POSB Bank

POSB Bank (Post Office Savings Bank) is Singapore’s oldest and most widely recognized bank, known for its affordable, community-focused financial services. Established in 1877, POSB was created to encourage saving among ordinary citizens. Today, as a member of the DBS Group, it continues to uphold its founding mission of accessible banking for every Singaporean.

Branded as “The People’s Bank,” POSB combines its rich heritage with modern digital banking, ensuring that financial inclusion remains at the heart of Singapore’s economic growth.

---

Historical Background

• 1877: The bank was founded under the British colonial administration as the Post Office Savings Bank, allowing working-class citizens to save small amounts safely through post offices.
• 1970s–1980s: POSB expanded rapidly, offering children’s savings accounts and public education programs promoting thrift.
• 1998: POSB merged with DBS Bank, becoming part of Singapore’s largest banking group.
• Despite the merger, POSB retained its distinct identity, focusing on everyday banking for families, workers, and students.

---

Mission and Identity

POSB’s mission is simple yet enduring: to make banking accessible, affordable, and meaningful for everyone.

• Tagline: “The People’s Bank.”
• Core Values: Accessibility, reliability, community support, and simplicity.
• POSB continues to symbolize trust and inclusivity, especially among seniors and families who have banked with it for generations.

---

Products and Services

1. Savings and Deposit Accounts

• POSB Savings Account: A popular choice for families and young adults, offering competitive interest rates and low fees.
• My Account: A flexible account for daily banking, allowing easy management through the DBS/POSB digibank app.
• POSBkids Account: Encourages financial literacy and savings habits in children.

2. Loans and Credit

• Home Loans and Renovation Loans: Affordable financing with flexible repayment options.
• POSB Everyday Card: A cashback credit card offering savings on groceries, transport, and utilities — designed for family budgets.
• Personal Loans: Simple and transparent borrowing for short-term needs.

3. Digital Banking

• DBS/POSB digibank App: POSB customers enjoy the same award-winning digital experience as DBS users — including transfers, bill payments, and investment tools.
• POSB Smart Buddy: A unique wearable device for students, teaching cashless payment and money management through schools.
• PayLah! App: Singapore’s leading digital wallet, widely used for transfers, shopping, and public transport.

---

Community and Social Impact

POSB continues to be a community bank with a social heart, supporting local causes and promoting financial education.

Key Initiatives:

1. POSB PAssion Kids Fund: Supports underprivileged children through education and enrichment programs.
2. POSB Everyday Champions: Recognizes individuals who make a positive impact in their communities.
3. Financial Literacy Workshops: Helps seniors and students develop money management skills.
4. Sustainability Projects: Supports DBS Group’s green initiatives by promoting paperless banking and e-statements.

---

Relationship with DBS Bank

While POSB operates under DBS Bank, it maintains its own brand and customer base.

• POSB branches and ATMs are fully integrated with DBS networks, offering seamless access across Singapore.
• Customers benefit from DBS’s technological infrastructure and financial strength while retaining POSB’s friendly, community-focused service.
• In practice, POSB is DBS’s retail arm, reaching millions of households and everyday savers.

---

Digital Transformation

POSB has embraced technology to serve modern customers while staying true to its roots:

• Smart ATMs: Allow instant deposits, withdrawals, and cashless services.
• Online Account Opening: New customers can open accounts instantly using Singpass.
• Ecosystem Partnerships: POSB collaborates with schools, retailers, and community centers to promote digital inclusion.
• Contactless Payments: Through PayWave, PayLah!, and QR codes, POSB enables safe, convenient, and cashless transactions for all age groups.

---

Financial Strength and Recognition

• Backed by DBS Bank, POSB is part of a group recognized globally as one of the world’s best and safest banks.
• Credit Rating: Shares DBS’s top-tier Aa1/AA- ratings from Moody’s and S&P.
• Assets: Contributes significantly to DBS’s total assets exceeding SGD 900 billion.
• Recognized for financial inclusion, innovation, and social impact in Singapore.

---

Customer Experience and Accessibility

POSB is deeply integrated into everyday life in Singapore:

• Extensive ATM Network: Over 1,100 ATMs shared with DBS across the island.
• Neighborhood Branches: Located in heartland areas for easy access.
• Community Focus: Friendly service, multilingual staff, and low-cost banking options.
• 24/7 Digital Access: Through mobile and online banking for ultimate convenience.

---

Legacy and Trust

For over 145 years, POSB has been synonymous with trust, thrift, and community spirit. Many Singaporeans opened their first bank account at POSB — a tradition that continues with new generations.

Its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and sense of belonging: a bank for everyone, from students and workers to retirees and families.

---

Conclusion

POSB Bank remains a pillar of Singapore’s financial system — a bank built by the people, for the people. While part of the DBS Group, POSB continues to embody Singapore’s heartland values of trust, accessibility, and service.

From its 19th-century beginnings as a postal savings institution to its 21st-century role as a digital community bank, POSB has stayed true to its mission: helping every Singaporean save, grow, and thrive.