Best Banks in Singapore for Foreigners Compared

Singapore, renowned for its robust economy and world-class infrastructure, is equally celebrated for its advanced banking ecosystem. For foreigners and expatriates, setting up a bank account in Singapore isn’t just about convenience—it’s a gateway to seamless financial management in one of the world’s top business hubs. With a banking system tailored to support global entrepreneurs, individuals, and corporations alike, Singapore offers a myriad of options designed to meet diverse international needs.

From facilitating multi-currency transactions to offering competitive interest rates and low fees on international transfers, banks in Singapore cater specifically to the needs of non-residents. However, with over 100 financial institutions to choose from—including local powerhouses like DBS and OCBC and global giants like HSBC and Standard Chartered—it can be overwhelming to decide which bank aligns best with your requirements.

This guide is here to simplify the process. We’ll explore the top banks in Singapore for foreigners, comparing key features like international accessibility, fees, and account benefits. Whether you’re an entrepreneur setting up your dream business or an expatriate managing personal finances, this comprehensive overview will help you make an informed decision.

Basic Banking Services Needed by Foreigners and Expatriates in Singapore

If you’re a non-resident who is considering registering a company in Singapore, then opening a bank account there is very crucial to manage the finances of your business. however, your banking needs will differ significantly from the needs of a citizen or a permanent resident. For one thing, you would need to send back remittances to your home country. So, you would need a bank that can make that transfer painless.

Listed below are the basic banking services that foreign individuals in Singapore would need on a continuous basis: 

1. Presence both in your home country and Singapore
2. ATM and Savings Deposit services in both Singapore and your home country
3. Low fees for both international and domestic transfers
4. Low minimum balance requirements and low penalties on falling below
5. Higher interest rates on Savings accounts 
6. Ask if your account allows you multi-currency deposits and withdrawals for travel or other urgent transfers
7. Other convenience features, such as 24 by 7 branches, overdrafts, credit cards, multiple transfer options, club memberships, etc.

Singapore’s Financial Structure

Singapore’s banking system is designed to accommodate a range of banks and financial organizations.

These are the main categories of banks in Singapore’s financial system:

• Local Banks: Singapore has six local banks, such as Bank Of Singapore Limited, DBS Bank LTD, etc.
• International Banks: To access Singapore’s financial sector and provide for its clients, numerous foreign banks have set up branches in the jurisdiction. These banks coexist with local banks in Singapore and add to its overall banking environment. At the moment, Singapore is home to 119 foreign commercial banks.
• Merchant Banks: Merchant banks are specialized banks with an emphasis on offering business financing and advising services in Singapore.
• Offshore Banks: Singapore serves as a significant center for offshore banking operations. Offering services to foreigners and overseas businesses, offshore banks frequently concentrate on wealth management, tax planning, and asset protection.
• Wholesale Banks: These banks prioritize serving corporate customers, institutional investors, and other financial organizations. Approximately 54 wholesale banks are present in Singapore.

Documents Required for Foreign Individuals Opening a Bank Account in Singapore

The following document list is meant for online bank account opening applications and is only valid for Singapore citizens, PRs, Employment/S-Pass holders, Students on a visa, Entre pass holders, etc. Further the information here is valid at the time of writing and may be subject to change periodically.

• Identity Card/Employment Pass/S Pass/Student Visa/Entre Pass
• Address of Residence, either local or overseas – the latter address to be accepted on a temporary basis till you find a local address and inform the bank through their digital platform.
• Employment proof: Work passes issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower usually suffice as proof of employment.

Best Local Banks in Singapore

1. Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)

• With 50+ years of heritage behind them and S$ 646 billion in total assets, DBS is easily one of Singapore’s largest and most recognizable banks.
• DBS has a presence in some of the biggest markets globally, including Los Angeles, London, Beijing, Mumbai, Penang, Jakarta, Seoul, and many others.
• This bank is known for its paperless account opening and digital services at very economical rates.
• At the time of writing, DBS had 250 branches globally, while it claimed to have the largest network of ATMs in Singapore.

2. Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC)

• OCBC is one of the oldest and largest banks in Southeast Asia.
• Owns 570+ branches in 18 regions and countries worldwide.
• It has a major presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and China.
• OCBC has successful interests in Singapore’s insurance and capital markets and serves personal banking customers as well as small to medium-sized businesses.
• OCBC (Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation) offers a debit card that provides customers with the benefit of no foreign currency transaction fees and a zero-dollar fall below fee. These features enhance the convenience and cost-effectiveness of using the OCBC debit card for international transactions.

3. United Overseas Bank (UOB)

• United Overseas Bank is the 3rd largest bank in Singapore.
• UOB has seen its asset portfolio grow consistently in recent years with a steady cost-to-income ratio.
• This bank currently has 68 branches in Singapore alone and has marked its presence in 19 countries worldwide, including Australia, the UK, the US, India, & Canada, apart from almost all of Singapore’s neighbors and India.
• Known for its strong service support to SMEs.
• It has over 500 offices across 19 countries worldwide
• It also grants users up to 2.5 percent interest per annum

4. MayBank

• Southeast Asia’s 4th largest bank in terms of assets.
  2600 branches in 18 countries that include all 10 ASEAN members.
• Currently, this Malaysian-origin bank also has 18 branches, 4 exclusive wealth centers, one high-end lounge, and 12 self-owned ATMs. It partners with local qualifying ATM networks which give you further access to 200+ ATMs across Singapore.

Foreign Banks

1. Standard Chartered Bank

• Standard Chartered, with origins in the UK, has been a major player in Singapore since 1859.
• Part of a global banking group, its Singapore HQ offers one of the most diverse portfolios of products and services in the industry.
• Presently has 12 branches and 25 ATMs in Singapore with 4 Priority Service branches and 1 high-end International Banking & Priority Service branch.
• Custodian banker of choice for foreign institutions in Singapore having won numerous international banking awards.

2. CitiBank

• CitiBank was one of the first American banks to open shop in Singapore.
• As one of the largest banks in the world, it has access to deep funding and is already a formidable competitor in the Republic.
• CitiBank requires foreigners to submit an authorized ID and proof of residence along with their bank account application.
• If you do not have a SingPass (a login software that stores your personal identifier info for engagement with the Singapore government) you must either apply for one or visit a Singapore branch of CitiBank to have your account opened.

3. HSBC

• Like Standard Chartered, HSBC opened a shop in Singapore in the second half of the 19th century.
• Is an authorized Primary Dealer of G-secs, and other foreign corporate bonds in Singapore.
• This bank is also part of an international group with branches in several countries including India, the US, the UK, Australia, and many others.
• Branch visits are necessary for account opening at HSBC Singapore.

Time taken to open a bank account for a Foreigner

For most banks, it takes between 3 to 7 working days to have a fully functional bank account opened. 

DBS commits to 3 business days. However, SingPass holders may be eligible for instant account opening.

Banking Services Comparison

Note that the information given here has been taken from the official websites of each of the banks concerned and was current at the time of writing. However, they may be subject to change and human error. These figures may be taken as a reference only for the purpose of choosing the best banks for foreigners in Singapore.