DBS Bank is Singapore's largest and most trusted bank — and honestly, for most expats arriving here, opening a DBS account is one of the very first things to get sorted. Your salary gets credited here, your bills get paid from here and your day-to-day financial life in Singapore runs through here. Get it right from the start and everything else follows smoothly.
The good news is that opening a DBS bank account as an expat in Singapore is genuinely straightforward — if you have the right documents ready. In this complete 2026 guide, we walk you through every step of the process, compare the different account types and share the tips that make the most of your DBS account from day one.
If you are still deciding which bank to go with, read our full Singapore bank account guide for expats which compares DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank and HSBC side by side.
Why Choose DBS Bank in Singapore?
DBS has been named the World's Best Bank multiple times by Euromoney and Global Finance — and it earns that reputation. Here is why so many expats make DBS their primary bank:
š§ Widest ATM Network
DBS and POSB ATMs are at virtually every MRT station, shopping mall and major location across Singapore. You will never be far from your cash.
š± Award-Winning App
The DBS digibank app is consistently rated one of the best banking apps in Asia. Manage accounts, transfer money, pay bills and invest — all from your phone.
š³ PayLah! Wallet
DBS PayLah! is one of Singapore's most popular digital payment apps. Pay at hawker centres, split bills, transfer money instantly — essential for daily life here.
š° Multiplier Interest
The DBS Multiplier Account offers bonus interest rates when you credit salary and transact across DBS product categories. One of the best savings accounts for salaried expats.
š Multi-Currency Account
Hold and transact in up to 13 currencies. Very useful for expats who send money home regularly or travel frequently across the region.
š Rock Solid Security
Bank-grade security with multi-factor authentication, biometric login and end-to-end encryption. DBS is one of the most digitally advanced banks in the world.
Types of DBS Accounts for Expats
DBS offers several account types suitable for expats. Here is a clear comparison to help you choose:
| Account | Best For | Min. Balance | Fall-Below Fee | Bonus Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS Multiplier | Salaried expats | None | None | Up to 4.1% p.a. |
| DBS eMySavings | Building savings habit | SGD 50/month | None | Up to 2% p.a. |
| DBS Everyday Global | Frequent travelers | SGD 3,000 | SGD 2/month | Standard rates |
| POSB Everyday | Simple no-fuss banking | SGD 500 | SGD 2/month | Basic rates |
DBS Multiplier Account — The Details
The Multiplier works on a simple principle — the more you do with DBS, the more interest you earn. Here is how to maximize it:
- š° Credit your monthly salary to DBS — this is the foundation of everything
- š³ Use DBS credit or debit card for everyday spending
- š Take a home loan with DBS for maximum bonus tier
- š Invest through DBS — even small regular investments count
- š”️ Buy insurance through DBS to unlock higher interest tiers
DBS Everyday Global Account — For Frequent Travelers
If you regularly send money home or travel across Asia, the Everyday Global Account is worth having alongside your Multiplier. Hold up to 13 currencies — USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and many Asian currencies — with no foreign exchange fee when spending in supported currencies.
Documents Required to Open a DBS Account
Get these ready before you start and the process is smooth. Missing documents are the number one cause of delays.
| Pass Type | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Valid passport + Valid EP + Proof of Singapore address |
| S Pass | Valid passport + Valid S Pass + Proof of Singapore address |
| Work Permit | Valid passport + Valid Work Permit + Proof of address + Employment letter |
| Dependent Pass | Valid passport + Valid DP + Proof of relationship + Proof of address |
For more on the different work pass types and what they allow, read our Employment Pass guide and S Pass guide.
How to Open a DBS Account: Step by Step
You have two options — online through the digibank app (faster and more convenient) or in person at a branch. Here is both:
Option 1: Online Through DBS digibank App
- Download the DBS digibank app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Tap "Open an Account" and select the account type you want — Multiplier for most expats.
- Enter your personal details — full name, date of birth and nationality.
- Verify your identity — use MyInfo via SingPass if you have it, or manually upload your documents if not.
- Upload your documents — passport, work pass and address proof. Clear photos work fine.
- Review and submit your application. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Account activated within 1 to 3 working days. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 7 working days.
Option 2: In Person at a DBS Branch
- Find your nearest DBS branch at dbs.com.sg/locator.
- Visit during operating hours — typically Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday 9am to 12:30pm.
- Take a queue number and wait for a banker to assist you.
- Present all documents to the banker who will guide you through the forms.
- Account confirmed same day in most cases. Debit card mailed within 5 to 7 working days.
DBS Bank Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | DBS Multiplier | Everyday Global | POSB Everyday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | None | None | None |
| Fall-below fee | None | SGD 2/month | SGD 2/month |
| Local ATM withdrawal | Free | Free | Free |
| Overseas ATM withdrawal | SGD 5/transaction | Free (supported currencies) | SGD 5/transaction |
| Overseas transaction fee | 3.25% | None (supported currencies) | 3.25% |
| International transfer | SGD 15 – SGD 25 | Free (selected countries) | SGD 15 – SGD 25 |
DBS for International Money Transfers
Many expats need to send money home regularly. DBS offers DBS Remit through the digibank app with competitive rates to selected countries — and free transfers to some destinations.
Honest advice though: for regular international transfers, services like Wise or Remitly generally offer better exchange rates and lower fees than bank transfers. Use DBS Remit for convenience but compare rates before each transfer. Our full guide on sending money from Singapore covers all your options in detail.
DBS Credit Cards Worth Considering
Once you have had your DBS account for a few months with a stable income, a DBS credit card can save you significant money through cashback and rewards:
- š³ DBS Live Fresh Card — 5% cashback on online and contactless payments. Great for everyday spending.
- ✈️ DBS Altitude Card — earn air miles on every purchase. Best for expats who travel frequently.
- š DBS Cashback Card — up to 8% on petrol, 6% on dining, 5% on groceries. Best for families with regular spending in these categories.
Tips to Get the Most from Your DBS Account
- š” Set up salary crediting immediately — the Multiplier interest rates are dramatically better with salary credit. Do this on day one.
- š” Download both digibank and PayLah! — digibank for account management, PayLah! for everyday payments at hawker centres and shops.
- š” Enable transaction notifications — turn on alerts in digibank so every transaction is flagged immediately.
- š” Avoid using your DBS debit card overseas — the 3.25% overseas transaction fee adds up. Use a Wise card or travel card instead when abroad.
- š” Explore DBS Invest and DBS InsureDirectly — even small investments and insurance purchases through DBS boost your Multiplier interest tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online applications through digibank are typically processed within 1 to 3 working days. In-branch applications are usually processed the same day. Your debit card is mailed to your Singapore address within 5 to 7 working days after account activation.
You generally need a valid Singapore work pass or PR status to open a DBS account as a foreigner. Tourist visa holders typically cannot open a local bank account. If you are on a Dependent Pass, you can open an account with your DP card and proof of relationship to the main pass holder.
No. The DBS Multiplier Account has no minimum balance requirement and no fall-below fee. This makes it extremely flexible for new expats who are still getting settled. You can open it with any amount and there is no penalty if your balance dips temporarily.
DBS offers a Global Account Opening service for selected countries that allows you to start the process before arriving in Singapore. However you will need to complete identity verification once you arrive and have your work pass. Contact DBS directly at dbs.com.sg for the latest information on pre-arrival account opening.
DBS PayLah! is a free digital payment app linked to your DBS account. It lets you pay at hawker centres, shops and restaurants via QR code, split bills with friends and transfer money instantly. In Singapore's cashless payment environment, PayLah! is genuinely essential for daily life. Download it as soon as your account is active.
Yes — completely. The DBS digibank app uses bank-grade security including multi-factor authentication, biometric login and end-to-end encryption. DBS is one of the most digitally advanced and cybersecurity-conscious banks in the world. Your money and data are well protected.
For most salaried expats, the DBS Multiplier Account is the best starting point. No minimum balance, no fall-below fee and genuinely competitive interest rates when you credit your salary. If you travel frequently or send money home in foreign currencies, consider adding the Everyday Global Account alongside your Multiplier.
Useful Contacts and Official Links
- š¦ DBS Bank Singapore: dbs.com.sg
- š DBS Branch and ATM Locator: dbs.com.sg/locator
- š DBS Customer Service: 1800 111 1111 (local) / +65 6327 2265 (international)
- š️ Monetary Authority of Singapore: mas.gov.sg
- š SingPass Registration: singpass.gov.sg
Final Thoughts
Opening a DBS bank account is genuinely one of the best decisions you can make as a new expat in Singapore. The widest network, the best app, no fall-below fee on the Multiplier Account and the PayLah! payment ecosystem make DBS the most practical all-round choice for daily expat life here.
Get your documents ready, download the digibank app and you can have your account set up in a few days. Then get your salary crediting sorted with your employer straight away — that is where the real financial benefits kick in.
Once your banking is sorted, make sure your other finances are in order too. Read our guides on CPF for expats and Singapore income tax to make sure you are maximizing every financial benefit available to you.
Have Questions About DBS Bank in Singapore?
Drop a comment below and we will do our best to help. Browse more expat guides at ExpatWiki.
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