international Business Bank Accounts
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International business accounts with multi currency transfers and payments allowing you to take your business global.
Promoted Accounts – May 2024
Global Business Bank Accounts
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeSWIFT payments vary £10-£20 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- Open domestic and foreign currency accounts with local bank details around the world with no monthly fees within minutes.
- Make international transfers to 150+ countries – save up to 80% on FX fees, app. 70% of funds arrive within a few hours / same day
- Accept payments worldwide via 160+ payment methods – no coding required
- Issue multi currency corporate cards
- Integrates with platforms like Xero, Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce & more
- Automate your domestic and international bill pay workflows
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
- Your business is registered in the UK. More markets are available with different Airwallex entities. Details can be found on the Airwallex website.
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Monthly Fee
£12.50Plus one-off £55 application fee -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
From 30p- Direct Debits: 30p
- Faster Payments (next day online): 30p
- Faster Payments (instant online): £7.50
- CHAPS: £30
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Overdraft
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Access Methods
App/OnlinePay in cash and cheques via Barclays branches
Product Features
- No credit checks or signatures required
- Up to 4 additional cards for business use
- UK-based customer support.
- International payments in a range of currencies
Eligibility Criteria
- Available to Limited Companies, Sole Traders and Partnerships
- Your business must be registered in the UK and have an annual turnover of less than £2m
- You must be 18+ and a UK resident. Card One Money need to be able to verify your identity & residency.
- Card One Money is no covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. See product FAQs for more info
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Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly fee for first 3 months, then £18 thereafter -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
£0.30 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
AppNo cheque facilities
Cash paid in via Post Office (0.5% fee – £2 minimum) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Monthly subscription fees that go up and down in line with your business performance
- Rated ‘Excellent’ based on over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot
- Built-in accounting software with receipt capture and live business insights
Eligibility Criteria
- Available to sole traders and limited companies
- You must be 18+ and a UK resident
- Unlimited monthly deposits
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Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly fee for first 3 months, then £9 thereafter -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
£0.30 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
AppNo cheque facilities
Cash paid in via Post Office (0.5% fee – £2 minimum) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Monthly subscription fees that go up and down in line with your business performance
- Rated ‘Excellent’ based on over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot
- Built-in accounting software with receipt capture and live business insights
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a UK resident, at least 18 years old and running a small business (Sole Trader/Director of a limited company)
- If your maximum monthly deposit is exceeded, then your account will automatically upgrade to the appropriate subscription plan. You will not be able to downgrade from this plan.
- £7,500 maximum monthly deposit
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Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly fee for first 3 months, £3 per month thereafter -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
30p -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
AppNo cheque facilities.
Cash paid in via Post Office (0.5% fee – £2 minimum) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Monthly subscription fees that go up and down in line with your business performance
- Rated ‘Excellent’ based on over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot
- Built-in accounting software with receipt capture and live business insights
Eligibility Criteria
- Available to sole traders and limited companies
- You must be 18+ and a UK resident
- £750 maximum monthly deposit
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
5 free per month- 5 free local transfers per month, then 20p thereafter
- International transfers: £5
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Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Multi-currency accounts – recieve payments and exchange in 25+ currencies
- Control and monitor team spending with multiple debit and virtual cards, manage permissions and levels of access and more
- Various payment facilities including Tap to Pay on iPhone (fees apply)
- International payments – Send and receive money from 200 countries
Eligibility Criteria
- Available for limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, Partnerships & unlimited companies
- Currently available for companies registered in and with a physical presence within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK and US
Exchange money in 30+ currencies at interbank rates
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Monthly Fee
Contact Revolut -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
Contact Revolut -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Multi-currency accounts – recieve payments and exchange in 25+ currencies
- Control and monitor team spending with multiple debit and virtual cards, manage permissions and levels of access and more
- Various payment facilities including Tap to Pay on iPhone (fees apply)
- Earn annual interest daily with a linked business savings account
- Tailored for larger businesses
Eligibility Criteria
- Available for limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, Partnerships & unlimited companies
- Currently available for companies registered in and with a physical presence within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK and US
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Monthly Fee
£19 per month -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
100 free per month- 100 free local transfers per month, then 20p thereafter
- International transfers: £5
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Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Multi-currency accounts – recieve payments and exchange in 25+ currencies
- Control and monitor team spending with multiple debit and virtual cards, manage permissions and levels of access and more
- Various payment facilities including Tap to Pay on iPhone (fees apply)
- Earn annual interest daily with a linked business savings account
Eligibility Criteria
- Available for limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, Partnerships & unlimited companies
- Currently available for companies registered in and with a physical presence within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK and US
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Monthly Fee
£79 per month -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
1000 free per month- 1000 free local transfers per month, then 20p thereafter
- International transfers: £5
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Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Multi-currency accounts – recieve payments and exchange in 25+ currencies
- Control and monitor team spending with multiple debit and virtual cards, manage permissions and levels of access and more
- Various payment facilities including Tap to Pay on iPhone (fees apply)
- Earn annual interest daily with a linked business savings account
- 2 complimentary metal cards
Eligibility Criteria
- Available for limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, Partnerships & unlimited companies
- Currently available for companies registered in and with a physical presence within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK and US
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
20p -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash deposits via Post Office (0.5% fee, minimum £2.50) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Create and send invoices for free
- Multi-business – hold up to 5 business accounts
- Automated 30-day cash flow forecasts
Eligibility Criteria
- For registered business account: you must be registered with UK Companies House as a director of that company or partnership
- For sole trader account: you must be a UK based sole trader/freelancer
- For all accounts: you must be aged 18+, have a valid UK phone number and address, and hold compatible device registered to a UK App or Google Play store
Earn up to 4.33% AER (variable) with the Tide Instant Saver Account (interest paid monthly).
Award-winning business account
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Monthly Fee
£49.99 -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeUnlimited free bank transfers -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash deposits via Post Office (0.5% fee, minimum £2.50) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Create and send invoices for free
- 3 free expense cards included
- 0.5% cashback on Tide card spend (T&Cs apply)
Eligibility Criteria
- For registered business account: you must be registered with UK Companies House as a director of that company or partnership
- For sole trader account: you must be a UK based sole trader/freelancer
- For all accounts: you must be aged 18+, have a valid UK phone number and address, and hold compatible device registered to a UK App or Google Play store
3 FREE Expense Cards for co-workers
Unlimited transfers per month
Refine Your Search
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- Small Business Bank Accounts
- Sole Trader Business Bank Accounts
- Multi Director Access Business Accounts
- No Credit Check Bank Accounts
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- International Business Bank Accounts
How to compare business bank accounts…
Step One
Understand your requirements
How you do business will effect the type of account you need. How many transactions will you have each month? Do you need to pay in cash? Do you need a local branch?
Step Two
Check eligibility
Most providers have a range of business accounts to suit different types of businesses. Check the eligibility of each account to make sure if suited to your business.
Step Three
Compare the latest deals and offer
There are numerous offers and deals to attract new customers which can be compared with our handy tool above. Always consider the cost of the account once the free period ends
International Business Current Account Guide
A comprehensive guide to multi-currency business bank accounts can be invaluable for UK businesses engaged in international trade. Understanding the benefits, features, and considerations of these accounts helps in managing finances across different currencies efficiently. Here’s an in-depth look at what UK businesses need to know about multi-currency business bank accounts.
What is a Multi-Currency Business Bank Account?
A multi-currency business bank account allows businesses to hold, manage, and transact in multiple currencies from a single account. This capability is particularly beneficial for businesses that import or export goods, pay overseas suppliers, receive payments from customers abroad, or have operations in different countries. By enabling transactions in various currencies, these accounts help in avoiding conversion fees and managing exchange rate risks more effectively.
- Currency Flexibility: Businesses can transact in multiple currencies without needing to convert into GBP, thus avoiding currency conversion fees typically charged by banks.
- Exchange Rate Management: By holding money in the currency of transaction, businesses can wait for a favourable exchange rate before converting, reducing the risk associated with rate volatility.
- Simplified Transactions: Payments and receipts in foreign currencies are more straightforward, making it easier to manage international suppliers and customers.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing the need for multiple foreign currency accounts with different banks can lower banking costs.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting a multi-currency account, consider the following features:
- Range of Currencies: Check how many and which currencies are supported. The more options available, the better the flexibility for global trade.
- Conversion Costs: Understand the fees for currency conversion and how they compare with standard bank rates.
- Transfer Fees: Look at the costs associated with sending and receiving international payments.
- Interest Rates: Some accounts might offer interest on currency balances, which can be a bonus.
- Integration with Accounting Software: Accounts that sync with business accounting systems can save time and reduce errors in financial management.
- Security Features: Strong security measures are crucial, especially for accounts dealing with multiple currencies and international transactions.
How to Open a Multi-Currency Business Bank Account
The process typically involves:
- Eligibility Check: Confirm that your business meets the specific requirements set by the bank, such as minimum turnover.
- Necessary Documentation: Prepare business documents, including incorporation certificates, proof of business activities, and identification documents for company directors.
- Application: This can often be completed online, followed by a review process by the bank.
- Verification: The bank may require additional documentation or details about the nature of international transactions.
Managing a Multi-Currency Account
Effective management is key to leveraging the advantages of a multi-currency account:
- Monitor Exchange Rates: Regularly check rates to optimize the timing of currency conversion.
- Utilise Financial Tools: Many providers offer tools for managing risks associated with currency fluctuation.
- Understand Tax Implications: Be aware of the tax considerations that come with holding and converting multiple currencies.
Risks and Considerations
- Exchange Rate Risk: Although these accounts mitigate some risks, sudden fluctuations in exchange rates can still impact finances.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all international transactions comply with both UK regulations and those of the countries you are dealing with.
- Costs: Weigh the benefits against potential costs, including monthly fees and transaction charges.
Multi-currency business bank accounts offer significant benefits for UK businesses engaging in international transactions. By choosing the right account and managing it effectively, businesses can save on costs, reduce exposure to currency risks, and streamline financial operations across borders. Always compare different options and consider both the features and the associated fees to find the best fit for your business needs.