How do I accept payments in multiple currencies as a UK-based small business?
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You can accept payments in multiple currencies as a UK-based small business by using a multi-currency account. The best option is a multi-currency business account, such as the World Account by WorldFirst or the Wise Business Account.
That said, there are alternative options. You can use a payment gateway that supports multiple currencies, invoice in different currencies or leverage marketplaces’ own multi-currency features.
1. Use a multi-currency business account
A multi-currency business account lets you hold, receive and spend foreign currencies without forced conversion. Instead of getting hit by poor FX rates each time you’re paid, you control when and how you convert your funds.
Leading options include WorldFirst’s World Account, Wise Business, Revolut and HSBC.
Why use a multi-currency account?
- Receive like a local: Get local bank details (e.g., US ACH, EU IBAN) to collect payments without cross-border fees
- Avoid unnecessary conversion: Hold balances in 20+ currencies and convert only when rates are favourable
- Pay international suppliers easily: Make global payments in the same currency you hold
- Lower FX and transfer costs: Modern fintechs offer significantly better rates than traditional banks
2. Use a payment gateway that supports multi-currency
If you sell online, a multi-currency payment gateway is one of the easiest ways to accept global payments. Examples include Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments and Adyen.
They typically work like this:
- Your customer pays in their own currency (USD, EUR, AUD etc.)
- The gateway converts the funds into GBP, or another settlement currency you choose
- The payout arrives in your UK business bank account
Why use a payment gateway?
- Frictionless checkout for international customers
- Automatic FX conversion with no extra admin
- Fast payouts to your UK account
- Easy integrations with e-commerce platforms and invoicing tools
3. Accept multi-currency payments via online invoicing tools
If you invoice clients directly, choose software that supports multi-currency billing. It’s especially useful for agencies, freelancers, consultants and service businesses.
Popular options include QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books and FreshBooks.
Why use a multi-currency invoicing tool?
- Set invoice currency per client or per project
- Automatically calculate exchange-rate gains/losses
- Integrate with Stripe, PayPal or Wise to collect payments
- Store everything in one unified accounting workflow
4. Use marketplace-specific multi-currency features
If you sell through global platforms, you may not need to configure anything yourself. Instead, many marketplaces handle multi-currency payouts for you. For instance, Etsy automatically converts customer payments, while Amazon Global Selling lets you receive in multiple local currencies.
Why use the marketplace’s features?
- No extra software needed
- Customers shop in their preferred currency
- You focus on selling while the platform handles the heavy lifting
Why most businesses use a combination of tools
There’s rarely a single “best” option. Many UK businesses mix tools, so they can benefit from each. For example, companies often:
- Use a World Account to hold and convert currencies with low FX costs
- Use Stripe or PayPal as a multi-currency payment gateway
- Use Xero or QuickBooks to invoice and reconcile payments
This combination gives you maximum control, flexibility and savings.
The top multi-currency accounts for UK small businesses
| Provider / account | Currencies supported / local accounts | Fees and FX / costs | Core features | Best for / Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WorldFirst – World Account | 20+ currencies (e.g. USD, EUR, AUD, JPY, SGD, CNH, GBP) | • Receive in supported currencies: Free • Currency conversion: up to 0.5%markup on major currencies • Local transfers: ~£0.30 • Cross-currency payments over £5,000: Free |
Local receiving accounts (IBANs/ACH), integration with 130+ marketplaces & gateways, real-time balances, forwarding contracts, bulk payments, multi-currency virtual card (0% FX fee, cashback) | SMEs, e-commerce sellers, import/export businesses, global suppliers & marketplaces — especially those who want minimal FX costs and flexibility holding different currencies |
| Revolut Business | 34 currencies supported | Exchange currencies at near-interbank rates (within plan limits), fees depend on plan tier; may be cheaper than traditional banks | Hold 34 currencies, receive GBP/EUR/USD/CHF locally, issue virtual/physical cards, integrate with accounting tools, manage budgets & spend per team/member | Startups and small businesses needing flexible spending, expense management, and easy currency conversion with exposure to many currencies |
| Wise Business Account | Multiple currencies (USD, EUR, AUD, GBP, etc.), local account details (US routing, EU IBAN, etc.) | Transparent FX at mid-market rates; fees vary by currency and transaction type | Receive in multiple currencies, convert at mid-market rate, send global payments, create invoices/payment links, batch payments, integrate with Stripe/Shopify/Xero | Service businesses, freelancers, or SMEs dealing with international clients, frequent global payments or needing professional invoicing + low-cost conversion |
| HSBC Currency Account | 14 major currencies (USD, EUR, JPY, CAD, AUD, HKD, etc.) | No monthly account fee; live exchange rates at time of transaction; international payments may incur standard international transfer fees | Traditional banking stability, ability to hold multiple currency accounts, schedule or make payments online, access via HSBC banking | Businesses already using HSBC who prefer banking with a major global bank and want straightforward currency holding without fintech-style interface |
1. World Account from WorldFirst: Best for SMEs, e-commerce sellers and import/export
WorldFirst specialises in helping small and medium-sized businesses expand globally, without the cost or complexity of traditional banks. Instead of opening multiple foreign accounts, you manage everything from one unified dashboard.
Key features
- Local receiving accounts in 20+ currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, CNH, JPY and SGD
- Marketplace and payment integrations with 130+ platforms (Amazon, AliExpress, Stripe, PayPal)
- FX markups capped at 0.5% on major currencies
- Forward contracts to lock in exchange rates up to 24 months
- Bulk payments to 200 recipients
- Multi-currency virtual card with zero FX fees and cashback
Pricing
- Account: Free
- Receiving payments: Free in supported currencies
- Currency conversion: Up to 0.5% markup
- Transfers: £0.30 for local payments; free for cross-currency transfers over £5,000
Why it stands out
WorldFirst removes barriers to global growth by giving UK SMEs instant access to local account details without needing foreign entities or tax IDs. Setup is fully online, typically approved within 1–2 business days.
2. Revolut Business
Revolut offers a versatile multi-currency wallet for businesses that need flexibility.
Key features:
- Hold 34 currencies
- Local account details for GBP, EUR, USD
- Exchange 25+ currencies at interbank rates (within plan limits)
- Issue physical and virtual cards
- Integrate with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and more
3. Wise Business Account
Designed as an all-in-one global account, Wise makes receiving, converting and sending international payments easy.
Key features:
- Local account details in USD, EUR, AUD and more
- Create invoices or payment links
- Batch payments to up to 1,000 recipients
- FX at the mid-market rate with transparent fees
- Integrates with Stripe, Shopify and Xero
4. HSBC Currency Account
For those who prefer a traditional bank, HSBC offers currency accounts in 14 major currencies.
Key features:
- No monthly account fee
- Live exchange rates updated by the second
- Schedule international payments in advance
- Hold major currencies like USD, EUR, JPY and CAD
Choose WorldFirst to handle all of your multi-currency payments in one place
Accepting payments in multiple currencies doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you sell through marketplaces, invoice international clients, or run a global e-commerce operation, the right combination of tools can simplify your finances, reduce FX costs and help you expand with confidence.
While there are several strong multi-currency account options available, WorldFirst’s World Account stands out as the most complete solution for UK small businesses, offering local receiving accounts in 20+ currencies, low FX pricing, seamless marketplace integrations and fast online onboarding.
If you’re ready to streamline global payments and get paid like a local worldwide, opening a free World Account is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Open a World Account for free today.
Sources
https://www.revolut.com/business/
https://www.revolut.com/business/multi-currency-accounts/
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