Bank account opening help (category guide)

Opening a Singapore salary account on arrival is a document problem, not a ‘pick the best fintech’ problem. Most full banks want passport + work pass / IPA, a Singapore mobile number, tax-residency self-certification, and proof of local address — hotel stays fail unless you bring an employer letter on letterhead stating your temporary address, or a hotel confirmation some branches accept. Singpass unlocks smoother digital onboarding; without it, expect branch visits and longer US-person FATCA clears. Compare DBS / OCBC / UOB / HSBC published foreigner document lists before you queue — policies differ by branch mood more than Reddit folklore admits. Fintech and digital banks may still need a local full-bank account for salary credit. Bring cash for initial deposit minima. This category guide covers when to escalate to HR or a bank relationship manager; it is not a paid account-opening agency pitch and not a ranked bank league table. Family ops note: orientation week is a poor time to discover PayNow limits for uniform vendors and bus deposits — open and verify the household account rails before term one.