Best international business bank accounts UK 2026

If your business trades or pays suppliers overseas, finding the right international business account can make a big difference to your bottom line. Between fluctuating exchange rates, hidden bank fees, and slow cross-border payments, managing money across currencies can quickly become costly and complex.

That’s why more UK businesses are looking beyond traditional banks to smarter, non-bank alternatives. Providers that combine competitive foreign exchange rates with tools built for modern global operations.

In this guide, we’ll compare some of the best international business bank accounts available in the UK, highlight what to look for in a global payments provider, and show how platforms like OFX can help you move money efficiently, save on FX margins, and simplify international finance management.

What Makes a Business Bank Account Truly “International”?

An international bank account (sometimes known as a foreign currency, offshore or overseas bank account) is a type of bank account that allows you to send, hold, and receive money in multiple currencies. 

Unlike domestic bank accounts that are used for local transactions, international bank accounts are designed to minimise currency conversion and transaction fees, offering features such as foreign currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and local account details in other countries. 

They help businesses operating in the UK manage international payments with greater flexibility and speed, while saving on FX fees.

Essential features of an international business bank account

If you’re aiming to manage multiple currencies, cut foreign fees, or access funds while abroad, an international account helps you stay in control and move money with ease, something domestic accounts simply weren’t built to do.

Traditional international bank accounts vs. Fintech global accounts for international payments

Bank accounts from the likes of HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds aren’t the only solution to making international payments in multiple currencies – non-bank multi-currency business accounts such as those from OFX and Revolut may be a better fit with more capabilities and lower FX fees built into one platform. These fintech-issued accounts allow you to receive, hold, and send money in various currencies, without the slow processes of traditional banks.

Here’s a more tailed comparison between these two types of accounts.

International business bank account vs. Multi-currency business account

	International business bank accounts	Multi-currency business accounts (OFX)
Features	– Multi-currency support usually limited to a few currencies – Traditional banking may include loan services – Usually requires having a business or personal account with the bank before being able to open an international bank account	– Multi-currency support in 30+ currencies – Includes spend management tools such as streamlined approval workflows and budgeting – No prior account requirements
Accessibility	– May be accessed through a physical branch, online or app	– Accessible via an online platform
Transfer speed	– 1-5 business days	– Same-day – Up to 5 business days
Set-up process	– Regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)	– Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Pricing and fees	– Requires account maintenance fees – Conversion fees may apply – Bank markup exchange rates	– Monthly subscription-based costs – Conversion fees applied – Closer to mid-market exchange rates

OFX Global Business Account

Receive, hold, convert and send funds across a wide range of currencies, reduce costs and gain greater control over your international payments.

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Key Features to Look for in an International Business Bank Account

Multi-Currency Functionality

A defining feature of any strong international business account is the ability to hold and manage multiple currencies at once. This gives businesses the flexibility to:

Together, these features bring greater control and predictability to international transactions especially for companies handling frequent cross-border payments or revenues in several markets.

Transparent Pricing and Fees

Understanding the true cost of global banking is challenging. The most reliable providers ensure you have complete clarity with:

Transparent pricing isn’t just about fairness, it allows you to forecast expenses accurately and maintain tighter control over your business cash flow.

Global Access and Flexibility

Your business doesn’t stop at borders and your account shouldn’t either. Leading international accounts now provide:

For distributed teams and companies with international suppliers or clients, global accessibility is now a necessity, not an optional extra.

Essential Business Features

A high-performing international account should actively support your broader operations not just store funds. Look for:

In short, your international account should act as an extension of your finance function empowering growth, not creating more admin.

Best non-bank business accounts for international payments

Fintech and non-bank providers are reshaping how businesses manage money across borders, offering faster transfers, lower FX margins, and built-in automation tools. Here’s a look at some of the top digital multi-currency business accounts available in the UK for international payments.

OFX

OFX is a global fintech company that offers an all-in-one Global Business Account that lets companies pay like a local in major currencies, automate spend management with AI-powered tools, and simplify payments with multi-currency corporate cards. Designed to help businesses save on FX fees, the OFX Global Business Account is made for international payments.

	Key features	Fees
OFX Global Business Account 1	– Multi-currency account allows businesses to manage 30+ currencies in one place – FX solutions such as Spot Transfers, Forward Contracts, and Limit Orders at competitive exchange rates – Businesses can access local bank details in GBP, EUR, USD, CAD – Additional spend management tools for expense tracking, approval workflows and budgets – Can integrate with Xero and Quickbooks – Corporate cards for payments in 30+ currencies	– Business plans start from £0 per month (for two users) and includes multi-currency support – £125 per month for Full Suite plan – £5 domestic payment fee GBP (CHAPS) – £5 when receiving international funds into the Global Business Account when using SWIFT

Wise

Wise is another fintech platform that offers an online business account designed for international businesses.

	Key features	Fees
Wise Business 2	– Get paid in different currencies (up to 22 currencies)2 – Create foreign account details2 – Flexible payments for businesses with fast payment links and options to get paid by card2	– Wise Business set-up for one £45 fee3 – Conversion fees for sending money start from 0.33%3 – 1.75% ATM fees over £200 per month per account (+ £0.50 per withdrawal)3

For more information on Wise, check out our review of the Wise Business Account here.

Revolut

Revolut is a UK-based digital financial services provider with a Revolut Business Account that helps businesses scale and save on global payments. Similar to OFX, the Revolut Business Account offers multi-currency support with local account detail options.

	Key features	Fees
Revolut Business Account 3	– Lets businesses hold 30+ currencies4 – Businesses can categorise and personalise accounts to reflect internal systems4 – Business Account can be integrated with applications like Xero, Shopify, and Sage Accounting4	– Business plans start at £10 per month, to a maximum of £90 per month (excluding a custom plan)5 – £5 fee applies per international transfer outside of a plan’s monthly allowance5 – £0.20 fee applies per local transfer outside of a plan’s monthly allowance5

For more information on Revolut, check out our review of the Revolut Business Account here.

Best international business bank accounts in the UK

In the UK, a few major banks offer international bank accounts that you can use to trade in multiple currencies for your business. Here’s a quick overview of their key features and fees.

HSBC International Business Accounts

HSBC offers four types of international business accounts that serve different needs, including everyday transactions and savings. Below’s what you need to know about them.

	Key features	Fees
Current Account	– For everyday business banking6 – Available in 90+ currencies including USD and EUR6 – Online account management with HSBCnet6	– 20p per payment received by SEPA Credit Transfer7 – £17.00 per Business Internet Banking payment7 – £20.00 per Business Telephone Banking payment to another HSBC account7 – £30.00 per Business Telephone Banking payment to another bank account or in a foreign currency within the UK7 – 2.75% charge of the converted amount on non-sterling payments and cash withdrawals (via debit card)7 – £5.00 per Global Wallet transaction (receive like a local)7 – £5.00 per Global Wallet transaction (pay like a local)7
Instant Access Savings Account	– For accessing funds fast, while earning interest6 – Credit interest is paid based on market conditions6 – Available in any tradeable currency6
Fixed Term Deposit Account	– For leaving funds and earning interest at a higher rate 6 – Available in USD and EUR6 – Fixed term to suit business needs6 – Minimum of $50,000 USD or equivalent6 – Interest rate increases based on duration of fixed term6
Local account in an overseas market	– For managing local transactions (such as payroll)6 – Requires speaking with a UK relationship manager6

Barclays International Corporate Banking

In the UK, Barclays offers international corporate banking for businesses via a Business Currency Account. It’s available in a range of foreign currencies, and aims to help businesses mitigate their exposure to exchange rates while simplifying international payments. For businesses specifically transferring in Euro, Barclays offers a Euro Account.

	Key features	Fees
Currency Account	– Available in a range of major foreign currencies including EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, HKD, and more8 – No minimum or maximum balance restrictions8 – Matches incoming and outgoing currency funds to reduce exchange rate risk (funds do not have to be converted to sterling)8 – Requires a Sterling Current Account with Barclays8	Transactional fees apply to bank transfers and unpaid items8 Standard transactions for international payments (BIPS) may be charged8

Lloyds Foreign Currency Account

The Lloyds Foreign Currency Account is another international account designed for businesses that regularly hold, pay, or receive in foreign currencies. Keep in mind that before applying for a Corporate Foreign Currency Account, you’ll need to already hold a Lloyds Sterling business account. Similar to Barclays, Lloyds has a Euro Current Account option for businesses trading mainly in euros.

	Key features	Fees
Foreign Currency Account	– Available in multiple foreign currencies including EUR and USD9 – Transfers money from a Lloyds Sterling business account to the Foreign Currency Account9 – Minimises foreign exchange costs and exposure to exchange rate movements9	– £60 per year for account Maintenance Fee10 – £2 for every £100 (with a minimum charge of £3) plus a £10 administration charge for foreign banknotes paid in or out10

How to open an international business bank account

The process can vary between providers, but most international business accounts follow similar steps. With traditional banks, expect setup to take up to 14 days, especially for businesses in regulated industries.

1. Check eligibility

Most banks require your business to be UK-registered, in good compliance standing, and operating as a legally incorporated entity. Review specific eligibility criteria before applying.

2. Gather documents

Prepare the key documents upfront:

3. Submit your application

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility and compiled documents, apply online or at a branch. Some major banks may not open international accounts for new customers — in these cases, contact their business support team directly.

4. Pass compliance checks

Banks will run identity and anti-money-laundering (AML) checks. These can take longer for industries like finance, gambling, or crypto.

5. Fund your account and start trading

After approval, deposit your opening balance if required. You’ll receive international account details (and local ones where available) so you can start sending and receiving payments.
Digital banking alternatives typically skip in-branch steps, offer faster approvals, and often waive minimum deposits, letting you start transacting within days instead of weeks.

Benefits of an international business bank account

The right international business account can unlock efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility for companies trading across borders. Key benefits include:

Choosing the right account for your business

Not every international account fits every business. Traditional banks offer benefits such as FSCS protection, branch access, and long-standing credibility however they often come with higher foreign-exchange margins, slower transfer times and less global flexibility.

On the other hand, smarter alternatives such as fintech business accounts and specialist multi-currency platforms are built for cross-border operations. They provide true multi-currency wallets, transparent FX pricing and fast global transfers.

When comparing providers, it’s important to consider: 

While traditional banks offer some of these features, they rarely deliver all of them in one place. That’s why more UK businesses are turning to fintech alternatives that prioritise speed, flexibility, and transparency.

Why more UK businesses are choosing to go global with OFX

International business accounts like the OFX Global Business Account can help your business manage payments in 30+ currencies, while ensuring your global expansion runs smoothly with financial automation tools.

With the OFX Global Business Account, you can:

The OFX Global Business Account Standard Plan has no monthly fees, is free to register up to two users and comes with multi-currency accounts, corporate cards, batch payments, and competitive FX rates.

For enhanced controls and AI automation, plus advanced tools like approvals and spend management start a free 60 day trial of OFX Full Suite.

Interested in trying out the OFX platform? Book a live demo and get hands-on with the tool with a virtual tour.

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Best International Bank Account FAQs

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