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HKD to USD: Smart Currency Exchange Tips for Hongkongers and How to Park Your Funds Wisely — Earn HKD 2,100 up¹!

Lifestyle18 Sep 2025
In recent years, Hongkongers have become increasingly focused on asset allocation, and converting part of their HKD into USD has become a new norm in personal finance. Especially with the recent weakening of the USD and the strengthening of the HKD, many see this as a good time to exchange into USD.Whether you're investing in U.S. stocks, diversifying your savings, or preparing to park your funds, choosing a bank that offers competitive exchange rates, $0 FX fees*, attractive time deposit interest rates, and simple operations is key. Don’t let the idea that “banks are always expensive” hold you back — with WeLab Bank, you can exchange, save, and manage your finances all in one app. It’s a smart choice for your USD exchange needs!Forget the idea that “banks are always expensive.” With WeLab Bank, you can exchange, save, and manage your money—all in one app. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for USD exchange.

The Growing Demand for HKD to USD Exchange

In today’s uncertain global economy, the USD is considered a relatively stable, safe-haven currency. On top of that, USD time deposit rates are generally higher than HKD rates, making it an attractive option for better returns. More Hongkongers are also investing globally—in U.S. stocks, ETFs, and overseas properties. Taking all these factors into account, exchanging HKD to USD has become not just a financial strategy, but also an important part of asset allocation and risk management.

Common Reasons Hongkongers Choose USD

  • 📉 USD at the weak side:
    Recently, the US dollar has weakened, and many Hongkongers see this as a good time to exchange into USD. When the USD is relatively low compared to the HKD, the cost of exchange is naturally lower — meaning you can get more USD with fewer HKD.
  • 📈 Investment Opportunities:
    The U.S. stock market continues to attract interest, with many Hongkongers investing in popular stocks, mutual funds, or using ETFs to diversify risk. Some are also considering overseas property as a long-term investment. That’s why exchanging into USD is often a key first step. Choosing a platform with competitive exchange rates, $0 FX and cross-border transfer fees is crucial, as it directly affects your investment cost and potential returns.
  • 💼 Diversified Asset Allocation & Savings:
    Although the HKD is backed by a Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS), there are still potential risks. With the HKD strengthening recently, the exchange rate for USD is relatively favorable, making it a possible option for diversifying assets. Converting part of your funds into USD savings may also offer the opportunity to enjoy higher interest rates on USD time deposits — which could be suitable for long-term savings or retirement planning.
That’s why choosing a platform with the best exchange rates, no fees, and simple operations is so important!

How to Exchange USD with WeLab Bank in Just 2 Steps

Want to exchange USD using WeLab Bank? It’s as easy as two simple steps—no queues, no fees, and you get WeLab Bank’s best rates, helping you save both money and time!For example, if you exchange HKD 100,000 into USD:
  • At Bank S, the USD selling rate is 7.8114, which gives you around USD 12,801.80.
  • At WeLab Bank, the rate is 7.7821, giving you around USD 12,850.00.
    That’s a difference of USD 48.2, meaning you could save up to HKD 373.681 by using WeLab Bank!
Step 1:
Open the WeLab Bank App, select “Transfer” on the homepage, and go to “Foreign Exchange.” You’ll see your HKD balance and available foreign currencies, including USD.Step 2:
Enter the amount of HKD you want to exchange, select USD as the target currency, and the system will instantly show the latest rate. Confirm the rate, swipe to complete the transaction, and your USD will be deposited into your account—ready for saving and investing.WLB - FX trade steps (APP)_en.pngFor illustrative purposes only

Want Your USD to Grow After Exchange? WeLab Bank Offers Smart Parking Options for Your Funds

If you don’t have immediate investment plans after exchanging USD, you can consider “parking” your funds temporarily — let your money keep working for you. Aside from investing in U.S. stocks, WeLab Bank offers a range of lower-risk, stable-return financial options to support short- to mid-term fund management. All these options can be accessed directly through the app — simple, fast, and ideal for users who want to grow their funds without complicated steps.

✅ Time Deposits

WeLab Bank offers USD time deposit options with interest rates generally higher than HKD time deposits. Flexible deposit terms are available — you can choose based on your needs, such as 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, and enjoy stable returns.
  • Example: Exchanging HKD 100,000 into USD
At WeLab Bank’s selling rate of 7.78211, you can get approximately USD 12,850.If you place this amount into a 6-month USD time deposit at an annual interest rate of 3.58%, you’ll receive USD 13,080.02 at maturity — earning USD 230.02 in interest (around HKD 1,783.26).Plus comparing with Bank S, you save USD 48.2 (HKD 373.68) on the exchange rate compared to other banks. Total potential gain and savings: USD 278.22 (HKD 2,156.94)!Your funds aren’t just parked — they’re growing steadily. That’s smart money management that helps you earn more!WLB - USD FX Trade table_en.pngWhile comparing with Bank D, using WeLab Bank for USD exchange and with a 6-month deposits can earn you an extra USD 34.511 (HKD 267.54) — helping you grow your money smarter!

✅ WeLab Money Plus

WeLab Money Plus is a money market fund designed for same-day settlement. If you’ve exchanged USD but don’t have immediate investment plans, you can consider parking your idle funds temporarily — giving your money a chance to keep working for you. Compared to regular savings accounts, money market funds offer higher liquidity and are less affected by market volatility. For users who prefer a more stable approach to wealth management, this could be a potentially steady-return option.

✅ Featured Funds Service

If you’re looking for potentially higher returns, you can consider investing in funds through the Featured Funds Service. WeLab Bank App offers a variety of popular investment themes, allowing you to easily invest in top-performing funds, dividend funds, and bond funds managed by leading global fund houses. You can choose based on your own risk tolerance. Best of all, there’s $0 subscription fee and no cost for buying or selling, making it a truly low-barrier entry with flexible fund usage.Whether you're saving or investing, USD has long been an important part of wealth planning for Hongkongers. With WeLab Bank, you can enjoy competitive exchange rates, $0 FX and cross-border transfer fees*, and manage everything in one app — making it easier to park your USD funds and find the right way to grow your money.

Ultimate Foreign Currency Exchange Hack – Earn the Spread with One App

  • WeLab Bank Best Rate^ AI Exchange Rates at a Glance
WeLab Bank uses AI to compare foreign exchange rates across major banks, making it super easy to get the best rate when exchanging foreign currency. That’s what we call the WeLab Bank Best Rate!Learn more about AI exchange rate: Compare the best exchange rates with AILearn more about foreign exchange: Exchange Currency with Ease
  • Zero Fee on Cross-Border Transfers*
During the promotion period, all outbound remittance transactions successfully made through the “Cross-Border Transfer” function of the WeLab Bank App are exempt from WeLab remittance fees. The actual waived fee amount ($0) will be displayed directly in the WeLab Bank App when you submit the remittance transaction.Learn more about global remittance: Guide for Global Remittance
  • Security
WeLab Bank is a licensed bank in Hong Kong, and your deposited foreign currency is protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme, with a maximum coverage of HKD 800,000 per depositor2, making it safe and reliable.Learn more: Deposit Protection SchemeWant to manage your money more effectively? Start using the WeLab Bank App now to experience the most cost-effective way to exchange USD and take your financial planning to the next level!
Disclaimers:^Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to Compare the best exchange rates with AI for details.*From now until December 31, 2025, all outward remittance successfully made through the “Global Remit” function in the WeLab Bank App can enjoy WeLab Bank remittance handling fee waivers. Terms and conditions apply: https://welab.app.link/e/aNd7u0OM5Ub(1) The example uses exchange rates and time deposit interest rates announced by Bank S, Bank D, and WeLab Bank at 2:14 PM on September 15, 2025, rounded to four decimal places for easier comparison. Actual exchange rates and annual deposit interest rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Please refer to the rates shown in the WeLab Bank App on the day of transaction for the most accurate information.(2) WeLab Bank is a member of the Deposit Protection Scheme. Eligible deposits taken by this Bank are protected by the Scheme up to a limit of HKD 800,000 per depositor.Currency exchange involves risks. Foreign exchange markets are subject to unpredictable fluctuations. If you choose to convert your HKD or foreign currency deposit to other currencies, such foreign exchange transactions will be subject to risk arising from exchange rates fluctuation. As a result, you may suffer losses. The information above is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to subscribe to or to enter any transaction.
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