Opening a bank account without physical EP

[3star1980]

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been asked before.

Is it possible to open a bank account after the work pass registration is completed but before delivery? It’s my intention to take a copy of the document stamped, signed and dated “card registration completed” but I’m not sure if a bank will take this. It is for all intent and purposes saying the card will be delivered so it should be enough, I’m not sure if anyone here has tried?

Thanks all!

[The Ref]

It used to be fine but not sure now, but only because you need a utility bill with an address rather than the EP itself and the EP gets to you on your first day of work so before you should have a bill.

I opened my first account on my passport without EP and back then I would not have had a utility bill.

[3star1980]

Ok, I think maybe the process has changed since I’m getting the pass mailed to me now I have visited and completed the registration at MOM.

I won’t have a utility bill unitl I have an apartment and for that I need a bank account. That’s covered off from the letter from employer.

Thanks for your help!

[The Ref]

hmm, thats right you need to do a visit to MOM first - it has been quite a while. If you change jobs they just courier it to you on the first day if you have been fingerprinted in the last 5 years.

I suggest take everything you have into a branch and see, then post back if you had any issues.

[3star1980]

No tired 3 separate banks you must have:

1. Physical Pass (not letter stating registration is completed, this will bot fly).

2. Company letter stating your residence address, even if only temporary.

3. Passport

4. 1K in cold hard cash!

Nothing else will work, all banks are very stringent if not polite on this.

[Strong Eagle]

Have you visited Citibank? After the 1MDB Malaysia money laundering scams, banks are very gunshy about opening accounts.

[3star1980]

Used to bank with them in another country, wasn’t impressed. It’s ok, I’ll just habe to be patient and hang on for the pass delivery.

Thanks everyone for your advice!