🇭🇰Airstar Bank: Xiaomi-backed virtual bank in Hong Kong with high HKD rates

Concept

Airstar Bank is a Hong Kong virtual bank licensed by the HKMA on 9 May 2019. Launched in June 2020 as a joint venture between Xiaomi Corporation and AMTD Group. The Xiaomi connection gives the bank access to the Xiaomi Finance platform and a large user base of the Xiaomi ecosystem in mainland China. Deposits are insured by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Scheme up to HK$800,000.

Two key features distinguish Airstar among the 8 virtual banks in HK. First – the best rate on 12-month HKD deposits (2.65% as of April 2026). Second – the first HK virtual bank with 24-hour FX dealing in HKD/USD/CNY, which is important for clients working the China corridor. The bank serves both corporate accounts (Airstar Business) and individuals; retail fees for most operations are zero, with no monthly maintenance or minimum balance requirements.

🍓 Airstar Bank is a good choice for a Hong Kong company that needs a corporate account with no opening fee – plus cross-border transfers to mainland China and a competitive rate on HKD deposits. Xiaomi ownership provides ecosystem bonuses for Xiaomi device users.

Use cases

Corporate account for a Hong Kong company with fast opening. Airstar Business opens within 48 hours; opening fee is HK$850–8,000 depending on corporate structure. A product for small and medium-sized businesses with a payment dashboard, expense tracking, cards and employee payouts. Competes with ZA Business and livi Business.

Term deposits in HKD/USD/CNY. 2.65% on 12-month HKD deposits as of April 2026 – the best rate among HK virtual banks. Multi-currency high-yield deposits are available in HKD, USD and CNY – useful for companies combining settlements with the mainland and placing temporarily free funds.

Transfers to mainland China and 24-hour FX. Airstar is the first HK virtual bank to launch 24-hour FX dealing in HKD, USD and CNY – clients see interbank rates outside the working hours of traditional banks. Retail CNY transfers to mainland China go through the Xiaomi Finance infrastructure at competitive rates.

Xiaomi ecosystem bonuses for individual clients – cashback on Xiaomi purchases, privileges in services.

Who Airstar is not suitable for

• Transfers to the USA – livi is better.
• Large international SWIFT settlements outside China – HSBC HK, Standard Chartered HK.
• Non-residents of Hong Kong without HKID – Airstar requires either HKID or a long-term HK visa.

Related topics

• Opening a bank account in Hong Kong
• ZA Bank
• livi bank
• Fusion Bank: Tencent-backed
• Ant Bank: Ant Group / Alipay

Key factual claims

• Airstar Bank is a Hong Kong virtual bank licensed by the HKMA on 9 May 2019.
• Two key features distinguish Airstar among the 8 virtual banks in HK.
• Transfers to mainland China and 24-hour FX.