OCBC Money Lock | Help & Support | OCBC Bank

Help And Support

OCBC Digital Banking - OCBC Money Lock

Frequently Asked Questions
  • About OCBC Money Lock and how it protects you

    1. What is OCBC Money Lock?

      Our latest anti-scam security feature – OCBC Money Lock – allows you to lock some or all the funds in your account(s) to protect them from scams.

      You can, for example, lock funds that are in excess of what you need for regular or budgeted expenses.

      By locking your funds and releasing them when needed, you are adding an extra layer of protection from scams. For your security, your funds can only be released after we verify your identity.

      If you live in Singapore, you can release your funds at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks (you will need an OCBC ATM/credit/debit card and its PIN) – choose this option to skip the queue – or an OCBC branch.

      If you are living overseas, you can submit a request, via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking, to have us release your funds. We will be in touch within 4 working days.

    2. Why should I use OCBC Money Lock?

      Scammers and cybercriminals often use tactics like malware attacks to gain access to your account(s) and/or payment information like your debit card details.

      By locking your funds, you are giving them an extra layer of protection against scammers and cybercriminals. This means that, even in the unlikely event where a scammer gains unauthorised digital access to your account(s), your locked funds will remain safe.

    3. Is it mandatory to use OCBC Money Lock and lock the funds in my account(s)?

      No. However, by locking funds that are in excess of what you need for regular or budgeted expenses (e.g. your everyday expenses and banking activities), you are adding an extra layer of protection from scams.

    4. Do I have to open a new account to use this feature?

      No. You can lock the funds in your existing current and/or savings account(s) seamlessly via the OCBC app or Internet Banking.

      To ensure that you continue to enjoy the benefits of your account(s), your locked funds still count towards the account balance for the purposes of earning interest. For instance, locked funds in an OCBC 360 Account will count towards your account balance and earn bonus interest.

    5. If I do not use OCBC Money Lock, are my funds safe?

      We have a robust suite of security features and other measures in place to protect your account(s) and funds from falling into the wrong hands. However, should incidents that are out of our control happen (e.g. your device is stolen or infected with malware), you now have an additional safeguard to protect your hard-earned money.

      Scammers are adept at finding new and sophisticated ways to break into personal devices and OCBC internet banking accounts, and in tricking people into revealing personal and banking details. By locking your funds, you can stay one step ahead and have greater peace of mind – because your funds can only be released after we verify your identity.


  • OCBC Money Lock Must-Knows

    1. What must I know before using OCBC Money Lock?

      Locking funds

      • You can only lock the funds in your current and/or savings account(s) via secure channels – the OCBC app and Internet Banking.

        Do not have OCBC app? Download it from the following official app stores: Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery. You can also scan the QR code below to download it:

        Please follow this step-by-step guide to set up your OCBC app or Internet Banking access.

      • Your locked funds cannot be used for GIRO, scheduled or recurring payments, or to pay account fees.

        You may not access your locked funds until you release them. Do keep enough available balance to avoid late fees and charges.


      Releasing funds

      For your security, your funds can only be released after we verify your identity.

      • For OCBC Singapore customers living in Singapore

        You can instantly release your funds at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks (you will need an OCBC ATM/credit/debit card and its PIN) – choose this option to skip the queue – or an OCBC branch.

        No card? Apply for a credit card via the OCBC app and Internet Banking or a debit card via OCBC Internet Banking.

        Card expired or misplaced? Request a replacement card via the OCBC app.

        Forgot your card’s PIN? Reset it via the OCBC app or Internet Banking.

      • For OCBC Singapore customers living overseas

        You can release your funds by submitting a request via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking. We will call you within 4 working days.

        Your funds will only be released after we verify your identity through the phone call.


      If you have plans to go overseas and may need to access your locked funds during that period, we encourage you to release your funds at an OCBC ATM before leaving.

    2. What happens when my funds are locked?

      When your funds are locked, they cannot be used for:

      • New or existing payment arrangements (e.g. GIRO, standing instructions or future-dated transfers)
      • Transfers to another OCBC account
      • Transfers to another bank’s account (e.g. local and overseas transfers)
      • Bill or credit card payments
      • Fixed deposit placements or investments
      • Insurance purchases or payments
      • Loan or tax repayments
      • ATM withdrawals or transfers

      You may not access your locked funds until you release them. Do keep enough available balance to avoid late fees and charges. Certain transactions (e.g. fees for unsuccessful GIRO deductions and SimplyGo payments) may still be deducted if needed.

    3. I do not have an OCBC ATM, credit or debit card. What should I do?

      If your card has been misplaced, you can request a replacement card by accessing the ‘Card Services’ feature in the OCBC app. The feature is available from 5am to 9.30pm (Singapore time) from Mondays to Saturdays. Your replacement card will be mailed to the address in our records within 5 working days.

      Please follow this step-by-step guide to request a replacement card via the OCBC app.

      If you do not have a card, you may apply for:

      • A credit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in the OCBC app, Internet Banking or on our website; or
      • A debit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in OCBC Internet Banking or on our website.

      Your credit or debit card will be mailed to the address in our records within 7 working days of having your application approved.

    4. I have an OCBC ATM, credit or debit card but I have forgotten its PIN. What should I do?

      Here is how you can reset your card’s PIN:

      • Via the OCBC app: Log in to the OCBC app > Tap on the ‘More’ icon in the bottom navigation bar > Card Services > Reset PIN
      • Via OCBC Internet Banking: Log in to OCBC Internet Banking > Customer Service > Card services > Reset card PIN

  • How OCBC Money Lock works

    LOCKING

    1. How much funds can I lock?

      You can lock some of or all your funds – in multiples of S$10 – in your existing current and/or savings account(s). You may not access these funds until you release them.

      Please note that:
      As you cannot use locked funds for GIRO, scheduled or recurring payments, or to pay account fees, do keep enough available balance to avoid late fees and charges.

    2. How can I lock my funds using OCBC Money Lock?

      You can lock the funds in your existing current and/or savings account(s) seamlessly via two secure channels – the OCBC app and Internet Banking.

      Please follow these step-by-step guides to lock the funds in your existing current and/or savings account(s).

    3. How long will it take for my Money Lock request to be processed?

      You request will be processed immediately. We will send you a push notification/SMS and email informing you that your funds have been locked.

    4. I have not downloaded the OCBC app and/or do not have access to OCBC Internet Banking. How else can I lock my funds??

      Currently, OCBC Money Lock is only available via the OCBC app and Internet Banking.

      We strongly encourage you to download the OCBC app to access OCBC Money Lock and other important security features. Click here to learn more about the OCBC app.

      You can download the OCBC app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery.

      Alternatively, you can apply for OCBC Internet Banking by taking these steps.

    5. How do I increase the amount locked in my account(s)? Can I submit multiple requests to lock funds in the same account(s)?

      You can increase the amount locked in your account(s) anytime. You do not need to release your locked funds first.

      For example, if you decide to lock S$1,000 in your account today and increase that locked amount to S$2,000 tomorrow, all you have to do is submit another request via the OCBC app or Internet Banking. Your funds will be locked immediately and your locked amount updated to S$2,000.

      Please follow this step-by-step guide to increase the amount of funds locked in your account.

    6. I have locked my funds using OCBC Money Lock. Will the locked amount count towards my account balance for the purposes of earning interest?

      Yes. Funds under OCBC Money Lock will count towards the account balance for the purposes of earning interest.


    RELEASING

    1. I am an OCBC Singapore customer living in Singapore. How do I release my funds?

      OCBC Singapore customers living in Singapore can release their funds securely at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks (you will need an OCBC ATM/credit/debit card and its PIN) – choose this option to skip the queue – or an OCBC branch.

      Your funds will be released instantly and in full.

      Please follow this step-by-step guide to release your funds at an OCBC ATM.

      Damaged or lost your card? Request a replacement card via ‘Card services’ in the OCBC app. The card will be mailed to the address in our records within 5 working days. Please follow this step-by-step guide to request a replacement card via the OCBC app.

      Do not have an OCBC card? Apply for:

      • A credit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in the OCBC app, Internet Banking or on our website; or
      • A debit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in OCBC Internet Banking or on our website.

      A credit or debit card will be mailed to the address in our records within 7 working days of having your application approved.

    2. Forgot your card’s PIN? Reset it:

      • Via the OCBC app: Log in to the OCBC app > Tap on the ‘More’ icon in the bottom navigation bar > Card Services > Reset PIN
      • Via OCBC Internet Banking: Log in to OCBC Internet Banking > Customer Service > Card services > Reset card PIN

      To avoid any inconvenience when you need to release (i.e. access) your funds, please check that your card and its PIN are still valid before locking your funds.

    3. I am an OCBC Singapore customer living overseas. How do I release my funds?

      OCBC Singapore customers living overseas can release their funds by submitting a request via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking.

      Here’s how it works:

      • To submit a request to release your funds, go to the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking and select ‘Money Lock Release Funds’ from the dropdown menu. Then, indicate in your message that you live overseas.

        Please follow this step-by-step guide to release your funds if you are not in Singapore.
      • Once you submit your request, an OCBC staff member will call you within 4 working days to verify your identity. Please ensure that your mobile number in our records is up to date before submitting a request.
      • If we are unable to reach you, we will send a message to your Secured Mailbox. Please check your mailbox frequently for updates on your request.
      • Please note that:

      • You must select ‘Money Lock Release Funds’ from the dropdown menu when submitting a request via Secured Mailbox. If not, we regret it may take a longer time for us to process your request.
      • We will only process requests – via Secured Mailbox – to release funds from OCBC Singapore customers living overseas. If you are living in Singapore, please release your funds at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks, or an OCBC branch.
      • Before using OCBC Money Lock, please ensure that you are able to wait at least 4 working days for your funds to be released. We regret that we will not be able to process any requests to release funds via our hotline, or at an OCBC branch or ATM overseas.
    4. How long will it take for my funds to be released?

      Your funds will be released immediately if you make a request at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs or Service Kiosks, or an OCBC branch, in Singapore.

      If you are living overseas, you may submit a request via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking. We will be in touch within 4 working days.

    5. I need to release my locked funds urgently. What should I do?

      If you live in Singapore, please visit any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs or Service Kiosks, or an OCBC branch. Your funds will be released immediately.

      If you live overseas, your funds cannot be released immediately. You will have to submit a request via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking. We will call you within 4 working days to verify your identity before releasing your funds.

    6. Can I release my funds at an OCBC ATM or branch overseas?

      No. If you live in Singapore, you can only release your funds at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs or Service Kiosks, or an OCBC branch. For your convenience, if you have plans to go overseas and may need to access your locked funds during that period, we encourage you to release your funds at an OCBC ATM before leaving.

      If you live overseas, please submit a request to release your funds via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking. We will call you within 4 working days to verify your identity before releasing your funds.

    7. Can I release part of the funds that I locked?

      No, you cannot partially release your locked funds. You must first release the full amount and then submit a request to lock a new amount via the OCBC app or Internet Banking.

    8. Why am I unable to release my funds via the OCBC app or Internet Banking?

      For your security, your funds can only be released in person (for those living in Singapore) or after we verify your identity through a phone call (for those living overseas).

      Because locked funds cannot be released via digital channels, cybercriminals cannot get to them even if they gain digital access (e.g. through malware attacks) to your account(s). It is much harder for cybercriminals to gain access your account(s) and funds through physical methods like visiting an OCBC branch or ATM.

    9. I wish to release my funds at an OCBC ATM but I do not have an OCBC ATM/debit/credit card. How can I apply for one?

      You can apply for:

      • A credit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in the OCBC app, Internet Banking or on our website; or
      • A debit card via the ‘Apply’ feature in OCBC Internet Banking or on our website; or
      • An ATM card by visiting an OCBC branch in Singapore.
    10. Can I use my OCBC credit card to release my funds at an OCBC ATM? Does my credit card need to be linked to my bank account?

      Yes. You may use your OCBC credit card and its PIN to release your funds at an OCBC ATM. Your credit card does not need to be linked to your bank account.

    11. When I visit an OCBC ATM, can I use the ‘Scan & Pay’ feature in the OCBC app – which allows cardless withdrawals – to release my funds?

      No. For your security, you will need to use an OCBC ATM/debit/credit card and its PIN to access the Money Lock feature at OCBC ATMs.

    12. How can I release my funds if the OCBC ATM I visit is under maintenance?

      If an OCBC ATM is under maintenance and you need to release your funds urgently, please refer to this list for the other ATMs in your area or approach a staff member at any OCBC branch for advice.

    13. I have submitted a request to release my funds via Secured Mailbox in the OCBC app or Internet Banking. However, I have not received a call. What should I do?

      Please check the following:

      • Did you select the ‘Money Lock Release Funds’ option in the dropdown menu when submitting your request via Secured Mailbox and indicate in your message that you live overseas?
      • Was your mobile number in our records up to date when you submitted your request? A staff member will call you at that number within 4 working days of the date of your request.
      • Have you checked your Secured Mailbox for updates from us? If we attempt to call you but are unsuccessful, we will send a message to your Secured Mailbox.
    14. If I live overseas, why do I have to submit a request via Secured Mailbox? Can OCBC act on my instructions if I call the hotline?

      For your security, two levels of authentication must be done before we can process your request. First, we need you to submit your written instructions via a secure source (i.e. Secured Mailbox) – this helps us verify that the instructions are legitimate. Second, we need to call you in order to verify your identity – this ensures that the request was submitted by you, the account holder.

  • Using OCBC Money Lock with a current or savings account

    1. What accounts can Money Lock be used for?

      You can lock your money using the Money Lock feature in any SGD and foreign currency savings or current account, including:


      • 360 Account
      • Frank Account
      • Bonus+ Savings Account
      • Monthly Savings Account
      • Mighty Savers® Account
      • USD Current Account
      • Global Savings Account
      • Passbook Savings Account
      • Statement Savings Account
      • Current Account
      • Premier Dividend+ Savings Account

    2. I have an OCBC 360 Account or another savings account. Will I continue to earn the same interest if I lock some or all of my funds?

      Yes, you will. Your locked funds still count towards the account balance for the purposes of earning interest. For instance, locked funds in an OCBC 360 Account will count towards your account balance and earn bonus interest.

  • How using OCBC Money Lock affects payments and transfers

    1. Can I use my locked funds to make GIRO, scheduled or recurring payments?

      No. When your funds are locked, you cannot use them for:

      • New or existing payment arrangements (e.g. GIRO, standing instructions or future-dated transfers)
      • Transfers to another OCBC account
      • Transfers to another bank’s account (e.g. local and overseas transfers)
      • Bill or credit card payments
      • Fixed deposit placements or investments
      • Insurance purchases or payments
      • Loan or tax repayments
      • ATM withdrawals or transfers

      You may not access your locked funds until you release them. Do keep enough available balance to avoid late fees and charges.


    2. What happens if charges to my account exceed my available balance (i.e. funds that are not locked)?

      Please ensure that you keep enough available balance in your account for all your expenses and payment arrangements. If a scheduled payment cannot be made due to insufficient funds, you may incur late fees and charges. For such fees and charges, please refer to your account’s Terms and Conditions.


  • Using OCBC Money Lock as an overseas resident

    1. I am an OCBC Singapore customer living overseas. How do I lock my funds?

      You can lock the funds in your existing current and/or savings account(s) anywhere. Just use the OCBC Digital app or Internet Banking.

      Please follow these step-by-step guides to lock the funds in your existing current and/or savings account(s).


    2. I am an OCBC Singapore customer living overseas. How do I release my funds?

      OCBC Singapore customers living overseas can release their funds by submitting a request via the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC Digital app or Internet Banking.


      Here’s how it works:

      • To submit a request to release your funds, go to the Secured Mailbox in the OCBC Digital app or Internet Banking and select ‘Money Lock Release Funds’ from the dropdown menu. Then, indicate in your message that you live overseas.

        Please follow this step-by-step guide to release your funds if you are not in Singapore.
      • Once you submit your request, an OCBC staff member will call you within 4 working days to verify your identity. Please ensure that your mobile number in our records is up to date before submitting a request.
      • If we are unable to reach you, we will send a message to your Secured Mailbox. Please check your mailbox frequently for updates on your request.

      • Please note that:

      • You must select ‘Money Lock Release Funds’ from the dropdown menu when submitting a request via Secured Mailbox. If not, we regret it may take a longer time for us to process your request.
      • We will only process requests – via Secured Mailbox – to release funds from OCBC Singapore customers living overseas. If you are living in Singapore, please release your funds at any OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks, or an OCBC branch.
      • Before using OCBC Money Lock, please ensure that you are able to wait at least 4 working days for your funds to be released. We regret that we will not be able to process any requests to release funds via our hotline, or at an OCBC branch or ATM overseas.

    3. How long will it take for my funds to be released?

      After you submit your request, we will be in touch within 4 working days to verify your identity. After which, your funds will be released.


  • OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks where funds can be released

    1. Which OCBC ATMs, New ATMs and Service Kiosks can I visit to release my funds?

      You may release your funds at any OCBC ATM, New ATM or Service Kiosk. Locate the nearest ATM here.