MariBank is Singapore’s digital bank backed by Sea Limited, the same group behind Shopee.
Since its 2023 public launch, Maribank has earned a loyal following: no annual fees, no minimum balance, and a savings rate that doesn’t demand you jump through hoops to earn it. But is it the right card to bring overseas? That’s where it gets interesting.
This guide covers everything — what MariBank is, how safe it is, its credit card, overseas fees, exchange rates, and how it stacks up against a dedicated travel card like YouTrip.
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⚡ TLDR: Maribank Singapore at a Glance (2026)
| Feature | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| What is it? | MAS-licensed digital bank; subsidiary of Sea Limited (Shopee’s parent) |
| Savings rate | 0.88% p.a. flat — no conditions, interest credited daily |
| Credit card | No annual fee; 1.5% cashback on SGD spend |
| Overseas cashback (credit) | 1.5% cashback on first S$1,500 overseas spend monthly (valid till 31 December 2026) |
| Debit card | No annual fee; 0.5% cashback on SGD spend |
| Overseas cashback (debit) | 0.5% cashback on first S$1,500 overseas spend monthly (valid till 31 December 2026) |
| FX fee (from Jan 2026) | 0% — waived since 1 January 2026 |
| Overseas ATM withdrawals | Not supported on the Mari Credit Card |
| Exchange rates | Mastercard network rate — fair, not mid-market |
| Overseas transfers | PayNow/FAST locally only; overseas transfers to 40+ countries; SWIFT wire transfers available for broader coverage. |
| Safety | MAS-licensed; SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 |
📚 Table of Contents:
- What is MariBank Singapore?
- Which Bank is MariBank Under?
- Is MariBank Safe?
- MariBank Interest Rates
- MariBank Fixed Deposit
- MariBank Credit Card: Features & Cashback
- MariBank Overseas Cashback & FX Fees
- MariBank Exchange Rates & Overseas Spending
- Can MariBank Withdraw Cash Overseas?
- MariBank Overseas Transfers
- MariBank vs GXS Bank vs Trust Bank: Which Digital Bank Wins?
- MariBank vs YouTrip
- Verdict
- FAQs
What is MariBank Singapore?
Image credits: Fintech News Singapore
MariBank is a digital-only bank by Sea Limited, the company behind Shopee and Garena. Launched in October 2023, it operates entirely through its mobile app with no physical branches. Account opening is fast via Singpass MyInfo.
Key products:
- Mari Savings Account – high-yield, no conditions
- Mari Fixed Deposit – short-term deposits at promotional rates
- Mari Invest – start investing from S$1
- Mari Debit Card – no income requirement, cashback on all spend
- Mari Credit Card – no annual fee, cashback on all spend
- Mari Business Account – SGD business account with overseas transfers to 41 countries
Which Bank is MariBank Under in Singapore?
MariBank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sea Limited and holds a full digital bank licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. It is not affiliated with DBS, OCBC, UOB, or other traditional banks.
Is MariBank a Real Bank — and Is MariBank Safe?
Yes. MariBank is MAS-licensed and SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 per depositor. It can take deposits and issue credit cards like any traditional bank.
Limitations: no physical branches, joint accounts, or relationship managers — ideal for digital-first users.
📖 Related guide: Best Miles Card in Singapore: Top 4 Credit Cards Compared (UOB, HSBC, Citi, DBS)
MariBank Interest Rates (Mari Savings Account)
The Mari Savings Account offers a flat 0.88% p.a. on balances up to S$100,000 with zero conditions — no salary credit, minimum spend, or tiers. Interest is credited daily. Balances above S$100,000 earn no interest.
- Late interest on outstanding balances (Late Interest): 30.99% p.a. if the minimum payment due is not paid in full by the due date
- Interest on outstanding balances (Nominal Interest): 27.99% p.a. if the statement is not paid in full by the due date
How it compares to other digital banks:
| Bank | Savings Rate | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| MariBank | 0.88% p.a. | None |
| GXS Bank | Up to 1.40% p.a. | GXS Boost Pockets (fixed tenures) |
| Trust Bank | Up to 2.40% p.a. | Flex Plan (requires specific conditions like salary credit or card spend to hit maximum tiers) |
MariBank’s rate is the simplest — one flat rate, credited daily, no strings. GXS and Trust Bank offer higher headline rates but require fixed tenures or specific account structures (such as salary crediting and minimum credit card spend for Trust Bank’s top tiers) to access them.
📖 Related guide: GXS Bank Vs Trust Bank Singapore: Which Digital Bank is Better?
MariBank Fixed Deposit
MariBank offers fixed deposit placements directly through the app, under the Mari Invest section. These are time-bound deposits with higher promotional rates than the standard savings account.
What to know:
- Promotional rates have reached up to 2.88% p.a. for a 1-month tenure on qualifying deposits
- Minimum deposit amount and eligibility vary by promotion — check the MariBank app for the current offer
- Interest is credited at maturity, not daily
- New user promotions have bundled fixed deposit rates with sign-up welcome rewards in the past
💡 Fixed deposit rates are promotional and change frequently. The base Mari Savings Account (0.88% p.a.) is the guaranteed baseline — always check the app for the latest fixed deposit terms before committing funds.
MariBank Credit Card: Features & Cashback (2026)
Image Credits: DollarsAndSense.sg
The Mari Credit Card is a Mastercard with no annual fee, instant approval, and simple cashback rewards:
- 1.5% cashback on all SGD spend (from 1 Jan 2026)
- 1.5% cashback for foreign currency transactions (on first S$1,500/month overseas spend, valid till 31 Dec 2026
- Cashback on overseas spend is credited instantly when transactions are posted (from March 2026)
- 1.5 Shopee Coins per S$1 on Shopee purchases via Mari Instant Checkout (equivalent to ~1.5% return on Shopee spend)
- In-app controls: lock card, toggle overseas/online payments
- Google Pay & Apple Pay supported; physical card on request
Eligibility:
| Applicant Type | Age | Income / Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singaporean / PR | 21–55 | Min S$30,000 annual income | Standard eligibility |
| Singaporean / PR | Over 55 | Min S$15,000 annual income | Standard eligibility for older applicants |
| Singaporean / PR | 21–55 | Below S$30,000 | Eligible for S$500 credit limit Mari Credit Card |
| Foreigner | 21+ | Must hold a valid pass (Dependant’s, Employment, Long-Term Visit, Overseas Networks & Expertise, Personalised Employment, S Pass, or Student Pass) | Pass must have ≥6 months validity at application |
💡 Note: Mari Credit Card is best for everyday rewards, not travel budgeting. For precise overseas spending control, a prepaid travel card like YouTrip is more practical.
📖 Related guide: Trust Bank Singapore Guide: Credit Card & Cashback Card Review
Mari Debit Card: Features & Cashback (2026)
The Mari Debit Card is linked directly to the Mari Savings Account — a simpler, no-frills alternative to the credit card with no income requirement and no credit check.
- 0.5% cashback on all SGD spend, no minimum spend
- 0.5% cashback on foreign currency transactions (on first S$1,500/month overseas spend, valid till 31 Dec 2026)
- Google Pay & Apple Pay supported; physical card available on request
- In-app controls: lock card, toggle overseas/online payments
Eligibility: Open to Singaporeans, PRs, and foreigners with a valid pass, aged 16 and above. No income requirement — details retrieved via Singpass MyInfo.
💡 Note: The debit card earns 0.5% overseas cashback versus the credit card’s 1.5%, and both promos end 31 Dec 2026. If you don’t qualify for the credit card or prefer not to use credit, the debit card is a decent fallback — though for travel cash needs, YouTrip still offers more with ATM support and multi-currency wallets.
MariBank Overseas Cashback & Foreign Transaction Fees (2026 Update)
From 1 January 2026, Maribank removed its foreign transaction fee, making overseas spending fee-free with cashback.
Overseas cashback (valid till 31 December 2026):
- Credit card: 1.5% cashback on overseas foreign currency transactions
- Debit card: 0.5% cashback on overseas foreign currency transactions
- Capped at first S$1,500 spent in foreign currency monthly
- Cashback on the credit card is posted instantly when transactions clear (from March 2026) — no waiting until the statement cycle
💡 Tip: Always pay in local currency. Paying in SGD via dynamic currency conversion triggers a 1% Currency Conversion Fee (the Mastercard charge) — this applies to overseas platforms like Agoda, Airbnb, and iHerb, even when billed in SGD.
For heavy travellers: Note that the 1.5% overseas cashback is a limited-time promo ending 31 December 2026, with cashback capped at S$22.50/month. However, if you require overseas ATM withdrawal support or want to lock in exchange rates in advance, consider a dedicated travel card alternative like YouTrip.
📖 Related guide: How to Get the Best Exchange Rate in Singapore
MariBank Exchange Rates & Overseas Spending
When you spend abroad with Maribank, foreign currencies are converted at the Mastercard wholesale rate with no MariBank markup. The catch: rates are applied only at the moment of transaction, with no way to plan ahead.
Currency comparison (as of 24 Feb 2026):
| Currency | YouTrip | Maribank |
|---|---|---|
| MYR | S$1 = 3.076 MYR | S$1 = 3.075 MYR |
| JPY | S$1 = 122.45 JPY | S$1 = 122.27 JPY |
| THB | S$1 = 24.55 THB | S$1 = 24.52 THB |
| USD | S$1 = 0.7891 USD | S$1 = 0.7890 USD |
| EUR | S$1 = 0.6698 EUR | S$1 = 0.6661 EUR |
Across all major currencies, YouTrip consistently offers better rates, especially for travel-heavy currencies like JPY and EUR. Beyond slightly better rates, YouTrip allows you to pre-load and lock in multiple currencies before you travel, protecting your budget when SGD fluctuates.
💡 Tip: Always pay in local currency with MariBank. Paying in SGD triggers a 1% dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fee, even on platforms like Agoda, Airbnb, and Klook.
⚖️ Verdict: For travellers who want better rates and more control, consider YouTrip for overseas spending.
📖 Related Guide: YouTrip Exchange Rates: Everything You Need to Know
Can MariBank Withdraw Cash Overseas?
No. Maribank does not support ATM withdrawals abroad, which is a limitation for cash-heavy destinations.
Workarounds:
- Use an existing bank debit card (fees may apply)
- Use a travel card like YouTrip for overseas ATMs (S$400/month free, 2% fee applies thereafter)
- Exchange SGD cash before departure
📖 Related Guide: YouTrip Withdrawal Guide For Singaporeans: ATM Fees & Limits
MariBank Overseas Transfer
MariBank supports PayNow and FAST for instant local transfers — free, 24/7. It also allows overseas transfers to 40+ countries directly from the Mari Savings Account, covering popular corridors like:
- China: Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay
- India: UPI
- Malaysia: DuitNow
- Philippines: GCash
A $0 transfer fee promo runs until 30 June 2026. Note: While local payment rails are prioritised for popular corridors, traditional SWIFT wire transfers are actually supported if you need broader global coverage.
💡 For destinations outside MariBank’s network, YouTrip is a practical alternative. It supports transfers to 40+ countries with competitive rates, no hidden fees, and same-day or instant payments via regional rails like DuitNow, GCash, and UPI.
📖 Related Guide: Overseas Transfers: Send Money Overseas With The Best Rates
MariBank vs GXS Bank vs Trust Bank: Which Digital Bank Wins?
Singapore has three consumer digital banks: MariBank, GXS Bank (backed by Grab + Singtel), and Trust Bank (backed by Standard Chartered + FairPrice Group). Here’s how they compare on the features that matter most.
| Feature | MariBank | GXS Bank | Trust Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backed by | Sea Limited (Shopee, Garena) | Grab + Singtel | Standard Chartered + FairPrice |
| Savings rate | 0.88% p.a. (flat, no conditions) | Up to 1.40% p.a. (GXS Boost Pockets) | Up to 2.40% p.a. (Flex Plan) |
| Fixed deposit | ✅ Promotional rates in-app | ✅ Boost Pockets (fixed tenures) | Limited |
| Credit card | ✅ 1.5% cashback, no annual fee | ✅ GXS FlexiCard | ✅ Trust Card |
| Overseas FX fee | 0% (from Jan 2026) | 0% | 0% |
| Overseas ATM withdrawals | ❌ Not supported | Limited | Limited |
| Shopee integration | ✅ Shopee Coins + Mari Instant Checkout | ❌ | ❌ |
| NTUC / FairPrice perks | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ FairPrice Group discounts |
| Minimum age | 16 (debit); 21 (credit) | 16 | 16 |
| SDIC insured | ✅ Up to S$100,000 | ✅ Up to S$100,000 | ✅ Up to S$100,000 |
Who should choose which:
- MariBank — Best if you shop on Shopee regularly, want the simplest savings rate with no hoops, or need a credit card with 0% FX fees and instant overseas cashback.
- GXS Bank — Best if you want higher savings rates across short fixed tenures and like goal-based savings pockets.
- Trust Bank — Best if you shop at FairPrice or NTUC-linked stores regularly and want a higher base savings rate with no salary crediting required.
MariBank vs YouTrip: Which Should You Use Overseas?
Both are popular with Singapore travellers and low-fee, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | MariBank Credit Card | YouTrip |
|---|---|---|
| Card type | Credit card (Mastercard) | Prepaid multi-currency (Mastercard) |
| Rate Lock | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – 12 in-app currency wallets; spend in 150+ countries |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| FX fee | 0% | 0% — always, no mark-up |
| Overseas cashback | Up to 1.5% (S$1,500/month cap) *Valid till 31 Dec 2026 | Holds multiple cashback campaigns + deals with popular merchants |
| Multi-currency wallets | No | Yes — hold & lock 10+ currencies |
| Overseas ATM withdrawals | Not supported | Supported |
| Best for | Everyday banking + local cashback | Frequent travellers & locking in rates in advance |
📖 Related Guide: Best Multi-Currency Cards In Singapore: A Full Comparison Guide
Verdict
The Mari Credit Card is a strong everyday card — 1.5% cashback on both local and overseas spend, zero annual fee, and no FX fees from 2026. For card payments abroad, it holds up well.
Where it falls short for travellers: no overseas ATM withdrawals and no multi-currency wallet. If cash access or locking in exchange rates before a trip matters to you, a dedicated travel card like YouTrip bridges those gaps.
💡 Smart pairing: Use MariBank for daily SGD spending and YouTrip for overseas cash and travel spending.
FAQs: MariBank Singapore
Yes. MariBank holds a full digital bank licence from MAS and is SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 per depositor. It’s a legitimate bank, not a fintech wallet.
It’s a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sea Limited, the company behind Shopee and Garena. No affiliation with DBS, OCBC, or UOB.
From 1 January 2026, MariBank has waived its 3% foreign transaction fee. Previously, the fee was offset by 3% cashback on overseas spend.
The Mastercard network rate with no MariBank markup. Rates apply at the moment of transaction — there’s no way to check or lock them in advance.
No. Maribank does not support overseas ATM withdrawals. For cash abroad, use a travel card like YouTrip, which supports local ATM withdrawals.
MariBank is ideal for everyday SGD cashback and card payments abroad. YouTrip is better for travel: competitive exchange rates, multi-currency wallets, and ATM withdrawals. Using both covers all bases.
Yes. Deposits are SDIC-insured, and MariBank is MAS-regulated, offering the same protections as any licensed Singapore bank.
Yes, through the Mari Invest section of the app. Promotional rates change regularly — past offers have gone up to 2.88% p.a. for a 1-month tenure. Check the app for whatever’s live right now.
As of March 2026, overseas cashback on the Mari Credit Card posts instantly when your transaction clears — no waiting until the statement cycle ends.
Depends what you’re optimising for. MariBank is stronger on overseas cashback and is the obvious pick if you shop on Shopee. GXS offers higher savings rates through its Boost Pockets (up to 1.40% p.a.) if you’re comfortable locking funds for fixed tenures
Trust Bank has a much higher potential savings rate (up to 2.40% p.a. with their Flex Plan) and perks at FairPrice and NTUC-linked stores. MariBank edges it out on overseas cashback and simplicity (no hoops to jump through for the base interest rate). If you’re primarily choosing a savings account and can meet salary crediting or spend criteria, Trust Bank is worth a look.
The Smarter Alternative for Travel
Looking for a simple, fee-free way to spend abroad? YouTrip is a modern multi-currency card that lets you lock in 12 currencies and spend in 150+ countries, with zero FX fees, no hidden markups, and no annual fees — a smart choice for Singaporeans travelling in 2026.
Not on YouTrip yet? Get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Bon voyage!
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