FDH Bank
How to open a personal account with FDH Bank, which account fits you, what it costs, and how to start mobile banking with the FDH app, *525# and WhatsApp.
- Savings from MK200
- Open online in about 5 minutes
- Help line 525, toll free
Quick answer: Take your National ID, a utility bill (water or electricity) and a sketch map of where you live to any FDH branch, or apply online at onboarding.fdh.co.mw. The cheapest savings accounts start from MK200 with no monthly fee. FDH Bank’s SWIFT code is FDHFMWMW.
Three ways to open an FDH account
Open an account at an FDH branch
FDH’s site shows four steps: talk to the staff, hand in your documents, KYC check, then start saving.
Pick your account
Use the account cards below to choose. Most people start with First Save (MK200) or the Ordinary Personal Savings Account (MK1,000).
Gather your documents
Your National ID is mandatory. Add a utility bill or other proof of residence, passport size photos, and for most savings accounts a referee who already has an FDH account. See the checklist.
Visit a branch and fill in the form
Find your nearest branch on FDH’s branch list. Staff give you the application form and check your ID (the KYC step).
Make your first deposit
Pay in at least the minimum for your account. Ask for your Mastercard and for mobile banking while you are there.
Open an FDH account online
FDH runs its own sign-up site, linked from the Open an Account button on every account page.
Open the sign-up page
Go to onboarding.fdh.co.mw, or tap Open an account online at the top of this guide. FDH says it should take about 5 minutes.
Get a one-time code
Tap Get OTP. FDH sends a code to your phone to start the application, then asks for your name, address, date of birth and ID details.
Finish and keep your phone close
Which accounts can be opened fully online is not listed on the site, so check with the bank if you want a specific one. Help: (265) 1 820 219 or toll free 525, Monday to Friday 7 AM to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM.
Open an FDH account from outside Malawi
FDH’s FAQ says you can open an account while outside Malawi.
How to start
- Email [email protected] and say which account you want (usually the Diaspora Account or an FCDA).
- Have your passport and National ID ready, plus proof of residence. Non-residents may also be asked for a visa and a bank statement.
- Fund the account in USD, EUR, GBP or ZAR. Money sent from abroad takes about three working days to clear, FDH says.
Fees and minimum balances for diaspora accounts are not published, so check with the bank.
Sending money home? See what your dollars, pounds or rand are worth in kwacha at today’s official Reserve Bank of Malawi rate with our kwacha converter. The bank’s own exchange rate and fees decide what actually arrives.
FDH personal accounts
Figures as of October 2026; FDH marks them all as “currently” and can change them. Interest rates are reviewed from time to time.
First Save Savings Account
For low income earners (FDH says under K100,000), in towns and villages.
- Minimum to open
- MK200
- Monthly fee
- None
- Card
- Mastercard
- Interest
- Yes; rate: check with the bank
Documents: National ID, utility bill or proof of residence, a referee (an account holder).
Ordinary Personal Savings Account
For average income earners who want interest and easy access.
- Minimum to open
- MK1,000
- Monthly fee
- None
- Interest
- 3.5% a year, added monthly
- Extra
- Borrow against savings on request
Documents: National ID, utility bill or proof of residence, a referee (an account holder).
Minor Savings Account
For parents or guardians saving for a child under 18. The adult opens it as trustee; the child takes it over at 18.
- Minimum to open
- K1,000
- Monthly fee
- None
- For
- Children under 18
Documents: the child’s birth certificate or health passport book, a passport photo of the child, the trustee’s ID (passport, driving licence or National ID) with a letter from a recognised authority or employer, a utility bill, and a referee.
Student Savings Account
For students. Parents or guardians can pay into it for the student.
- Minimum to open
- K200
- Monthly fee
- None
- Interest
- 3.5%, paid monthly
Documents: an introductory letter from your school or college, your student ID and National ID, and a reference from an account holder at any bank.
Champini Savings Account
For farmers of cash crops, as individuals or clubs, to keep harvest money until the next season.
- Minimum to open
- MK200
- Monthly fee
- check with the bank
Documents: National ID or AHL/TCC ID, an introductory letter from your Traditional Authority (TA) or District Commissioner (DC), and a referee.
Civil Servant Savings Account
For anyone working in a government department, at any level.
- Minimum to open
- MK1,000
- Monthly fee
- check with the bank
Documents: National ID, an introductory letter from your government institution, a referee, and a utility bill.
Personal Current Account
For individuals with a net income of K100,000 a month who want cheques, transfers and access to loans.
- Monthly fee
- K3,600
- Statements
- Electronic, monthly
- Minimum to open
- check with the bank
- Extra
- Overdraft and loans on application
Documents: National ID, utility bill or proof of residence, a referee (an account holder).
Fixed Term Deposit
For money you can lock away for a set time. Open to FDH and non FDH customers.
- Minimum
- K10,000
- Terms
- 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 12 months
- Interest
- Negotiated; paid at maturity
- Extra
- Borrow against it
Documents: National ID, utility bill or proof of residence.
Call Deposit Account
For existing FDH customers with savings to park short term at a higher rate.
- Minimum
- MK50,000
- Notice
- 7 or 30 days before withdrawing
- Interest
- Paid quarterly
Taking money out early, without notice, attracts a penalty charge. Rates depend on how much you invest. Documents: check with the bank.
Foreign Currency Denominated Account (FCDA)
For people who receive money from abroad and want to keep it in foreign currency. Resident or non-resident.
- Currencies
- USD, GBP, EUR, ZAR, DKK and others
- Paid in by
- Telegraphic transfer
- Minimum
- check with the bank
- Fees
- check with the bank
You can keep 100% of your forex receipts and convert when you need to (exporters keep 60% under current rules). Documents: National ID, utility bill or proof of residence, and a work permit if you are not resident.
Diaspora Account
For Malawians living or working abroad who want to send money home and invest in land, homes and projects.
- Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP or ZAR
- Loans
- Balance can secure a loan over 36 months
- Minimum
- check with the bank
- Fees
- check with the bank
Other currencies (such as CAD, AUD or Pula) are converted to one of the four at the spot rate. Documents: National ID and passport, utility bill or proof of residence.
Salama (Islamic) accounts
FDH Salama offers Shariah compliant Mudaraba current and savings accounts that pay no interest (riba), for individuals too.
- Minimum
- check with the bank
- Fees
- check with the bank
Details are in PDF documents on the Salama page; ask a branch for the personal account form.
No bank account yet? Ufulu525 is a digital account you register yourself on a TNM or Airtel phone, and Wallet525 is a wallet you can use without a bank account. FDH does not publish the sign-up steps, so check with the bank or dial *525#. Ufulu525 page.
Documents to bring
Personal account checklist (from FDH’s site)
- National ID (mandatory)
- A utility bill (water or electricity) or other proof of residence
- A sketch map of where you live
- Passport size photos
- A referee who has an FDH account (most savings and current accounts)
- The application form, filled in at the branch
- Not resident in Malawi? Your passport, visa and a bank statement if you have one
Some accounts need more, such as a school letter (Student) or a TA or DC letter (Champini). Check the account card above.
Fees and card limits
Only what FDH publishes, as of October 2026.
Savings accounts such as First Save, Ordinary, Minor and Student have no monthly service fee. The Personal Current Account costs K3,600 a month.
FDH Debit Mastercards work worldwide, and FDH says there is no charge to pay by card at a shop till (POS). Card fees, ATM fees and transfer fees are not on the site, so check with the bank. Card limits can be changed at a branch, within 24 working hours.
An account with no activity for one year becomes dormant.
- Standard card
- MK400,000 a day at ATMs
- Gold card
- MK500,000 a day
- Platinum card
- MK600,000 a day
- Abroad
- Up to $5,000 pre-approved
FDH Mobile: app, *525# and WhatsApp
For FDH account holders registered on mobile banking, and FDH wallet holders. FDH says you must be 16 or over to use the app.
FDH Smart App
Download the FDH Bank Mobile Banking app from Google Play or the App Store.
Choose how to register: with your FDH bank card, or with the mobile banking login the bank gave you. Fill in the details and submit; your banking menus appear when it works.
USSD: *525#
Works on any phone with a working SIM, no data needed. First fill in and hand in FDH’s mobile banking form (ask at your branch), then dial *525#.
WhatsApp banking
Save 0880 849 079 in your contacts, open WhatsApp, find the contact and send Hi.
Reply with the number of the service you want: balance, mini statement, transfers, airtime or bill payments.
All three let you check balances, send money to FDH accounts, other banks and Airtel or TNM wallets, buy airtime, pay bills and withdraw cash at an ATM without a card. FDH does not publish a sign-up for personal internet banking, so check with the bank.
FDH Bank SWIFT code and branch codes
For money sent to you from abroad, give the sender FDH’s SWIFT (BIC) code, your name and your account number. FDH says international transfers take about three working days to clear.
FDH does not publish branch or sort codes on its website. If a sender or employer asks for one, call 525 or ask your branch.
- SWIFT / BIC
- FDHFMWMW
- Bank
- FDH Bank Plc
- Head office
- FDH House, Victoria Avenue, Blantyre
- Branch codes
- Not published
Contact FDH Bank
FDH Bank FAQ
What do I need to open an FDH Bank account?
A valid National ID, a utility bill (water or electricity) and a sketch map of where you live. Most savings accounts also need a referee who has an FDH account, and you fill in the application form at the branch.
What is the cheapest FDH account?
The First Save Savings Account and the Student Savings Account both open with MK200 and have no monthly service fee (as of October 2026).
What is the SWIFT code for FDH Bank?
FDHFMWMW. FDH does not publish separate branch or sort codes; call 525 if someone asks you for one.
Can I open an FDH account from outside Malawi?
Yes. FDH says to email [email protected] for help. The Diaspora Account takes USD, EUR, GBP or ZAR.
How do I register for FDH mobile banking?
Download the FDH app and register with your FDH card or mobile banking login, or fill in the mobile banking form and dial *525#. For WhatsApp banking, save 0880 849 079 and send Hi.
When does an FDH account become dormant?
After one year with no activity, FDH says.
Can I collect my card at a different branch?
Yes. Your home branch sends the Mastercard to the branch where you want to collect it.
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