Best business accounts for Importers and Exporters in United Kingdom
Snapshot
Importers and exporters in the United Kingdom usually need to hold and move several currencies, keep foreign exchange costs low, and receive payments from overseas customers. Wise Business and Revolut Business hold many currencies in one account, while Starling Business adds a euro account to its sterling banking. As of 4 February 2026.
Suits Importers and Exporters best
Depends on needs. Wise Business and Revolut Business for multi currency holding, Starling Business for sterling and euro. As of 4 February 2026.
Typical monthly fee
From 0 pounds at some providers, with paid plans for larger foreign exchange allowances. As of 4 February 2026.
Non resident position
UK registered firms can apply. Overseas owners face more checks and some providers require UK residency. As of 4 February 2026.
Providers that fit
Several. At least three providers fit this profile in the United Kingdom.
Fees and features as of 4 February 2026Last reviewed 4 February 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Importers and exporters in the United Kingdom live and die by the cost of moving money across borders. The features that matter are the ability to hold and receive several currencies, low conversion fees, local account details so overseas customers can pay you cheaply, and clean records for VAT and customs. Wise Business and Revolut Business hold many currencies in one account and convert at competitive rates, while Starling Business pairs a sterling account with a euro account. Firms that also need letters of credit or invoice finance usually look to a traditional bank for those facilities. Fees and features below are shown as of 4 February 2026, so confirm current terms with the provider.
What Importers and Exporters in United Kingdom need from a business account
Trading firms pay suppliers abroad, bill overseas customers, and carry currency risk on every order. The useful features are multi currency wallets, local receiving details in currencies such as euro and dollar, a transparent conversion fee rather than a hidden spread, and exports or links to accounting tools so customs and VAT records are easy to keep. Larger firms may also want trade finance, which a current account does not provide. Online providers fit most day to day foreign exchange needs, while a traditional bank helps where lending or trade facilities matter.
W
Wise Business
Holds and converts many currencies at the mid market rate, with local account details to receive payments cheaply abroad. Not a UK bank, so funds are safeguarded rather than covered by the deposit scheme.
Best for
Low cost currency conversion
Monthly fee
No monthly fee, a one time registration fee reported about 50 pounds for full features
Holds many currency wallets with foreign exchange inside plan allowances and team expense cards. Plan allowances cap the cheap conversion, after which a fee applies. Check the current safeguarding and licensing position.
Best for
Currency wallets and team spend
Monthly fee
Free Basic plan, paid plans reported from about 10 pounds upward for larger allowances
Licensed UK bank with no monthly sterling fee and an optional euro account reported about 2 pounds a month. Useful for firms that trade mainly with the euro area. Eligible deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Best for
Sterling and euro banking
Monthly fee
No monthly sterling fee, euro account reported about 2 pounds a month
Compare accounts for Importers and Exporters in United Kingdom
These providers accept importers and exporters in the United Kingdom. Fees and eligibility shown as of 4 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Questions about banking for Importers and Exporters in United Kingdom
What account suits an importer or exporter in the United Kingdom?
It depends on the currencies you trade in. Wise Business and Revolut Business let you hold and receive several currencies and convert at competitive rates, which suits firms paying suppliers abroad or billing overseas customers. Starling Business offers a euro account alongside its sterling account. Compare features and verify current terms with the provider. As of 4 February 2026.
Can I hold foreign currency in a UK business account?
Yes, with the right provider. Wise Business and Revolut Business offer multi currency wallets that hold many currencies at once, and Starling offers a separate euro account. Traditional banks also offer currency accounts, often with a wider foreign exchange spread. Confirm which currencies you need with the provider. As of 4 February 2026.
How are foreign exchange costs charged?
Costs usually combine a conversion fee and the exchange rate used. Wise Business converts at the mid market rate plus a fee reported from about 0.33 percent, while traditional banks often build a wider margin into the rate. Receiving international payments by SWIFT can also carry a fixed fee. Verify current foreign exchange pricing with the provider. As of 4 February 2026.
Do I need a trade finance facility as well as an account?
It depends on how you fund stock and manage payment terms. A current account handles day to day payments, while trade finance such as letters of credit or invoice finance is a separate product often offered by traditional banks. The position is unclear without your specifics, so verify what you need with the provider. As of 4 February 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 4 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.