How does a foreigner in China go about getting bank loans or credit cards? Is it even possible?

Through 'guanxi' or in English through 'connections'.

Liu, is there a normal, legal way?

According to my wife (CGB bank credit card manager), their bank does not issue credit cards to foreigners. They sometimes issue them to people from HK, but it is very difficult and comes with a lot of extra paperwork.

This is likely different in other banks however as a thread a while ago indicated foreigners had got a credit card, though unsure if in Kunming or not: www.gokunming.com/[...]

Oh, I would say it would be easier at one of the big 4 banks as many now have overseas offices and therefore most likely a legal entity in your home country (useful for delinquint cards/loans).

blobbles, thanks! What about business startup loans to foreigners?

I got a credit card from Bank of China on Beijing Lu, needed the usual paperwork and proof of salary+work contract. Took 6 weeks to clear, but otherwise very straight forward process.

I asked at the bank about a month ago (China Bank, Dongfeng Xilu downtown).If you have fixed assets (i.e. property) they will lend you 60% of the value of the property at 8-9% no questions asked. Just bring the deed and your done.

Although I should add that this is property in China,I don't think they would consider anything overseas. Also, they may have some residency requirements, how long you've lived in China etc. In any case, I've always found the help desk at this China Bank (just a little way down from Yunnan Provincial Museum on the way to Nanping Jie, opposite side) to be the most helpful and informative. I think the girl speaks English.

I have friends in China who work on contracts with proper working visas and have credit cards from Bank of China. Not sure if other banks are willing to issue credit cards to foreigners.

As others have already written, it would be best for you to visit a Bank of China branch and find out from them directly.

@adaminkm, @pmort
Is that credit card or debit card?
If CC is it supported by a Chinese spouses bank account?

@mmkunmingteacher.
You can get secured loans but not unsecured loans. What security do people have for business start up, when there is needed minimum registered capital to register a business?