The simplest option is a POSB Payroll Account. For a new or transfer helper, choose the option to open a POSB account when you request her Work Permit issuance with MOM (get her consent first). For a helper already working for you, she can apply online at POSB with her passport, Work Permit (front and back) or IPA, an SGWorkPass app screenshot showing her address, a mobile number and an email address. No initial deposit is needed. She can also open an account with another bank on that bank's terms. See MOM's FAQ.
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 Helper’s First Payday Checklist (Singapore). Salary discussion process sits in MDW Salary Discussion Process (Without Quoting Figures). Document access sits in Passport and Personal Documents Safekeeping for MDWs (Singapore). This page owns the bank-account support process.
General guidance only. MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs may advise. Bank policies vary — confirm with the bank and your EA. No account fees or salary figures here.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Helper’s first payday checklist
- MDW salary discussion process
- Passport and documents safekeeping
- Written house rules sheet
- When to loop the agency
- How Smart Maid differs from a maid agency
- Day-one orientation checklist
- 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 (Passport and Personal Documents Safekeeping for MDWs (Singapore)).
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 (Rest Days for Domestic Helpers in Singapore: Rules and Fair Arrangements).
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 (Helper’s First Payday Checklist (Singapore)): 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 (When to Loop the Agency Into Early Issues). Marketplace ≠ banking support desk.
MOM rules
Support lawful salary payment without controlling her money. Confirm employment practice on mom.gov.sg.
Checklist
- Bank document list confirmed
- Appointment booked
- Originals returned after visit
- She controls PIN / access
- First payday method updated (#130)
- EA looped if blocked
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 MOM rules.
