Having a multi-currency account can be a fundamental change for international students, frequent travelers, foreign entrepreneurs, and international businesses.
This article covers everything you need to know about multi-currency accounts and the best ones in Singapore, helping you make the right choice based on your unique needs.
1. What Is a multi-currency account?
A multi-currency account allows you to hold, receive, and make payments in multiple currencies under a single account.
This straightforward way avoids conversion fees, simplify global transactions, and provide greater control over currency management makes it particularly valuable for businesses and frequent travelers.
2. What are the benefits of a multi-currency accounts?
With a multi-currency account, you can get
- Financial flexibility: You can receive/transfer money, make payments and investments (Buy bonds, stocks, or secure best FX rates) in different currencies.
- Lower maintenance fee: You can manage all transactions in one account, avoid having multiple accounts, unfavorable exchange rates. In addition, some banks offer free payment transfers within the bank network
- Easy account management: You can get a dedicated account manager who can support you directly and offer insights you need.
3. Who can benefit from a Singapore multi-currency account?
Multi-currency accounts can benefit both individual users and businesses. Examples are frequent travelers, foreign students, expatriates, e-commerce sellers, exporting-importing businesses.
4. 2 types of multi-currency accounts in Singapore
You can get 2 types of multi currency accounts in Singapore depending on your needs:
Business accounts
These accounts support a wider range of currencies and higher transaction limits, often with specialized features like access to foreign exchange markets. They’re popular among businesses with international dealings or expenses in different currencies.
Personal accounts
Personal multi-currency accounts are substantial for individuals who travel often, make purchases in foreign currencies or receive funds in different currencies.
Some banks offer benefits, such as straightforward access to unique features (low or no minimum balance and easy online management).
5. Top 5 best multi-Currency accounts in Singapore
Here’s a look at some of the most popular options in Singapore for multi-currency accounts, including both traditional banks and innovative FinTech providers
Types of bank account | Best for minimum |
Minimum deposit (in SGD) |
Features |
Wise Multi-Currency Account | International transactions and frequent users | None |
|
HSBC Everyday Global Account (Personal Banking) | Expats and frequent travelers | $2,000 to qualify for cashback |
|
DBS Multi-Currency Account | Individuals or SMEs with cross-border dealings | A Singapore company does not require an initial deposit if it is incorporated less than 3 years ago. |
|
UOB Global Currency Account | Frequent travelers and regional businesses |
$1,000 (Initial deposit depending on the currency) |
|
Standard Chartered Bonus$aver Multi-Currency Account | Individuals looking for both savings and FX | $2,000 |
|
6. How to set up a multi-currency account?
You can open a bank account in Singapore on your own, but the majority of foreign businesses struggle to do so.
With the support from our banking expert, we offer a 5-step process to help you open a business multi curency account in Singapore as below:
Before you start the application process, you have to gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes:
- Identification Documents: A government-issued ID, such as a passport or national identity card, to verify your identity.
- Proof of Address: A recent utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement showing your name and residential address.
- Business Documentation (if applicable): For business accounts, you need your company registration documents , tax identification number, and details about company ownership and structure.
Based on your KYC profile, we can suggest best accounts with high opening possibility that meet your needs
Or you can research and compare different providers to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Traditional banks: They often provide a wider range of currency options and may have physical branches for in-person support.
- Fintech providers: Look for providers like Wise or Revolut, which typically offer lower fees and a more user-friendly digital experience.
Once you’ve selected a provider, you can begin the application process.
- Online application: Some banks and fintech providers offer an online application form. Fill in your personal details, including your financial history and intended use of the account. Our expert will advise and help you fill in for a high success rate.
- In-Person visits: If applying at a traditional bank, you need to visit a branch to submit your application and documentation directly with our banking expert guiding during the interview for a high success rate.
After submitting your application, the banker will verify your documentation:
They will review rigorously the provided documents to ensure they meet compliance standards. This step include an in-depth background checks.
You will receive requests for additional information or clarification during this phase, so keep an eye on your email or messages for updates.
The final step is waiting for your account to be approved. This can vary widely; fintech accounts often get approved within minutes to a few hours, while traditional banks may take several days to weeks or even months as the KYC process takes time to completely understand your business models and verify your personal information.
Once approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to access your account, including how to deposit funds and manage transactions.
7. How to manage a Singapore multi-currency account?
7.1. Charges and Reccurring fees
Managing the right multi-currency account involves evaluating several factors. One important factors are charges and recurring fee. Those charges and fees can be
- Annual account maintenance fee;
- Currency conversion fee;
- ATM withdrawal fee;
- Online transfer, overdraft, wire transfer;
- Fall below fee if the account balance is low than the minimum requirement.
7.2. High-risk activities
Banks will freeze accounts if they notice unusual transactions, like large deposits or international transfers from unknown sources, as a precaution against fraud.
Solution
To prevent this, inform your bank if you’re expecting high activity or significant transactions, and have documentation ready if needed.
If your financial activities change, consider talking to your bank about adjusting transaction limits. This communication helps keep transactions smooth and avoids interruptions, especially useful for handling multi-currency or international payments effectively.
7.3. Avoid trading with high-risk countries
To avoid account freezes, it’s also crucial not to trade with sanctioned or high-risk countries, like those under international sanctions, as these transactions often trigger banking restrictions.
Avoid high-risk activities, such as handling enormous sums without obvious sources or sending frequent, high-value transfers to multiple new recipients, as these can raise red flags.
Solution
- Track ransactions: Maintain records of all your transactions, particularly for business accounts, to verify any flagged activity.
- Know your transfer partners: Only transfer funds to verified recipients, and ensure their locations are reputable. You should check the lists of Sanctioned designated Individuals and Entities from the Money Authority of Singapore for information.
8. How can we help you open a multi-currency account in Singapore?
As a recognized partner of Singaporean banks, our expertise lies in simplifying the process and increading your chance opening Singapore bank accounts with success. We ensure a smooth, prompt, and thorough experience for our clients, prioritizing professionalism throughout the entire procedure.
- Recommend the right bank and the right bank account for your need
- Support you in opening a reliable, trusted digital bank account or traditional bank account;
- Prepare necessary documents for account opening;
- Schedule an appointment with a Singapore bank representative;
- Monitor and assist in opening personal bank accounts (physical and digital) for clients in Singapore.
Global Link Asia Consulting, as your trusted one-stop corporate service provider helping hundreds of business owners start their businesses overseas and manage their companies with success, can help you
- Register a company in Singapore;
- Open a corporate bank account in Singapore with a 99% success rate;
- Choose the right company types for tax optimization in Singapore;
- Apply for Singapore business licenses;
- Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
- Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
- Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.
9. FAQs about multi currency accounts in Singapore
For personal use, you can use Standard Chartered Bonus$aver Multi-Currency account, HSBC everydayglobal account or Wise account for an affordable, accessible options with strong digital features.
This depends on the bank and the accounts you choose. Top full banks in Singapore offers accounts with at least 10 currencies supported per account.
Fintech providers offer accounts with which you can transfer more than 10 currencies. For example, wise accounts support more than 50 currencies.
Your money is safe in a multi-currency account provided by lisenced Singapore banks.
Singapore is known as the top 4 financial centers in the world, providing one of the safest financial protection and rigorous KYC policies . Local banks and trusted fintech options adhere to strict security standards.
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