Your preferred foreign currency accounts in Africa
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Clare Shi
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If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
Managing international payments in Africa can be tricky when receiving or sending funds to another country. Currency fluctuations, hidden fees, and slow transfers often eat into profits, leaving businesses and freelancers frustrated.
With a foreign currency account, it becomes possible to hold, receive, and send payments in multiple currencies–and only exchange currencies when you really need it.
The right account can simplify multi-currency transactions for your business and protect your funds from exchange rate fluctuations and hidden charges.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best foreign currency accounts in Africa.
What is a foreign currency account?
A foreign currency account allows you to hold, send, or receive money in a currency other than your base currency. Unlike a regular account that operates in your domestic currency, a foreign currency account can be maintained in multiple currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, JPY and more.
Instead of constantly converting your foreign earnings to domestic currency, you can keep the funds in their original currency and withdraw or transfer whenever you need, helping you avoid losses due to fluctuating exchange rates.
The biggest advantage of these accounts is that they can be virtual and you can open them without requiring any local business presence in that region, making cross-border transactions smoother and more flexible for importers, exporters, freelancers, and online sellers.
How does a foreign currency account work?
Imagine you’re an African seller with customers in the US. You receive payments from Amazon US and eBay directly in USD, which are credited to your foreign currency account. Instead of converting those funds to domestic currency right away, you can hold your earnings in USD and use them to pay for international expenses such as Amazon fees, SaaS subscriptions, or marketing agencies, without going through multiple currency conversions.
This approach helps you save on conversion charges and gives you flexibility to manage your money strategically. When the USD to domestic currency exchange rate becomes more favorable, you can then convert your remaining funds to local African currencies to get the best possible value.
With a foreign currency account, African businesses get more control over when and how they convert their foreign income.
Why do you need a foreign currency account in Africa?
1. Receive and hold multiple currencies directly
With a foreign currency account, you can receive payments in different currencies–directly from international clients. This means your customers can pay in their local currency, just like they would pay any other local business, with zero conversion involved. This makes the payment faster and convenient for them as well as for you.
Once the funds reach your foreign currency account, you can hold them in the same currency and decide to convert to domestic currency or use them for international payments.
2. Protect income from FX fluctuations
Currency exchange rates can change quickly, so instead of immediately converting to domestic currency at potentially low rates, you can time your transfers or payments to suppliers, helping your business or freelance income go further.
With a foreign currency account, you can hold funds in their original currency and choose the best time to convert or make payments.
3. Simplify global business payments and withdrawals
A foreign currency account makes international payments and withdrawals faster and more organised. Instead of managing multiple accounts in different countries or constantly converting currencies, all your foreign currency balances are accessible through a single account. This makes it easier to get payment from customers and pay vendors abroad directly in their local currency.
It also enables faster reconciliation, since you can track all inflows and outflows from one place. For African importers, exporters, and online sellers, this means less hassle, fewer errors, and smoother management of multi-currency business operations.
How to find the best currency account for your business?
While different banks and account providers serve different needs, we’ve evaluated the following factors from a business-first perspective, prioritising features that help companies operate efficiently across borders
1. Account type: business vs personal
Focus on business accounts that offer invoicing, payments, and international transactions. Personal accounts won’t give you the same features or limits.
2. Supported currencies
Check which currencies the account supports. Your provider should support the currencies your business frequently deals with, whether for receiving international payments or making supplier payments abroad.
3. Fees and exchange rates
Compare the following fees between the banks and international providers you’re considering, as these can significantly affect your margins:
- Account maintenance fees
- Transfer fees (incoming/outgoing)
- Currency conversion markups
4. Ease of use
Look for accounts with simple sign-up processes, smooth KYC requirements, and a reliable mobile or web app. If you need to go to a bank branch multiple times just to open an account, there’s no point to it at all. The ability to open and manage your account remotely can save time and hassle.
5. Transfer and collection capabilities
A strong currency account should do more than hold funds. It should also help you move money easily and receive payments globally. Evaluate how well your provider supports:
- Incoming international payments: Can overseas clients pay directly into your account via SWIFT or local collection networks?
- Outgoing transfers: How fast can you pay suppliers abroad, and what’s the limit per transaction?
Multi-currency management: Can you convert, hold, and transfer between currencies without restrictions?
6. Availability for freelancers vs registered companies
Some accounts are only for registered companies, while others allow freelancers or sole proprietors. Check eligibility before applying.
7. Security features
Look for accounts that provide security tokens or two-factor authentication to protect your funds, especially for international transactions. There should also be fraud detection systems that alert you to unusual activity.
Top foreign currency accounts in Africa
Ecobank
Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 14,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers.
GT Bank
GTBank’s Domiciliary Account allows you to manage your account in US Dollars, Pounds, or Euros. Funding your account is simple through cash deposits or inflows, and withdrawals can be made at any GTBank branch.
GTBank provides 24/7 banking services through its various e-channels. You can also make cash withdrawals in foreign currency at any branch and transfer funds to other domiciliary accounts both within Nigeria and internationally.
UBA Nigeria
UBA’s domiciliary account is designed for anyone looking to send or receive funds in foreign currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. These accounts are ideal for individuals, professionals, and businesses looking for foreign currency management in Nigeria. There are two types of domiciliary accounts available: the Freedom Dom account is aimed at individuals and requires zero balance for account opening. However, the maximum limit for this account is $2000.
Advantage Dom account requires a minimum opening balance of $ 50, € 50, or ₤ 50 or its equivalent in other currencies. But there are no limits for this account.
FirstBank
FirstBank’s Domiciliary Account allows you to save and transact in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros, and CFA currencies. Your account balance is valued at the prevailing exchange rate, ensuring you maintain an accurate representation of your funds in local terms.
The account is suitable for individuals, SMEs, and corporate organizations. There’s a minimum opening balance requirement depending on the currency ($100, €100, £50, CFA10,000.00), but there are no restrictions on the number of withdrawals. You can make interbank and intrabank transfers, and cash withdrawals in foreign currency are available at any FirstBank branch.
Additionally, the account offers 24/7 banking services through various electronic channels, making managing your funds easier.
Opening a FirstBank Domiciliary Account is straightforward. Complete the account form and submit it at your nearest branch to start managing foreign currency transactions efficiently.
Top non-banking alternative for foreign currency accounts in Africa: WorldFirst
While traditional banks provide a range of foreign currency accounts, modern businesses often need a more flexible, digital-first solution.
WorldFirst is a regulated international payment provider that allows fast-growing businesses to hold, receive, and send funds in multiple currencies. With a single World Account, you can manage 20+ currencies, including USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, NZD, and CNH.
Setting up a World Account is free, and receiving payments comes at no cost. Sending payments involves low, transparent fees, making international transactions predictable and cost-effective.
You can pay suppliers and business partners in over 100+ currencies across 200+ countries at competitive exchange rates, eliminating the delays and high costs often associated with traditional bank transfers.
The World Account is linked to the World Card, a Mastercard-powered debit card that enables instant payments in 15+ currencies with no foreign transaction fees (as long as you have sufficient funds). You can also make card transactions in 150+ currencies at competitive exchange rates. Issue multiple cards for team members, control business expenses easily, and reconcile payments efficiently.
Key features and benefits of WorldFirst include:
- No setup or maintenance fees: Open and manage your World Account without hidden charges.
- Hold multiple currencies: Store, receive, and send funds in 15+ major currencies.
- Instant transfers between World Accounts: Send payments to other WorldFirst users instantly and for free.
- Batch payments: Make up to 200 payments in a single transaction, saving time and effort.
- Lock or target exchange rates: Protect your business from currency fluctuations by locking in favorable rates for up to 24 months.
- Transparent, low fees: Enjoy competitive exchange rates and predictable transaction costs.
- Global reach: Send payments to over 100 currencies across 200+ countries and regions.
- 24/5 customer support: Access expert assistance via phone, email, or live chat whenever you need it.
For businesses and individuals looking for a convenient alternative to traditional domiciliary accounts, WorldFirst offers unmatched speed, flexibility, and transparency for all international transactions.
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