I have a very frustrating experience with RHB recently. I applied for RHB Smart Account online and received the e-mail and SMS asking me to activate it at the branch. According to the e-mail, I only need to bring my IC and RM1,000. It was supposed to be a straightforward process.

I went and was told I cannot activate it because I do not have supporting documents like payslip etc. The e-mail did not mention anything about supporting documents. Since I am unemployed, I could not provide that. I asked if unemployed is not allowed to open an account and was told that is not the case but must have supporting documents. I asked what documents are needed then, but was asked what I can provide instead. I was willing to comply but did not get any definite answer on what supporting documents are needed. Why do I even need to provide my payslip etc. in the first place? I am not applying for a credit card here. Is that really RHB's SOP for account opening?

I was later told that I cannot open the account if my purpose is for savings because I already have accounts with other banks. I was asked why I want to open account with RHB when I already have accounts with other banks. I told her upfront is because of the higher interest. She said in that case, I cannot open the account then.   I can only open the account if I am willing to open an FD or investment account with them. Then, they can use the FD cert or investment account as a 'supporting document'. How ridiculous is that? Why force people to open other accounts just to activate the Smart Account?

Why ask me to go to branch if they cannot open the account for me? Everything was already there with account no., internet banking login and all the staff needed to do was just activate it. I believe she was just lazy and came up with all these stupid excuses. If RHB's staff continue with this type of practice, they will be losing a lot of potential customers. Even with good rates and promotions, they would not be able to increase their market share significantly.  It's like when potential customers want to open an account, they ask them to go to their competitor or stay with their competitor instead. With the emergence of digital banks, RHB could become obsolete if they don't adapt quick enough. I rather deal with digital channels than branch staff. At least, no double standard and everything is transparent and upfront.

Hi, regarding point 3, what if the branch officer insisted that the SMART account can only be opened via online (cannot be done via walk-in) for justification & will be forced to get a new debit card? What actions can I take to proceed further to get a new SMART account without debit card?

For RHB Smart Account, the 1k spending with Debit card izzit include for online transactions?

No need. For max 3.35%, easiest combo is:

1) Maintain RM1k avg throughout the month
2) Deposit at least RM2k
3) Pay 3 bills (RM1 payment to TNB x 3 times counts)
4) Spend RM1.0k with RHB cards

Actually no scratch that, easiest way is pay 6 x RM1 to TNB account. No need bother with card spending as you will get an additional bonus of 0.75% for 6 bill payments.

Is the RM2,000 deposit only required as a transaction record? meaning we can withdraw or use those funds any time?
Yes

PS - CIMB also has a conditional high-yield account (up to 4.50% ) for those who sign up as their Prime customer - https://www.cimb.com.my/en/personal/promoti...d-campaign.html

for those using RHB smart account.

for 2023, the bonus interest is higher this year
1.8% for the deposit
pay 3 bills +0.5%
pay 6 bills +1.5%

within your online banking or app, after paying 6 bills, the pay bill part will still say +0.5%. is this consistent with what you are seeing? just comparing notes to make sure.

For rhb smart acc the additional interest is paid only after we fulfill all the task or upon each individu task? mean if i deposit rm2k on 1/1 for +1.8% but only complete pay 6 bill 15/1 for + 1%, i will get additional 1.8% start from 1/1 and additional 1% start from 15/1? or additional 2.8% from 15/1? anyone know how it actually calcurate?

I think OCBC 360 is better than RHB at current interest rate.

So in conclusion some people didn't get 3.35% and then after a few complaints RHB credited it to those who got 2.85%