What is MariBank? Singapore's Digital Bank Explained (2026)
MariBank is Singapore’s MAS-licensed digital bank, fully owned by Sea Limited — the company behind Shopee and Garena. Launched in October 2023, MariBank offers savings accounts, credit cards, fixed deposits, personal loans, and investment products — all through a mobile app, with no physical branches.
MariBank (also styled as Mari Bank) is Singapore’s first digital bank backed by a major tech ecosystem. It holds a Digital Full Bank (DFB) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and is insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) for eligible deposits up to S$100,000. Whether you want a fuss-free savings account, a no-annual-fee credit card, or short-term personal loans with competitive rates — MariBank positions itself as the all-in-one alternative to traditional banks for everyday Singaporeans.
Not financial advice. All figures are for educational reference only. Data as at June 2026 unless noted.
- MariBank is a Sea Limited (Shopee) digital bank with MAS licence and SDIC insurance up to S$100,000.
- Its base savings rate is 0.88% p.a. with no strings attached — new users can unlock up to 3.88% p.a. via promotional rates.
- Best for Shopee users and anyone who wants a no-fee credit card with 1.5% cashback on all spending.
What is MariBank and Who Owns It?
MariBank Singapore Private Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sea Limited — the Singapore-headquartered tech giant behind Shopee (Southeast Asia’s largest e-commerce platform), Garena (Free Fire), and SeaMoney (digital financial services).
Sea Limited applied for a digital bank licence in 2020 as part of MAS’s landmark Digital Banking Licence framework. In 2022, MAS awarded Sea one of only two Digital Full Bank (DFB) licences in Singapore. The other went to GXS Bank, backed by Grab and Singtel.
MariBank officially launched to the public in October 2023, starting with the Mari Savings Account before rolling out its credit card, personal loans, and investment products throughout 2024–2025. In January 2026, Sea Limited injected a further SGD $75 million in fresh capital into MariBank — a signal of long-term commitment to growing its banking business in Singapore.
The “Mari” name carries a dual meaning in MariBank’s branding — it reflects the Malay word for “come” (as in, come join us) and nods to the ocean-inspired imagery used throughout the app. MariBank’s headquarters are in Singapore, and it operates exclusively here.
MariBank Products and Services
MariBank offers a growing suite of personal and business banking products. Here’s what’s available as at June 2026:
| Product | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mari Savings Account | 0.88% p.a., no minimum balance | Everyday savings without conditions |
| Mari Credit Card | 1.5% cashback, no annual fee, no FX fees | Daily spending + overseas travel |
| Mari Debit Card | Free local transfers via PayNow/FAST | Day-to-day banking |
| Mari Fixed Deposit | Promotional rates up to 2.88% p.a. | Short-term parking of excess cash |
| Mari Invest | Singapore equity fund from S$1 | First-time investors, micro-investing |
| Mari Personal Loan | From S$100, rates from 1.28% p.a. | Short-term borrowing needs |
| International Transfers | 10 currencies, 13 countries | Remittances to SEA countries |
Source: MariBank.sg, June 2026. Product features subject to change.
Mari Savings Account: Interest Rates and Features
The Mari Savings Account is MariBank’s flagship product — and it earns interest the way most Singapore banks used to before they started layering on conditions.
You get 0.88% p.a. on your entire balance, every day, with zero requirements. No minimum balance. No salary crediting. No minimum spend on a linked card. Interest is calculated daily and credited to your account daily — so every dollar starts working from day one.
For context: most traditional bank savings accounts in Singapore pay between 0.05% and 0.25% p.a. as their base rate. You only hit the higher advertised rates (4–5% p.a.) if you credit your salary, spend a minimum amount on their card, and sometimes take out insurance or investments through the same bank.
MariBank skips all that. If you want a second account to park cash without jumping through hoops, the Mari Savings Account is one of the cleanest options available.
Promotional Rates for New Users
MariBank regularly runs sign-up promotions for new customers. As at June 2026, new users who sign up using a MariBank referral code can access promotional rates of up to 3.88% p.a. for the first three months — plus bonus cashback of up to S$68. These promotions are time-limited and subject to change, so check the MariBank app or website for the latest terms before signing up.
Mari Fixed Deposit
If you want to lock away a lump sum for a fixed period, MariBank also offers fixed deposits through the Mari Invest section of the app. Promotional rates have reached 2.88% p.a. for 1-month placements. The minimum deposit is S$500. Like the savings account, these are SDIC-insured up to S$100,000.
Mari Credit Card: Cashback and Fees
The Mari Credit Card launched alongside the savings account and has quietly become one of the most competitive everyday cashback cards in Singapore — particularly for travellers.
Here’s why it stands out in 2026:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | S$0 — permanently waived |
| Local cashback | 1.5% on all SGD spending (uncapped) |
| Foreign currency cashback | 1.5% on first S$1,500/month overseas spend (promo, till 31 Dec 2026) |
| Foreign transaction fee | Waived from 1 January 2026 |
| Shopee cashback | 1.5 Shopee Coins per S$1 on eligible Shopee purchases (till 31 Dec 2026) |
| Cashback posting | FX cashback credited instantly from 1 March 2026 |
Source: MariBank.sg, June 2026. Promotional features subject to change.
For most people, the Mari Credit Card works best as a travel companion card. From January 2026, there are zero foreign transaction fees — meaning you pay no markup when spending in foreign currencies overseas. Combined with the 1.5% FX cashback, you’re effectively getting paid to spend abroad. That’s a deal you won’t find on most traditional bank cards, which typically charge 2–3.5% FX fees.
If you’re a frequent Shopee shopper, the Shopee Coins bonus adds another layer of value through to end of 2026.
MariBank vs GXS Bank vs Trust Bank: Which Digital Bank is Better?
Singapore now has five MAS-licensed digital banks, but for personal banking, three dominate: MariBank, GXS Bank, and Trust Bank. Here’s how they compare on the metrics that matter most.
| Feature | MariBank | GXS Bank | Trust Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backed by | Sea Limited (Shopee) | Grab + Singtel | Standard Chartered + NTUC |
| MAS Licence | Digital Full Bank | Digital Full Bank | Full Bank (Digital) |
| Base savings rate | 0.88% p.a. | 3.00% p.a. | 2.40% p.a. |
| Conditions for top rate | New user promo only | No conditions | No conditions |
| Credit card | Yes — 1.5% cashback | Debit only | Yes — up to 1.5% |
| Personal loan | Yes, from S$100 | Yes | No |
| Ecosystem perks | Shopee Coins | GrabRewards / GrabPay | LinkPoints (NTUC) |
| International transfers | 10 currencies, 13 countries | Limited | Limited |
| SDIC Insurance | Up to S$100,000 | Up to S$100,000 | Up to S$100,000 |
Source: Bank websites. Rates as at June 2026 and subject to change.
The verdict: If you want the highest unconditional savings rate right now, GXS Bank’s 3.00% p.a. leads the pack. Trust Bank at 2.40% p.a. is a solid second — and its NTUC ecosystem perks are great if you shop at FairPrice. MariBank wins on breadth: it’s the only digital bank offering a full credit card, personal loans, international transfers, and investment products in one app.
Many Singaporeans hold accounts with two or more digital banks — using GXS for savings, and MariBank for the credit card and overseas spending. There’s no rule against it, and no fees for maintaining multiple accounts.
Is MariBank Safe?
Yes. MariBank is a licensed bank regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It is not a fintech startup or e-wallet — it holds a full Digital Full Bank licence, which carries the same regulatory requirements as a traditional bank.
Your deposits are protected under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Scheme (SDIC), which covers eligible deposits up to S$100,000 per depositor per bank. This means if MariBank were to fail, your money (up to S$100,000) is guaranteed by the government-backed SDIC scheme — the same protection that applies to DBS, OCBC, and UOB.
MariBank is also backed by Sea Limited, one of Southeast Asia’s largest listed companies with a market capitalisation in the tens of billions. In January 2026, Sea injected SGD $75 million in fresh capital. That’s a strong signal of financial stability.
For a more detailed analysis, see our full guide: Is MariBank safe? MAS licence, SDIC insurance & Singapore investor verdict 2026.
How to Sign Up for MariBank
Opening a MariBank account takes about 5–10 minutes and is done entirely via the app. Here’s how:
- Download the MariBank app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Tap “Sign Up” and log in via Singpass MyInfo to auto-fill your personal details
- Enter a referral code when prompted — use 2DCT80WQ to unlock the current welcome bonus
- Complete identity verification (usually instant via Singpass; a selfie may be required)
- Activate your account by making an initial deposit via PayNow or bank transfer
Eligibility: MariBank is currently open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) aged 18 and above. Employment Pass holders and other foreigners are not eligible as at June 2026.
💳 MariBank Referral Code (June 2026)
Use code 2DCT80WQ when signing up to unlock up to S$68 cashback + 3.88% p.a. promotional rate for new users (limited period, terms apply).
Full terms and latest bonuses: MariBank referral code page
Who Should Use MariBank?
MariBank is a strong fit if you’re:
- A regular Shopee shopper — the Shopee Coins cashback stacks up if you spend frequently on the platform through to end of 2026
- A frequent traveller — zero FX fees and 1.5% overseas cashback makes the Mari Credit Card one of the best travel cards available in Singapore
- Someone who wants a clean savings account — if you dislike jumping through salary crediting hoops, 0.88% p.a. with zero conditions is refreshingly simple
- A new investor — Mari Invest lets you buy Singapore equities from just S$1, with no transaction fees
- Anyone needing a flexible micro-loan — borrowing as little as S$100 with a transparent EIR from 1.92% p.a. is unusual in the Singapore market
MariBank is probably not your best option if your main goal is maximising savings interest right now. GXS Bank’s unconditional 3.00% p.a. beats MariBank’s base rate by more than 2 percentage points. In that case, use GXS for savings and consider MariBank for the credit card and overseas transfers instead.
Looking to build long-term wealth alongside your digital bank savings? Check out our guide on passive income strategies for Singapore investors in 2026, or explore the Singapore retirement planning calculator to see how your savings rate affects your retirement timeline.
If you’re comparing platforms for investing beyond a savings account, the Endowus referral code and Syfe referral code and sign-up bonus pages cover two of the most popular robo-advisory platforms Singaporeans use alongside their digital bank accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About MariBank
What is MariBank Singapore?
Is MariBank safe to use in Singapore?
What interest rate does MariBank offer?
How do I open a MariBank account?
What is the MariBank referral code for 2026?
MariBank vs GXS Bank: which should I choose?
Can foreigners open a MariBank account?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial adviser before making any financial decisions. Interest rates and product features are subject to change. The Kopi Notes may earn referral fees when you use our referral codes at no extra cost to you.
