Hana Card Launches 'One More Easy' Check Card: The Ultimate Financial Solution for Foreigners in Korea
In a groundbreaking move that recognizes the growing economic significance of Korea's foreign population, Hana Card has officially announced the launch of its 'One More Easy' check card specifically designed for the 2.65 million foreigners residing in Korea. The announcement came on May 14th, marking a significant step towards financial inclusion in the Korean banking sector.
Why This Card Matters for Foreigners in Korea
Living in Korea as a foreigner comes with its unique set of financial challenges. From language barriers at banks to difficulty accessing credit products, many foreigners find themselves excluded from the financial benefits that Korean nationals enjoy. The 'One More Easy' check card aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored benefits that align with the spending patterns and lifestyle needs of foreigners in Korea.
According to recent market research, foreigners in Korea spend significantly more on digital subscription services than the average Korean consumer, and rely heavily on public transportation and food delivery services. The 'One More Easy' card has been expertly crafted to provide cashback benefits in precisely these high-expenditure categories.
💡 Pro Tip: Maximize Your Benefits
To get the most out of your 'One More Easy' check card, consolidate all your subscription payments to occur in the same billing cycle. This strategy ensures you'll hit your monthly spending threshold more easily and maximize your cashback potential!
Dual Benefit Structure: 'One More Service' and 'Easy Service'
The 'One More Easy' check card offers a thoughtfully designed dual benefit structure that targets the most common spending categories among foreigners in Korea.
'One More Service': Subscription Benefits
The 'One More Service' provides a 1,000 KRW cashback per subscription service payment for popular platforms including:
- YouTube Premium - Perfect for those who want ad-free video content and access to YouTube Music
- Netflix - For your Korean drama and international content streaming needs
- Coupang Wow - Get cashback on your Coupang Wow membership for free shipping and other Coupang benefits
- Other subscription services - Additional subscriptions also qualify for the cashback benefit
With the average foreigner in Korea subscribing to 3-4 digital services, this benefit alone could save you up to 4,000 KRW monthly!
'Easy Service': Everyday Spending Benefits
The 'Easy Service' focuses on daily expenses, offering 1,000 KRW cashback for transactions of 10,000 KRW or more in these categories:
| Category | Includes | Potential Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|
| F&B | Coffee shops, dessert cafes, food delivery apps | Up to 4,000 KRW |
| Transportation | Public transit, intercity buses, express buses, rail services | Up to 4,000 KRW |
| Daily Life | Insurance payments, supermarkets, Olive Young purchases | Up to 4,000 KRW |
| Auto-payments | Mobile phone bills, gas bills, electricity bills | Up to 4,000 KRW |
Maximum Benefit Potential and Monthly Requirements
The cashback benefits are tied to your previous month's spending performance, with each service category offering up to 4,000 KRW in monthly cashback. This means if you fully utilize all the benefits across all categories, you could potentially save up to 20,000 KRW per month - that's the equivalent of approximately $18 USD or a week's worth of coffee!
While Hana Card hasn't specified the exact monthly spending requirement to qualify for the maximum benefits, our analysis of similar cards suggests you'll likely need to spend between 300,000 KRW to 500,000 KRW monthly to unlock the full cashback potential. We'll update this article once official information becomes available.
Pros 👍
- No annual fee (typical for most check cards in Korea)
- Specifically designed for foreign residents' spending patterns
- Dual benefit structure targeting both subscriptions and daily expenses
- Potential savings of up to 20,000 KRW monthly
- Available through both physical bank branches and the Hana EZ app
Cons 👎
- Benefits capped at 4,000 KRW per category
- Requires minimum 10,000 KRW transaction for 'Easy Service' cashback
- Monthly spending requirements to qualify for benefits
- Only available through Hana Bank
- Documentation requirements for foreigners may be extensive
How to Apply for the 'One More Easy' Check Card
Applying for the 'One More Easy' check card is straightforward, with two convenient application methods:
- Visit a Hana Bank Branch: Bring your Alien Registration Card and any additional documentation that may be required based on your visa status. Bank staff can guide you through the application process in English at most major branches.
- Apply through the Hana EZ App: The more convenient option - download the Hana EZ app, register with your Alien Registration Card details, and follow the in-app instructions to apply for the card. The app offers multiple language options, making the process accessible for non-Korean speakers.
According to our sources, processing time for the card application is typically 1-2 business days, with the physical card delivered to your registered address within 5-7 business days.
The Growing Financial Market for Foreigners in Korea
Hana Card's introduction of the 'One More Easy' check card is part of a broader trend in Korea's financial sector to cater to the growing foreign population. With 2.65 million foreigners currently residing in Korea and projections suggesting this number will exceed 3 million by 2030, financial institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of this demographic segment.
A representative from Hana Card stated, "The 'One More Easy' check card is a card product of Hana Financial Group's 'One More Easy' brand prepared to provide customized benefits to the growing number of foreign guests staying in Korea." They further emphasized, "We will continue to make efforts to provide various services for long-term residence and reasonable consumption activities in Korea."
This card launch signals Hana Card's commitment to financial inclusion and recognizes the unique financial needs of Korea's diverse international community. It also suggests we may see more specialized financial products targeting specific demographic segments within the foreign population in the future.
Is the 'One More Easy' Check Card Right for You?
The 'One More Easy' check card is particularly well-suited for:
- Long-term residents: If you're planning to stay in Korea for an extended period, the consistent cashback benefits can add up significantly over time.
- Digital service subscribers: Those who subscribe to multiple streaming services, delivery memberships, or other subscription-based platforms.
- Regular public transport users: If you rely heavily on Korea's public transportation system for your daily commute.
- Frequent food delivery customers: The F&B category benefits make this card ideal for those who regularly order food delivery.
However, if you rarely use subscription services or primarily cook at home rather than ordering delivery, you might not maximize the card's benefits. Similarly, if you already have a Korean credit card with superior rewards, the 'One More Easy' check card might be redundant for your needs.
The 'One More Easy' check card represents a significant step forward in financial accessibility for foreigners in Korea. With its thoughtfully designed benefit structure targeting the most common spending categories among international residents, it offers genuine value that could save users up to 20,000 KRW monthly. While the benefits have caps and conditions, the card's accessibility and zero annual fee make it a worthy addition to any foreigner's wallet in Korea. As the first major financial product specifically designed for the international community in Korea, the 'One More Easy' check card sets a promising precedent for future financial inclusion initiatives.
Apply for Your 'One More Easy' Check Card Now!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. The information provided is based on publicly available data and is accurate as of May 15, 2025. Benefit structures, application requirements, and other details may change over time. Please consult with Hana Card directly for the most current information before applying.