The best banks for international business make it easier and less expensive to send payments, receive funds, and manage money across borders. Whether you work with overseas suppliers, serve international customers, or operate in multiple countries, the right account can help reduce transfer costs, simplify currency exchange, and improve access to your funds.
I compared the best banks for international business based on international payment capabilities, currency support, wire transfer fees, foreign exchange costs, account features, and overall value for businesses with global operations.
Whether you are expanding into new markets or simply working with global partners, these are the banks and financial platforms worth considering.
Here are the seven best banks for international business, with links directly to the provider websites:
| Provider | Best for | Starting monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Grasshopper | Online international wire transfers from a traditional bank | $0 |
| Wise | Low-cost international transfers | $0 |
| Revolut | Holding and spending in multiple currencies | Starting at $10 per month |
| Airwallex | Global payments for ecommerce brands | $0 |
| Mercury | Startups with international clients | $0 |
| Bluevine | US businesses sending occasional global wires | $0 |
| Chase | Traditional banking with international support | $15 |
- Comparing the best banks for international business
- Grasshopper: Best for international wire transfers from a traditional bank
- Wise: Best for low-cost international transfers
- Revolut: Best for holding and spending in multiple currencies
- Airwallex: Best for global payments for ecommerce brands
- Mercury: Startups with international clients
- Bluevine: Best for US Businesses sending occasional global wires
- Chase: Best for traditional banking with international support
- How I evaluated each international business bank account
- What to know about doing business internationally
- How to choose a bank for international business
- What you need to open a business bank account
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Bottom line
Comparing the best banks for international business
| Monthly fee | Free monthly transactions | Number of countries to send money to | Number of currencies | New account promotions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Accelerator Checking | $0 | Unlimited | Not disclosed | 113 | Up to $200 per referral |
| Visit Grasshopper | |||||
 Business Checking | None | Unlimited | 160 | 40 | No current promo |
| Visit Wise | |||||
 Basic Business Checking | $10 | Unlimited to Revolut accounts. 10 local transfers, then $0.20 for each additional transfer | 140 | 36 | Cashback bonus may apply to qualifying purchases with a physical or virtual card |
| Visit Revolut | |||||
| None | Unlimited | 200-plus | 60-plus | Up to 1.5% cash rebates on local USD spend |
| Visit Airwallex | |||||
 Business Checking | No required monthly maintenance fee | Unlimited | Not disclosed | 30-plus | Earn $300 cash back when you deposit $10,000 within 90 days of account opening |
| Visit Mercury | |||||
 Bluevine Standard | None | Unlimited | 30+ | 15 for sending; 39 for receiving | Earn $500 when opening a new account using code FSM500 and meet qualifying activities |
| Visit Bluevine | |||||
 Business Complete Banking | $15; waivable | 20 | 140-plus | 40-plus | Up to $500 cash back when opening a new account and meeting requirements |
| Visit Chase | |||||
My methodology
To build this list of the best banks for ecommerce businesses, I focused on financial institutions and fintech platforms that offer the tools online sellers need to manage revenue, expenses, and business growth efficiently. My goal was to identify providers that deliver the best combination of affordability, digital functionality, ecommerce compatibility, and scalability for businesses selling products online.
Each provider was evaluated using consistent criteria that reflect how ecommerce business owners compare banking options, including the following categories:
Fees and overall value: I compared monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, transaction limits, and other account costs to determine overall affordability and long-term value.
Ecommerce integrations and compatibility: I evaluated each provider’s ability to connect with popular ecommerce platforms, payment processors, accounting software, and business tools used by online sellers.
Core banking features: I reviewed essential capabilities such as business checking accounts, APYs, cash management tools, debit cards, wire transfers, and payment services that support day-to-day operations.
Ease of use: I considered account setup, online and mobile banking experience, automation features, and how intuitive each platform is for managing business finances.
Scalability and business support: I assessed features that help businesses grow, including multiple accounts or subaccounts, team access controls, expense management tools, and access to financing when available.
Customer support: I looked at service channels, responsiveness, and the level of support available to business owners across different account tiers.
When available, I explored provider websites, product demos, and account features to better understand the user experience and how effectively each option supports the unique needs of ecommerce businesses.
Why you can trust Fit Small Business
Grasshopper: Best for international wire transfers from a traditional bank
Features
- International USD wire transfers
- Supports 113 foreign currencies
- Low incoming international fee
- Integrates with major software providers
- Mobile check deposit is available through the app
- Cash back Visa rewards
- Team access with permission controls
- Built-in invoicing and payment tools
Grasshopper Accelerator Checking terms
| Required opening deposit | $100 |
|---|---|
| Required minimum balance | None |
| Monthly fee | None |
| Domestic wire transfer fees |
|
| International wire transfer fees |
|
| ATM fees | Free at 37,000 MoneyPass & 8,500 Sum network ATMs |
| Currency conversion fee | No fees for currency conversion |
Grasshopper Bank, N.A. | Member FDIC.
Supported currencies
- Australian Dollar
- Canadian Dollar
- Swiss Franc
- Hungarian Forint
- Czech Koruna
- Danish Kroner
- Euro
- Fiji Dollar
- British Pound
- Hong Kong Dollar
- Malaysian Ringgit
- Japanese Yen
- Mexican Peso
- Norwegian Kroner
- New Zealand Dollar
- Swedish Kronor
- Singapore Dollar
- Thai Baht
- Tunisian Dinar
- Central Polynesian Franc
- South African Rand
- Chinese Renminbi Yuan
- Botswana Pula
- Maldives Rufiyaa
- Malawi Kwacha
- Egyptian Pound
- Israeli Shekel
- Indian Rupee
- Iceland Krona
- Albanian Lek
- Moroccan Dirham
- Armenian Dram
- Seychelles Rupee
- Netherlands Antilles Guilder
- Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham
- Saudi Riyal
- Mauritius Rupee
- Turkish New Lira
- Angola Kwanza
- Argentine Peso
- Aruba Guilder
- Bahraini Dinar
- Bosnia & Herzegovina Mark
- Barbados Dollar
- Bangladesh Taka
- Bulgarian Lev
- Chilean Peso
- Bermudian Dollar
- Gibraltar Pound
- Brunei Dollar
- Bolivian Boliviano
- Brazilian Real
- Bahamian Dollar
- Kuwaiti Dinar
- Belize Dollar
- Omani Rial
- Pakistan Rupee
- Costa Rican Colon
- Qatari Rial
- Cape Verde Escaudo
- Djibouti Franc
- Dominican Peso
- Algerian Dinar
- Eritrea Nakfa
- Jordanian Dinar
- Kenyan Shilling
- Ethiopia Birr
- Georgian Lari
- Gambian Dalasi
- Guatemalan Quetzal
- Philippine Peso
- Polish Zloty
- Guyana Dollar
- Honduras Lempira
- Haitian Gourde
- Jamaican Dollar
- Kyrgyzstan Som
- Comoros Frans
- Cayman Island Dollar
- Kazakhstan Tenge
- Sri Lanka Rupee
- Lesotho Malati
- Moldovan Leu
- Macedonia Denar
- Macau Pataca
- Namibian Dollar
- Nigerian Naira
- Nicaraguan Córdoba
- Nepalese Rupee
- Peruvian Nuevo Sol
- Papua New Guinea Kina
- Romanian Leu
- Solomon Islands Dollar
- St. Helena Pound
- Somali Shilling
- Suriname Dollar
- Swaziland Lilangeni
- Tongan Pa anga
- Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
- Taiwanese Dollar
- Uruguayan Nuevo Peso
- Vanuatu Vatu
- Samoan Tala
- CFA Franc
- East Caribbean Dollar
- CFA Franc BCEAO
- Yemeni Rial
- El Salvadorian Colon
- Panamanian Balboa
- Ghanian Cedi
- Serbian Dinar
- Falkland Islands Pound
- Chinese Renminbi Offshore
When to choose Grasshopper
Choose Grasshopper Bank if your business regularly sends or receives international wire transfers but doesn’t need a dedicated multi-currency account. The Accelerator Checking account supports international USD wires and foreign exchange wire transfers, making it a practical option for startups, ecommerce businesses, consultants, and service providers that work with overseas customers or vendors. Its low international wire fees and lack of monthly maintenance fees can help keep banking costs manageable as your business grows.
Grasshopper is also a good fit if you prefer a fully digital banking experience. You can send international USD wire transfers online, manage your account remotely, and connect with tools such as QuickBooks and Plaid to streamline bookkeeping and financial management. However, if your business needs to hold multiple currencies, maintain local bank accounts in other countries, or process large volumes of international payments, a provider such as Wise or Airwallex may be a better choice.
Wise: Best for low-cost international transfers
Features
- Hold funds in multi-currency
- Low-cost international transfers
- Payments can be made in batches
- Multi-user access
- Open API & integrations
- Mobile app access
- Direct debit and payment links
- Spending control and card limits
- Cashback options for debit cards
- Receive international payments as domestic transfers
Wise Business Checking terms
| |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Domestic wire transfer fees | Inbound: Varies by currencyOutbound: Varies by currency |
| International wire transfer fees | Inbound: $7.50Outbound: $5.34 |
| ATM fees | First two withdrawals are free if under $100. $1.50 for each additional withdrawal +2% of the withdrawal amount over $100 USD |
| Currency conversion fee | Calculated based on the mid-market exchange rate. |
Supported currencies
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- Brazilian real (BRL) — Brazil only
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- Chilean peso (CLP) — Chile only
- Chinese yuan (CNY) — China only
- Colombian peso (COP) — Colombia only
- Czech koruna (CZK)
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Euro (EUR)
- British pound (GBP)
- Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
- Hungarian forint (HUF)
- Israeli shekel (ILS)
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR) — Indonesia only
- Indian rupee (INR) — India only
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- South Korean won (KRW) — South Korea only
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) — Sri Lanka only
- Mexican peso (MXN)
- Malaysian ringgit (MYR) — Malaysia only
- Norwegian krone (NOK)
- Nepalese rupee (NPR) — Nepal only
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Philippine peso (PHP) — Philippines only
- Polish zloty (PLN)
- Romanian leu (RON)
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Swedish krona (SEK)
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Thai baht (THB)
- US dollar (USD)
- Vietnamese dong (VND) — Vietnam only
- South African rand (ZAR)
When to choose Wise
Wise is a good fit if your business regularly sends or receives payments across borders and you want to keep currency conversion costs low. It works especially well for companies that invoice international clients, pay overseas contractors, or operate in multiple currencies.
Because Wise lets you hold balances in dozens of currencies and send money to more than 160 countries, it can simplify global payments without requiring multiple foreign bank accounts. It’s best suited for businesses that prioritize flexible international payments and transparent fees rather than traditional banking services like lending or branch access.
Revolut: Best for holding and spending in multiple currencies
Features
- Team member access and permissions
- Expense management tools
- Batch payments available
- Reports are available in real time
- 24/7 customer support within the app
- Multiple account plans available for scaling businesses
Revolut Business Basic account terms
 | |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $10 per month for Basic account |
| Domestic and international wire transfer fees | Transfers are not flat-fee wires like traditional banks. Pricing depends on:
|
| ATM fees | Up to 2% of the value of the withdrawal. Third-party fees may also apply |
| Currency conversion fee | During Foreign Exchange Market hours: $0Outside Foreign Exchange Market hours: $1.0% |
Supported currencies
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- Brazilian real (BRL) — Brazil only
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- Chilean peso (CLP) — Chile only
- Chinese yuan (CNY) — China only
- Colombian peso (COP) — Colombia only
- Czech koruna (CZK)
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Euro (EUR)
- British pound (GBP)
- Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
- Hungarian forint (HUF)
- Israeli shekel (ILS)
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR) — Indonesia only
- Indian rupee (INR) — India only
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- South Korean won (KRW) — South Korea only
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) — Sri Lanka only
- Mexican peso (MXN)
- Malaysian ringgit (MYR) — Malaysia only
- Norwegian krone (NOK)
- Nepalese rupee (NPR) — Nepal only
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Philippine peso (PHP) — Philippines only
- Polish zloty (PLN)
- Romanian leu (RON)
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Swedish krona (SEK)
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Thai baht (THB)
- US dollar (USD)
- Vietnamese dong (VND) — Vietnam only
- South African rand (ZAR)
When to choose Revolut
Revolut is a strong choice for businesses that regularly work with multiple currencies and want a flexible international business bank account to manage global spending. It works particularly well for companies that pay international vendors, manage teams across different countries, or travel frequently for business.
Because Revolut allows businesses to hold and exchange multiple currencies from one platform, it can simplify global payments without requiring several foreign bank accounts. For companies that prioritize digital tools, spending controls, and multi-currency flexibility, Revolut can be one of the best banks for international business.
Airwallex: Best for global payments for ecommerce brands
Features
- Many transfers arrive with local bank details
- Open API and developer tools
- Team permissions and role management
- Real-time transaction tracking
- Global treasury management options available
Airwallex Explore business checking terms
| |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $0 for Explore |
| Domestic and international wire transfer fees | Fee varies based on country and method of transmission |
| ATM fees | Airwallex cards are for spending and do not support cash withdrawal. |
| Currency conversion fee | FX markup typically starts around 0.5% above interbank rates |
Supported currencies
- US dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British pound (GBP)
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- Chinese yuan (CNY)
- Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Swedish krona (SEK)
- Norwegian krone (NOK)
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Polish zloty (PLN)
- Czech koruna (CZK)
- Hungarian forint (HUF)
- Romanian leu (RON)
- Mexican peso (MXN)
- Brazilian real (BRL)
- South African rand (ZAR)
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Indian rupee (INR)
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Thai baht (THB)
- South Korean won (KRW)
- Vietnamese dong (VND)
When to choose Airwallex
Airwallex is a strong option for businesses that sell products or services internationally and need a flexible international business bank account to manage global payments. It works particularly well for ecommerce brands that accept payments from customers in multiple countries and want to reduce currency conversion costs.
Because Airwallex allows businesses to hold multiple currencies, collect payments using local account details, and send transfers through local payment networks, it can simplify cross-border transactions. For companies focused on global growth and online sales, Airwallex can be one of the best banks for international business.
Mercury: Startups with international clients
Features
- ACH transfers can be sent at no charge
- Domestic wires are free
- Business debit cards available for team members
- Robust software integrations
- Built-in cash-flow management tools
- Savings account included with business checking
Mercury Business Checking Terms
 | |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Domestic wire transfer fees | Inbound: $0Outbound: $0 |
| International wire transfer fees | Inbound: $0Outbound USD: $0Outbound Non-USD: 1% currency exchange fee |
| ATM fees | No charge from Mercury; third-party fees may apply |
| Currency conversion fee | 1% currency conversion fee |
Supported currencies
- Argentine Peso (ARS)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
- Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
- Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- Euro (EUR)
- Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Israeli Shekel (ILS)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Polish Zloty (PLN)
- Romanian Leu (RON)
- Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- South Korean Won (KRW)
- Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
When to choose Mercury
Mercury is a strong option if your business is a startup or digital company that wants a simple international business bank account with modern financial tools. It works especially well for founders who manage their finances online and want features like free USD wire transfers, team spending controls, and integrations with accounting or payment platforms.
Because Mercury offers a no-fee checking account with built-in automation tools, it can help streamline cash management for growing companies. For startups that work with international clients but primarily transact in US dollars, Mercury can be one of the best banks for international business.
Bluevine: Best for US Businesses sending occasional global wires
Features
- FDIC insurance up to $3M
- ATM network has 38,000 + ATMs
- Mobile check deposit
- Role-based user permissions for account access
- Real-time alerts
- Accounting software integrations
- Sub-accounts for segregating special-purpose funds
- Secure data encryption and fraud monitoring
- Real-time reporting
Bluevine Standard business checking terms
 | |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Domestic wire transfer fees | Inbound: $0Outbound: $15 |
| International wire transfer fees | Inbound: $0Outbound USD: $25Outgoing via FX: $25 +1.5% |
| ATM fees | No charge at MoneyPass® ATMs; $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATM use |
| Currency conversion fee | $25 fee + 1.5% of the amount |
Supported currencies
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Israeli Shekel (ILS)
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- South Korean Won (KRW)
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Polish Zloty (PLN)
- Romanian Leu (RON)
- Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- U.S. Dollar (USD)
When to choose Bluevine
Bluevine is a good choice for US businesses that primarily operate domestically but occasionally need to send or receive international payments. Its business checking account offers strong everyday banking features, including interest on balances, built-in bill pay tools, and unlimited transactions.
While it is not a full multi-currency platform, businesses can still receive payments in dozens of currencies and convert them to USD when deposited. For companies that want a simple international business bank account without the complexity of global banking platforms, Bluevine can be a practical option and one of the best banks for international business when cross-border payments are occasional rather than constant.
Chase: Best for traditional banking with international support
Features
- Chase QuickAccept® mobile payment acceptance
- Mobile check deposit available
- Debit card can be set up with purchase controls
- Built-in invoicing and payment tools
- Same-day deposits for eligible cards
- 24/7 fraud monitoring
- Real-time transaction alerts
Chase Business Complete Banking terms
 | |
|---|---|
| Required opening deposit | $0 |
| Required minimum balance | $0 |
| Monthly fee | $15; waivable |
| Domestic wire transfer fees | Inbound: $15Outbound: Up to $35 |
| International wire transfer fees | Inbound: $15Outbound: Up to $50 |
| ATM fees | $3 for out-of-network ATM usage; third-party ATM operator fees may apply |
| Currency conversion fee | Exact rate not disclosed. Determined by Chase and includes a spread |
Supported currencies
- Argentine Peso (ARS)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
- Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
- Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- Euro (EUR)
- Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Israeli Shekel (ILS)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Polish Zloty (PLN)
- Romanian Leu (RON)
- Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- South Korean Won (KRW)
- Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
When to choose Chase
Chase is a good option for businesses that want a traditional bank with international capabilities. It offers a full-service international business bank account along with lending, merchant services, and in-person branch access.
While it does not offer the same multi-currency tools as fintech platforms, it still supports international wire transfers in many currencies and countries. For companies that want stability and a long-established banking partner, Chase can be one of the best banks for international business.
How I evaluated each international business bank account
| Category | What I looked at |
|---|---|
| International capabilities | Whether you can hold multiple currencies in your account, how many currencies are supported, global payment reach, FX tools, and the ability to send and receive funds with local bank details. |
| Pricing and fees | Monthly fees, international wire costs, foreign transaction charges, currency conversion markups, and any hidden costs that affect overall value. |
| Account features and flexibility | Debit and virtual cards, payment tools, cash management features, and whether the account can scale as your business grows. |
| Ease of use | Onboarding requirements, approval timelines, dashboard usability, and how simple it is to manage international payments. |
| Integrations | Connections with accounting software, ecommerce platforms, payment processors, and other essential business tools. |
| Customer support and reputation | Support availability, service channels, and overall customer sentiment based on third-party reviews. |
What to know about doing business internationally
Finding the best bank for international business is a great start, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. If you work with customers, suppliers, or team members overseas, there are a few other things you will need to sort out to keep everything running smoothly.
- Paying employees and contractors abroad: If you plan to hire internationally, you need a payroll setup that keeps you compliant. Take a look at our guides on paying international employees and contractors, along with our roundup of the best international payroll services.
- Accepting payments from global customers: Selling to customers in other countries usually means setting up the right merchant account. See our list of the best international merchant accounts to find one that supports multiple currencies and cross-border transactions.
- Shipping products overseas: If you sell physical goods, shipping and fulfillment can get complicated quickly. Our guide to international fulfillment and cross-border shipping walks through what to expect and how to plan ahead.
- Using the right credit card abroad: A credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money, especially if you travel often or pay vendors in other currencies. Check out our top recommended no foreign transaction fee credit cards to round out your setup.
How to choose a bank for international business
I used clear criteria to evaluate the best banks for international business, but your needs may look different from someone else’s. Before opening an international business bank account, I recommend stepping back and thinking about what actually matters for how you operate.
1. Make sure it supports where you operate
Start with the basics. Does the bank support the countries and currencies you use most? Some accounts only offer limited international features, while others are built for businesses working across multiple markets.
2. Look closely at the wire and exchange costs
International payments are rarely free. I always suggest reviewing what the bank charges to send and receive money abroad and how it handles currency conversion. Small exchange rate markups can quietly cut into your margins.
3. Decide if you need a multi-currency account
If you deal in more than one currency, the ability to hold funds without converting them right away can make a noticeable difference. A strong international business bank account should make it easy to send, receive, and manage multiple currencies.
4. Think about card and ATM access
If you or your team travel often, make sure your debit cards work reliably overseas. Some banks refund international ATM fees or partner with global networks to reduce costs.
5. Review monthly fees and balance requirements
International features sometimes come with higher costs. I recommend looking for accounts with reasonable monthly fees and minimum balance requirements that match your stage of growth.
6. Check software integrations
If you rely on tools like Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, Amazon, or accounting platforms such as Xero, make sure your bank connects easily. Good integrations save time and reduce manual reconciliation.
7. Consider future financing needs
If you plan to expand into new markets, access to credit or international financing may matter down the line. Some banks offer lending products designed to support cross-border growth.
8. Read reviews and test support
When something goes wrong with an international payment, fast support matters. I recommend checking customer reviews and confirming what support channels are available before committing.
What you need to open a business bank account
Each provider has its own requirements, but most banks will ask for the following documentation when opening an international business bank account or standard business account:
- Employer Identification Number or Social Security number for sole proprietors
- Fictitious business name certificate or doing business as certificate if applicable
- Business formation documents
- Organization documents outlining ownership structure
- Required business licenses
- Government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best bank for international business?
The best bank for international business depends on how you operate. If you mainly send and receive cross-border payments, a fintech platform with low foreign exchange fees may be ideal. If you need global branches, trade services, or in-country support, a traditional bank may be a better fit.
Do I need a special international business bank account to work overseas?
Not always, but it helps. A dedicated international business bank account makes it easier to hold multiple currencies, reduce exchange fees, and manage cross-border payments without constant conversions.
Can a US business open a bank account in another country?
Yes, but requirements vary by country and bank. Some international banks allow US companies to open foreign accounts, while others require a local business presence. In many cases, a multi-currency international business bank account can meet your needs without opening a separate account abroad.
Bottom line
The best bank for international business depends on how and where you operate. Some businesses need low-cost international payments and multi-currency flexibility, while others need the stability and global reach of a traditional bank.
The right international business bank account should make it easier to send and receive payments, manage currency exchange, and support your growth across borders. Start with your most common transactions, compare fees carefully, and choose the provider that fits how your business actually runs.
