One-Stop Comparison: Futu NiuNiu vs. Tiger Securities Account Opening Process and Required Documents

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Are you considering opening a Hong Kong U.S. stock account? Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities are undoubtedly popular choices. Taking Tiger Securities as an example, its global account total reached 2.53 million by the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating strong market appeal.

This article directly compares the differences between the two to help you clarify key information about Futu NiuNiu account opening and Tiger Securities application, assisting you in making an informed decision quickly.

Key Points

• Before opening an account, you need to prepare identity proof and address proof. ID cards, passports, bank statements, or utility bills are common proof documents.
• Both Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities support users from multiple regions worldwide. You must be at least 18 years old to open an account.
• Tiger Securities has no minimum deposit requirement and fast review speeds. Futu NiuNiu requires at least $1,300 in initial funds.
• Both brokers have simple account opening processes that can be completed on mobile apps. You need to fill in personal information, upload documents, and wait for review.
• If you have questions, you can contact broker customer service. You can open an account without a Hong Kong bank account, but a Hong Kong bank account is more convenient.

Account Opening Documents: General and Special List

Before starting the online application, preparing all required documents in advance can make your account opening journey twice as effective with half the effort. The document requirements for Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities are largely similar, mainly revolving around two core proofs: identity and address.

General Required Proof Documents

No matter which broker you choose, the following two types of documents must be prepared in advance:

1. Identity Proof Documents You need to provide a valid official identity proof. Both brokers generally accept the following two types:
   • ID Card: Provide color photos of both front and back, ensuring information is clear, complete, and within validity period.
   • Passport: Provide a color photo of the personal information page, ensuring all information is readable and the document is not expired.
2. Residential Address Proof Documents Address proof is used to verify your permanent address. This is a step where many users get stuck. Usually, you only need to provide one document.

   Important Tip: Most address proof documents (such as bills) are required to be issued within the last 3 to 6 months. Check the document date before uploading to avoid review delays due to expired files.

The table below lists common address proof options:

Additional Documents for Special Cases

Depending on your specific situation, the broker may require additional information for verification.

• Bank Card in Your Name: You need to prepare a bank card in the account holder’s name. This card is mainly used for subsequent funding and sometimes in identity verification. It is recommended to prioritize accounts from Hong Kong licensed banks.
• Non-Mainland China Residents: If you are a foreign national or from Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, the broker will require corresponding identity proof (such as foreign passport, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macao Residents, etc.) and residence proof.
• Video Verification: In some cases, to confirm it is you operating, the system may require a short online video verification.

With the above documents prepared, you can smoothly proceed to the next online application process.

Core Conditions Comparison: Futu vs. Tiger

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After understanding the required documents, the next step is to compare the core account opening conditions of the two brokers. These conditions directly affect whether you can open an account smoothly and the efficiency of opening. This section will use intuitive tables and clear explanations to help you quickly grasp the key threshold differences between Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities.

Account Opening Regions and Qualifications

First, you need to confirm if your region is supported by the broker.

• Tiger Securities: Has a very wide service range. It accepts applications from users in Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Germany, and most other countries and regions.

  Please Note: According to its compliance statement, Tiger Securities is not authorized to solicit investors in mainland China, Malaysia, and Vietnam and certain jurisdictions.

• Futu NiuNiu: Also targets users from multiple countries and regions worldwide, with strong localized services especially in markets like the United States, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and Australia.

Besides regions, your age and occupational status also affect the account types you can open. Both brokers generally follow these standards:

During the application, you need to fill in occupation, income, net assets, etc.. This information helps the broker assess your investment experience and risk tolerance to match appropriate account permissions.

Identity and Address Proof

As mentioned earlier, identity and address proof are the cornerstone of account opening. Both brokers accept valid ID cards or passports as identity proof.

Selection Tip: Although the types of address proof documents accepted by both brokers are largely similar (such as utility bills, bank statements, etc.), review strictness may vary slightly. If your address proof is not very “standard,” you can check which broker’s customer service is more flexible or accepts a wider range of alternative documents.

Overall, as long as you provide clear, valid, and recent proof documents, you usually won’t encounter major obstacles at this step.

Funding Threshold and Review Time

Funding threshold and review speed are the two issues users care about most, directly affecting when you can start your first trade. The table below clearly compares the core differences:

From the table:

• Tiger Securities is extremely attractive in funding threshold, with a $0 requirement allowing you to open an account first without any funding pressure—perfect for beginners wanting a “zero-cost” platform experience.
• Futu NiuNiu account opening requires initial funds, with a minimum of $1,300.
• In review speed, both are very efficient. Tiger Securities’ automated review process stands out, with some users reporting approval in just minutes. Futu NiuNiu’s review is also fast, usually completed within one to two business days.

Ultimately, your choice can be based on funding preparation and speed preference. If you want to start immediately with funds ready, both are good options. If you want to open an account first and plan funding later, Tiger Securities’ zero-threshold policy suits you better.

Account Opening Process: Step-by-Step Operation Guide

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Once all documents are prepared, you can officially enter the online application phase. Both Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities provide clear guidance, allowing you to complete account opening without leaving home. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of their specific operations.

Futu NiuNiu Account Opening: Four-Step Detailed Guide

Futu NiuNiu’s online account opening process is designed to be very intuitive. You just need to follow system prompts to complete information filling and document upload step by step.

1. Register and Choose Account First, download the Futu NiuNiu App and register an account. After entering the account opening page, the system will guide you to select the securities account type you wish to open.
2. Fill in Personal Information This step requires detailed personal data. You need to accurately fill in name, ID number, and other basic information, and supplement your employment status. The system will also ask you to assess your financial situation, investment experience, and risk tolerance.
3. Upload Proof Documents You need to upload clear photos of your ID card or passport online. Follow the guidance to also submit a valid address proof document.

   Please Note: In some special cases, the broker may require you to mail a certified copy of identity documents by a licensed person to its Hong Kong office to complete verification.

4. Wait for Review and Activation After submitting all information, just wait patiently. Futu NiuNiu’s review team will process your application as soon as possible. The entire Futu NiuNiu account opening process is usually completed within 1 to 2 business days.

Tiger Securities Account Opening: Four-Step Detailed Guide

Tiger Securities is known for its efficient automated process, with approval as fast as minutes in some cases. The entire process is very convenient.

1. Visit and Register Account You can go to the Tiger Securities website or download the Tiger Trading App. Click register and use your email or phone number to start the application.
2. Fill in Basic Information You need to provide name, date of birth, nationality, and other basic personal information. The system will automatically guide you to the next step.
3. Complete Investment Profile To understand your investment preferences, you need to fill in financial status, investment experience, and investment style. Tiger Securities will match product permissions from low risk to high risk based on your risk preference.
4. Identity Verification and Submission The final step is to upload your identity proof and address proof documents. After submission, the automated system immediately starts review. Due to the efficient process, your account will soon be ready.

In summary, both Futu NiuNiu and Tiger Securities have quite efficient online account opening processes. Your final choice can be based on funding preparation and preference for new user rewards. Tiger Securities offers up to $1,000 in welcome bonuses, while Futu NiuNiu offers up to $200—both promotions run until December 31, 2025.

If you want zero-cost account opening first, Tiger Securities is ideal. If funds are ready and you value its ecosystem, Futu NiuNiu is also worth considering. It is recommended to make the decision best suited to you based on the latest new user promotions.

FAQ

What if the address proof does not meet requirements?

You can proactively contact broker customer service. They usually provide alternative solutions. For example, you can try submitting another type of valid document. Customer service will guide you through subsequent steps to ensure smooth review.

Can I open an account without a Hong Kong bank account?

Yes. You do not necessarily need a Hong Kong bank account to open one. You can use bank accounts from other regions for identity verification and subsequent funding. However, having a Hong Kong licensed bank account makes fund transfers more convenient and efficient.

What is the difference between a cash account and a margin account?

Cash Account allows you to trade using deposited funds. Margin Account allows you to borrow from the broker to invest, amplifying trading scale. Margin accounts usually require you to be at least 21 years old with stable income.

Must I fund immediately after opening an account?

This depends on your chosen broker. Tiger Securities has no minimum deposit requirement—you can open first and fund later. Futu NiuNiu has a $1,300 initial funding threshold. You need to complete funding to activate the account and start trading.