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News and everyday help for life in Singapore
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Essential Accounts Guide
How to open the accounts that keep your salary safe, let you send money, and unlock government services — with official links and maps.
Bank Account
Where your salary should land
Why you need it: If you live in a dormitory, MOM requires your salary to be paid electronically into your own bank account — not cash to your employer or agent. A bank account also lets you save and remit through licensed channels (needed for Myanmar's remittance rule).
How to set it up
- 1Bring passport + Work Permit / S Pass / EP card (originals). Some banks also ask for your employer's letter or address proof.
- 2Ask your employer whether they already open POSB/DBS accounts for Work Permit staff through MOM WP Online. That can be faster than walking in alone.
- 3Or walk into POSB, DBS, OCBC or UOB. Ask for a basic savings account for a work-pass holder. Keep your own ATM card and PIN — do not hand them over.
- 4If your employer keeps the bank book, you still have the right to check it regularly and confirm salary hits every month.
Official links
Partner options (optional)
- InviteRecommended
OCBC FRANK
OCBC FRANK account option for everyday banking in Singapore.
Open OCBC FRANK
Sponsored — helps keep this free app running for workers.
- InviteRecommended
Revolut
Digital account / wallet signup — useful if you already trust Revolut.
Open Revolut
Sponsored — helps keep this free app running for workers.
PayNow
Instant transfers with your mobile number
Why you need it: PayNow lets you send and receive money instantly between Singapore banks for free using a mobile number — used for splitting bills, paying small shops, and topping up e-wallets.
How to set it up
- 1Open your bank's mobile app (POSB digibank, DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc.).
- 2Find PayNow / Proxy settings and link your Singapore mobile number (and optionally NRIC/FIN) to your bank account.
- 3Send yourself S$0.01 (or a tiny amount) from another account, or ask a friend, to confirm the link works before you rely on it.
Official links
Singpass
Singapore's official digital ID
Why you need it: Singpass is how you log into government e-services — Work Permit status, MOM forms, and other official portals. Work-pass holders with a FIN can register.
How to set it up
- 1Wait until your Work Permit / S Pass / EP is issued and you have a FIN printed on the card.
- 2Go to the Singpass website or app and choose Register. Enter your FIN and details exactly as on the card.
- 3Complete face verification with a live selfie. Use a Singapore mobile number for OTP where asked.
- 4Install the Singpass app, set a passcode, and turn on biometric login if your phone supports it.
GrabPay Wallet (top-up only)
Prepaid wallet — not a loan
Why you need it: A prepaid e-wallet for transport and food. This is different from GrabPay PayLater (credit). Only use the top-up wallet.
How to set it up
- 1Install Grab from the App Store or Google Play and register with your Singapore mobile number.
- 2Open GrabPay Wallet and top up using PayNow, bank transfer, or cash options shown in the app.
- 3Ignore GrabPay PayLater / PayLater offers. They are credit products with late fees — not needed for a prepaid wallet.
Maps — find a bank branch or MOM
Tap to open Google Maps near you.
General information only — always confirm current steps on the official website, and ask your employer or the bank directly if unsure. Partner links below may earn this app a small referral fee; the worker-facing tools stay free.
Questions & help
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