Best banks for international transactions in South Asia [2026]

Looking for the right way to receive, hold, and send money across borders? This comparison breaks down five banks and how they support international transactions across South Asia

Key takeaways

• EBL Global Account lets users hold USD, GBP and EUR balances and includes a Global VISA debit card
• Standard Chartered offers foreign currency accounts in Pakistan and Bangladesh with online banking and international banking features
• Meezan Bank in Pakistan and MTB in Bangladesh allow eligible exporters and freelancers to retain part of their foreign currency earnings under local regulations
• The World Account is a multi-currency account that works alongside a bank account to help businesses receive, hold, convert and send money across multiple currencies

Foreign currency accounts, international debit cards and foreign currency retention policies are among the key differences between banks that support international transactions.

While some banks let customers receive and hold foreign currencies, others focus on international spending or allow eligible exporters and freelancers to retain part of their foreign currency earnings.

This comparison highlights what best banks for international transactions offer today and how they can be used with a multi-currency account–the World Account.

What to look for in a bank account for international transactions

• Foreign currency support: Check whether the account lets you receive and hold currencies like USD, GBP and EUR, or automatically converts incoming payments into your local currency
• Retention rules: If you’re an exporter or freelancer, see how much of your foreign currency earnings you can legally retain before conversion is required
• Cards: Find out whether the account includes an international debit or foreign currency card for spending directly from your foreign currency balance
• Fees: Compare receiving fees, transfer charges, foreign exchange markups, currency conversion costs and any monthly account maintenance fees
• Eligibility: Confirm who can apply and what documents are required

Best banks for international transactions in South Asia

1.    EBL global account

The EBL global account is a foreign currency current account available in USD, GBP and EUR for eligible Bangladeshi nationals living or working overseas.¹ Funds in the EBL global account remain in the original foreign currency until the account holder chooses to convert them.¹ Users can send/receive international funds and also get access to a global VISA debit card linked to the foreign currency balance for international spending.¹

Pricing: FCY account maintenance fee costs BDT 300 + VAT every six months²

*Fees checked in July 2026

2.    Standard Chartered foreign currency account

Standard Chartered offers foreign currency banking solutions in both Pakistan and Bangladesh, although the account structure differs between the two markets.^3,4 Businesses and individuals making regular overseas transactions can hold funds in major foreign currencies like USD, EUR and GBP.^3,4

• Pakistan: Foreign currency current account is available in USD, GBP and EUR, with online and mobile banking. The funds can only be withdrawn by cheque (ATM withdrawals are not available)³
• Bangladesh: The Resident Foreign Currency Deposit (RFCD) account is available to eligible resident Bangladeshis and includes online banking and client centre services. USD accounts come with an international debit card for overseas spending⁴

Pricing:

• Pakistan: The account requires a minimum opening deposit and balance of USD/GBP/EUR 2,000³
• Bangladesh: the account requires a minimum opening balance of USD 1,000⁴

*Fees checked in July 2026

3.    Freelancer account by Meezan Bank

Meezan Bank addresses international payment requirements via a digital freelancer account. The account enables new-to-bank freelancers to receive international remittances into a PKR account with digital account opening and online banking.⁵

Pricing: No initial deposit required for the digital account⁵

*Fees checked in July 2026

4.    ERQ account by Mutual Trust Bank

The MTB Exporters Retention Quota (ERQ) Account is available to Bangladeshi businesses and professionals who receive payments from overseas clients.⁶

Instead of converting every incoming transfer immediately into Bangladeshi Taka, users can keep part of their export earnings in foreign currency to pay for future international business expenses.⁶ The supported currencies are not publicly disclosed by the Mutual Trust Bank.

Account holders can retain 30%-35% of their export earnings in foreign currency, while the rest is automatically transferred to their linked BDT account.⁷ The account also includes an international prepaid card at no cost during the first year to pay for business expenses directly from retained foreign currency.⁶

Pricing⁶: Zero opening balance requirement and account maintenance fee

*Fees checked in July 2026

The World Account: a multi-currency account for international transactions

Rather than replacing a business bank account, WorldFirst’s World Account works alongside it. The World Account is a multi-currency account that enables businesses, e-commerce sellers, exporters, and freelancers to receive, hold, convert and send money across multiple currencies.

Businesses can open local currency accounts in 15+ currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR and CNH, making it easier to receive international payments without opening overseas bank accounts. Payments can be collected from more than 130 marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy and Stripe.

The World Account also supports international payments in 100+ currencies across 200+ countries and regions, while transfers between World Account holders can happen instantly at no cost. Businesses can also apply for the World Card, a Mastercard-powered virtual card linked to the World Account with up to 20 virtual cards available at zero issuance cost. There are no fees when spending in any of the 15+ supported account currencies where sufficient balance is available. Additional features include World Pay (the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com) and integrations with Xero and NetSuite.

*Fees checked in July 2026

Find the right account for cross-border payments

Cross-border business rarely follows a single route, and neither should your payment setup. Whether you’re collecting export earnings, invoicing overseas clients or paying global suppliers, the right combination of accounts can give you more control over your money. Use this comparison to find the banking features you need, then decide whether a multi-currency account could help close the remaining gaps.

FAQs

What is the best bank for international transactions in Pakistan or Bangladesh?

The right choice depends on your payment needs. Businesses receiving regular overseas payments may benefit from foreign currency accounts, while exporters and freelancers may prefer accounts offering foreign currency retention.

Can businesses in Pakistan and Bangladesh hold foreign currency in a local bank account?

Yes. Several banks offer foreign currency accounts in currencies such as USD, GBP and EUR, although eligibility requirements and retention rules vary.

How long do international transactions usually take?

Most international SWIFT transfers are completed within one to five business days, depending on the banks involved and the destination country.

Can the World Account replace a bank account for international transactions?

No. The World Account is not a business bank account. It is a multi-currency account that works alongside an existing bank account to help businesses receive, hold and send international payments.

Sources

1. https://www.ebl.com.bd/retail-deposit/ebl-global
2. https://www.ebl.com.bd/assets/home/schedule/SME-SOC-EFF-01st-July-2026.pdf
3. https://www.sc.com/pk/save/foreign-currency-account/
4. https://www.sc.com/bd/deposits/current-accounts/resident/
5. https://www.meezanbank.com/digital-freelancer-account/
6. https://www.mutualtrustbank.com/retail/deposit-products/foreign-currency-account/mtb-erq-account/

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.