At a glance
GXS (backed by Grab and Singtel), Trust Bank (Standard Chartered and FairPrice Group), and MariBank (Sea Limited) each target different financial niches in Singapore. GXS focuses on flexible savings and micro-loans; Trust Bank integrates supermarket rewards and credit cards; MariBank offers competitive savings rates and investment options. All three are MAS-licensed, offer no-minimum-balance accounts, and target digital-first users. Key differences lie in savings rates, lending products, and ecosystem perks.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Pricing and fees
All three banks charge zero monthly fees and have no minimum balance requirements. GXS offers a savings account with a variable interest rate (currently around 2.38% p.a. for the first SGD 10,000, subject to change). Trust Bank’s savings account earns up to 1.5% p.a. on the first SGD 75,000, but requires no card spend. MariBank’s savings account offers up to 2.5% p.a. on the first SGD 75,000, with bonus rates tied to spending or salary crediting. None charge ATM withdrawal fees at designated networks, but cross-bank fees may apply. Trust Bank credit card has no annual fee; GXS does not offer a credit card; MariBank offers a credit card with 0% annual fee but varies by plan.
Ease of use
All three apps are intuitive with quick onboarding via Singpass. GXS and MariBank allow account opening in under 5 minutes; Trust Bank may require additional verification for credit card applications. GXS’s app focuses on savings goals and micro-loans (up to SGD 200), but lacks a full banking feature set. Trust Bank’s app includes a full suite: savings, credit card management, and FairPrice rewards integration. MariBank’s app is streamlined but limited to savings and a credit card; no loan products are currently offered. User reviews rate Trust Bank highest for feature completeness, while GXS and MariBank score well for simplicity.
Integrations
GXS integrates with Grab and Singtel ecosystems (e.g., GrabPay wallet, Singtel Dash), allowing automatic savings round-ups from Grab rides. Trust Bank links directly to FairPrice Group (including NTUC Union memberships) for bonus Linkpoints on groceries and petrol. MariBank integrates with Shopee and SeaMoney (Sea’s financial arm), enabling cashback on Shopee purchases. None of the banks offer full integration with third-party budgeting apps like YNAB or MoneySmart, but all support PayNow and FAST transfers. Trust Bank leads in offline merchant partnerships, while GXS and MariBank excel in their parent-company digital ecosystems.
Support
All three offer in-app chat support. GXS provides 24/7 chatbot but limited human support (email only, response time varies by plan). Trust Bank offers live chat during business hours and a phone hotline (9am–6pm weekdays). MariBank relies solely on in-app chat and email, with no phone support. Trust Bank is the only one with a physical branch (via Standard Chartered), though digital bank support is primarily online. User satisfaction is highest for Trust Bank’s phone support, while GXS and MariBank receive mixed reviews for response time.
Best for
GXS is best for Grab and Singtel users seeking micro-loans (up to SGD 200) and flexible savings with round-up features. Trust Bank suits FairPrice shoppers and those wanting a full-featured digital bank with a credit card and rewards. MariBank appeals to Shopee users and savers chasing the highest base interest rate (2.5% p.a. on first SGD 75,000). For young professionals with diverse needs, Trust Bank offers the broadest utility; for niche ecosystem users, GXS or MariBank may be more rewarding.
Verdict: which one for whom
Choose GXS if you frequently use Grab or Singtel services and need small, short-term loans (e.g., for emergencies) without a credit card. Choose Trust Bank if you want a comprehensive digital banking experience—savings, credit card, and grocery rewards—under one app. Choose MariBank if you prioritize high savings rates and shop often on Shopee, and don’t need loans or a full card ecosystem. For most working adults in Singapore, Trust Bank offers the best balance of features and real-world utility, while MariBank edges ahead for pure savers, and GXS remains a niche player for micro-lending.