Bank access is hers — you help with the process
Helping your MDW open a bank account in Singapore is the employer checklist for supporting a migrant domestic worker to open and use her own account for salary. First payday execution sits in #130. Salary discussion process sits in #111. Document access sits in #115. This page owns the bank-account support process.
General guidance only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs may advise. Platform ≠ agency. Bank policies vary — confirm with the bank and your EA. No account fees or salary figures here.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Helper’s first payday checklist (unique #130)
- MDW salary discussion process (unique #111)
- Passport and documents safekeeping (unique #115)
- Written house rules sheet (unique #32)
- When to loop the agency (unique #26)
- How Smart Maid differs from a maid agency (unique #82)
- Day-one orientation checklist (unique #33)
- This article: bank account opening support
Step 1 — Ask what the bank needs
Typical themes (verify live with the bank/EA):
- Passport / Work Pass
- Employer letter or address proof if requested
- Appointment booking
Return originals after the visit — do not keep her bank ATM PIN or force shared login (#115).
Step 2 — Book time that respects rest and duties
Prefer a weekday slot you can accompany if she wants help with language/forms. Do not burn her full rest day without agreement (#86).
Step 3 — At the bank
- She is the account holder
- You may help translate forms if she asks
- She sets her own PIN / passwords privately
Employer convenience is not a reason to control the account.
Step 4 — Link to first payday
Once the account is ready, run the first payday checklist (#130): method, written record, calm explain. Still no $ figures on public pages.
Step 5 — Loop EA if the bank rejects or documents stall
Ask your licensed EA for current practice (#26). Marketplace ≠ banking support desk.
Soft MOM
Support lawful salary payment without controlling her money. Confirm employment practice on mom.gov.sg. No invented $. Platform ≠ agency.
Checklist
- Bank document list confirmed
- Appointment booked
- Originals returned after visit
- She controls PIN / access
- First payday method updated (#130)
- EA looped if blocked
- No invented $; platform ≠ agency
Scripts
To helper: We can book a bank appointment to open your account for salary. You will keep your own PIN. After it is open, we will pay using the first-payday checklist.
To EA: Please advise which banks / letters employers usually need for MDW account opening right now. We will not hold her banking credentials.
Bottom line
Help with documents and appointments — she owns the account. Browse on SmartMaid; employment practice through a licensed EA under soft MOM rules.
