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 (from Jan 2026) |
| Overseas cashback | 1.5% cashback on overseas spend capped at S$1,500/month (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; no SWIFT |
| Safety | MAS-licensed; SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 |
Table of Contents:
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:
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.
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)
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.
Related guide: GXS Bank Vs Trust Bank Singapore: Which Digital Bank is Better?
Image Credits: DollarsAndSense.sg
The Mari Credit Card is a Mastercard with no annual fee, instant approval, and simple cashback rewards:
| 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
From 1 January 2026, the Mari Credit Card removed its foreign transaction fee, making overseas spending fee-free with cashback.
Overseas cashback (valid till 31 December 2026):
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: The S$1,500/month cap limits cashback. Prepaid travel cards like YouTrip don’t cap savings from zero FX fees and may offer better net value for high spenders.
Related guide: How to Get the Best Exchange Rate in Singapore
When you spend abroad with the Mari Credit Card, foreign currencies are converted at the Mastercard wholesale ratewith 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
No. The Mari Credit Card does not support ATM withdrawals abroad, which is a limitation for cash-heavy destinations.
Workarounds:
Related Guide: YouTrip Withdrawal Guide For Singaporeans: ATM Fees & Limits
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:
A $0 transfer fee promo runs until 30 June 2026. Note: SWIFT wire transfers are not supported.
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
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) |
| 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 | None — savings via zero fees |
| Multi-currency wallets | No | Yes — hold & lock 10+ currencies |
| Overseas ATM withdrawals | Not supported | Supported |
| Best for | SGD cashback & overseas card payments | Travel spending, cash access, FX planning |
Related Guide: Best Multi-Currency Cards In Singapore: A Full Comparison Guide
MariBank is great for everyday use, with 1.5% SGD cashback and zero annual fees. The 2026 zero-FX upgrade improves overseas card payments.
But it has gaps for travellers: no ATM access, no multi-currency wallet, and capped cashback. YouTrip complements it with ATM withdrawals, multi-currency wallets, and the ability to lock in rates before travel.
Smart strategy: use MariBank for everyday SGD cashback and YouTrip for overseas spending and cash needs.
Q: Is MariBank a real bank in 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.
Q: Which bank is MariBank under?
It’s a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sea Limited, the company behind Shopee and Garena. No affiliation with DBS, OCBC, or UOB.
Q: Does MariBank charge foreign transaction fees?
From 1 January 2026, MariBank has waived its 3% foreign transaction fee. Previously, the fee was offset by 3% cashback on overseas spend.
Q: What exchange rates does MariBank use?
MariBank uses the Mastercard network rate for foreign currency conversions, with no extra markup. Always pay in local currency — SGD transactions processed via overseas payment gateways incur a 1% Currency Conversion Fee (the Mastercard charge), which applies even on platforms like Agoda, Airbnb, and iHerb.
Q: Can I withdraw cash overseas with MariBank?
No. The Mari Credit Card does not support overseas ATM withdrawals. For cash abroad, use a travel card like YouTrip, which supports local ATM withdrawals.
Q: How does MariBank compare to YouTrip for travel?
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.
Q: Is it safe to put money in MariBank?
Yes. Deposits are SDIC-insured, and MariBank is MAS-regulated, offering the same protections as any licensed Singapore bank.
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.
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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The post Maribank Singapore Guide 2026: Credit Card, Interest Rates, Fees & Overseas Spending appeared first on YouTrip Singapore.


