5 top international business bank accounts (and modern alternatives) in the US for 2025

Summary:

• Traditional banks offer international business bank accounts with in-person support and SWIFT-based transfers, but these accounts often have slower delivery times and higher fees.

• Fintech platforms such as Airwallex, Wise, and Revolut provide digital-first international business accounts with faster transfers, lower FX costs, and automation and expense management tools.

• Your choice of international business bank account or fintech alternative should depend on your company’s global footprint, need for currency flexibility, and preference for digital vs. branch-based support.

Whether starting or scaling a global business, you’ll need a reliable way to manage cross-border payments, simplify financial operations, and support long-term growth. That typically means opening an international business bank account or choosing a modern fintech alternative.

In the US, traditional banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank have long been the go-to for businesses needing in-person support, credit, or full-service banking. These institutions offer international business accounts to help manage global financial operations.

However, digital-first fintech platforms like Airwallex now offer a compelling alternative. They enable multi-currency accounts, local payment rails, and real-time financial tools without requiring a branch visit.

The right solution depends on whether you prioritize in-person support, full-service banking, or a faster, more flexible digital infrastructure. This guide compares top international business bank accounts and fintech solutions for US-based businesses operating across borders.

What’s the difference between an international business bank account and an international business account?

Licensed banks issue traditional international business bank accounts, typically including services like foreign currency holding, SWIFT-based transfers, and access to credit.

In contrast, modern fintech platforms like Airwallex offer international business accounts under licenses such as electronic money institutions (EMIs) or money services businesses (MSBs). These accounts support many of the same operational needs, like managing multi-currency balances and making international transfers, but do not include traditional banking services such as credit or lending. Instead, they’re often designed with a focus on ease of use, faster onboarding, and digital integration.

What international business accounts can offer

The features below are commonly available from fintech providers. Traditional banks may offer only a portion of these capabilities:

• Local currency accounts to hold USD, EUR, GBP, and more, helping businesses manage revenue and expenses in the currencies they operate in.

• Payment collection options include invoices, checkout integrations, and payment links.

• International business cards for company and employee spending.

• Expense management tools that provide real-time visibility and control over spending across currencies and teams.

Top international business bank accounts and fintech alternatives

Two main types of providers support international business transactions:

• Traditional banks offer international business bank accounts under a banking license.

• Fintech platforms offer international business accounts under money services or e-money licenses.

Below, we highlight a mix of both types, highlighting the features, structures, and limitations.

• Airwallex: Airwallex is a global payments and financial platform offering international business accounts that enable companies to manage, hold, and transfer funds in multiple currencies. Features include local bank details in supported markets, access to local payment rails, and foreign exchange at interbank rates. Airwallex also supports embedded finance use cases and provides APIs for automating global payment flows, making it suitable for platforms, eCommerce businesses, and fast-scaling international companies.

• Wise Business: Originally launched as TransferWise, Wise has expanded into business services while maintaining its focus on low-cost international transfers. Wise Business enables companies to hold and convert funds in multiple currencies, receive payments with local account details, and send payments internationally. 

• Payoneer: A global payment platform, Payoneer is geared toward freelancers, eCommerce sellers, and businesses working with international marketplaces. It enables users to receive and hold payments in multiple currencies through virtual receiving accounts, withdraw funds to local bank accounts, or spend using a prepaid business card. Payoneer offers embedded finance and API tools for larger businesses, including payment pages, shopping cart plugins, and service APIs.

• Revolut Business: Revolut Business is a digital financial platform offering multi-currency accounts, corporate debit cards, foreign exchange services, and expense management tools. Businesses can hold, exchange, and send payments across borders. With flexible pricing plans and features like budgeting tools and user permissions, Revolut appeals to freelancers, gig workers, and small businesses looking for accessible cross-border financial services.

• JPMorgan Chase: JPMorgan Chase is a full-service US bank offering international business bank accounts, SWIFT-based wire transfers, treasury management, and foreign currency services. It is best suited for large or enterprise businesses requiring in-person support, access to credit, and comprehensive banking infrastructure. While Chase allows certain business entities, such as sole proprietorships, single-member LLCs, and corporations with one authorizing representative, to open accounts online, more complex business structures typically require visiting a branch to complete the account setup process. 

Feature comparison: top international business bank accounts and business accounts at a glance

Top considerations when choosing an international business account

Now that you’ve seen how top providers compare, it’s important to think beyond the feature list. Choosing the right international business account depends on how well a provider fits your current operations and your plans for global growth. Below are a few key factors to keep in mind:

1. Account structure and licensing

One of the biggest differences between banks and fintech platforms is how – and where – you interact with them.

• Traditional banks may offer online setup for basic business structures, but typically require in-person setup for more complex entities. They also provide branch-based services, which may be helpful if your business needs face-to-face support, physical check deposits, or a more hands-on relationship.

• Fintech providers like Airwallex and Wise operate entirely online. While they’re licensed to offer financial services, they don’t have physical branches, making them ideal for businesses that value speed, automation, and digital-first workflows.

A traditional bank may be a better fit if your team needs branch access or works with cash or paper checks. A fintech platform may offer greater convenience and flexibility for businesses that operate remotely or across borders.

2. Currency capabilities

Consider whether you need to hold, send, and receive funds in multiple currencies, or just one or two. Some providers offer full multi-currency wallets with local account details, while others are more focused on outbound payments or may charge higher fees for currency conversion.

3. Transfer infrastructure

Traditional banks typically rely on the SWIFT network for international payments, which can take several business days and may involve intermediary fees. Fintechs often use local payment rails, which can result in faster, lower-cost delivery for supported currencies and destinations.

4. Card and expense management tools

If you plan to issue cards to team members or manage spend across departments or geographies, consider whether the provider offers multi-currency business cards, real-time spend controls, or built-in expense tools. These features are typically standard among fintech platforms but may be limited in traditional banking setups.

5. Support, integrations, and flexibility

Think beyond transactions. Do you need integrations with accounting software, API access for automation, or responsive support across time zones? Providers vary widely in what they offer outside of the core account experience. Make sure the broader ecosystem matches your team’s workflow and technical capabilities.

How to open an international business bank account or an alternative

Once you’ve evaluated providers and identified the right fit for your business needs, the next step is setting up your account. While the exact process varies depending on the provider and country, there are a few common steps to expect:

1. Assess the account types offered by your selected provider to choose the one that best supports your currency needs, transaction types, and operational structure.

2. Choose your location, including your residence and where you want to open an account.

3. Confirm eligibility for your chosen account, considering residency and business requirements. 

4. Apply online and submit your business details to open an account. Some traditional banks offer online setups for specific business types. However, more complex entities often must visit a branch to complete the process.

You’ll need a few specific assets to open your account, too. It may vary depending on your location and provider, but you’ll generally need:

• Personal identification, including your ID, employment, and income

• Business identification, including registration, address, and more

• Minimum deposit amount – many accounts have minimum balance requirements to maintain an account

Don’t forget to consider fees. Some accounts waive fees for the first year, while others charge setup and annual fees upfront. 

Choosing the right solution for your global needs

An international business account helps simplify global operations, reduce FX costs, and speed up cross-border transactions. Some solutions also offer automation, team tools, and integrations that scale with your business.

Airwallex offers multi-currency business accounts, real-time transfers on local payment rails, and tools like Payment Links, Plugins, and Bill Pay, all accessible through a single digital platform. Regulated in over 60 jurisdictions and trusted by 150,000+ businesses globally, Airwallex helps you move money faster and manage finances more efficiently.

Whether you choose a bank or a fintech platform, aligning your account with how your business operates today and where it’s headed can help you reduce overhead, simplify global finance, and scale confidently.

Disclaimer: We wrote this article in Q2 2025. We based the information on our own online research and were not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only, and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Sources:

1. https://wise.com/help/articles/2897238/which-currencies-can-i-add-keep-and-receive-in-my-wise-account

2. https://wise.com/help/articles/2977945/how-long-does-a-large-transfer-take

3. https://wise.com/us/pricing/business

4. https://www.payoneer.com/payoneer-account/

5. https://www.payoneer.com/about/pricing/

6. https://www.revolut.com/en-US/business/

7. https://www.chase.com/business/banking/services/pay-and-transfer 

8. https://www.jpmorgan.com/international-banking