ABA Bank (Advanced Bank of Asia Limited) has grown from its establishment in 1996 to become Cambodia’s largest commercial bank by assets, deposits, loans, and profitability. With a strong focus on digital innovation, ABA offers a range of savings products designed for individuals and businesses alike.
For savers looking for security, flexibility, and competitive returns, ABA’s savings account is often the first port of call. This guide breaks down the interest rates, conditions, and step-by-step methods to open an ABA savings account in Cambodia.
ABA Savings Account at a Glance
ABA’s standard Savings Account is designed for everyday savers, offering zero opening and ongoing balance requirements, unlimited deposits and withdrawals, and interest rates of up to 1.25% p.a. on higher Khmer Riel (KHR) balances.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Opening Balance | None |
| Minimum Ongoing Balance | None |
| Withdrawals | Unlimited (cash or non-cash) |
| Deposits | Unlimited (cash or non-cash) |
| Interest Payment | Monthly or upon account closure |
| Monthly Account Service Fee | Free |
| ABA Mobile Banking | Free |
| ATM Card | Free |
| Dormant Fee | Free |
Note: All interest rates are accrued on a 365-day year, considering the actual number of days in a month. The applicable rate depends on the daily closing balance. A lower rate applies if the balance is below a threshold; a higher tier applies if it exceeds it.
Detailed Interest Rates (p.a.)
ABA applies tiered interest rates based on account balance and currency. There is a strong incentive to save in Khmer Riel, which offers significantly higher returns than USD savings.
Interest Rates for USD Savings Account
| Daily Balance (USD) | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 10,000 | 0.00% |
| ≤ 25,000 | 0.10% |
| ≤ 50,000 | 0.15% |
| ≤ 100,000 | 0.25% |
| ≤ 500,000 | 0.40% |
| ≤ 1,000,000 | 0.50% |
| > 1,000,000 | 0.60% |
Interest Rates for KHR Savings Account
| Daily Balance (KHR) | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 20,000,000 (~$5,000) | 0.00% |
| ≤ 100,000,000 (~$25,000) | 1.00% |
| > 100,000,000 | 1.25% |
Key Takeaway: For smaller savers, USD balances below 10,000 earn no interest, while KHR balances below 20 million KHR also earn nothing. However, once you cross 100 million KHR (approx. 25,000), the KHR account yields a competitive 1.25% p.a.—significantly higher than the 0.25% to 0.60% available on equivalent USD amounts.
For up‑to‑date rates, always refer to ABA’s official Savings Account page.
Account Conditions & Fees
Interest Accrual & Payment
- Interest is calculated daily on the end‑of‑day balance. If your balance falls below a tier threshold, a lower rate applies. Conversely, exceeding a threshold can push you into a higher tier.
- Interest is paid monthly or upon account closure.
Abandonment Fee
| Years Inactive | Abandonment Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Year 1–3 | $0 |
| Year 4 | $50 |
| Year 5 and up | $100 |
If your customer information file (CIF) has no transactions for a consecutive period of 4 years or longer, an abandonment fee applies.
Other Fees
- Passbook issuance / re‑issuance: $5 per book.
- ATM card replacement (lost or damaged): $5 / 20,000 KHR (excludes expired cards or broken chips).
- Balance/account confirmation: $10 / 40,000 KHR per piece.
- Audit confirmation: $10 / 40,000 KHR per time.
- Nostro or banker’s check: $10 / 40,000 KHR per check.
How to Open an ABA Savings Account
ABA offers several convenient ways to open a savings account. The fastest and most straightforward method is the Instant Account.
1. Instant Account via ABA Mobile (Recommended)
This is currently the quickest way to open an ABA account and is available exclusively for Cambodian citizens.
- Requirements:
- Citizenship & Age: You must be a Cambodian citizen at least 15 years old.
- Documents: A valid original Cambodian National ID Card or passport.
- Phone: A local or international phone number that has not been used to register for ABA Mobile before.
- Smartphone: A smartphone with a working camera for the identity verification process.
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download: Download the ABA Mobile app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Open: Launch the app and select the option to open a new account.
- Verify: Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity using your ID card and a selfie.
- Set Up: Choose your account currency (USD or KHR) and set up your security credentials.
Once the account is created, you can immediately top it up at any ABA Cash-in Machine (CiM) or Cash Recycling Machine (CRM), receive funds from other accounts, and start using all of ABA Mobile’s services.
2. Via the ABA Website (For Non-Citizens & Other Account Types)
For foreigners, those wanting to open a corporate account, or individuals who prefer a web-based application, you can start the process through ABA’s official website.
- Process:
- Visit ABA’s official website: https://www.ababank.com.
- Navigate to the “Personal” or “Accounts” section and select the type of account you wish to open (Savings, Current, or Term Deposit).
- Complete the online application form.
- After submitting, you’ll receive a reference number by email.
- You will need to visit any ABA branch with your documents to activate the account.
This web service is a convenient way to pre-apply for an account, saving you time during your final branch visit, where you can also deposit cash and apply for additional services.
3. In-Person at a Branch
The traditional method is also available at any ABA Bank branch.
- For residents:
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Bring your original and valid National ID or Passport.
- Complete the bank’s application form.
- For non-residents (foreigners):
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Bring your original and valid passport (not expired) and a valid visa.
- Complete the application form at the branch.
This method is ideal for those who wish to open joint accounts, junior accounts, or accounts for legal entities. You can call ABA’s hotline at 023 225 333 to make an appointment, or they can even send a Client Acquisition Officer to your office or place of business to open an account on the spot.
Mobile Savings Account – Extra Flexibility
If you are already an ABA Mobile user, you can open a Mobile Savings Account directly from the app.
Requirements:
- You must be an ABA Mobile app user.
- You need at least one existing Savings, Current, or Current PLUS account before creating a Mobile Savings Account.
Steps to open:
- Launch ABA Mobile and go to New Account.
- Tap Mobile Savings Account.
- Choose the currency (USD or KHR) and select a source account to fund the new account.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions and tap Open Now.
ABA Mobile allows you to own up to three mobile savings accounts, helping you manage different financial goals separately.
ABA Savings Account vs. ABA Fixed Deposit
Understanding the difference between a savings account and a fixed deposit (term deposit) is crucial for choosing the right product.
| Feature | Savings Account | Fixed Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity | Unlimited withdrawals at any time | Funds locked for a fixed term (1–36 months) |
| Interest Rate | Lower (0.00%–1.25% p.a.) | Higher (up to 6.50% p.a. for KHR) |
| Minimum Deposit | None | $100 or 400,000 KHR |
| Risk | Very low | Very low |
| Best For | Emergency funds, daily expenses, short‑term savings | Long‑term savings, higher returns |
| Early Withdrawal | Not applicable (always accessible) | Not allowed without penalty (instant loan possible) |
ABA offers attractive term deposit rates, especially through its ABA Mobile Fixed Deposit:
| Term | Regular Rate (USD) | Promo Rate (USD) | Regular Rate (KHR) | Promo Rate (KHR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 3.75% | 4.25% | 5.00% | 6.00% |
| 36 months | 3.95% | 4.45% | – | – |
ABA Fixed Deposits also come with a notable extra benefit: when you open a 1‑year Fixed Deposit over the counter or through ABA Mobile, you receive free life and accident insurance from Manulife Cambodia (coverage equal to your deposit amount, capped at $50,000 or 200 million KHR), with no medical check‑up required.
Strategy: Keep your day‑to‑day funds in a Savings Account for liquidity, and allocate longer‑term savings to a Fixed Deposit to earn higher interest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does ABA Savings Account have a minimum balance?
No. There is no minimum opening or ongoing balance requirement for a standard ABA Savings Account.
2. Do I have to pay monthly fees for my ABA Savings Account?
No. The monthly account service fee is free. The ATM card is also free, and ABA Mobile banking is free for personal accounts.
3. Can foreigners open an ABA Savings Account?
Yes. Foreigners need a valid passport and a valid visa. Visit ABA’s official website: https://www.ababank.com and then activate it at a branch, or open it directly over the counter.
4. Is my money safe with ABA Bank?
Yes. ABA is the largest commercial bank in Cambodia by assets, deposits, loans, and profitability. It is regulated by the National Bank of Cambodia and is a subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada, providing strong institutional backing.
5. Can I open an ABA Savings Account without visiting a branch?
Yes. Cambodian citizens can open an Instant Account entirely through the ABA Mobile app. You can then use that account to open additional savings accounts, Fixed Deposits, or Flexi Deposits without visiting a branch.
6. How do I close my ABA Savings Account?
Account closure is free. You can close your account at any ABA branch. For accounts opened through ABA Mobile, the closure process may still require a branch visit.
Final Verdict
ABA’s savings account is an excellent choice for anyone in Cambodia, from local residents to international investors and long‑term travelers.
Pros:
- Zero opening and ongoing balance requirements
- Unlimited withdrawals and deposits
- Free ABA Mobile banking with extensive digital features
- Higher interest rates for KHR accounts (up to 1.25% p.a.)
- Ability to open additional accounts (Mobile Savings, Fixed Deposit, Flexi Deposit) directly from the app
- Backed by one of Cambodia’s largest and most stable banks
Cons:
- USD interest rates are very low (0.00%–0.60%)
- KHR balances below 20 million riel earn no interest
- Foreigners still need a branch visit for final activation
For those comfortable with digital banking, the Instant Account and Mobile Savings Account provide unparalleled convenience. For savers seeking maximum returns, pairing a Savings Account with a Fixed Deposit (particularly in KHR via ABA Mobile) is a smart strategy.
Disclaimer: Content published on Orkun Santepheap is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Interest rates and fees are subject to change. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions. This article is based on ABA Bank’s publicly available information as of May 2026.
This report was produced by Orkun Santepheap’s Finance & Banking team, led by Sok Sabay, covering Cambodia’s banking sector, NBC policy, and sustainable finance developments.
