If you get paid or have to make payments in a foreign currency, or need to hold foreign currency for some time, opening a foreign currency account means you can avoid the cost associated with conversion and exchange rate volatility.
Opening a foreign currency account in the UK is easier and faster with online borderless accounts.
What currency do you need?
Choose a currency
Fast and easy setup
Where to open a foreign currency account
Airwallex Borderless Account
Highlights
- Open foreign currency accounts in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and the US.
- Create an account using AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and USD.
- Collect payments and spend with the same currency.
- Get access to competitive rates regardless of transaction volume.
Pros
Cons
Wise Borderless Account
Highlights
- Sey-up a local account. Wise Borderless Account allows you to open up a local bank account in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the USA, and more.
- Competitive fee structure. Enjoy no set-up fees, no monthly fees, and no receiving fees.
- Borderless Debit Card. The FX-optimised debit card is attached to your Wise Borderless account that can be used to withdraw or pay for purchases in foreign currency within or outside the United Kingdom.
- Android and Apple Apps. Indulge convenience by transacting thru the Wise App anytime and anywhere!
Pros
Cons
OFX Global Currency Account
Highlights
- Set up an account and receive payments like a local using AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, and USD.
- No set up fees. No receiving fees. No account fees.
- With support staff that is located in Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Regulated by FCA, NCA, and more than 50 regulators around the world.
Pros
Cons
First time?
How to open a foreign currency account
Opening a foreign currency account in the UK is simple, especially if you open an account with an online provider.
- Choose a provider. You can get a foreign currency account from a traditional bank or online service, such as on this page. We only list reputable brands that are tried and tested.
- Register and open your account. To open a new account, you must provide your details, including your email address, phone number, and photo ID. Businesses may be required to provide additional documents.
- Start using your account. You could deposit a small amount there first until you get used to it.
Help choosing
What to look for
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when comparing foreign currency accounts.
- What currencies are supported? Accounts for currencies such as the US dollar, euro, and British pound are available from most.
- Linked card. Can you use a debit card to access funds in the account? Can it be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another digital wallet?
- Funding methods. How can the account be funded? Are there limits?
- Account fees. Are there any monthly account fees charged?
- Foreign currency transaction fees. Are there any fees to convert between currencies?
- Minimum balance. Do you need to maintain a minimum balance in your foreign currency account?
- Maximum balance. Is there a maximum limit on how much you can keep in the account?
- Overdraft facility. Can you get an overdraft in a foreign currency if you need one?
- Supported transfer types. What fees apply to the various types of transfers supported?
- Settlement time. How long would it take for funds to settle in your foreign currency account? How quickly are outbound transfers processed?
- Withdrawals and payments. Are there any limits on how much can be withdrawn or paid out?
- The interest rate. How much will you make if you keep a balance in the account?
- Cashback and other perks. Will you get cashback on your spending or any additional perks?
- Flexibility and tools. Does the account integrate with the platforms you business relies on, e.g. marketplaces and accounting software?
Still not sure?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Send foreign currency invoices to your overseas clients and customers.
- Collect payments in a foreign currency without having to convert to GBP.
- Save money when paying for imports or online purchases in a foreign currency.
- Avoid currency conversion fees when making payments or when paying suppliers, services, and staff in foreign currency.
- Hedge against exchange rate volatility by buying and saving a foreign currency ahead of time.
- Valid for international travel and shopping online.
Cons
- If opening an account with a traditional bank, you may be required to have a local currency account before you can open a foreign currency account with them.
- Some traditional banks require a high minimum balance to keep a foreign currency account open.
- Higher fees compared to regular transaction accounts in the local currency.
- A variety of fees are applicable on foreign currency accounts.
Want more help?
FAQs
Can I open a foreign currency account in the UK?
Anyone can open a foreign currency account in the UK with one of the providers listed above.
What types of foreign currency accounts are there?
You can open a foreign currency account for personal or business use. The documentation required to open an account will vary depending on the type of account you wish to open.
What can a foreign currency account be used for?
You can use your foreign currency account to collect payments from marketplaces such as Amazon, payment processors such as PayPal, buy now pay later platforms such as Klarna, send payments to companies and suppliers, pay overseas mortgages, and more.
Do foreign currency accounts in the UK pay interest?
Some foreign currency savings accounts in the UK pay interest, but this is typically low, as is the case for most savings accounts.
What fees are applicable on a foreign currency account?
Depending on who you open an account with, fees that may be charged include the following:
- Account opening fees
- Monthly maintenance or ongoing fees
- Telegraphic transfer fees on receipts and payments
- Currency conversion fees
- Cardholder fees for any linked debit cards
- Cash withdrawal fees and ATM fees
- Interest in overdraft facilities
How long does it take to open a foreign currency account?
The time it takes to open a foreign currency account depends on who you are opening the account with.
The fastest way to get a foreign currency account is with an online provider such as Wise or Airwallex. Expect it to take longer for a traditional bank to make a foreign currency account available.
It is best to begin the process at least a few business days before you use your foreign currency account to be safe
