Thinking of entering the world of Hong Kong and U.S. stock investing, but feeling dazzled by the myriad of brokerage choices? Perhaps you’ve heard the name “Chief Securities,” a long-established brokerage, but you still have questions: Is Chief Securities any good? Are its fees expensive? Is the app user-friendly? These questions are key to determining your investment experience.
Don’t worry! This article will give you the most comprehensive and in-depth “X-ray scan.” We will break down everything from the latest 2025 account opening offers and actual commission fee structures to the mobile app’s usability and customer service quality. There’s only one goal: to give you a clear understanding of what Chief Securities is like so you can confidently decide if it’s the “right” investment partner for you.
Key Takeaways of This Article:
Amidst the fierce competition from numerous emerging internet brokerages, Chief Securities still holds its ground in the market, thanks to its deep roots and unique service model. This is no accident but a reflection of its three core advantages.
In the investment world, reputation and a sense of security are invaluable. Founded in 1979, Chief Securities has weathered numerous financial market storms, from the 1987 stock market crash to the 2008 financial crisis, and has continued to operate steadily. This “battle-hardened” history provides investors with a sense of trust built over time. For many risk-averse investors who prioritize the safety of their funds, choosing such a long-standing brokerage means choosing peace of mind.
Don’t assume that a traditional brokerage means limited product offerings. Chief Securities provides a comprehensive line of investment products, making your asset allocation more flexible:
This one-stop service allows you to manage your global assets easily within a single account, without the need to switch between different platforms.
This is the biggest differentiator between Chief Securities and purely online brokerages, and it’s one of its core competencies. When you encounter complex account issues or need professional investment advice, you can walk into one of their physical branches across Hong Kong for a face-to-face conversation with a relationship manager. This “warm service” is invaluable for investors who are not comfortable with purely online operations or who place a high value on human interaction.
Now that you understand the advantages, let’s move on to the practical part: opening an account. Becoming a client of Chief Securities is not only a simple process but also comes with the opportunity to receive generous welcome rewards.
Chief Securities periodically launches highly attractive account opening offers, which usually include cash vouchers, commission-free trades, and stock coupons. As of early 2025, the welcome rewards are generally as follows (Please note: Specific offers are subject to the latest announcements on the Chief Securities official website):
Quick Tip: When opening an account, remember to look for a field to enter an “invitation code” or “referral code.” Filling it in correctly can often bring you extra surprises.
There’s no need to visit a branch to open an account anymore. You can complete the application in under 15 minutes with just your smartphone:
Trading costs are a key factor affecting investment returns. Chief Securities’ fee structure is relatively transparent, but a closer look is needed to make the smartest choice.
To give you a clear overview, we’ve compiled the following fee comparison table:
| Fee Item | Hong Kong Stocks | U.S. Stocks | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Commission | 0.0675% (Min. HK$38) US$0.008 per share (Min. US$1.88) |
Online trading fees; may vary for different account types | |
| Platform Fee | Waived | Waived | A major advantage compared to many internet brokerages |
| Custody Fee | Waived | Calculated based on market value of holdings; refer to the official website for details | U.S. stock custody fees are a cost to be aware of |
| Inactivity Fee | Waived | Waived | Friendly to long-term holders and infrequent traders |
In addition to the main fees listed above, there are some potential charges to be aware of:
No brokerage is perfect. Objectively, while Chief Securities enjoys its traditional advantages, it also has some relative weaknesses in the current market environment.
If you’re used to the highly social and modern app interfaces of new brokerages like Futu or Webull, you might find the “Chief Trader” app a bit “plain” at first. Its design is more traditional, with a straightforward functional layout that lacks some of the gamified and community-based elements. For young investors who seek the ultimate user experience and rich information interaction, it may take some time to get used to.
Although Chief Securities waives platform fees, its percentage-based commission model is slightly less competitive when compared to internet brokerages that champion “zero commission” or “ultra-low flat-rate commissions.” This is especially true for frequent traders or those with smaller transaction amounts, as the minimum commission of HK$38 for Hong Kong stocks can increase trading costs. Therefore, it’s essential to calculate the costs based on your trading habits before making a choice.
After a comprehensive review, we can draw a clear conclusion. What about Chief Securities? It is a brokerage with very distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Chief Securities is particularly suitable for the following investors:
You might want to consider other options if you:
In summary, choosing Chief Securities means choosing stability and peace of mind. If its features align with your investment philosophy and needs, it is undoubtedly a trustworthy choice. We hope this review helps you cut through the noise and find the investment path that suits you best.
The process is simpler than you might think. First, you need to open an account with Chief Securities. Then, request a “Stock Transfer Out Form” from your original brokerage, fill it out, and also complete Chief Securities’ “Stock Deposit Form.” Submit both forms to their respective brokerages, and they will handle the subsequent stock transfer. The entire process usually takes 3-7 business days. Remember to check for any transfer-in subsidies offered by Chief Securities, which could save you some money.
Yes, it’s very convenient. Chief Securities supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods to meet different users’ needs:
Chief Securities offers multiple customer service channels. You can reach them via their customer service hotline, email, online chat, or by visiting any of their branches. According to user feedback, the professionalism of their phone hotline and branch services is high, and they can effectively resolve most issues. The response time for online customer service may be slightly delayed during peak hours. Overall, its service quality is consistent with that of a stable, well-established brokerage.
The Monthly Stock Investment Plan at Chief Securities is very popular, especially for office workers or beginners who want to make long-term, small, and diversified investments. Its advantages include a low entry threshold (e.g., a minimum monthly contribution of HK$1,000) and a wide range of selectable stocks, including many popular blue-chip stocks and ETFs. The fees are typically a fixed percentage of the contribution amount, with a minimum charge, making it relatively straightforward. It is an excellent tool for forced savings, dollar-cost averaging, and enjoying the power of compounding.
