Top bank accounts for e-commerce businesses in South Asia

A foreign currency account helps businesses receive, send and hold overseas earnings without immediate conversion. Get a look at bank accounts for e-commerce businesses across South Asia

Key takeaways

• E-commerce businesses need banking for customer receipts, supplier payments, marketplace payouts and international transactions
• Foreign currency accounts can send, receive, convert and hold multiple currencies for international payments
• A multi-currency account like the World Account can provide local receiving details in multiple currencies for businesses handling international payments

For e-commerce sellers in Pakistan and Bangladesh, a local bank account can cover domestic sales and routine payments. As international sales grow, sellers may need to receive foreign currency, hold overseas earnings and pay international suppliers or service providers.

A multi-currency account can help businesses hold funds in the currency received before converting them. This article compares five account options for e-commerce businesses in both markets, and also explores the World Account by WorldFirst.

What e-commerce businesses actually need from banking

• Receive customer payments in PKR, BDT or supported foreign currencies such as USD, GBP and EUR
• Collect marketplace payouts from platforms such as Amazon, Shopify and Etsy, where supported
• Pay overseas suppliers in currencies such as CNH, while covering international platforms and service providers
• Hold foreign currency and convert funds when needed instead of on receipt
• Get onboarded quickly as international sales and payment volumes grow
• Cover business expenses such as Meta, Google or TikTok Ads and SaaS subscriptions with available card facilities

Top bank accounts for e-commerce businesses in South Asia

1. Standard Chartered Current Accounts

Standard Chartered Pakistan’s Foreign Currency Current Account supports USD, GBP and EUR, with online and mobile banking access.¹ But, withdrawals can only be made by cheque and not ATMs.¹ For Bangladesh, Standard Chartered’s Foreign Currency Deposit Account supports USD, GBP and EUR and provides online banking.² It also comes with an international card for USD accounts.²

*Fees checked in September 2026

2. BRAC Bank Shadhin Current Account

BRAC Bank’s Shadhin Current Account is a business account for Bangladeshi organisations, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and private limited companies.³ Maintaining a monthly average balance of BDT 25,000 waives the half-yearly account maintenance, debit card and cheque book fees.³ Intercity deposits and withdrawals of up to BDT 100,000 cost zero.³

*Fees checked in September 2026

3. HBL Foreign Currency Account

For e-commerce sellers, HBL’s foreign currency account can support receiving and holding overseas business income in major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR and CNY.⁵ It is available to Pakistani residents, with cheque book facilities and a debit card offered for USD accounts.⁵ HBL also sets a minimum balance (US$100), which sellers need to maintain to avoid applicable service charges.⁵

*Fees checked in September 2026

4. Bank AL Habib Foreign Currency Account

For sellers expanding beyond Pakistan, Bank AL Habib provides foreign currency savings and current accounts in major currencies including USD, GBP, EUR and CNY.⁷  The savings account can suit sellers looking to earn interest on eligible balances, while the current account is designed for regular business transactions.⁷ Both accounts provide online and mobile banking.⁷ But, users need to maintain a monthly average balance of PKR 25,000 to access complimentary services such as e-statements, no-cost remittances and cheque books.⁷

*Fees checked in September 2026

5. JS Bank Foreign Currency Account

JS Bank’s Foreign Currency Account can support e-commerce businesses that receive overseas customer payments or pay international suppliers.⁹ The account supports USD, GBP, AED, EUR and CNY, allowing Pakistani businesses to hold, send and receive payments in these currencies.⁹ International funds can be sent and received through online and mobile banking, with cheque book facilities also available. ¹⁰

*Fees checked in September 2026

The World Account: A multi-currency account for global e-commerce

For e-commerce businesses collecting revenue across several markets, the World Account is a multi-currency account by WorldFirst, an international payments provider. The World Account provides local receiving account details in 15+ currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR and CNH. Businesses can receive payments from multiple marketplaces and payment gateways, while holding supported currencies before conversion or sending payments.

The account is linked to a World Card, which is a Mastercard-powered virtual card. Businesses can issue up to 20 multi-currency cards at zero issuance cost, with no fees when paying in 15 supported currencies where sufficient balance is held in that currency.

Key features of the World Account 

• Receive international payments from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways including Amazon, Etsy, Stripe and more
• Send payments in multiple currencies across 200+ countries and regions
• Zero and instant transfers between World Account holders
• Xero and NetSuite integrations for account reconciliation
• Pay suppliers in China in CNH or use World Pay, the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com to pay 1688 suppliers

*Fees checked in September 2026

FAQs

1. Do I need a foreign currency account for my e-commerce business?

A foreign currency account may be relevant when the business receives or holds eligible foreign currency proceeds. Applicable rules depend on the country and transaction type.

2. How do e-commerce sellers receive Amazon and Shopify payouts in Pakistan or Bangladesh?

The available route depends on the marketplace, payment arrangement, bank account and applicable foreign exchange rules. Bangladesh Bank and State Bank of Pakistan both have specific frameworks for e-commerce export receipts.

3. Can e-commerce sellers use payment gateways like Stripe in Pakistan or Bangladesh?

No, Stripe does not currently support businesses based in Pakistan or Bangladesh for local account registration, customer payment collection or direct payouts to Pakistani or Bangladeshi bank accounts.

Sources

1. https://www.sc.com/pk/save/foreign-currency-account/
2. https://www.sc.com/bd/deposits/current-accounts/current-account/
3. https://www.bracbank.com/en/sme/accounts/shadhin-current-account
4. https://brackweb.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/all/SoC_Retail_Deposits_01-09-20266aa12c1775ff7.pdf
5. https://www.hbl.com/personal/accounts/current/hbl-foreign-currency-currentaccount
6. https://www.hbl.com/resources/schedule-of-bank-charges
7. https://www.bankalhabib.com/accounts/foreign
8.  https://www.bankalhabib.com/schedule-of-charges
9. https://www.jsbl.com/personal/accounts/current-accounts/js-foreign-currency-current-account/
10. https://www.jsbl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Schedule-of-Charges-January-to-June-2021-English-Version.pdf
11. https://stripe.com/global

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.