Q: When does an ABA Bank account become dormant in Cambodia?

ABA Bank typically classifies accounts as dormant after 12 to 24 months of no customer-initiated transactions. The exact period depends on your account type. Any login to ABA Mobile, balance inquiry, transfer, or card transaction resets the dormancy clock. MoneyKH recommends logging into ABA Mobile at least once every 3 months if you are abroad to keep your account active.

Q: Will the bank charge fees on my dormant account?

Some Cambodian banks charge dormancy fees on inactive accounts — these vary by bank and account type and can run from $2 to $10 per month. On a small balance account, dormancy fees could erode the entire balance over time. Verify your specific bank’s dormancy fee policy before leaving Cambodia and consider closing zero-balance accounts you no longer need.

Q: What is the easiest way to prevent my Cambodia account going dormant while abroad?

The simplest method is to log in to your mobile banking app and complete any transaction — even checking your balance — at least once every 3 months. For ABA Bank, this can be done from anywhere in the world via the ABA Mobile app. Set a calendar reminder on your phone now before you leave. One login every quarter prevents dormancy indefinitely.

Q: Can I reactivate a dormant Cambodian bank account from abroad?

It depends on the bank. ABA Bank offers relatively flexible remote reactivation via ABA Mobile for some dormancy situations. ACLEDA and Canadia typically require an in-person branch visit with ID, which means you may need to return to Cambodia or arrange for a power of attorney holder to visit on your behalf. Contact your bank’s customer service before the account reaches dormancy to discuss remote options.

Q: What happens to the money in a permanently abandoned Cambodian bank account?

After an extended period of abandonment — typically several years — NBC regulations require banks to transfer unclaimed funds to NBC custody. The funds do not disappear and can theoretically be reclaimed by proving ownership, but the process becomes significantly more complex. This is why preventing dormancy and maintaining contact with your bank is strongly preferable to allowing extended inactivity.

Q: I’m an expat who left Cambodia 2 years ago. Is my bank account still active?

Possibly not. If you made no transactions in the past 12 to 24 months, your account has likely been classified as dormant by your bank. Contact your bank immediately via email or international phone — do this before attempting to access the account via ATM or app, as multiple failed login attempts can further complicate reactivation. If the account is dormant, you will likely need to visit a branch in person or provide power of attorney to a trusted person in Cambodia.

Q: Does checking my ABA balance online count as activity to prevent dormancy?

A balance inquiry or login to ABA Mobile generally resets the inactivity clock at most Cambodian banks. However, this varies by bank — some banks only count actual transactions (transfers, deposits, withdrawals) as activity and not mere logins. To be safe, complete a small actual transaction — such as transferring $1 between your own accounts — rather than only logging in to check balance.

Q: Should I close my Cambodian bank account before leaving the country?

Only if you have no intention of returning and no ongoing payments or receipts in Cambodia. If you plan to return, receive remittances from abroad, or have any ongoing Cambodia-related financial activity, keeping the account open and active is preferable — reactivating a closed account requires opening a new one, which takes time and may not preserve your credit history. If you do close, ensure all balances are transferred out and all direct debits and standing orders are cancelled first.

Q: Can Cambodian EPS workers in Korea keep their home bank accounts active?

Yes — and they should. ABA Bank mobile banking works internationally and allows transactions from Korea. EPS workers should log into their Cambodia ABA app at least quarterly and ideally use it to receive their Korean remittances directly into their ABA USD account. This keeps the account active, earns savings account interest on funds held, and means the account is fully operational upon return to Cambodia.

Q: What documents do I need to reactivate a dormant Cambodian bank account?

Typically you need your original National ID or passport, your account number or debit card, and proof of identity matching the account records. Some banks may require you to update your contact details, confirm your current address, and complete a short reactivation form. If there have been any suspicious activities on the dormant account, additional verification may be required.