How do foreign students apply for a Malaysian bank card?Open a bank account for international students

I have a Canadian friend who is studying at a university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , and he needs to open a bank account.

Can foreigners open bank accounts in Malaysia ? What documents are required for international students to open a bank account?

Today I went to CIMB Bank to ask, what documents do international students need to provide to open an account?

CIMB customer service stated that international students need to provide the following documents to open a bank account: school admission letter, student ID, student visa, passport, etc. (It is best for international students to go to the bank counter to find out in person).

• CIMB Bank customer service did not specifically say that a school recommendation letter must be required (so it is not clear whether it is required), but only emphasized that there must be a school admission notice.
• Some banks require a letter of recommendation from a school or company to open an account, while others do not.
• I went to CIMB Bank to open an account before, and I didn't ask for a letter.

If other banks require a letter of recommendation from the company, please refer to this tutorial▼

🔗Malaysia bank account application 2026: How to write a recommendation letter for opening a bank account?

In addition, some universities and schools have already cooperated with certain designated banks.If you go to school in this type of school, it is stipulated that you must open an account at a designated bank that cooperates with the school.

About CIMB Bank Malaysia

• CIMB Bank is a bank formed by the merger of 9 banks, namely: Bian Chiang Bank (CIMB Bank), Ban Hin Lee Bank (Wan Hin Lee Bank), Bank Lippo, Bank Niaga, Southern Bank Berhad, Bank Bumiputera Malaysia Berhad , United Asian Bank Berhad and Pertanian Baring Sanwa Multinational Berhad.
• Established in January 2006, it is the largest Islamic bank in Malaysia and the second largest bank in the country.

How do foreign students apply for a Malaysian bank card?

Next, share how foreign students apply for a bank card in Malaysia?

What documents are needed to open a CIMB Bank account?

1) Documents required for international students to apply for a bank account in Malaysia

1. Valid original passport
2. Valid student visa (visa valid for more than 3 months)
3. Original student card
4. Copy of school admission notice
5. A copy of the admission letter from the Malaysian Immigration Department
6. school confirmation letter
7. Initial deposit of RM200~RM300

Confirmation Letter issued by the school office to confirm your student status in Malaysia You must tell the staff which branch of the bank you are going to. If you don't tell the staff who issued the confirmation letter of the college which branch you are going to apply for, it is likely to find a branch randomly for you. .)

What should I do if my passport expires?

1. You need to complete your passport renewal first;
2. then go to school;
3. The school will submit an immigrant visa;
4. A letter of recommendation from the school;
5. You can only open a bank account.

2) Steps for international students to apply for a bank card in Malaysia

1. Prepare the necessary documents and go to the counter for consultation
2. Fill in personal information
3. Submit relevant information and wait for staff confirmation
4. Cards will be issued after the information is confirmed to be correct
5. Activate card and update phone information
6. start using