Multi currency accounts in Bangladesh: what is available

Snapshot

Bangladesh does not offer an open multi currency wallet for businesses. Foreign currency is held through regulated account types under exchange control, mainly Foreign Currency accounts, Non Resident Foreign Currency Deposit accounts, and Exporters Retention Quota accounts, each with its own eligibility. Wise Business is not offered to Bangladesh based businesses as of 17 March 2026.

Open wallet: Not available, foreign currency is held in regulated accounts
For exporters: ERQ account, 35 percent retention for ICT, 7.5 to 30 percent for goods
For non residents: FC or NFCD accounts at an authorised dealer bank
Common currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, held under exchange control

Fees and features as of 17 March 2026Last reviewed 17 March 2026

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

As of 17 March 2026, Bangladesh does not offer the open multi currency wallet that businesses use in some markets. Because the taka is managed under exchange control, foreign currency is held only in regulated account types at authorised dealer banks. The main ones are the Foreign Currency account for foreign currency earners and certain residents, the Non Resident Foreign Currency Deposit account for non residents, and the Exporters Retention Quota account that lets an exporter keep a share of foreign earnings. Wise Business is not available to Bangladesh based businesses, so a Wise style wallet is not an option locally. Confirm which account you qualify for with an authorised dealer bank.

How holding foreign currency works in Bangladesh

The taka is not freely convertible, so a business cannot simply hold balances in many currencies in one account. Instead, specific account types let eligible holders keep foreign currency for defined purposes. A Foreign Currency account suits foreign currency earners and is opened with a minimum such as USD 1,000 for an individual or USD 25,000 for a foreign organisation or investor. An Exporters Retention Quota account lets exporters retain part of their proceeds. A Non Resident Foreign Currency Deposit account serves non residents. Each is governed by Bangladesh Bank rules. As of 17 March 2026.

The Exporters Retention Quota account

This is the closest thing to a working foreign currency account for most exporters. The retention rate is 35 percent for ICT and software services and 7.5 to 30 percent for merchandise exporters as of 17 March 2026. The balance can fund bonafide overseas costs, and international debit, credit, or prepaid cards can be issued against it. Verify the current rates and rules with the bank.

What to use for receiving from abroad

Businesses that simply need to receive money from clients or marketplaces abroad often use Payoneer, which holds balances in its receiving currencies and pays out to a Bangladesh bank account. It is a receiving tool rather than a domestic multi currency account, and it works alongside the regulated bank accounts above. As of 17 March 2026.

Compare foreign currency options in Bangladesh

These providers serve business customers in Bangladesh. Fees and eligibility shown as of 17 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about multi currency accounts in Bangladesh

Can a business hold a multi currency account in Bangladesh?

A business can hold foreign currency through regulated account types rather than a single open multi currency wallet. These include Foreign Currency accounts, Non Resident Foreign Currency Deposit accounts, and Exporters Retention Quota accounts, each with its own eligibility under exchange control. As of 17 March 2026, confirm which you qualify for with an authorised dealer bank.

What is an ERQ account?

An Exporters Retention Quota account lets an exporter keep a share of foreign currency earnings to pay overseas costs. The retention rate is 35 percent for ICT and software services and 7.5 to 30 percent for merchandise exporters as of 17 March 2026. International cards can be issued against the balance. Verify the current rates with the bank.

Is Wise multi currency available in Bangladesh?

No. Wise Business is not offered to Bangladesh based businesses as of 17 March 2026, so a Wise style multi currency wallet is not available locally. Foreign currency is held through regulated FC, NFCD, and ERQ accounts at authorised dealer banks. Confirm the current position with the provider.

Who can open a foreign currency account in Bangladesh?

Eligibility depends on the account type. Exporters use ERQ accounts, foreign currency earners and certain residents use FC accounts, and non residents use NFCD or FC accounts. Minimums apply, for example USD 1,000 for an individual and USD 25,000 for a foreign organisation or investor as of 17 March 2026. Confirm with an authorised dealer bank.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 17 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.