Deposit Insurance Scheme Singapore dollar deposits of non-bank depositors and monies and deposits denominated in Singapore dollars under the Supplementary Retirement Scheme are insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation, for up to S$75,000 in aggregate per depositor per Scheme member by law. Monies and deposits denominated in Singapore dollars under the CPF Investment Scheme and CPF Retirement Sum Scheme are aggregated and separately insured up to S$75,000 for each depositor per Scheme member. Foreign currency deposits, dual currency investments, structured deposits and other investment products are not insured. Show Foreign Currency DepositsForeign currency deposits are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that may provide opportunities and risks. Earnings on foreign currency deposits would be dependent on the exchanges rates prevalent at the time of their maturity if any conversion takes place. Exchange controls may be applicable from time to time to certain foreign currencies. You should therefore determine whether any foreign currency deposit is suitable for you in the light of your investment objectives, financial means and risk profile. Any pre-termination costs will be deducted from your deposit. Singapore dollar deposits of non-bank depositors and monies and deposits denominated in Singapore dollars under the Supplementary Retirement Scheme are insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation, for up to S$75,000 in aggregate per depositor per Scheme member by law. Monies and deposits denominated in Singapore dollars under the CPF Investment Scheme and CPF Retirement Sum Scheme are aggregated and separately insured up to S$75,000 for each depositor per Scheme member. Foreign currency deposits, dual currency investments, structured deposits and other investment products are not insured. Our specialists who can help you open a company in Singapore can offer information about the banking services and can help investors open bank accounts in Singapore for their companies. You can also contact us for detailed information about licenses for financial institutions in Singapore.Opening a bank account in Singapore is pretty simple and can be done online or in-branch. In order to open a bank account, you need to decide the type of account you want and gather the required documents. Once approved, your account will be opened in minutes. To find out exactly what you need to do to open an account in Singapore, see our steps below. You can open a Singapore bank account in a few simple steps: Step 1: Compare accounts to find the right oneThere are a couple of different types of bank accounts in Singapore, including current accounts and savings accounts. Current accounts work the same in Singapore as they do in other countries, namely letting you manage your day-to-day banking. However, savings accounts also come with many of the same functions as current accounts. In fact, many Singaporeans choose to use a savings account rather than a current account. Here are the account types you can consider:
Whatever type of account you decide to open, make sure you shop around to find the best current account or the best savings account. Step 2: Decide if you want a single or joint bank accountConsider if you want to open an account for yourself or one to share with a partner. If you open a single account, you’re the sole owner and no one else can access your money. With a joint bank account, you share ownership with someone else, usually a family member, significant other or business partner. They have equal access to the account and can use the money however they wish. The process to open a single or joint account is pretty similar. You’ll just need the required documents for both account holders to open a joint account. Step 3: Compare accounts!The best bank account is one that suits your needs, so you’ll first have to understand your priorities and reasons for opening a new bank account. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular considerations:
Step 4: Check you are eligibleTo open a bank account, you’ll generally need to:
Step 5: Submit your required documentsSingaporeanID and the latest copy of proof of residence (e.g. local utility bill, local telecommunication bill, local bank statement)Singaporeans registering online can use their Singpass ID for hassle-free form filling and instant approval. Singaporeans registering at a local branch can use their NRIC as proof of residence.Permanent ResidentID and the latest copy of proof of residence (e.g. local utility bill, local telecommunication bill, local bank statement)Online registration requires a scanned copy of each of these documentsForeigner (working in Singapore)Passport, Employment Pass, Proof of residence (e.g. IPA issued by MOM, Work Permit issued by MOM)Online registration requires a scanned copy of each of these documentForeigner (studying in Singapore)Passport, Matriculation/student card approved by the ICA / proof of residence (e.g. utility bill, telecommunication bill, bank statement)Online registration requires a scanned copy of each of these documentsDo note that online applications can be made with scanned copies of the required documents, but registration at local bank branches must be done with the original documents. Existing customers, on the other hand, can apply for new accounts instantly online. Step 6: Wait to be approvedAfter you complete an online application for a bank account, you’ll get an email from the account provider with information about what happens next. This email should come within a minute or two after you submit the application to the bank. It may come with instructions on verifying your identity, or you may need to do that first. Step 7: Make a depositMost accounts will require you to make an opening deposit using a debit card or from an existing bank account. If this is your first bank account and you plan to make an opening deposit in cash, you’ll need to sign up for an account at a bank branch. Step 8: Your debit card arrivesIf the account you signed up for includes a debit card, it’ll arrive in the mail after you’ve been approved. You’ll find out how long it takes to ship in the confirmation email. The debit card and PIN are sent to you separately for security reasons. When you get your card, you need to sign the back and activate it so you can make withdrawals. This is a simple process that can be completed via mobile, ATM or online. Step 9: Start using it!Your account is ready to go. You’ll be able to make deposits and withdrawals, as well as use any other features associated with your account. To finish setting everything up:
Compare a range of banks accounts in SingaporeDisclaimer: Interest rates are applicable for deposits between S$1,000 and S$49,999. Interest rate and initial deposit are shown in Singapore dollars. Please check with the provider for deposits and rates in other amounts and currencies. Here’s how you can apply for a bank account with some of the most popular banks in Singapore: DBS/POSBNew customers can apply for an account conveniently through the digibank Mobile app or digibank Online banking platforms. If you have a MyInfo profile, you may pre-fill your online application form via Singpass login. Otherwise, you’d need to fill in the various fields on the form and upload the required documents manually. OCBCOnce you have an account in mind, simply click on the ‘Apply online’ button on the OCBC website to begin your application. New customers can apply for an account instantly with MyInfo via Singpass login. For those without Singpass, you can apply online with the required documents. As for existing OCBC customers, you can apply instantly through your Internet Banking account. Alternatively, you may also visit the nearest OCBC branch and apply in person. UOBTo begin, simply click on the ‘Apply now’ button and you can choose if you’d like to apply via your internet banking account (for existing customers) or MyInfo (for new customers). With MyInfo, SingPass holders can easily retrieve their personal details and complete the application within a few clicks. If you’re a foreigner or don’t have a MyInfo account, you’ll need to head down to the nearest UOB branch and apply in person. MaybankNew applicants (for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs only) can either apply for an account using Myinfo (auto-fill out e-form) or manually fill in an online application form. If you’re a foreigner, you can also apply digitally by filling up the online application form. What are the benefits of opening an account online?There’s no need to visit a branch to open a bank account anymore. You can open a bank account, deposit money and set up automatic payments all from the comfort of your home. Once you’ve applied, just wait for the card to be sent to you in the mail, activate the account and you’re good to go.
Make sure you’ve considered the following when you open a bank account online.
Bottom lineThe days of spending an hour at the bank to open an account are gone, and you can open a new current or savings account from your computer or phone in minutes. But don’t let the speed and convenience rush you into making a decision. Compare savings accounts or current accounts before getting started to find the one that’s right for you. Frequently asked questions
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