Best corporate bank accounts in South Asia

Get the lowdown on five corporate bank accounts in South Asia and how their features, fees and requirements compare

Key takeaways

• Meezan Rupee Current Account supports sole proprietorships, private limited companies, and partnerships, with unlimited withdrawals and transactions
• Standard Chartered Current Account offers a Visa debit card, but come with a BDT 300 half-yearly maintenance fee for local currency accounts
• BRAC Bank Shadhin Current Account waives selected charges when the required average balance is maintained
• MTB ERQ Account lets eligible service exporters retain 30%–35% of export earnings in foreign currency
• EBL Current Account offers unlimited transactions, online banking and zero ATM withdrawal charges at EBL ATMs
• World Account by WorldFirst supports businesses receiving and sending international payments across multiple currencies through a single multi-currency account

Corporate banking provides businesses with dedicated accounts for receiving revenue, paying suppliers, managing operating expenses and keeping business finances separate from personal funds.

But, most traditional corporate bank accounts are built around a single local currency, while businesses working across borders may need separate foreign currency accounts or payment services to receive and send funds internationally. This can lead to extra currency conversions and payment steps for businesses, suppliers, freelancers and service exporters dealing with overseas transactions.

This guide covers five corporate bank accounts from banks in Pakistan and Bangladesh, comparing their features, fees and eligibility. It also covers the World Account by WorldFirst, a multi-currency account that enables businesses to send and receive international payments across multiple currencies.

What to look for in a corporate bank account

• Fee structure: Account maintenance charges are only one part of the cost. Businesses may also need to consider transaction fees, cheque book charges, card fees, cash-handling charges and other service costs
• Minimum balance: Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement, while others require a specified balance to avoid maintenance or other account-related charges. The balance requirement can therefore affect the effective cost of maintaining an account
• Digital banking: Online and mobile banking can simplify routine transfers, balance monitoring and account administration. Businesses with several people involved in payments may also need corporate banking platforms with defined approval or authorisation workflows
• Transaction limits: Businesses handling high transaction volumes need to check applicable daily, per-transaction or channel-specific limits for domestic and international payments
• Multi-user access: Accounts used by finance teams may require multiple authorised signatories, approval controls or different levels of access. These capabilities can vary significantly between banks and account types
• Foreign currency handling: A standard local-currency current account may not be sufficient for businesses that regularly receive or make payments in foreign currencies. Some banks offer separate foreign currency accounts or specialised products for exporters
• Export and import functionality: Businesses receiving export proceeds may have access to products such as Exporters’ Retention Quota (ERQ) accounts. These can allow an eligible portion of export earnings to remain in foreign currency under applicable regulations
• Regulatory framework and eligibility: Banks in Pakistan operate under the oversight of the State Bank of Pakistan, while banks in Bangladesh operate under Bangladesh Bank. Depending on the account, businesses may need registration, tax documentation, identification documents and proof of business activity

→ Take a look at the top corporate debit cards in South Asia

Top corporate bank accounts in South Asia

1. Meezan Rupee Current Account

The Meezan Rupee Current Account is a current account based on the Qard contract, supporting PKR.¹ It is available to individuals as well as sole proprietorships, partnerships and companies.¹  Freelancers can also open the account subject to proof of income.¹

It is designed for routine banking, with no restriction on withdrawals or the number of transactions and no maximum investment limit.¹ The standard minimum investment required to open the account is PKR 100, while no initial deposit is required.¹ The account also does not apply deductions for maintaining a low balance.¹

Customers can access online and internet banking, e-statements and digital transaction alerts, alongside cheque book and card facilities.¹ One primary card can be issued without an issuance charge, while annual, replacement and supplementary cards are subject to charges.¹

Pricing: Standard account opening requires PKR 100; eligible categories may have no initial deposit²

*Fees checked in September 2026

2. Standard Chartered Current Account

The Standard Chartered Current Account in Bangladesh is a non-interest-bearing transaction account for regular banking activity.³ The account-opening minimum balance requirement is BDT 1,000, while the monthly average balance requirement for maintaining the account relationship is BDT 500,000.⁴

Customers can access a BDT Visa debit card with a local currency account or an international Visa debit card with a foreign currency account.³ The account is available to Bangladeshi citizens and foreign nationals.³

Pricing: The bank lists zero maintenance fees for foreign currency accounts and BDT 300 half-yearly for local currency accounts⁴

*Fees checked in September 2026

→ Here’s how to open a foreign currency account

3. BRAC Bank Shadhin Current Account

The BRAC Bank Shadhin Current Account is designed for SME business owners and Bangladeshi organisations.⁵ The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of BDT 1,000.⁵

Selected banking charges can be waived when the account maintains a half-yearly average balance of at least BDT 25,000.⁵ These include the half-yearly account maintenance fee, debit card fee and the applicable 25-page cheque book fee.⁵

Pricing: Zero maintenance fees when a half-yearly average balance of BDT 25,000 or more is maintained.⁵ No intercity charge on deposits of any amount and no intercity charge on withdrawals up to BDT 100,000⁵

*Fees checked in September 2026

→ If you own an SME, you can also go through this list of business bank accounts for small businesses to know more

4. Mutual Trust Bank ERQ Account

The MTB ERQ Account is an account for eligible Bangladeshi outsourcing professionals and service exporters receiving foreign currency export earnings.⁶ Under applicable Bangladesh Bank rules, 30%–35% of export receipts or earnings can be retained as a foreign currency balance in the ERQ account.⁶  The remaining portion of the export proceeds can be released to a linked BDT savings account.⁶

The retained foreign currency balance can be used or remitted overseas for business purposes.⁶  The account also allows foreign currency to be converted into the linked local-currency account.⁶ An international prepaid card is also available to pay for business expenses.⁶

Pricing: Zero opening balance requirement and zero account maintenance fee.⁷ International prepaid card at zero cost for the first year, subject to the applicable terms⁷

*Fees checked in September 2026

5. EBL Current Account

The EBL Current Account is designed for Bangladeshi customers who require access through both branch and digital banking channels.⁸ EBL allows unlimited transactions through the account and provides online banking through EBL SKYBANKING.⁸

Customers also get access to a Visa debit card and cheque book, while cash withdrawals through EBL ATMs are available without an ATM withdrawal charge.⁸ The account can be opened either singly or jointly.⁸ Depending on the applicant and circumstances, EBL may request TIN, income documentation or additional supporting documents.⁸

Pricing: Current account maintenance fee at BDT 300 or the equivalent for foreign currency accounts, charged half-yearly for onshore banking (zero for offshore banking).⁹ BDT 100 for cheque book issuance⁹

*Fees checked in September 2026

→ Explore virtual debit cards for international online payments

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

WorldFirst is an international payments provider offering the World Account, a multi-currency account for businesses handling international collections, payments and currency balances. It can therefore sit alongside a corporate bank account rather than being described as one.

The World Account can collect business payments in 15+ currencies in local receiving accounts. These accounts provide account details in a supported currency that a client, marketplace or payment gateway can use to send a bank transfer. The funds then appear in the corresponding currency balance within the World Account.

The account is also linked to the World Card, a Mastercard-powered multi-currency card for business payments. The card draws from balances already held in the World Account rather than providing a credit line. When a payment is made in any of the 15 supported currencies, no fee applies (when sufficient balance is available in that currency).

Key features of the World Account

• Receive and hold business funds in 15+ currencies
• Collect payments through 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Stripe and more
• Send payments across 200+ countries and regions
• Move funds between World Account holders instantly at zero cost
• Use World Card for business payments in 150+ currencies
• Issue up to 20 virtual cards for business use at no additional cost
• Pay Chinese suppliers through World Pay, the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com (Learn how to source from 1688.com here)
• Connect with Xero and NetSuite for account reconciliation and more

Pricing: Zero account opening, ongoing account and receiving fees; international payments cost 1.5%, while 1688.com payments can incur up to 0.8% in currency conversion fees

*Fees checked in September 2026

FAQs

1. What is the best corporate bank account in Pakistan and Bangladesh?

There is no single account that fits every business. The five accounts covered here differ in structure and purpose: Meezan Rupee Current Account supports several business structures in Pakistan, while Standard Chartered Current Account, BRAC Bank Shadhin Current Account and EBL Current Account provide general current-account functionality in Bangladesh.^1,3,5,8  MTB ERQ Account focuses on eligible service exporters retaining part of their export earnings in foreign currency.⁶

2. Can a business have multiple bank accounts?

Yes. A business can maintain multiple accounts where permitted by the relevant bank and regulations. One account can handle routine domestic receipts and payments, while another may be used for specific operational requirements such as foreign currency export proceeds. A multi-currency account like the World Account can separately support international collections and payments.

3. What documents are needed to open a corporate bank account in South Asia?

Requirements vary by bank, account type and business structure. Common documents include business registration or incorporation documents, tax registration, identification of owners or authorised signatories, proof of address, business licences and supporting financial or income documents. Banks may request additional documents during their verification process.

4. What is the difference between a corporate bank account and a multi-currency account?

A corporate bank account is a bank account used for business banking, such as receiving domestic revenue, paying expenses and managing local transactions. A multi-currency account is designed to handle balances and payments across multiple currencies. Businesses with international operations may use both structures for different parts of their financial workflow.

Sources

1. https://www.meezanbank.com/rupee-current-account/
2. https://www.meezanbank.com/wp-content/themes/mbl/downloads/home-downloads/SOC-ENG-Jul-Dec-2026.pdf
3. https://www.sc.com/bd/deposits/current-accounts/current-account/
4. https://av.sc.com/bd/content/docs/bd-businss-banking-soc.pdf
5. https://www.bracbank.com/en/sme/accounts/shadhin-current-account
6. https://www.mutualtrustbank.com/retail/deposit-products/foreign-currency-account/mtb-erq-account/
7. https://www.mutualtrustbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Schedule-of-Charges-for-Retail-Banking-Division-Effective-From-1st-July-2026.pdf
8. https://www.ebl.com.bd/retail-deposit/EBL-Current-Account
9. https://www.ebl.com.bd/assets/home/schedule/CORP_SOC_1july2026.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.