Wow so happy to find this thread. I've been trying to open a bank account in SG but having no luck.

I'm a foreigner from Canada living in Malaysia on a valid work permit, and I do have a Malaysia Maybank savings account.


Does anyone know if the Maybank ISavvy SG account applies to foreigners?


I'm hoping this will work as CIMB Malaysia won't even let me open a current or savings account even with a valid work permit, so I wouldn't be able to go the CIMB route.

Thanks both. I'll be heading out to Maybank in about an hour to open up my account.

I'll report back once completed.

So I just applied for my Maybank iSavvy account and they'll be couriering it to Singapore. Had to pay 30RM for courier fees which they debited from my account.

Hopefully the process won't take too long.

Wasn't asked for a bank draft or anything yet.

That's what I thought too. I had the cash ready. But they never asked for it.

I prefilled out the application before I arrived so they basically just took it, photocopied some of my documents and said they'll call me.

Ok Maybank just called me. I need to go back to provide a $500SGD cheque, which then they'll take it out of my account.

Besides Maybank and CIMB for opening bank accounts in SG, are there any other banks that offer this type of program?

As an expat they won't allow me to open a bank account at CIMB even with a valid Malaysia work permit. So I'm looking for another option besides the Maybank ISavvy.

Hi Hyperzz

I've actually tried at 2 different CIMB branches in Bangsar. Both said that because I'm a foreigner with a work permit, my employer needs to have their bank account with CIMB as well, which it isn't. The first branch I figured ok maybe its only this branch's policy, but the second time I was told that I just gave up.

Canada

Opening a normal bank account at CIMB Malaysia is the issue, I can't even look to think about opening a CIMB SG account yet.

Appreciate the feedback guys. I'll give it another shot at another CIMB branch.

Just to update the status of my ISavvy account.

Today I received a letter from Maybank Singapore with my Access ID for Maybank2u.com.sg, and that I should be receiving my PIN and Security Token soon.

Looks like I have my Singapore bank account!

Thanks!

I haven't tried yet. I'll be away from Malaysia for a week so I think I'll try again when I get back. Will try a branch farther away from the Bangsar area.


On a somewhat related note to my CIMB issue,

I opened a savings account at Heong Leong and they asked me the same questions.
- Is this for your payroll account?
- Will you be investing with us?

Said yes to all and they started creating my application and processing it.

Then out of nowhere, the teller agent asked me "We can't find your employer bank account, are they not with us?". I said no and they had a 10min discussion in Malay and decided to give me the account anyways.

I don't think I was supposed to get it but they were probably 80% done processing my application.

I'll keep trying I guess.

Just in case this helps anyone applying for the SG ISavvy, my Maybank SG ISavvy account is finally 100% read to go. For whatever reason, my PIN arrived 1.5 weeks after the initial notification letter that my account was open and when the security token & debit card arrived.

Either way, whole process took about a month from the time I applied to when I received my pin to set up my online account.

Process was painless, (except for having to go back to the branch a few times. I'm an expat with no car here yet lol)

Filled out the application (URL is in this thread)
Went to the closest Maybank branch with the application and all necessary documents
Maybank deducted $500sgd from my account
Paid the courier fees of 25MYR
After 2 weeks received the first letter stating my account is open
2 days later received my debit card & security token, but no online PIN
PIN arrived about 1.5 weeks later
Logged into my online account and $500SGD funds are in my account.

Can confirm this works for expats.

Thanks everyone for this thread. I've been looking to get an account in Singapore since I moved here but no luck until I saw this thread.

Hope this helps anyone thinking of opening the Maybank ISavvy account.



Now I just to figure out how I can open a CIMB account as an expat lol..

This post has been edited by 604weekendwarrior: May 18 2019, 06:21 PM

I'm still trying to figure out what the best way for me to open a CIMB account is.


CIMB Clicks is just the online banking platform right?

My issue that I have is that I can't open a CIMB savings/current account as an expat. CIMB is stating that in order for me to open a bank with them, my employer needs to have a bank account with them, which they don't have. I've only tried two branches, both in Bangsar and both have said the same thing. I was going to try a branch farther out when I have time but my gut is telling me it won't work either.


Is there anyone in this forum that works at CIMB that can clarify on my situation?

ok apologies for my newbie knowledge on this but how do I do the above if CIMB MY won't let me open a local MY account? Isn't the requirement for the SG Fastsavor to link to your CIMB MY account?



Correct 100%.

I can do this with Maybank now since I have a MY Maybank account and the SG ISavvy account now.


But with CIMB, I can't open a local CIMB MY account due to my expat status, and their rule that my employer needs to have a bank account with them.


So I'm not sure how I do what Ramjade said above without having any Malaysia CIMB accounts to link.

I just woke up. not always this fast haha.

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind



Thanks for the additional details Ramjade. So if I understand this correctly, steps should be

1. apply for the CIMB SG Fastsaver account online
2. submit my MY residence documentation/Canadian passport/MY work permit details etc..
3. Account will go under verification
4. If I end up getting approved (even with no CIMB MY account), send $1000sgd vis instarem/MM to the newly opened SG CIMB Fastsaver account?

Since I have the SG Maybank ISavvy account, that could be my option as well to send the funds?

Appreciate the feedback

Can I use my SG Maybank ISavvy account to transfer to CIMB SG Fastsaver account?

Thanks Ramjade. I'll give this a shot when I come back from my business trip.
I didn't know that I could open the SG account without having a CIMB MY account. Hopefully it works out.

I'll keep the thread updated.

I guess we'll find out when I start my application after my business trip.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Back from my business trip.

I've completed my CIMB FastSaver-i SG application and I got my account number & application number. Now I have to transfer the $1000SGD to my CIMB from my SG local bank account, which is my Maybank ISAAVY account.

Question I have. What's the best way to send money from my Maybank MY account to my Maybank SG account? I'm only showing Western Union and Telegraphic/SWIFT Transfer.

Pardon my newbie knowledge on the bank systems here as I'm still new to KL, but are those my only two options to send?