What's your main purpose of opening an account in another bank?
Diversify your money holdings? Do you plan to use FD of that bank?

I can't say too much about PB, just had an account briefly with them.
But I know they're damn stingy with they interest on savings account.

CIMB has decent savings account, there are 2 accounts where if you keep a monthly balance of RM5k, you get RM5 bonus.
However, I strongly disagree that CIMB online banking is great
Yes they have made improvements but I still find them to be the worst one I've experienced:
1. "Daily" maintenance between 11.55 pm to 6.00, where some services are not available
2. Random downtimes that can last for hours or days, though admittedly they have gotten better. But it was pretty frustrating when it happens and you can see their Facebook pages flooded with complains
3. Random "maintenance" over weekends etc.
4. CIMB clicks app still doesn't implement fingerprint security/access. You can "superficially" login using fingerprint or allow transfer of favourite accounts. But do anything more like view transactions etc, you need to key in your CIMB clicks password.

I've never seen any online banking portal that requires "daily maintenance".

Ecosave Islamic account.
https://www.cimb.com.my/en/personal/day-to-...-account-i.html

RM5 cashback for minimum RM5000 balance and no over-the-counter transaction.

It used to give out decent interest, like around RM1/1k. But these days they only offer a pittance

And do note the high annual debit card fee of RM16.80 year for all savings account except Basic.

This post has been edited by jonoave: Sep 14 2021, 02:31 AM

You're right, that's the purpose of BSA that's why all banks are required to offer BSA. And contrary to what the other poster said, this is BNM"s policy, not some goodwill/voluntary/charity offer by the banks. However they do it reluctantly by pretending it doesn't exist, it's really difficult, or by obfuscating the conditions to tempt customers to open a regular savings account. From my experience, BSA is never promoted by the bank. It's only mentioned on the bank website under "types of savings account" and in dull/standard BNM style brochure that you can find at the bank.

In your case, I just read above, It seems unfortunate but i think it's really difficult to complain to BNM. Since it will be a case of "he said, she said" and the staff can claim the customer misunderstood or they didn't say that.

In hindsight, if you hadn't folded or agreed to what they said, or ask them to print out a clear letter saying what conditions for BSA is and why you don't fulfil it then maybe you have a stronger chance. Of course you can try complaining to BNM, but i woudn't keep my hopes up.

Another option, if you don't mind the time and effort is now you try to open a completely new BSA at HLB. See if HLB can give any more excuse. If they do, then well ask them in writing or ask permission to record them and see if BNM agrees with them.

Edit to add: My personal experience. Some time ago I wanted to open an account at HLB since my parents have one there, so easier to transfer and manage money. They offer me a regular account, I said I wanted BSA and that was it. So to me it depends on the attitude/culture of the branch staff.

This post has been edited by jonoave: Feb 14 2023, 02:43 AM