Bangladesh · Importers and Exporters

Best business accounts for Importers and Exporters in Bangladesh

By Morten Andersen, cofounder of Business Bank Index
Reviewed by Fredrik Filipsson · Last reviewed 7 May 2026
Snapshot

Importers and exporters in Bangladesh bank with a scheduled bank that offers trade finance, letters of credit and foreign currency handling. Foreign banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered Bangladesh are widely used for trade, and exporters add Payoneer to receive smaller online payments. Activities such as a buying house or indenting can need Bangladesh Bank permission.

Suits Importers and Exporters best
A trade focused bank such as HSBC for letters of credit and foreign currency, with Payoneer for smaller online receipts.
Typical monthly fee
Trade and foreign currency pricing varies by relationship and transaction rather than a flat monthly fee. As of 7 May 2026. Confirm with the bank.
Non resident position
Possible with a registered Bangladesh entity and full checks, plus BIDA and Bangladesh Bank approval for branch or liaison offices. Verify with the provider.
Providers that fit
Several. Foreign and domestic trade banks plus Payoneer for online receipts.
Fees and features as of 7 May 2026Last reviewed 7 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Importers and exporters in Bangladesh need a bank that handles letters of credit, documentary collections, foreign currency accounts and trade working capital. Foreign banks such as HSBC, which has been recognised as a market leader for trade finance in Bangladesh, and Standard Chartered Bangladesh are widely used, alongside large domestic banks such as BRAC Bank and Eastern Bank. Exporters that also sell online add Payoneer to receive smaller payments from clients and marketplaces abroad. Some activities, such as a buying house or indenting, can need Bangladesh Bank permission, so confirm the route and current terms with each provider.

What Importers and Exporters in Bangladesh need from a business account

Trade businesses need letters of credit and documentary collections, foreign currency accounts, competitive conversion, and trade working capital, plus the export and import documentation that Bangladesh Bank and customs require. Relationship pricing and a bank with strong correspondent links matter more than a flat fee. A cross border receiving tool can sit alongside the trade bank for smaller online receipts. As of 7 May 2026.

HSBC Business
Corporate and business banking with trade finance and foreign currency support for established companies. HSBC closed its retail business in Bangladesh, so it suits larger companies rather than sole traders. Verify eligibility with the bank.
Best for
Letters of credit, trade finance and foreign currency
Monthly fee
Varies by relationship and account, as of 7 May 2026. Confirm with the bank.
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Payoneer
Receives money from clients, marketplaces and platforms abroad into local currency receiving accounts, then withdraws to a Bangladesh bank account. It is a receiving and payments tool, not a domestic current account.
Best for
Smaller online receipts from clients and marketplaces
Monthly fee
Free to open. Receiving and conversion fees apply, as of 7 May 2026.
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Compare accounts for Importers and Exporters in Bangladesh

These providers accept Importers and Exporters in Bangladesh. Fees and eligibility shown as of 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about banking for Importers and Exporters in Bangladesh

Which banks handle trade finance for importers and exporters in Bangladesh?
Foreign banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered Bangladesh are widely used for letters of credit and foreign currency, alongside large domestic banks. HSBC has been recognised as a market leader for trade finance in Bangladesh. Confirm eligibility and current terms with the bank. As of 7 May 2026.
Do importers in Bangladesh need a letter of credit?
Letters of credit are a standard instrument for many imports into Bangladesh, arranged through a scheduled bank that offers trade services. Requirements vary by goods and by the rules in force, so confirm with your bank and the relevant authority. This is general information, not advice.
Can exporters in Bangladesh use Payoneer?
Exporters that sell online can use Payoneer to receive smaller payments from clients and marketplaces abroad, then withdraw to a domestic bank account while keeping inward remittance records. Larger trade flows run through a trade bank. Verify current terms with the provider. As of 7 May 2026.
Does a buying house in Bangladesh need special permission?
Some activities, such as a buying house or indenting, can require permission from Bangladesh Bank and other relevant authorities before an account or operation begins. Confirm the current requirements with your bank and the authority. This is general information, not advice.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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