Banking
Malaysia — Banking: Best Banks
Maybank, CIMB, HSBC, and Standard Chartered are the most popular expat bank choices, offering multi-currency accounts, online banking, and international transfer facilities. Maybank is Malaysia's largest bank by assets with 400+ branches, generally considered the most foreigner-friendly for employment-pass, student-visa, or MM2H holders. CIMB, Malaysia's second-largest bank, has strong digital infrastructure and a regional edge — existing CIMB customers in Singapore, Indonesia, or Thailand get smoother cross-border verification; walk-in opening with a valid pass is common. Public Bank is a common choice for MM2H visa holders needing to maintain a fixed deposit as a visa requirement. HSBC Malaysia and Standard Chartered offer stronger multi-currency functionality and better promotional rates but require higher relationship balances, suiting those managing wealth across jurisdictions.
Key facts
- Maybank: largest bank by assets, 400+ branches, most foreigner-friendly for employment pass/student visa/MM2H holders.
- CIMB: strong digital infrastructure, regional edge for existing Singapore/Indonesia/Thailand CIMB customers.
- Public Bank: common for MM2H visa holders needing a fixed deposit.
- HSBC/Standard Chartered: strongest multi-currency functionality, but higher relationship balance requirements.