Expanding your business beyond UK borders requires a reliable and cost-effective international business bank account. The right provider can help you manage multiple currencies, reduce foreign exchange fees, and simplify cross-border transactions. With new digital banks, fintech disruptors, and traditional high-street banks all competing for business, choosing the best international account in 2025 requires careful consideration.
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Airwallex is a global leading payment and financial operation platform, offering multi-currency wallets, low-cost FX, global payments, and API integrations for seamless cross-border transactions, ideal for SMEs, e-commerce, and tech businesses.
Key features of a great international business bank account
When selecting an international business bank account, UK companies should look for:
- Multi-currency support – Ability to hold and transact in multiple currencies.
- Competitive foreign exchange (FX) rates – Low margins on currency conversions.
- Low fees – Transparent pricing with minimal transaction and account maintenance fees.
- Global payment capabilities – Efficient SWIFT, SEPA, and local bank transfers.
- Ease of use – Online banking, mobile apps, and API integrations.
- Business credit options – Overdrafts, business loans, or credit lines for international expansion.
- Regulation and security – Compliance with UK and international financial authorities.
Best international business accounts
Here’s a detailed comparison of the top international business bank accounts (and e-money accounts) available in the UK.
Airwallex Business Account
Airwallex is a global leading payment and financial operation platform, offering multi-currency wallets, low-cost FX, global payments, and API integrations for seamless cross-border transactions, ideal for SMEs, e-commerce, and tech businesses.
Best for: Businesses looking for a scalable global payments and treasury management solution with API integrations.
- Monthly fee: £0*
- Currencies supported: 60+
- FX rates: 0.5% above interbank rates for major currencies, 1% for all others
- International payments: Local and SWIFT transfers available in 150+ countries
- Additional features: Multi-currency accounts with local details, virtual and physical corporate cards, expense management, bill payment, software integrations with popular accounting and ecommerce platforms
Pros:
- No hidden charges
- Competitive exchange rates close to the interbank rate
- API integrations for automated payments and reconciliation
- Supports batch payments for payroll and suppliers
- Create employee and company VISA cards in minutes
Cons:
- No traditional banking services (no overdrafts or loans)
- Requires a business registration to open an account
Why choose Airwallex?
Airwallex Business Account is ideal for UK businesses that operate across multiple countries and need flexible, scalable global payment solution. With its multi-currency accounts and automated payment tools, it’s a strong alternative to traditional bankaccounts, particularly for e-commerce, SaaS, and export businesses. Unlike high-street banks, Airwallex provides near-interbank FX rates and eliminates excessive transaction fees, making global payments more affordable and efficient.
For businesses with frequent cross-border transactions and payroll needs, Airwallex is a powerful fintech solution that integrates with major accounting software and business platforms like Xero, Quickbooks, Shopify and more.
Wise Business
Best for: Wise is known for low-cost international transactions and multi-currency accounts.
- Monthly fee: £0
- Currencies supported: 40+
- FX rates: Mid-market rate + 0.35%–2.85% fee
- International payments: Local bank transfers in over 70 countries
- Additional features: API access, batch payments, integration with Xero and QuickBooks
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Real exchange rate (mid-market rate)
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
Cons:
- No credit or overdraft facilities
- Limited traditional banking services
Revolut Business
Best for: Revolut is popular with startups and growing businesses needing multi-currency flexibility.
- Monthly fee: £0–£100+ (varies by plan)
- Currencies supported: 30+
- FX rates: Interbank rates (weekday), 0.4% markup on weekends
- International payments: Free transfers within Revolut, fees apply for others
- Additional features: Virtual and physical cards, expense management, integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and other tools
Pros:
- Flexible plans with free options
- Fee-free transfers between Revolut accounts
- Supports international payments and employee expense management
Cons:
- High fees for weekend currency conversions
- Customer support can be slow for free accounts
HSBC Kinetic (International Business)
Best for: HSBC Kinetic is often used by established businesses needing a high-street bank with global support.
- Monthly fee: £6.50+
- Currencies supported: Major global currencies
- FX rates: Competitive but not always mid-market
- International payments: SWIFT and SEPA payments available
- Additional features: Business loans, overdrafts, trade finance, global reach
Pros:
- Access to HSBC’s global network
- Traditional banking services included
- Business lending and credit facilities
Cons:
- Higher fees than fintech competitors
- Application process can be lengthy
Starling Bank Business (Multi-Currency)
Best for: Starling is popular with UK SMEs looking for a no-fee digital banking experience.
- Monthly fee: £0
- Currencies supported: GBP, EUR, USD (more coming in 2025)
- FX rates: Interbank with a small margin
- International payments: SWIFT, SEPA, and Faster Payments supported
- Additional features: Free UK business account, integration with accounting software, instant notifications
Pros:
- No monthly fees for the UK business account
- Low-cost international transfers
- Regulated and FSCS-protected
Cons:
- Limited currency options compared to competitors
- No built-in credit facilities
CitiBank International Business Account
Best for: Large businesses with high-value transactions.
- Monthly fee: Varies based on turnover
- Currencies supported: 100+
- FX rates: Negotiated rates for high-value clients
- International payments: SWIFT, SEPA, local payments worldwide
- Additional features: Treasury management, trade finance, relationship managers
Pros:
- Global presence with extensive currency support
- Tailored solutions for international businesses
- Strong reputation and financial security
Cons:
- High fees for smaller businesses
- Minimum balance requirements
How to choose the best international business bank account
To find the best provider for your needs, consider:
- Transaction volume: If you frequently make small international payments, choose a provider with low FX fees (e.g., Wise, Starling).
- Currencies needed: If you operate in niche markets, ensure the provider supports your required currencies (e.g., CitiBank).
- Business size: SMEs may prefer digital-first banks like Revolut and Starling, while large businesses benefit from traditional banks.
- Banking needs: If you require lending, overdrafts, or trade finance, a high-street bank like HSBC may be more suitable.
FAQ – Best international business bank accounts
An international business bank account allows companies to manage multiple currencies, send and receive payments globally, and reduce foreign exchange costs. It also helps businesses avoid excessive conversion fees and streamline transactions with overseas clients and suppliers.
Many providers accept applications from non-UK businesses, but eligibility depends on the bank’s requirements. Some digital banks and fintech providers, such as Wise and Airwallex, offer accounts to overseas businesses, whereas traditional banks may require a UK-registered entity.
The time required varies depending on the provider. Digital banks and fintech companies can approve accounts within a few hours or days, while traditional banks may take several weeks due to stricter compliance checks and documentation requirements.
No, most international business bank accounts can be opened from the UK without a physical presence abroad. However, some high-street banks may require proof of operations in the target country, particularly for corporate banking services.
Standard requirements include business registration documents, proof of identity for directors, proof of address, and details about expected transactions. Some providers may request additional verification, such as financial statements or tax identification numbers.
UK-based traditional banks often provide FSCS protection for deposits up to £85,000, but fintech providers and international banks may not be covered. Businesses should check the regulatory status of their chosen provider before opening an account.
Most digital-first providers, such as Wise and Revolut, do not offer lending services, whereas traditional banks like HSBC and CitiBank provide credit facilities for international businesses. Businesses needing access to finance should consider whether their chosen account includes lending options.
Yes, businesses with international accounts may need to report foreign income and comply with tax regulations in the UK and other jurisdictions. It’s advisable to consult an accountant or tax specialist to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
Banks and fintech providers must comply with UK and international financial regulations, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. This means businesses must provide accurate records of transactions and undergo periodic reviews to ensure compliance.
A multi-currency account allows businesses to hold and transact in multiple currencies within a single account, while a foreign currency account typically holds funds in only one currency. Multi-currency accounts provide greater flexibility for international transactions.