CIMB USD account review [2026] Malaysia: Features, fees and more

CIMB’s Multi Currency Account supports USD alongside MYR and 12 other currencies. See its features, fees and requirements for Malaysian businesses

Key takeaways

• CIMB’s Multi-Currency Account (MCA) supports 14 currencies, including USD and MYR, with Trade MCA and Investment MCA variants
• A US$500 initial deposit for the multi-currency account applies to export and non-export proceeds
• The World Account offers a different structure, with marketplace integration and dedicated 1688.com payment support.

Founded in Malaysia in 1974, CIMB Bank serves individuals and businesses, including SMEs, through its nationwide branch network, while CIMB Islamic provides Shariah-compliant financial products and services.¹

CIMB’s Multi-Currency Account supports international transactions in 14 currencies, with Trade MCA and Investment MCA options and online banking access.²  But it requires a US$500 initial deposit, and charges a US$10 half-yearly service fee. ^2,3

This guide reviews the CIMB USD account and explores a multi-currency account by WorldFirst that supports cross-border payments in USD and MYR.

What is the CIMB USD account?

CIMB’s USD account is a part of its Multi-Currency Account (MCA), designed for business enterprises operating in Malaysia.²  It lets businesses send, receive, convert and hold USD alongside 13 other currencies, including MYR.²

Customers can choose between Trade MCA and Investment MCA based on their business requirements.² CIMB also offers a Shariah-compliant Multi Currency Account-i (MCA-i).⁴

→ Get details about the CIMB business account here

CIMB MCA at a glance

*Details checked in October 2026

Quick look: Pros and cons

Key features of the CIMB USD account

Multi-currency holding

CIMB MCA supports 14 currencies in one account: MYR, USD, GBP, JPY, AUD, NZD, SGD, CHF, EUR, CAD, HKD, CNY, THB and IDR. THB and IDR are subject to compliance with ACCD-approved listing requirements.²

Two MCA variants: Trade MCA and Investment MCA

CIMB offers two variants to accommodate different business requirements.²  Trade MCA is intended for trade-related foreign currency transactions, while Investment MCA serves investment-related forex holdings.⁵ The Shariah-compliant MCA-i also offers Trade MCA-i and Investment MCA-i variants.⁵

Trade MCA-i accepts money from export sales, domestic trade transactions, transfers between a business’s own Trade MCA-i and Investment MCA-i accounts, and other permitted forex transactions.⁵  Investment MCA-i accepts other forex funds, excluding certain trade proceeds.⁵

Deposit and withdrawal flexibility

Businesses can deposit and withdraw funds through foreign telegraphic transfers and transfers to or from a Ringgit account.²  A minimum initial deposit of US$500 or equivalent applies to both export and non-export proceeds.²

Deposit protection

Deposits are protected by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) up to RM250,000 per depositor per member bank, subject to PIDM’s applicable coverage rules.²

Online banking access

Business customers can access CIMB’s digital banking services through BizChannel@CIMB.⁶ The platform supports account balance and transaction enquiries, statement downloads, international fund transfers and business payment services.⁶

CIMB USD account fees

*Fees checked in October 2026

Who is eligible for the CIMB USD account?

CIMB MCA is intended for business enterprises operating in Malaysia.²  Applicants should confirm that their business structure is eligible and check the current documentation requirements with CIMB.

How to open a CIMB USD account

1. Check eligibility:Visit CIMB Malaysia’s website to review the Multi Currency Account options and confirm your business meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare your documents:Contact CIMB to confirm the required business documents and the permitted transactions for your chosen account variant.
3. Submit your application:Complete the application process as instructed by CIMB, either online or through a branch, depending on your business type.
4. Make the initial deposit:Deposit US$500 or the equivalent amount as required by CIMB, then confirm your account access and available banking services.

→ Here’s a step-wise guide to open a USD account in Malaysia

The World Account: A multi-currency payments account for Malaysian businesses

WorldFirst’s World Account gives Malaysian businesses local receiving details for USD and MYR, allowing them to receive international payments in these currencies. As a multi-currency account, it lets businesses hold USD and MYR balances, convert funds between USD, MYR and CNH at zero cost, and send payments in these three currencies. Businesses can also receive payouts from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways.

Key features of the World Account

• Share local receiving details with overseas customers and payment platforms to collect funds in USD and MYR. (Learn how to receive international payments in Malaysia)
• Keep funds in USD or MYR until you need to convert them or make payments, rather than converting every incoming payment immediately
• Send money internationally in USD, MYR or CNH to overseas suppliers, contractors and other business recipients
• Exchange funds between USD, MYR and CNH within the World Account at zero cost
• Receive business earnings from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, Stripe, Shopee and Shopify
• Use World Pay, the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com, to pay suppliers for purchases made through the platform. (Learn more about buying from 1688.com in Malaysia)

FAQs

1. Is the CIMB USD account the same as the Multi Currency Account?

Yes. USD is one of the 14 currencies supported by CIMB’s Multi Currency Account, which also includes MYR.²

2. What currencies does the CIMB Multi Currency Account support?

The account supports MYR, USD, GBP, JPY, AUD, NZD, SGD, CHF, EUR, CAD, HKD, CNY, THB and IDR. THB and IDR are subject to ACCD-approved listing requirements.²

3. Can I open a CIMB US Dollar account online?

The application process depends on the account variant and business type. Contact CIMB Malaysia to confirm whether your business can apply online or needs to complete the process through a branch.

Sources

1. https://www.cimb.com/en/who-we-are/our-presence/malaysia.html
2. https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/business-day-to-day/deposit-investments/current-account/multi-currency-account.html
3. https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/help-and-support/rates-charges/interest-rates-charges/fees-charges/current-account.html
4. https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/business-day-to-day/deposit-investments/current-account/multi-currency-account-i.html
5. https://www.cimb.com.my/content/dam/cimb/business/documents/faq/deposit-and-investment/current-account/conventional/faq-multi-currency-account-conventional-eng.pdf
6. https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/digital-services/bizchannel-cimb.html

The information contained is general only. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, accuracy is not guaranteed and the information may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the article and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from reliance on such information.