Ryt Bank is making account activation a little more flexible by giving customers another way to complete the initial funding step required after opening an account. The Malaysian digital bank now allows customers to activate their accounts by transferring money through ATMs or physical bank branches, rather than relying exclusively on online banking.
That may sound like a small change, but it could make the onboarding process considerably easier for customers who are not comfortable using internet banking, do not have immediate access to another online banking account, or simply prefer completing financial transactions through more traditional channels.
According to Ryt Bank, it is the first digital bank in Malaysia to support account activation through ATMs and bank branches.
Account Opening Still Starts in the Ryt Bank App
The new option does not replace Ryt Bank's existing digital onboarding process.
Customers still need to download the Ryt Bank app, open an account and complete the required electronic Know Your Customer, or eKYC, verification.
That means users still need to go through the usual identity verification process before the account can be activated.
The difference comes at the funding stage.
Previously, customers would generally need to transfer money electronically from another bank account. With the new method, that initial transfer can now be completed through an ATM or at a participating bank branch using the Interbank GIRO (IBG) network.
This effectively separates the identity verification process from the funding process.
The account is still created digitally, but customers now have more choice over how they provide the initial deposit.
How to Select the New Activation Method
Once the account has been successfully opened and the eKYC process is complete, customers can begin the activation process directly from the Ryt Bank app.
From the account dashboard, users need to select "Add money".
Instead of choosing the usual online funding option, they can select "Use another method".
Ryt Bank will then present two alternatives:
The customer can choose whichever method is more convenient.
Activating Ryt Bank Through an ATM
For customers who prefer using an ATM, the process is relatively straightforward.
Users first need to insert their bank card into an ATM and select the option to make a transfer.
It is important that the name attached to the sending bank account matches the customer's MyKad or IC name, as this helps ensure that the transfer can be properly associated with the Ryt Bank account.
Customers should then select Interbank GIRO, followed by Savings Account.
From there, the user chooses Ryt Bank as the receiving institution, enters the Ryt Bank account number and transfers at least RM1.
Once the transfer has been successfully processed, the account can be activated.
The entire transaction is handled through the existing IBG banking network, meaning customers do not need to visit a Ryt Bank location or interact directly with its support team.
Bank Branch Activation Is Also Available
Customers who prefer dealing with a person rather than an ATM can also complete the activation at a physical bank branch.
The process is slightly different because customers should bring their MyKad with them.
At the branch, the customer needs to inform the bank officer that they would like to make an Interbank GIRO transfer to Ryt Bank.
The bank staff will then guide the customer through the necessary forms and information required for the transaction.
As with ATM activation, the transfer needs to be made into the customer's Ryt Bank account.
Once the minimum funding requirement has been met and the transfer is processed, the account can be activated.
This option could be particularly useful for people who are less familiar with digital banking interfaces or who simply feel more comfortable completing the transaction with assistance from bank staff.
Only RM1 Is Required to Activate the Account
Ryt Bank requires a minimum transfer of just RM1 to complete the activation process.
In practical terms, however, customers using an ATM or bank branch may need to transfer slightly more depending on the limitations of the selected channel.
For example, certain machines or counter services may only support particular transfer amounts or denominations.
So while Ryt Bank itself only requires RM1, the final amount transferred could vary depending on the bank or ATM being used.
The important point is that customers do not need to maintain a large initial deposit simply to get started.
Why This Matters for a Digital Bank
At first glance, allowing account activation through physical bank branches might seem slightly unusual for a digital bank.
Digital banks are built around the idea of allowing customers to manage almost everything through a smartphone without visiting a branch.
But not every customer has the same level of comfort with digital banking.
Some users may already have bank accounts but prefer ATM transfers. Others may not have mobile banking activated with another institution. There may also be customers who are perfectly comfortable using Ryt Bank's app but still prefer completing certain transactions through traditional channels.
By supporting ATM and branch-based activation, Ryt Bank is effectively making its digital banking service accessible to a broader group of customers.
It also reduces one of the potential barriers to opening a digital bank account: the assumption that the customer must already be heavily dependent on online banking elsewhere.
A Hybrid Approach to Digital Banking
The move also reflects an interesting direction for digital banking.
Digital banks may not necessarily need to operate entirely within their own closed ecosystem.
They can still take advantage of Malaysia's existing banking infrastructure, including networks such as IBG, while keeping the customer-facing experience primarily digital.
In Ryt Bank's case, the customer still opens the account through the app and manages it digitally after activation.
The ATM or branch simply becomes another pathway for transferring the initial funds.
That hybrid approach could be useful as digital banks continue trying to attract customers beyond the younger and more technologically confident demographic.
Traditional Banking Infrastructure Still Has a Role
Digital banking is often presented as a replacement for traditional banking, but the reality is likely to be more gradual.
ATMs, bank branches and existing payment networks remain deeply embedded in how many Malaysians manage their money.
Instead of forcing every customer into a completely app-based process, allowing older banking channels to work alongside newer digital services could make the transition smoother.
It can also provide customers with alternatives when online banking is unavailable.
For example, someone experiencing problems with another bank's mobile application could still transfer money to activate their Ryt Bank account through an ATM.
Having multiple channels creates an additional layer of convenience and resilience.
eKYC Is Still Mandatory
One important detail to keep in mind is that the new activation method does not allow customers to bypass Ryt Bank's digital identity verification.
Users must still complete eKYC through the Ryt Bank app before using either the ATM or branch-based funding option.
That process remains necessary for regulatory and identity verification purposes.
The ATM or branch transfer only replaces the method used to provide the initial funding required to activate the account.
In other words, customers cannot simply walk into another bank branch and open a Ryt Bank account from there.
The account opening itself remains fully digital.
Final Thoughts
Ryt Bank's decision to allow account activation through ATMs and physical bank branches is a relatively simple addition, but it makes the onboarding process more inclusive.
Customers still get the convenience of opening their account through the Ryt Bank app and completing eKYC digitally, but they are no longer limited to online banking when making the initial activation transfer.
For users who prefer ATMs, need assistance from bank staff or simply do not have access to another online banking service, the new option provides a useful alternative.
It also shows that digital banking does not necessarily have to mean eliminating traditional banking channels altogether.
Sometimes, giving customers more ways to complete the same task can be just as valuable as introducing an entirely new digital feature.
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