Can You Open a Public Bank Account Online in Malaysia? (2026)

Opening a bank account used to mean sacrificing your precious lunch break to sit in a physical branch and queue for your turn. Now, you can manage your money and get set up right from your smartphone.

The good news is that you can now start the process of opening a Public Bank (PBe)¹ account fully online in Malaysia.

But you may still need to pay your local branch a visit for verification if you encounter issues during and after your account opening. Here is everything you need to know about setting up a Public Bank account online, who is actually eligible, and when you might need to make a physical visit.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Who is Eligible to Open a Public Bank Account Online?

To successfully open a Public Bank savings account online, you must be a Malaysian citizen aged 18 or above, or a permanent resident². You will also need a valid physical MyKad and a registered Malaysian mobile number to receive SMS verification codes.

Are you a foreigner looking to open a bank account in Malaysia?

Expats and foreigners can also start a Public Bank account application online but must visit a physical branch to complete the process. Since non-residents cannot hold a standard resident account, they will need to open an account like the PB MySalary Savings Account – to handle their wages³. Foreigners must be at least 18 years old and bring proof of employment, such as an employment letter, staff ID, pay slip, or company name card.

If you’re an expat and cannot wait for an in-branch appointment, you can register for a free Wise account online or via the app in minutes. Verification usually takes just 1-2 working days. Once approved, you get a truly borderless multi-currency account to hold, send, spend, and receive money in over 40+ currencies globally.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

How to Open a Public Bank Savings Account Online: Step-by-Step

Again, Malaysians can skip branch queues completely and open an account from the comfort of your home. For locals who want to use Public Bank to open a saving account online, simply follow these steps directly through the official MyPB App⁴:

1. Download the app: Download the MyPB App from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Select your account: Launch the MyPB App and tap on "Savings Account" under the "Apply" section.
3. Identity: Enter your MyKad number, mobile number, and name to initiate the application.
4. Verification: Enter the verification code sent via SMS to your mobile number.
5. Fill up application: Complete the application form and confirm that all your details are accurate.
6. Biometric verification: Scan your IC and verify your identity with a video selfie.
7. Profile creation: Register and create your internet banking profile.
8. Fund the account: Add an initial deposit to complete the process.

Other Things to Know Before You Apply

How long does it take to open a Public Bank account online?

The digital onboarding process through the MyPB App is designed to be completed in typically 5 to 10 minutes. However, for PB SecureSign, there’s a 12-hour cooling-off period to prevent unauthorised transaction approvals as an extra layer of security.

Is Public Bank's online banking secure?

Yes. Public Bank uses industry-standard security protocols, including features like PB SecureSign and a built-in "Kill Switch"⁵ to immediately freeze your account if you suspect fraudulent activity.

Public Bank Savings Account Interest Rates: What to Expect

Traditional savings accounts are secure, but it’d be wise to temper your expectations for high returns. A standard Public Bank saving account interest rate is 0.25% p.a. for their basic tiers⁶. While it is pretty standard for the local market, if you’re expecting major growth, you might want to explore higher-yield options instead.

Public Bank Minimum Balance Requirements

For a standard Public Bank Basic Savings Account, you’d need to maintain a minimum balance of usually RM20.

Public Bank Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit Rates

Looking to park foreign currencies? Checking the latest Public Bank foreign currency fixed deposit rate might look appealing. For instance, the PB Multi Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit Account (PB MFFD) lets you hold up to 12 currencies in a single account⁷.

However, there is a catch.

You’ll be exposed to foreign exchange rate risks as well as fees for basic actions like depositing or withdrawing money from your account⁸.

While these costs might seem small, they can add up – especially if there are "sneaky" markups hidden in the services you use regularly.

You may want to consider a multi-currency account like Wise. It’s a great alternative where you can hold 40+ currencies in one place without lock-in periods, letting you convert instantly when the rate works in your favour.

Why Not Consider Wise for Your International Needs?

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including MYR, USD, GBP, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.77% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a linked Wise card for convenient spending without any foreign transaction fees, and up to 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in MYR and a selection of other major global currencies.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

✍️ Sign up for a free account now