CIMB Preferred Banking Review (2025): Is It Worth It for Singaporeans?

Looking to grow your wealth and get priority treatment without being ultra-rich? CIMB Preferred offers premium banking perks with one of the lowest entry requirements in CIMB Bank Singapore.

» More: How to choose a bank

So, you've probably heard of "CIMB priority banking" or "wealth management" programmes from the big local banks. They often sound fancy, but they come with an entry ticket that's usually higher than a penthouse suite. CIMB Preferred, on the other hand, aims to be a bit more down-to-earth.

It's CIMB's dedicated programme for clients looking for a step up in banking services. The main gatekeeper? An entry requirement of S$250,000 in deposits or investments with CIMB Bank.

Now, what exactly counts towards this Assets Under Management (AUM) figure? It's pretty straightforward:

• Your regular cash savings.

• Fixed Deposits (those slightly higher-interest savings accounts).

• Any investments you hold with CIMB, like unit trusts or bonds.

• This does not typically include your CPF or SRS funds held outside of CIMB investments. It's about what you have with CIMB Bank Singapore.

Who is it for? 

CIMB Preferred is ideally suited for:

• Mid-income professionals: Those who've built up a decent nest egg but aren't quite in the "private banking" league yet.

• HDB upgraders: Those who might have a significant sum from their HDB flat sale and are looking for guidance on reinvesting.

• Expats with growing wealth: Newcomers who are settling in and accumulating assets in CIMB Singapore.

» More: Is it safe to keep your money in the bank?

So, what's in it for you once you meet that S$250,000 threshold with CIMB Preferred? Quite a bit, actually.

Personalised banking services

Forget queuing up or dealing with a different person every time you call. As a CIMB Preferred client, you get your very own Dedicated Relationship Manager (RM). Think of them as your personal banking concierge from CIMB.

• Access to advisory sessions: Your RM can arrange regular advisory sessions (quarterly or whenever you need a chat) to review your financial situation.

• Financial planning aligned to life stages: They can help you map out your financial journey for key milestones – whether you're planning your first property purchase, thinking about expanding your family, or getting ready for retirement.

» More: Exclusive priority banking benefits that you probably didn’t know about

Investment and wealth management tools

This is where your money gets to do some heavy lifting with professional guidance from CIMB Bank.

• Diverse investment products: You'll get access to a range of investment products like unit trusts, bonds, and dual currency investments. They also offer various insurance products. For those looking for premium cards, CIMB Preferred clients may also be offered exclusive access to cards like the CIMB Visa Infinite or CIMB World Mastercard.

• Fee transparency: CIMB prides itself on transparent pricing, meaning you know exactly what you're paying for wealth products, and there are generally no monthly service charges for the CIMB Preferred programme itself.

• Exclusive market insights: You'll often receive market updates, analysis tools, and even model portfolios to help you make informed decisions.

» More: Best CIMB credit cards

Preferential rates and lifestyle perks

Who doesn't love a good deal? CIMB Preferred clients often get a little something extra.

• FX spread discounts for overseas transactions (study, travel, property).

• Special rates on housing loans, fixed deposits, personal loans.

• Access to exclusive dining and retail promotions.

» More: What do you need to open a bank account in Singapore?

CIMB Preferred isn't just another CIMB priority banking programme; it has a few unique selling points that make it particularly appealing to Singaporeans.

1. Low-barrier access to priority banking

Compared to other priority banking programmes, CIMB Preferred’s entry requirement of S$250,000 (as of 2025) positions it as a relatively accessible option. This lower threshold makes personalised banking services more attainable for a wider range of customers.

2. Help with real-life financial milestones

CIMB Preferred is designed to be a supportive partner in your financial journey with CIMB Bank Singapore. Here are some key ways it can help you manage and grow your finances:

• Retirement planning using SRS and CPF top-ups.

• Support for first property or upgrading to condo.

• Insurance access for growing families (e.g., education endowment plans).

3. Cross-border convenience for regional Singaporeans

CIMB offers seamless banking integration across CIMB Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, which is incredibly convenient for Johor Bahru homebuyers or Malaysia-based parents.

4. Designed for fee-conscious, financially savvy users

CIMB has positioned itself as being transparent and value-driven:

• No sales-based product bundling.

• Transparent pricing on wealth products.

• No fall-below fees or hidden charges.

» More: How to switch bank accounts in Singapore?

Let's see how CIMB Preferred stacks up against some of the other big players in priority banking in Singapore.

» Why a priority banking account makes sense in a recession

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a general step-by-step for onboarding with CIMB Singapore:

1. Register interest via CIMB's website or branch.

2. Submit required documents (NRIC/passport, proof of residence, income).

3. Meet RM and complete KYC + account opening.

4. Can be done fully online via CIMB Clicks or in-person.

5. Time to activate: 1–3 working days.

New PR planning retirement in Singapore

Use RM support to build a CPF-linked retirement and SRS strategy with CIMB.

Mid-career couple saving for child’s overseas education

Leverage FX benefits, global transfer ease, and wealth planning advice from CIMB Bank.

HDB upgrader reinvesting sales proceeds

Get safe, guided investment into unit trusts, fixed deposits, and insurance through CIMB Singapore.

CIMB Preferred is a smart pick for those who want premium banking without needing to be ultra-wealthy.

With just S$250,000 in deposits or investments, you’ll unlock perks like a dedicated Relationship Manager, wealth tools, preferential rates, and access to CIMB’s regional network — all with no hidden fees.

Whether you're a mid-career saver, HDB upgrader, or expat managing finances across ASEAN, it’s a fee-friendly way to grow your wealth with personalised support.

Ready to enjoy personalised banking without the premium price tag?

Apply for CIMB Preferred or compare other priority banking options on SingSaver today.