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⚡ Quick Answer
CIMB wins on digital banking features, e-wallet integration, and investment products. RHB edges ahead on savings account interest rates and is generally better for those who prefer branch-based banking. If you’re under 30 and live on your phone, go CIMB. If you prioritise rate-chasing on savings, RHB has more to offer.
CIMB vs RHB: At a Glance
Both CIMB and RHB are among Malaysia’s Big 8 banks, and both are strong choices for everyday banking. The real question is which fits your lifestyle better — and that depends on what you actually use a bank for.
| Feature | CIMB | RHB |
|---|---|---|
| Savings account rate (base) | Up to 0.6% p.a. | Up to 0.65% p.a. |
| High-yield savings option | CIMB Clicks Savers (up to 3.5%) | RHB Smart Account (up to 3.7%) |
| Mobile app | CIMB Clicks (well-rated) | RHB Mobile Banking (solid) |
| Digital payment | DuitNow, JomPay, PayBills | DuitNow, JomPay, PayBills |
| Investment products | Unit trusts, gold, FD, ETFs | Unit trusts, FD, robo (RHB CREST) |
| Branches (Malaysia) | ~330+ | ~200+ |
| Customer service rating | Average | Average |
Savings Accounts: Which Pays More?
For most Malaysians, the savings account is the main reason they choose a bank. Here’s how CIMB and RHB compare:
CIMB Savings Accounts
CIMB’s flagship savings product is the CIMB Clicks Savers account, which currently offers up to 3.5% p.a. on balances up to RM50,000 — but this rate applies to incremental deposits, not your total balance. The standard CIMB Current/Savings Account (CASA) pays around 0.6% p.a.
CIMB also offers the CIMB Junior Savers for children and CIMB 1ACCOUNT which bundles current and savings into one account — useful for salary crediting.
RHB Savings Accounts
RHB’s standout is the RHB Smart Account, which offers up to 3.7% p.a. on balances — slightly higher than CIMB’s equivalent. Like CIMB, the headline rate applies only to new incremental funds, not your total balance.
RHB also has the RHB MyAccount as a basic savings/current combo and the RHB Premier Account for higher-tier customers. Their base savings rate sits around 0.65% p.a.
Verdict: RHB wins marginally on savings rate, but the difference in practice is small. If you’re parking a large sum, consider a dedicated high-yield option like RytBank (up to 4% p.a.) instead — neither CIMB nor RHB can compete with digital bank rates for pure savings.
Fixed Deposits: CIMB vs RHB
For fixed deposits, both banks run periodic promotional rates. Here’s the general picture as of mid-2026:
| Tenure | CIMB FD Rate | RHB FD Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | ~2.90% p.a. | ~2.85% p.a. |
| 3 months | ~3.10% p.a. | ~3.15% p.a. |
| 6 months | ~3.25% p.a. | ~3.20% p.a. |
| 12 months | ~3.30% p.a. | ~3.25% p.a. |
Rates change frequently based on Bank Negara’s OPR and bank promotions. Always check the current rates on each bank’s website or app before placing an FD.
Mobile Banking Apps: Usability Compared
Both apps have improved significantly in the past two years. Here’s an honest breakdown:
CIMB Clicks
The CIMB Clicks app is polished, fast, and has a cleaner UI than most Malaysian bank apps. Key features include:
- Instant DuitNow transfers (no OAC wait time)
- In-app FD placement and unit trust investment
- PayBills for TNB, Maxis, Digi, Astro, water bills
- QR payment via DuitNow QR
- CIMB Clicks Savers enrollment in-app
Downsides: the app occasionally has login issues and some users report slow card management features.
RHB Mobile Banking
RHB’s app has caught up and is now reliable for day-to-day tasks. Highlights:
- DuitNow transfers and QR payments
- Smart Account sign-up and management
- RHB CREST robo-advisor access
- JomPay bill payments
- Easy fund transfers to other RHB accounts (no cooling period for familiar recipients)
Downsides: UI feels less modern than CIMB’s, and some features still require a branch visit to unlock.
Verdict: CIMB Clicks has the edge on app experience and breadth of in-app features.
Investment Products: What Each Bank Offers
If you want to invest through your bank (rather than a dedicated app), here’s what each offers:
CIMB Investment Products
- Unit trusts via CIMB Wealth
- Gold investment account (CIMB Gold i)
- FD placement in-app
- Shares/ETFs via CIMB iTrade (online trading platform)
- ASB financing available
RHB Investment Products
- Unit trusts via RHB Asset Management
- RHB CREST — robo-advisor with 5 portfolio risk levels
- FD placement in-app
- Shares via RHB Investment Bank (separate app)
- ASNB funds available through branches
Verdict: CIMB has a slightly broader in-app investment ecosystem. RHB’s robo-advisor (CREST) is a nice touch for passive investors, though dedicated platforms like StashAway offer more sophisticated portfolio management.
Fees and Charges
Neither bank stands out as dramatically cheaper, but here are the key fees to know:
| Fee | CIMB | RHB |
|---|---|---|
| DuitNow transfer | Free | Free |
| IBG transfer | Free (Clicks) | Free (online) |
| SWIFT/TT (overseas) | RM10 + agent charges | RM10 + agent charges |
| Cheque book | RM10 per book | RM10 per book |
| ATM (own bank) | Free | Free |
| ATM (other banks, MEPS) | RM1 per withdrawal | RM1 per withdrawal |
| Account fall-below fee | RM5/month (if below RM200) | RM5/month (if below RM200) |
Both banks have effectively standardised on the same fee structure for common transactions. The biggest cost difference is for international transfers — for that, Wise or BigPay will always be cheaper.
Branch and ATM Network
CIMB has a wider physical footprint with over 330 branches nationwide vs RHB’s approximately 200. For ATMs, both banks participate in the MEPS network so you can use any ATM in Malaysia — you’ll just pay RM1 per withdrawal at other banks.
If you’re in KL or a major city, branch count won’t matter much. In smaller towns, CIMB’s larger network gives it a practical edge.
Islamic Banking Options
Both banks offer fully Shariah-compliant alternatives:
- CIMB Islamic — mirrors most CIMB products under an Islamic framework, including savings (Wadiah/Mudarabah), FD (Commodity Murabahah), and financing
- RHB Islamic — same principle, with Islamic versions of all major accounts and financing products
For dedicated Islamic banking, you may also want to consider Bank Islam or Bank Muamalat — but CIMB Islamic and RHB Islamic are perfectly solid for most Malaysians.
Our Recommendation
Choose CIMB if: You want a polished mobile app, broad investment options in one place, and the largest physical network.
Choose RHB if: You want slightly higher savings and FD rates, or want a robo-advisor included with your bank account (CREST).
Honest take: Most Malaysians already have accounts with both banks and use whichever is more convenient at any given time. If you’re starting fresh, CIMB gets the nod for its app quality and branch network. But neither bank should be your primary savings vehicle — park your cash in a digital bank or money market fund for better returns, and use CIMB/RHB for salary crediting, bill payments, and day-to-day spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has better customer service — CIMB or RHB?
Both banks receive mixed reviews for customer service. CIMB has a larger contact centre with 24/7 phone support. RHB is known for quicker branch wait times in smaller towns. Neither is outstanding — for urgent issues, visit a branch directly.
Can I open a CIMB or RHB account fully online?
Yes — both banks allow online account opening via their mobile apps for Malaysian citizens with a MyKad. The process typically takes 10–15 minutes with no branch visit required.
Does CIMB or RHB offer better personal loan rates?
CIMB generally offers more competitive personal loan rates for salaried employees, starting from around 3.99% p.a. (flat). RHB’s rates are similar but their eligibility criteria can be stricter. Always compare your actual letter of offer before committing — advertised rates are rarely what you’ll get.
Should I have accounts at both CIMB and RHB?
There’s no harm in maintaining accounts at both, especially since online banking is free. Many Malaysians use one for salary and the other for a secondary account. The only real cost is keeping minimum balances to avoid fall-below fees.
How does CIMB compare to Maybank?
Maybank is Malaysia’s largest bank with the widest ATM and branch network. CIMB is the second-largest and has a stronger digital platform. For most everyday needs they’re comparable — check our Maybank vs CIMB vs Public Bank comparison for a full breakdown.
