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Banking in Malaysia for Expats 2026 โ€” Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank

Maybank, CIMB and Public Bank for expats. MM2H banking requirements, documents needed and DuitNow for local payments.

Source: Maybank (maybank2u.com.my) ยท CIMB (cimbclicks.com.my) ยท Bank Negara Malaysia (bnm.gov.my)

Main banks for expats in Malaysia

Maybank โ€” largest bank in Malaysia, most branches, widest ATM network. Good for MM2H holders and long-stay expats. CIMB โ€” strong digital banking, competitive for everyday banking. Public Bank โ€” large network and well-regarded for reliability.

MM2H holders โ€” banking requirements

The MM2H programme requires participants to maintain a Fixed Deposit. The specific amount depends on your MM2H category (Silver/Gold/Platinum) and is set at application โ€” it must be placed in a Malaysian bank. Maybank and CIMB are commonly used for MM2H fixed deposits. Confirm current requirements at mm2h.gov.my โ†’

Documents required

Passport ยท Malaysia visa (Employment Pass, MM2H pass, or relevant long-stay visa) ยท Proof of address in Malaysia ยท Letter from employer or MM2H conditional approval letter (depending on visa type). Visit in person โ€” most Malaysian banks do not yet support fully digital non-resident account opening.

DuitNow โ€” Malaysia's instant payment system

DuitNow is Malaysia's real-time funds transfer service. Transfer using mobile number or IC/passport number. Free for most transfers. Widely used for local payments and receiving salary. Register through your bank's app or online banking once your account is active.

Transfers from the UK

Use Wise or OFX for GBP to MYR. Both support direct deposit to major Malaysian banks. See the UK to Malaysia transfers guide โ†’

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Full Malaysia guide โ†’ All destinations โ†’
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