We have received reports from time to time that visually impaired persons have been prevented from opening individual bank accounts, or getting access to ATM cards or other banking facilities. This has been reported to have happened at various banks, including our local banks.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has shared that the 3 local banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) have affirmed that they do open bank accounts for visually impaired customers in their own names, and their frontline staff are trained to assist these customers (including explaining the features of bank accounts and risks of account misuse/scams). MAS has issued a reminder to the local banks to be mindful of visually impaired customers’ banking access needs. Should visually impaired individuals encounter difficulties in opening bank accounts, they may wish to contact MAS for assistance. More information on contacting MAS can be found here.
Special thanks to the Disability Office of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) for facilitating communications on this matter.