocation, and risk assessment.