Can a Tourist Open a Bank Account in Singapore?

In this article, we’re exploring whether a tourist can open a bank account in Singapore. We’ll share details on specific banking options offered by a Singapore personal bank account for tourists and five important factors to consider before applying. We’ll also answer common questions we receive from people exploring this topic.

This article is part of our free series on personal bank accounts in Singapore. You can access this series right now by using the link above.

In addition to detailed account opening guides, this free series on Singapore banking also discusses the largest banks in Singapore, Singapore’s opening requirements, the costs of banking in Singapore, and much more. Use the link above to start exploring all of your free Singapore banking content right now.

Alternatively, use the table of contents to continue exploring more information on whether a tourist can open a bank account in Singapore.

Table of Contents

1. Can a Tourist Open a Bank Account in Singapore?
2. Frequently Asked Singapore Banking Questions
3. Ready to Unlock the Benefits of Banking in Singapore?

Can a Tourist Open a Bank Account in Singapore?

Yes, a tourist can open a bank account in Singapore as long as they meet the bank’s opening requirements, submit the proper documents, and overcome the bank’s onboarding process. 

The most important factor to consider when applying for a bank account in Singapore as a tourist is bank selection. This is because banks in Singapore are very selective in who they open bank accounts for.

Singapore is home to some of the best financial institutions in the world, offering world-class service to individuals seeking sophisticated banking products and services. Banking here is not for everyone, including tourists.

Deciding whether or not Singapore is the right banking option for you involves careful consideration. Below is a list of five factors tourists need to consider before applying to open an account in Singapore.

Factors to Consider Before Applying for an Account in Singapore

1. Does the bank accept your client profile?
2. Can you access the banking products and services you require?
3. Can you meet the deposit requirement?
4. Are you able to support the ongoing account fees?
5. Can you support the required proof of documents?

Opening bank accounts in Singapore as a tourist is a challenging process, especially if you don’t have a valid reason for wanting to open an account here. Banks in Singapore, as mentioned above, are quite picky when choosing who to open accounts for, this is because they can afford to be.

Banks here are looking for profitable clients who want to invest in the bank’s products and services. So, while it is 100% possible for tourists to open accounts in Singapore, it can often be very challenging without the right information.

If you are interested in learning more about banking in Singapore, don’t forget to visit our comprehensive guide on banking in Singapore, available in the link above.

Alternatively, if you would like to explore all of your offshore banking options, download our free guide and compare Singapore to some of the top banking jurisdictions available.

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Frequently Asked Singapore Banking Questions

Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people exploring whether a tourist can open a bank account in Singapore. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

Can Foreign Visitors Open Bank Accounts in Singapore?

Yes, foreign visitors can open bank accounts in Singapore. The account opening process involves meeting strict opening requirements and stringent KYC and AML regulations. Bank selection is the most important factor to consider since not all banks in Singapore accept foreign visitors.

Which Bank Can I Open an Account as a Tourist?

The bank you can open an account with as a tourist depends on your client profile. More specifically, your citizenship, residency, banking needs, and deposit level. It’s important to choose banks that accept similar client types, offer the services you are after, and have requirements you can meet.

Can Foreigners Open Bank accounts in Singapore DBS?

Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Singapore with DBS. Some foreigners can even open bank accounts with DBS 100% remotely. DBS may be a suitable banking option for individuals looking for private banking solutions. That said, DBS also offers non-resident bank accounts and corporate bank accounts.

Ready to Unlock the Benefits of Banking in Singapore?

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✅ Guaranteed account opening because we will keep working with you until you successfully open the bank account you need.

And yes—GlobalBanks’ International Account Opening Service is purpose-built for foreign and non-resident individuals and companies.

But, spots are limited and we only accept qualified applicants—so if you’re ready to move forward, take 60 seconds to complete your free assessment.