Most investment platforms in Malaysia require RM1,000 or more upfront, along with paperwork and financial knowledge that many young professionals simply don’t have. The MAE app removes these barriers. Launched in 2020 as Maybank’s all-in-one platform combining banking, payments, savings, and investments, the ‘Build the Futures’ feature puts wealth-building tools directly in your hands.

The platform offers four distinct investment options, each accessible with minimal capital and zero branch visits. What you choose depends on how much you’re comfortable investing and what your financial goals look like.

MIGA-i: Start With RM10 In Gold

Maybank Islamic Gold Account-i (MIGA-i) is the lowest entry point on MAE. You can buy 999.9 purity gold from as little as RM10, making it accessible for testing investment waters without significant commitment.

The Shariah-compliant account matters if you’re seeking halal investment options, but gold also serves as an inflation hedge. When ringgit purchasing power erodes, gold typically holds its value better than cash in savings accounts.

Transactions happen entirely within the app between 8.30am and 11.59pm daily. You buy and sell based on real-time market prices, and can eventually convert holdings into physical gold bars from 1g to 1,000g. For someone starting with RM10 monthly, this provides straightforward exposure to a tangible asset without managing physical storage.

Tabung: Build The Habit Before The Portfolio

Tabung functions as the foundation many Malaysians need before committing to formal investments. Think of it as habit formation with built-in accountability.

You can create up to 10 separate Tabungs at once, each targeting a specific goal starting from RM10. The Boosters automate saving: Spare Change rounds up Scan & Pay transactions; Scan & Save captures promotion discounts; Guilty Pleasure deposits predetermined amounts when you exceed spending limits by category.

Group Tabung allows up to five people to save collaboratively. Each member sets their own auto-deduction through MAE, and everyone tracks contributions in real time. This social element helps maintain commitment for shared goals like holidays or gifts.

Tabungs linked to Maybank current or savings accounts earn Kawanku Savings account interest rates. If linked to MAE Wallet, they don’t earn interest but still separate funds and build consistent patterns. Once you’ve established reliable savings through Tabung, the jump to investments becomes less daunting.

ASNB: Convenience Without The Branch Visit

Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) has been familiar to Malaysians for decades, but accessing it typically meant branch visits and physical forms. The MAE app removes that friction by allowing you to top up your existing ASNB funds directly from the app, starting from as little as RM10.

From 2026 onwards, you’ll also be able to open new ASNB accounts entirely within the MAE app. There’s no lock-in period, giving you flexibility if circumstances change. You can manage your ASNB portfolio alongside other MAE activities without switching platforms or visiting a branch.

Goal-Based Investment: Match Your Money To Your Plans

Goal-Based Investment is the most structured MAE option for people ready to commit more capital towards specific objectives. Minimum investment starts at RM200, with sales charges ranging from 0% to 1.5% depending on your portfolio.

The feature operates like a simplified robo-advisor. You answer questions to determine your risk profile, then choose from three preset goals: retirement, education, or wealth growth. MAE recommends a portfolio of unit trust funds managed by professional fund managers, or you can select up to five funds yourself.

Both conventional and Shariah-compliant options are available, so you can align investments with personal values. There’s no lock-in period or redemption penalty. You can choose monthly auto-investments or lump sums depending on cash flow.

The interface tracks your progress, adjusting projections based on contributions and market performance. You can top up with lump sums if falling behind, or pause and modify goals if circumstances change. Withdrawals to your main account take two to three business days.

Why Low Minimums Actually Matter

The difference between needing RM1,000 and needing RM10 isn’t just numerical. It’s the difference between “I’ll start when I have more money” and “I can start today with what I have now”.

Traditional minimums assumed investors had substantial capital and financial literacy immediately. Most young Malaysians don’t fit that profile. They have income and understand the need to grow wealth, but lack capital reserves and confidence to commit four-figure sums to unfamiliar products.

MAE’s tiered approach acknowledges that investment readiness isn’t binary. Someone might be ready to invest RM10 in gold but not RM200 monthly in unit trusts. Someone else might want to practice saving through Tabung before moving to investments. The platform meets people where they are rather than demanding they clear a high bar first.

The digital-first approach removes psychological barriers too. Branch visits carry implicit expectations of financial sophistication. MAE lets you research, compare, and commit on your own terms without the social pressure of face-to-face interactions.

Whether you start with RM10 in gold, build discipline through Tabung, access ASNB without paperwork, or commit RM200 to goal-based investing, MAE transforms “someday” into “today”.

Download the MAE app now to explore investment options that match your financial goals and comfort level. Take advantage of the ongoing Scan & Pay promotion (running until 31 December 2025) where you can earn up to RM15 cashback when you complete five QR payments of at least RM15 each, plus checking using ‘Maybank2u Online Banking’ and stand to win a shopping spree worth RM5,000!.