Singapore has a growing mix of multi-currency accounts from banks, digital banks and payments providers. Here’s how eight of them compare
Key takeaways
- Multi-currency accounts let businesses receive, hold, send and convert funds in multiple currencies from one account
- Holding foreign currency can help businesses handle international receipts and payments without converting funds immediately
- Top multi-currency accounts in Singapore are offered by WorldFirst, Wise, Airwallex, DBS, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UOB and OCBC
- The World Account by WorldFirst supports 20+ currencies including SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, HKD and more
Multi-currency accounts let businesses hold, receive, convert and send different currencies from a single account. This guide explores eight options in Singapore, from digital providers to established banks, with a closer look at supported currencies, local receiving details, FX costs, account fees and international payment features. It also compares the accounts with a multi-currency account by WorldFirst, the World Account.
What is a multi-currency account?
A multi-currency account lets businesses hold, receive, and send funds in multiple currencies through one account. Multi-currency accounts typically include local receiving details, international transfer capabilities, currency conversion, supplier payments and virtual business cards.
What to consider when looking for a multi-currency account in Singapore?
- Currencies supported: Which currencies can you hold, receive, and pay? (Some accounts support dozens, others focus on major currencies only)
- Local account details: Do you get local bank details (like a routing number in the US, IBAN in Europe) for receiving payments?
- FX rates and fees: What percentage markup does the provider charge for currency conversions? Are transfers fee-free, or is there a per-transfer charge?
- Ongoing costs: Are there any monthly account fees or minimum balance requirements?
- Payment networks: Can the provider send and receive via local payment rails (ACH, SEPA, etc.) to avoid SWIFT fees and delays? Are outgoing payments delivered quickly?
- Integrations: Compatibility with marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy) and payment gateways, accounting software (e.g., Xero), and other tools that can streamline operations
Multi-currency accounts in Singapore: a side-by-side comparison
| Provider | Currency accounts | Local receiving details | FX fees | Account fees | Transfer fees |
| WorldFirst | 20+ | Local details in USD, GBP, JPY, CNH, SGD, EUR, AUD, HKD and more | Up to 0.6% | Zero setup/monthly fees | From US$1 |
| Wise | 221 | Local details in USD, GBP, EUR, and more1 | From 0.19%2 | S$99 one-time2 | From 0.19%2 |
| Airwallex | 20+5 | Local details in USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, HKD and more3,5 | 0.4%-0.6%6 | Starting at zero6 | Not specified |
| DBS | 137 | Receives via SWIFT; SGD locally7 | Not specified | From S$10/month7 | From S$307 |
| HSBC | 108 | Local details in GBP, USD, HKD8 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| OCBC | 139 | SWIFT for foreign; SGD locally9 | Not specified | S$10/month9 | Not specified |
| Standard Chartered | 1410 | SWIFT for foreign currencies10 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| UOB | 1011 | SWIFT only11 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
*Fees checked in September 2026
Top multi-currency accounts in Singapore
1. World Account by WorldFirst
The World Account by WorldFirst is a multi-currency account that lets businesses receive, hold, send and convert funds across 20+ currencies, including SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, HKD and CNH.
Each supported currency comes with its own local receiving account details, so businesses can collect payments from overseas customers and marketplaces just like a local. Funds arrive in the original currency and can be held, converted or used to make further payments. The account is also linked to the World Card, a Mastercard-powered virtual multi-currency card that supports payments in 150+ currencies.
Key features of the World Account:
- Setup local currency accounts in 20+ currencies, including SGD, USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD, CNH, HKD and JPY
- Send payments in 100+ currencies across 200+ countries and regions
- Receive payments from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways like Amazon, Stripe, Shopify and more
- Transfer funds instantly between World Account holders at zero cost
- Lock in an exchange rate for future payments with forward contracts
- Integrate with Xero for accounting and reconciliation
- Create up to 20 World Cards from one account at no additional cost and pay in 150+ currencies. There are no FX fees when paying in 15 supported currencies (as long as there is sufficient balance in the transaction currency)
- Cashback may be available on World Card spending. Terms and Conditions apply
- Pay Chinese suppliers via World Pay, the authorised international payments provider for 1688.com
| Fee type | World Account |
| Account opening fee | Zero |
| Monthly account fee | Zero |
| Opening local currency accounts | Zero |
| Receiving payments | Zero |
| Holding funds in multiple currencies | Zero |
| Sending payments to other World Account holders | Zero |
| Sending payments to other accounts | US$1 for local transfers, US$5 for international transfers |
| Currency conversion | Up to 0.6% |
| World Card issuance | Zero for up to 20 cards |
| Payments to 1688.com suppliers via World Pay | Up to 0.8% currency conversion fee |
*Fees checked in September 2026
2.Wise Business Account
Wise Business provides local account details to receive funds in 22 currencies, including USD, EUR and GBP.1,12 It supports payments to 160+ countries, batch payments of up to 1,000 transfers and marketplace payouts from platforms such as Amazon and Etsy.1 Physical and digital business cards are available.1
Pricing: A S$99 one-time fee applies to access account details, while sending and conversion fees start from 0.19%2
*Fees checked in September 2026
→ Check out the full Wise Singapore review
3. Airwallex Business Account
Airwallex Global Accounts let businesses receive and hold funds in 20+ currencies using local account details.3 The platform also offers payment links, APIs, marketplace integrations and corporate cards.3,5
Pricing: The Explore plan has zero monthly fees, while Grow costs S$79 and Accelerate starts from S$399 per month, excluding GST.6 SWIFT transfers cost S$20-S$356
*Fees checked in September 2026
→ Check out the full Airwallex Singapore review
4. DBS Business Multi-Currency Account
DBS offers two versions of its Business Multi-Currency Account based on business age: the starter bundle for businesses operating for less than 3 years and the business multi-currency account for businesses operating for more than 3 years.7 The account supports 13 currencies, including SGD, USD, JPY, HKD, EUR, AUD, and more.7
The account also provides a DBS Business Advance+ Debit Card with zero FX charges, SecureFX for selected currency pairs and DBS FX Online for transactions across 40+ currency pairs.7
Pricing: Account fees for starter bundle is S$10 per month and for business multi-currency account it is S$50 per year.
*Fees checked in September 2026
→ Check out the full DBS multi-currency account review
5. HSBC Global Wallet
HSBC Global Wallet is a digital multi-currency account that lets businesses hold 10 currencies, including AUD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, SGD and USD.8 Businesses can receive local payments in AUD, GBP, HKD and USD and send payments through local payment routes or SWIFT to 240+ countries and territories.8 FX-related transactions have a US$2 million per-transaction limit. The account is managed through HSBCnet.8
Pricing: Not specified
*Fees checked in September 2026
→ Compare HSBC and DBS bank
6. OCBC Multi-Currency Business Account
OCBC Multi-Currency Business Account supports transactions in 13 currencies: USD, EUR, AUD, JPY, GBP, CNH, and more.9 Businesses can hold and transact directly in supported currencies, with the reduced need for unnecessary conversions.9 OCBC also provides tiered interest on USD balances, while OCBC Velocity offers business payment, collection and reporting tools.9
Pricing: There is no initial deposit, setup fee or fall-below fee but a monthly fee of S$10 applies9
*Fees checked in September 2026
→ Go through this OCBC vs UOB comparision
7. Standard Chartered Multi-Currency Account
Standard Chartered’s Multi-Currency Account allows users to hold in up to 14 currencies, including SGD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, AUD, NZD, and more.10 Users can hold foreign currency balances, convert currencies and make overseas transactions.10 Its multi-currency-enabled debit card for international payments comes with zero overseas transaction fees when the relevant currency is enabled and sufficient funds are available.10
Pricing: Not specified
*Fees checked in September 2026
8. UOB Corporate Global Currency Account
UOB Corporate Global Currency Account supports 10 major currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, JPY, CNH and more.11 Businesses can hold foreign currency balances, make international transactions and earn daily interest on selected currencies.11 Minimum deposits and average daily balance requirements vary by currency, with fall-below or service fees applying to some currencies.11
Pricing: Initial deposit starting from US$1,000 and fall below fee from US$2811
*Fees checked in September 2026
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a multi-currency account and a foreign currency account?
A multi-currency account allows users to hold, send, and receive funds in multiple currencies through one account, while a foreign currency account may be designed to hold a specific foreign currency.
2. Can a foreigner open a multi-currency account in Singapore?
Yes, eligibility depends on the provider. Some accept foreign-registered businesses, while individual account eligibility varies by provider and residency requirements.
3. How do I open a multi-currency account in Singapore?
Choose an eligible provider, complete the online or branch application, submit the required business or identity documents, and complete any verification checks.
Sources
- https://wise.com/sg/business/
- https://wise.com/sg/pricing/business
- https://www.airwallex.com/en-sg
- https://www.airwallex.com/en-sg/pricing
- https://www.airwallex.com/en-sg/business-account/global-accounts
- https://www.airwallex.com/en-sg/pricing
- https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/default.page
- https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg/en-sg/campaigns/globalwallet
- https://www.ocbc.com/business-banking/smes/accounts/multi-currency-business-account
- https://www.sc.com/sg/save/mca/#sc-lb-module-accordian-item-2acff3d17b
- https://www.uob.com.sg/business/accounts/corporate-global-currency-account.page
- https://wise.com/sg/business/send-payments
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.







