What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account? All You Need to Know
New to Malaysia and looking to set up your MYR bank account to help manage your money? Or maybe you’re looking for a first bank account for yourself or a younger family member - or even for your business? This guide has you covered.
Opening a Malaysian bank account can be easy as long as you have all the right documentation prepared in advance - you could even get the entire process sorted out online or on your phone without leaving home.
In this article we’ll explain all you need to know about opening a Malaysian bank account, and we’ll also touch on alternatives like Wise and BigPay which offer feature packed digital accounts which can come with more flexibility and lower fees.
What documentation do you need to open a bank account?
The documentation you need to open a Malaysian bank account will vary based on the bank you select, the account type you want, and in some cases your citizenship or residency information. Ultimately you’ll need to double check the specific rules which apply for the account you want to open - but let’s work through the most commonly requested paperwork to open a bank account in Malaysia.
Here are the documents you’ll need to be able to open a US bank account:
A valid passport
National identity card
Valid work permit, working visa or employment visa for foreigners for employment in Malaysia
Proof of eligibility, based on the account type
Other supporting documents depending on your individual circumstances
Pretty much every bank will ask you for a proof of address and a proof of identification. However, depending on the account type you select, and your own personal situation, you may need more than this. Specialist accounts may require you to prove your eligibility - proof of student status for a student account, for example. Some accounts may require you to prove your income or make a specific opening deposit. And finally, if you’re not a Malaysian citizen you might have to show you have a legal right to reside in Malaysia if you’re applying for a standard bank account.
Different documents can be used for different purposes, and some banks can be more flexible than others when it comes to what’s acceptable.
For identification, you can usually provide one or more of these documents:
Passport
Government issued National ID card with a photo
Birth certificate
Police or Armed Forces ID card
Visa or residence documents (for foreigners)
For proof of address, you can usually provide one or more of these documents:
Lease document
Mortgage document
Recent utility bill or phone bill in your name
Malaysian bank statement or credit card statement in your name
Save the paperwork with online solutions like Wise or BigPay
Opening a bank account with a bank can be a hassle. You may need to visit a branch in person to get everything set up - and you’ll almost always need a local Malaysian proof of address to get a full feature resident account. That can be tricky if you’re new to the country, or just starting out and don’t already have bills in your name.
Specialist services like Wise or BigPay, a free money app that comes with its own card that can be used anywhere in the world, may be a better alternative. There’s no need to visit a branch in person as providers like these can complete verification digitally - all you need to do is upload images of your paperwork online or in the provider app. If you’re new to Malaysia, you can use proof of address from your home country before you move - to get your Malaysian account ahead of time. And once you’re all set up you can manage your money online and on the move with low fees and handy extras like multi-currency functionality.
What do you need to open a bank account online?
Some Malaysian banks do offer the option to open a bank account online. However, this is far easier if you’ve already got a full suite of paperwork pulled together. If you’re in a more complicated situation - for example, if you don’t have the standard documents accepted for account opening - you’ll usually be asked to visit a branch so your paperwork can be checked over in person.
The exact documents accepted - and how the process works - can vary a lot depending on the provider, so do check in advance before you start your application.
Here is what you’ll normally need to open a bank account online:
Proof of ID, like a government issued photo ID card, driving licence, passport or visa card for foreigners
Proof of address in Malaysia, such as a local utility bill or bank statement in your name
Even if you’re able to provide the standard documents required by your bank, you might find you’re asked to upload extra paperwork based on the account type, and your personal situation. This is to ensure you comply with their eligibility criteria for the account, and to stay on the right side of the law.
In most cases, opening a bank account - or an online account with a specialist provider - can bring a lot of benefits, including an easier onboarding process, lower fees, and simple ways to manage your money with just your phone. Here are a couple of great alternatives to bank accounts which you might consider if you’re interested in a digital account:
Wise Account: Hold and exchange 40+ currencies, in a free to open personal Wise account. You can also get a linked Wise debit card, to spend in 170+ countries, with the mid-market exchange rate every time you need to switch from one currency to another
BigPay: Free money app with a multi-currency account that supports 12 currencies, plus a linked spending visa or mastercard that’s recognised worldwide. You also get budgeting tools and analytics to help you manage your money and offer 100% fully digital personal loans as well.
How to open a bank account in Malaysia?
The exact process to open a Malaysian bank account will vary depending on the bank you choose. However, we can look at the typical steps you’ll need to take to open a bank account in Malaysia:
1. Choose a bank or a provider to open an account with: If you like to bank face to face, pick a bank with branches in your local area, and make sure there are plenty of in-network ATMs nearby for low fee withdrawals
2. Make sure that you’re eligible to open an account with them: Different banks have their own eligibility criteria - and credit unions have further restrictions on who can apply. Check everything over before you get started
3. Choose the right account for yourself: Pick the account that offers all the features you need, for the lowest possible fees, to maximise your money
4. Put the required documentation together: You’ll almost always need a proof of ID and proof of address, but specific accounts may have extra document requirements - ask your bank directly if you’re unsure
5. Apply to open an account: This may be done online, in an app or in a branch, depending on the bank you pick
Checking vs savings accounts
Checking accounts are designed to make it easy to manage your money day to day. You’ll usually get a checkbook and a linked debit card to make payments and withdrawals, and can easily deposit your salary or other income to the account for spending.
Savings accounts are aimed at people who want to grow their money, often by setting aside a fixed amount to earn a higher interest rate. These accounts may not come with checkbooks and cards, but they do usually have better earning opportunities if you want to earn interest.
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Not eligible for a standard Malaysian bank or credit union checking or saving account? Or maybe you just want something different?
Consider online alternatives such as Wise and BigPay which can be opened as a non-Malaysian resident, or as a new arrival, with more flexibility, and some handy features, too.
Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees, while BigPay offers 12 currencies and allows you send money to over 45 countries. However, it uses the same exchange rate set by Visa or Mastercard so you don’t always get the midmarket exchange rate. Although the network rate is usually pretty fair. Bank transfers overseas may use a different rate.
What to look for when choosing a bank account
Choosing a bank account can feel a bit overwhelming, with lots of choice and a huge range of different features available from different providers. Here are a few things to consider when you’re picking your perfect account:
Account fees: All accounts have some fees - but looking for an account with no monthly charges, and low fees for the transactions you make frequently can save you money
ATM availability: Typically banks charge out of network and international ATM fees - these can be high, so do check out the details carefully. Or consider a specialist like Wise which offers some free out of network and international withdrawals every month
Online banking: Make sure the bank you choose has easily available online and mobile banking options which let you manage your money without visiting a branch
Debit cards: For ease of use, check your account will come with a debit card for in person, online and mobile payments
International transactions: Finally, banks often charge high fees for international transactions and transfers. Look out for foreign transaction fees and high bank wire costs - or look into alternatives which are specialists in international transfers, like Wise and BigPay
How Much Does It Cost To Open A Bank Account
You’re unlikely to need to pay a fee to open your Malaysian bank account, but it’s common to need to pay a minimum deposit to get your account up and running. This can range from just a few Malaysian ringgit for a basic account, to thousands of Malaysian ringgit for premium account tiers.
The good news is that you can open accounts for free and online with Wise and BigPay.
Wise Account: Personal accounts are free to open, with no minimum balance and no ongoing fee
BigPay Account: Open an account for free with no minimum balance or ongoing fees
What documents do you need to open a business bank account?
Exactly what's needed to open a business bank account depends on both the specific bank, and the business entity type you have. In some cases you can open your account online - but it’s pretty common to be asked to attend a branch in person to open a business bank account in Malaysia.
For a fully online account opening process, check out business accounts from providers like Wise and BigPay.
To open a business bank account you’ll usually need:
Your own proof of ID, like a passport
Proof of ID for other directors or beneficial owners (depending on entity type)
Business paperwork, depending on entity type - business registration documents for example
A minimum opening deposit
Company rubber stamp
Approval to open the account from all directors
What information do you need to open a business bank account online?
Most Malaysian banks offer online business accounts, although the eligibility requirements and account features and fees do vary pretty widely. It’s important to note that while most banks will allow you to fill in your application online, you’ll most likely be asked to visit the person in-branch as you will have to present needed documents.
To open a business account online, you normally need these documents:
Your own proof of ID, like a passport
Proof of ID for other directors or beneficial owners (depending on entity type)
Sole proprietor: Your SSN, proof of all names of your business if you trade under varied names
LLC: Your business EIN and registration documents
Partnership: proof of agreements between partners, and proof of name and registration of business
Let’s look at a specific example - the information needed to open a Wise business account online:
Your own proof of ID, like a passport
Legal name of entity
Registered office address
Letter of introduction from an existing customer of your chosen bank
ID photocopies of company directors and authorised signatories
Certified copies of various official documents relating to your business, including a certificate of incorporation, resolution from the board of directors to open a business account (depending on the entity), list of directors and authorised signatories etc.
What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account If You’re Under 18
While in most cases, the minimum age to open a current account in Malaysia is 18, there are some banks that, such as Maybank, which offer accounts specifically aimed for teenagers, such as Maybank’s imteen account for teenagers aged between 12 to 18. These accounts usually require a parent or guardian’s authorisation and documentation in order to successfully open them and are sometimes linked to an adult account with the same provider.
To open a bank account as an under 18 you’ll usually need:
Government issued photo ID
Passport
Birth certificate
A parent or guardian’s identity card
Other supporting documents to verify guardianship
Conclusion: What Information Do You Need To Open A Bank Account?
To open a bank account in Malaysia you’ll pretty much always need a proof of ID and a local proof of address. However, some banks, and some specific accounts, come with more detailed requirements. You may also need to visit a branch to get your account open if you’re not eligible for online opening, or if you don’t have a full, standard suite of paperwork.
For an easier onboarding experience, look at online alternatives such as the Wise account and BigPay account. Both providers have easy to use online and in-app accounts with multi-currency functionality, linked cards for payments and withdrawals, and a great range of international services for when you’re abroad or shopping online with international retailers.
FAQs on Requirements to Open a Bank Account
Which banks allow you to open an account online?
Some major Malaysian banks such as RHB, Hong Leong and Maybank offer online account opening based on customer eligibility. Alternatively you can open an account online or in-app easily with specialists like Wise or an app like BigPay, for a fully online onboarding including verification, which could make it a faster and easier process compared to using a bank.
Which Bank is Easiest to Open an Account With?
There’s no single best bank to open an account with - it’ll depend on your personal situation and preferences, and the documents you’re able to pull together to prove your eligibility. One smart option for an easy and intuitive experience is to look at Wise, which has digital accounts which can be opened online, fast, conveniently and for free.
How Much Money Do You Need to Open an Account?
Many accounts can be opened for no initial fee - but you might need to make a deposit, which can be from just a few tens of Malaysian ringgit to thousands, depending on the account type. Once your account is open you’ll also need to pay any relevant maintenance fees and transaction charges.
Do I Need to Go to a Bank to Open a Checking Account?
Some banks do allow you to open a checking account online without visiting a branch - however, this is based on your eligibility, and you’ll need a full suite of paperwork to get started. If you’re struggling, check out Wise or BigPay for an account that you can open entirely online, with low fees and a broad range of great features.
Can a minor open a bank account without a parent?
Older teens may be able to open accounts on their own, but in most cases, accounts for under 18s will need to be approved by or linked to a parent or guardian. Reach out to your preferred bank to check their account options.