The CIMB Savings Account remains a popular, flexible option in Malaysia, easy to use for people of any age. For the year 2025/2026, CIMB has refreshed its requirements and boosted digital services so that customers can manage savings more smoothly while keeping the account active with simple minimum balance rules.
Whether you open your first savings account or decide among options, knowing the minimum balance is key. The following guide explains how much you should keep in your CIMB savings, what happens if you fall short, and which account type best fits your needs.
Source: https://www.cimb.com.my/en/personal/day-to-day-banking/cards/debit-card/octo-debit-mastercard.html
What is a CIMB Savings Account?
The CIMB Savings Account is a type of deposit account for safe saving with a modest yield on interest. It is for everyday use: depositing salaries, withdrawing through ATMs, transferring money online, or making bill payments. Unlike current accounts, which are more oriented toward businesses or larger transactions, savings accounts encourage personal saving with easy access to your funds. Digital Banking In 2025/2026, CIMB extended this service with the use of CIMB Clicks to open and manage accounts online.
Minimum Balance Requirement for CIMB Savings Account
Minimum balances keep the account active and avoid penalties. The updated minimums are:
- CIMB Savings Account (conventional): RM20
- Savings Account: CIMB Basic Savings Account (BSN-linked) – RM20
- Preferred / Premium Savings Accounts: RM1,000 or above
- CIMB Junior Savers Account for children: RM1
If you are out of balance in any of these areas, you could be at risk for experiencing:
- Dormancy if account is considered in-active for more than 12 months
- Monthly service fees
- Closure of account possibly.
With its low minimums, CIMB is one of the easiest banks to open a savings account with in Malaysia.
Types of CIMB Savings Accounts
Within CIMB, there are a couple of savings options for different needs, ages, and banking habits. Here’s a quick look to help you pick the right one while meeting the minimum balance.
CIMB Regular Savings Account
The common choice for daily transactions and easy access. Minimum balance RM20. It supports salary deposits, bill payments, and online transfers without hassle. Great for students, new graduates, and professionals who want a simple way to save with instant access. Benefits include basic interest, debit card access, and CIMB Clicks integration for smooth digital banking.
CIMB Basic Savings Account
A no-maintenance-fee option that is linked to the basic banking services of Bank Negara Malaysia, with a requirement for a minimum balance of RM20, offers basic functionalities without any hidden charges. Very well suited for avoiding monthly fees while keeping savings safe, access via ATM, online transfers, and salary credits make it practical for low-income earners or first-time account holders.
CIMB Preferred Savings Account
This is targeted at customers who want more premium benefits and interest from their accounts. Minimum balance with extra benefits such as preferential rates, dedicated service, and access to exclusive promotions requires RM1,000+. Suitable for savers that want growth with convenience and privileges like higher withdrawal limits, priority banking. Thereafter, keeping the balance above RM1,000+ unlocks such advantages.
CIMB Junior Savers Account
Designed for children below the age of 18 years to inculcate financial literacy. Minimum deposit RM1. It will assist parents in teaching saving habits, allow children to track their balance, and allow supervised withdrawals in a controlled environment. This account also links to CIMB Clicks for easy digital tracking of savings growth.
CIMB Islamic Savings Account-i
For Shariah-compliant banking, this account is based on the Islamic Savings Account-i Wadiah/Yad Dhamanah concept of holding in trust, rather than interest. Minimum balance RM20, offering features similar to those on conventional savings accounts, such as access through ATMs, online banking, and easy transfers, with conformity to Shariah principles.
Interest Rates & Earnings on Savings
- Regular accounts: 0.15% – 0.25% per annum
- Accounts preferred: slightly higher depending on the balance
- Returns are lower than those from fixed deposits or investments, but the account offers convenience and easy access.
Manage Your Savings Account with CIMB Clicks
Digital banking matters today. CIMB Clicks lets you:
- Instant balance and transaction checks
- Transfer Funds (DuitNow, Interbank GIRO)
- Pay bills online
- Set savings goals and auto-deductions
- Low Balance and Fraud Alerts
All this will help you monitor your minimum balance without having to go to a branch.
Minimum Balance Non-maintenance Penalties
Even for low requirements, you will be penalized if you fail to maintain the balance:
- Dormant Account Fee when not transacted for 12 months and balance less than RM10
- Account Closure if balances stay below RM20 for a long period
- Loss of all the Privilege Account facilities if the account falls below RM 1,000 at any one time.
- Simple precautions can avoid unnecessary charges.
Which is Better: CIMB Savings or Current Account?
Savings Account: Ideal for everyday applications, personal finances, and small deposits.
Current Account: Better for businesses, higher transaction limits, and cheque facilities
By 2025/2026, CIMB has positioned savings accounts as an accessible entry point to banking, while current accounts meet larger needs.
Tips to maintain your savings balance with CIMB:
- Set Auto-Deductions: Route your salary into the account
- Enable CIMB Clicks Alerts: Obtain notifications for low balances
- Keep Buffer: keep more than RM20 to avoid closure by accident
- Consider Junior Accounts: Start children with RM1 and build up savings over time
Small habits like these keep your account active and fee-free.
Is CIMB the Best Savings Account in Malaysia
Generally speaking, as compared to other banks, CIMB often has one of the lowest minimum balances, making it suitable for students, fresh graduates, and lower-income individuals:
- CIMB Savings Account: RM20 minimum
- Maybank Savings Account: RM20–RM250 depending on account type
- RHB Savings Account: RM20 minimum
- Public Bank Savings Account: RM20–RM50 minimum
CIMB’s accessibility and affordability make it one of the top choices for everyday Malaysians.
FAQs About Savings Account in CIMB
1. What is the minimum balance for CIMB Savings Account in 2025/2026?
RM20 for regular and basic accounts; RM1,000 for Preferred; RM1 for Junior Savers.
2. What if I don’t keep the balance?
Your account may be considered dormant, and some application fees can be charged, or it may be closed.
3. Can I open a CIMB saving account online?
Yes, via CIMB Clicks eKYC with MyKad and selfie verification.
4. Do CIMB savings accounts pay interest?
Yes, modestly-0.15% – 0.25% per annum. Higher returns require fixed deposits or investments.
5. Is there an option for Islamic savings?
Yes, the CIMB Islamic Savings Account-i is Shariah-compliant.
Conclusion
The CIMB Savings Account is a low-maintenance, accessible account with minimum balances as low as RM20, or RM1 for juniors. With digital management integrated through CIMB Clicks, keeping tabs on your savings has never been easier. For those who want flexibility in security and cost-effectiveness in savings, CIMB remains one of the best options in Malaysia. By maintaining the minimum balance, you ensure continuity in service, without extra charges, making it suitable for students all the way up to working professionals.
