10 best international business bank accounts in Malaysia (2026 guide)

Key takeaways:

• Malaysia's foreign currency business accounts typically require minimum deposits ranging from US$500 to US$50,000, plus ongoing maintenance or transaction fees.

• The biggest differences between providers aren't just the number of currencies supported, but how easily you can collect, hold and send money internationally.

• Airwallex's Global Account is free to open, with no monthly fees. It lets you hold and manage 20+ currencies without the minimum opening deposits or balance requirements that many traditional bank foreign currency accounts have.

The best international business bank accounts in Malaysia fall into two categories: bank foreign currency accounts and fintech global accounts.

This guide covers ten providers (across both banks and fintechs) and breaks down what each one does well, what it doesn't, and which type of business it suits.

If you're looking for a general MYR operating account rather than an international one, see our guide to the best business bank accounts in Malaysia.

What is an international business bank account?

There are two types of international business accounts available to Malaysian businesses, and they work very differently.

Type 1: Bank foreign currency account

You can open a bank foreign currency account at a licensed Malaysian bank and use it to hold, store, and occasionally convert foreign currencies. It's useful if you need to hedge against exchange rate movements or park funds in USD or EUR before making a payment.

What it doesn't do well is help you collect from overseas customers quickly or pay suppliers across borders at low cost. Most bank FX accounts rely on SWIFT transfers, which are slower and carry intermediary fees.

Type 2: Fintech global account

With global accounts, you can receive payments from overseas customers via local payment rails, convert funds at competitive rates, and pay out to international suppliers, all from one platform. Setup is fully digital, and there's no minimum deposit.

Not sure whether you should use a bank foreign currency account or a fintech global account? The right choice depends on whether your main need is holding foreign currency or actively moving it.

10 best international business accounts in Malaysia

Here's how the 10 options in this guide stack up on currencies, minimum deposits, and standout fees:

This information is based on publicly available information accessed on 7 Aug 2026. Information reflects Airwallex's own research and has not been independently verified.

1. Airwallex

Airwallex is the strongest choice for Malaysian businesses that regularly receive, hold and send money in multiple currencies.

It combines international payments, multi-currency accounts, corporate cards and expense management in a single platform, making it well suited to importers, exporters, SaaS companies and businesses with overseas suppliers or customers.

Unlike traditional foreign currency accounts, it's designed around day-to-day cross-border operations rather than simply holding foreign currency balances.

Key features

• Local collection accounts in 70 countries

• International transfers to 200+ countries

• Multi-currency Global Accounts

• Corporate Visa cards

• Built-in expense management

• Batch payments

• Integrations with Xero, QuickBooks and NetSuite

• Licensed in Malaysia as a Money Services Business

Airwallex has no sign up fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements.

2. WorldFirst

WorldFirst is best suited to exporters, marketplace sellers and businesses that buy from overseas suppliers, particularly in China.

Its World Account focuses on international collections, supplier payments and marketplace settlements rather than broader finance management, making it a strong option for businesses with relatively straightforward cross-border payment needs.

Key features

• Hold and receive 20+ currencies

• Local receiving accounts

• Marketplace collections

• Direct supplier payments to 1688 and Taobao

• International transfers

• Foreign exchange conversion

• Licensed in Malaysia

Information in this section is based on WorldFirst’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

3. RHB Multi-Currency Account

RHB is a good fit for businesses that prefer banking with a traditional Malaysian bank while managing multiple foreign currencies. It supports the widest range of currencies among the banks in this comparison and is particularly useful for businesses trading with China thanks to CNH support.

Key features

• Supports 33 foreign currencies

• CNH supported

• Multi-currency debit card

• Foreign currency current account

• Protected by PIDM

Information in this section is based on RHB’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

4. CIMB Foreign Currency Current Account-i

CIMB's Foreign Currency Current Account-i is designed for businesses that require a Shariah-compliant foreign currency account.

It offers a straightforward way to hold and transact in multiple currencies under Islamic banking principles, making it suitable for businesses that prioritise Shariah compliance over advanced cross-border payment features.

Key features

• Shariah-compliant

• Supports 13 currencies

• Electronic transfers

• Foreign currency current account

• Protected by PIDM

Information in this section is based on CIMB’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

5. Hong Leong Bank Foreign Currency Account

Hong Leong's Foreign Currency Account is primarily a foreign currency holding account for businesses that occasionally receive or make payments in overseas currencies.

Support for CNH makes it a practical choice for businesses trading with China, although it offers fewer transaction features than fintech alternatives.

Key features

• Supports 10 foreign currencies

• CNH supported

• Foreign currency current account

• Business account available for corporate customers

• Protected by PIDM

Information in this section is based on Hong Leong’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

6. Public Bank Foreign Currency Current Account

Public Bank offers both single-currency and multi-currency foreign currency accounts, making it suitable for businesses that prefer a conventional banking relationship while holding foreign currency balances.

The multi-currency option is particularly useful for businesses managing several trading currencies from a single account.

Key features

• Single-currency and multi-currency account options

• Supports up to 12 currencies

• Available to multiple business entity types

• Foreign currency current account

• Protected by PIDM

Information in this section is based on Public Bank’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

7. Maybank Master Foreign Currency Account

Maybank's Master Foreign Currency Account is suited to businesses that already bank with Maybank and want to manage foreign currency balances within the same banking ecosystem.

While business-specific information is limited online, it remains a practical option for companies seeking a traditional bank with extensive local coverage.

Key features

• Supports 16 currencies

• CNY supported

• Online transfers through Maybank2u Business

• Foreign currency current account

• Protected by PIDM

Information in this section is based on Maybank’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

8. UOB Trade & Investment Foreign Currency Account

UOB's Trade & Investment Foreign Currency Account is designed for businesses that want to hold foreign currencies for trade or investment purposes.

It also offers an Islamic version with broader currency support, making it a consideration for businesses that require Shariah-compliant banking.

Key features

• Supports 8 currencies (conventional)

• Islamic version supports 12 currencies

• CNY available on Islamic account

• Foreign currency call account

• Available to SMEs and corporate customers

Information in this section is based on UOB’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

9. Bank of China Corporate Foreign Currency Current Account

Bank of China is particularly well suited to businesses with trade links to China.

Its Corporate Foreign Currency Current Account supports major trading currencies including CNY and provides a traditional banking option for businesses handling cross-border transactions.

Key features

• Supports 9 foreign currencies

• CNY supported

• Inward and outward remittances

• Foreign exchange services

• Corporate foreign currency current account

Information in this section is based on Bank of China’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

10. OCBC Multi Currency Account

OCBC's Multi Currency Account is a solid option for SSM-registered businesses that want to manage multiple foreign currencies through a traditional bank.

It integrates with OCBC Velocity for online business banking and enables businesses to hold several major trading currencies within a single account.

Key features

• Supports 10 foreign currencies

• Five currencies enabled by default

• CNY supported

• Managed through OCBC Velocity

• Available to SSM-registered businesses

Information in this section is based on OCBC’s official website as of 7 Aug 2026.

What to look for in an international business account

The best international business account depends on how your business sends, receives and manages money across borders. Before choosing a provider, consider these five factors.

1. International payment capabilities

If you regularly receive payments from overseas customers, look for providers that offer local collection accounts rather than relying solely on SWIFT transfers. This can reduce transfer costs and speed up settlement.

Also check whether the provider supports payments to the countries where your suppliers are based.

2. Currency support

Choose an account that supports the currencies your business actually uses. For many Malaysian businesses this means USD, SGD, EUR, CNY/CNH and JPY, but your requirements will depend on where your customers and suppliers are located.

3. Foreign exchange costs

Compare the exchange rate you'll actually receive, not just the transfer fee. Even small differences in FX markups can add up over time if your business makes frequent international payments.

4. Islamic banking requirements

If your business operates under Shariah principles, check whether the provider offers an Islamic foreign currency account. Not all providers do.

5. Deposit protection

Deposits held with Malaysian banks are generally protected by PIDM (subject to PIDM's limits and eligibility rules), while fintech providers are not covered by PIDM. If deposit protection is important to your business, this may influence your choice.

Why Malaysian businesses choose Airwallex for international payments

Traditional bank foreign currency accounts are designed primarily to hold foreign currencies. Airwallex is designed to help businesses receive, manage and send money internationally from a single platform, making it a stronger fit for companies that trade across borders regularly.

With Airwallex, you can:

• Collect payments like a local business using Global Accounts in 70 countries, so overseas customers can pay you via local bank transfers instead of SWIFT.

• Pay suppliers in 200+ countries through local payment rails or SWIFT.

• Reduce FX costs with competitive FX rates that can save you up to 80% on FX fees compared to traditional banks.

• Sync transactions with Xero, QuickBooks and NetSuite to simplify reconciliation and financial reporting.

Airwallex has no setup fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best international business bank account in Malaysia?

The best international business bank account in Malaysia depends on how your business trades. If you regularly collect from overseas customers or pay international suppliers, a fintech platform like Airwallex gives you more flexibility than a traditional bank foreign currency account. If you mainly need to hold or hedge a specific currency, a bank FX account from a licensed Malaysian bank may be sufficient.

Can a Malaysian Sdn Bhd hold foreign currencies in its business account?

Yes. Malaysian Sdn Bhds can open foreign currency accounts at licensed local and international banks, or use fintech platforms that support multi-currency holding. Many bank foreign currency accounts require an initial deposit in the chosen foreign currency, and some also impose minimum balance requirements.

What is the difference between a foreign currency account and a multi-currency account?

A foreign currency account typically holds one foreign currency per account, although some banks offer multi-currency foreign currency accounts. A multi-currency account lets you hold several currencies within a single account and convert between them as needed.

Do I need a separate account for international payments, or can I use my MYR current account?

While your MYR current account can send and receive international payments via SWIFT, it isn't designed to hold foreign currencies or simplify cross-border payments. Businesses that trade internationally often use a dedicated foreign currency or multi-currency account to hold balances, reduce conversion costs and manage international payments more efficiently.

Is Wise Business available in Malaysia?

No. As of 7 August 2026, Wise Business is not currently available in Malaysia. Wise's own website confirms this. Malaysian businesses looking for a multi-currency business account can consider the options covered in this guide instead.

Are fintech platforms like Airwallex regulated in Malaysia?

Yes. Airwallex is licensed to provide money services in Malaysia. However, it is not a bank, so it operates under a different licensing framework and customer funds are not protected by PIDM.

Sources:

1. worldfirst.com/my, https://www.worldfirst.com/my/product

2. rhbgroup.com/business/sme-banking/deposits/multi-currency-account, https://www.rhbgroup.com/travelplus/index.html

3. https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/business-day-to-day/deposit-investments/current-account/foreign-currency-current-account-i.html

4. https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/business-and-corporate-banking/deposits/foreign-currency/foreign-currency-account.html

5. https://www.pbebank.com/en/banking/foreign-currency-accounts/foreign-currency-current-account/

6. https://www.maybank2u.com.my/maybank2u/malaysia/en/personal/accounts/current/mfca.page

7. https://www.uob.com.my/business/accounts/foreign-currency-account.page

8. https://www.bankofchina.com.my/en-my/segment/corporate-banking/deposit-accounts/corporate-foreign-currency-current-account.html

9. https://www.ocbc.com.my/business-banking/smes/accounts/multi-currency-account