For businesses and freelancers in Pakistan receiving USD payments, here’s how five Dollar accounts compare on opening requirements, fees and features
Key takeaways
- Meezan Bank supports Shariah-compliant USD banking with a USD 100 opening deposit
- HBL offers USD, GBP, EUR and CNY accounts with a USD debit card
- Standard Chartered provides USD accounts with online banking and USD 2,000 minimum balance
- Bank AL Habib offers USD saver and current accounts with digital banking access
- JS Bank supports USD and four additional foreign currencies for international business payments
- World Account lets South Asian businesses open a USD account online within a multi-currency account supporting 14 other currencies
US Dollars remain the default currency for many international business payments, even when neither buyer nor seller is based in the United States. For businesses in South Asia, a Dollar account can make it possible to receive USD payments, settle supplier invoices and hold USD balances without converting funds immediately.
This guide compares the best banks for Dollar accounts in South Asia and also explores how they can be used alongside a multi-currency account, the World Account, that supports 15+ currencies including USD.
What to look for in a Dollar account
- Eligibility: Some accounts are available to businesses, freelancers, resident Pakistanis, overseas Pakistanis or foreign nationals
- Documentation: Most providers require a CNIC, proof of income or business registration, and other supporting documents
- Application process: Some providers let you apply digitally, while traditional banks may require branch visits, extensive documentation, and longer verification times
- Fees: Compare account opening charges, minimum balance requirements, inward and outward remittance fees, SWIFT charges, and currency conversion markups
- Cards and digital banking: Look for online banking, payment tracking, international transfer capabilities, and debit card availability if you need to spend directly from your foreign currency account
Best banks for Dollar accounts in South Asia
1. Meezan Bank Dollar current account
Meezan bank’s Dollar current account can be opened by customers who want to receive and hold US Dollars while making foreign currency transfers through a Shariah-compliant banking relationship.1 Businesses receiving overseas payments can use this account while keeping funds in USD instead of converting them immediately into PKR.1 Daily withdrawals are capped at US$500 and withdrawals above the same require a 1-day prior notice.1
Pricing: Minimum opening deposit of USD 100 required1
*Fees checked in July 2026
2. HBL foreign currency account
HBL’s foreign currency account allows customers to hold and transact in major currencies including USD, GBP, EUR and CNY.2 The account is available to Pakistani residents and foreign nationals who want to receive overseas payments or maintain foreign currency balances for business or personal use.2 Customers can access cheque book facilities and a debit card is also available for USD accounts.2 To avoid service charges, HBL requires customers to maintain the bank’s prescribed minimum balance.2
Pricing: Minimum balance of US$100 required2
*Fees checked in July 2026
3. Standard Chartered foreign currency account
Standard Chartered Pakistan offers foreign currency current accounts in USD, GBP and EUR.3 Businesses receiving payments from overseas clients can hold foreign currency balances while accessing online and mobile banking services to monitor their accounts.3 Funds can only be withdrawn through cheque facilities rather than ATMs.3
Pricing: Minimum opening deposit and balance of US$2,000 required (or currency equivalent)3
*Fees checked in July 2026
4. Bank AL Habib foreign currency account
Bank AL Habib offers both foreign currency saver and forex current accounts for customers who need to hold and transact in USD and other major currencies like GBP, EUR and CNY.4 Businesses receiving payments from overseas clients can choose between a savings account (that pays interest) or a current account focused on day-to-day transactions.4 Both accounts support online and mobile banking, while eligible customers can access services such as foreign cheque collection, remittance facilities and cheque books.4
Pricing: No minimum balance required4
*Fees checked in July 2026
5. JS Bank foreign currency account
JS bank’s foreign currency current account is available to businesses and individuals that regularly send, receive or hold foreign currencies.5 The account supports USD, GBP, AED, EUR and CNY, making it suitable for businesses working with international customers or suppliers across different markets.5 Customers can send and receive international funds through online and mobile banking, while cheque book facilities are also included.5
Pricing: No minimum/initial deposit required6
*Fees checked in July 2026
The World Account: A USD account you can open online
WorldFirst is a payments provider that offers the World Account, a multi-currency account that includes a USD account alongside 14 other local currency accounts. Businesses can complete the application entirely online by providing identity documents, business registration documents (where applicable), and ownership details for anyone holding 25% or more of the business. Verification typically takes a few business days, and no in-branch visit is required.
Businesses can also apply for the World Card, a Mastercard-powered business payment card with up to 20 virtual cards issued at no cost. You can make payments in over 150+ currencies and there are no fees when paying in any of the 15+ supported currencies where a sufficient balance is already held in that currency.
Key features
- Receive international payments in multiple currencies including USD with zero receiving fees
- Hold multiple currencies without automatic conversion into local currency
- Access 15+ local currency accounts, including USD, GBP, EUR and CNH
- Collect payments from overseas customers across multiple markets
- Send payments in 100+ currencies to 200+ countries and regions
- Make instant transfers at zero cost to other World Account holders
- Integrate with Xero and NetSuite for payment reconciliation and accounting
Main fees for the World Account
| Fee type |
World Account fees |
| Monthly fee |
Zero |
| Opening local currency accounts |
Zero |
| Receiving payments |
Zero |
| Holding multiple currencies |
Zero |
| Payments to other World Account holders |
Zero |
| Sending payments |
Standard payment fee for Pakistan and Bangladesh: 1.5% |
| World Card issuance |
Zero |
*Fees checked in July 2026
Open a Dollar account that fits your payment needs
Businesses receive USD for different reasons: export sales, freelance invoices, overseas clients or supplier settlements. That means the right Dollar business bank account isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest opening deposit, but the one whose features match how your business earns, holds and spends foreign currency.
FAQs
What is a Dollar account?
A Dollar account is a foreign currency account that allows customers to receive, hold and transact in US Dollars instead of converting funds into local currency immediately.
Who can open a Dollar account in Pakistan?
Eligibility varies by provider, but Dollar accounts are generally available to resident Pakistanis, overseas Pakistanis, businesses, freelancers and, in some cases, foreign nationals, subject to the provider’s requirements.
What documents are needed to open a Dollar account?
Most providers require a valid CNIC or identification document, proof of address, proof of income or business activity, and any additional documents requested under regulatory requirements.
Does WorldFirst offer a Dollar account?
Yes. WorldFirst offers a USD account as part of the World Account, a multi-currency account that includes 14 other local currency accounts. The application is completed online, with verification typically taking a few business days.
Sources
- https://www.meezanbank.com/dollar-current-account/
- https://www.hbl.com/personal/accounts/current/hbl-foreign-currency-currentaccount
- https://www.sc.com/pk/save/foreign-currency-account/
- https://www.bankalhabib.com/accounts/foreign#forex_current_account
- https://www.jsbl.com/personal/accounts/current-accounts/js-foreign-currency-current-account/
- https://www.jsbl.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Schedule-of-Charges-July-to-December-2026-English.pdf
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
