Best business accounts for Importers and Exporters in Ireland
Snapshot
Importers and exporters in Ireland usually want to hold several currencies, pay overseas suppliers at a fair exchange rate, receive payment from foreign buyers, and sometimes access trade finance. Wise Business and Revolut Business suit firms that value low cost currency exchange, while AIB or Bank of Ireland suit firms that need trade finance, letters of credit and a relationship manager. As of 31 March 2026.
Suits Importers and Exporters best
Depends on needs. Wise Business and Revolut Business for currency, a traditional bank for trade finance. As of 31 March 2026.
Typical monthly fee
From no monthly fee at Wise Business, to a plan fee at Revolut Business, to transaction fees at a traditional bank. As of 31 March 2026.
Non resident position
Irish registered firms can apply. Overseas owners face more checks at traditional banks. As of 31 March 2026.
Providers that fit
Several. At least three providers fit this profile in Ireland.
Fees and features as of 31 March 2026Last reviewed 31 March 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Firms that import or export from Ireland deal with suppliers and buyers abroad, so they pay and receive in pound, dollar and other currencies, and the foreign exchange cost can outweigh any transfer fee. The features that matter most are holding several currencies, converting near a fair rate, fast international payments, and, for some firms, trade finance products such as letters of credit. Wise Business and Revolut Business cover low cost currency needs, while AIB and Bank of Ireland suit firms that need trade finance or a relationship manager. Fees and features below are shown as of 31 March 2026, so confirm current terms with the provider.
What Importers and Exporters in Ireland need from a business account
An importer pays suppliers abroad and an exporter collects from buyers abroad, so currency handling sits at the centre of the account. The useful features are the ability to hold and convert several currencies, a fair exchange rate, local account details so foreign buyers can pay without a forced conversion, and clear records for VAT and customs. Larger traders may also need trade finance, such as letters of credit, documentary collections or invoice finance, which are usually offered by traditional banks rather than digital providers. Many firms run a digital account for day to day currency work alongside a bank relationship for credit and trade products.
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Wise Business
Holds and converts many currencies near the mid market rate and gives local account details for receiving from foreign buyers. A payment institution, not a bank, so funds are safeguarded rather than covered by a deposit scheme. No trade finance.
Best for
Low cost currency exchange
Monthly fee
No monthly fee, a one time setup fee about 50 euro
Euro account with Irish IBANs, multi currency holdings, international payments and accounting links. Provided by Revolut Bank UAB. A Free plan carries no monthly fee with limits, and paid plans add currency and transfer allowances.
Best for
Multi currency payments
Monthly fee
Free plan from no monthly fee, paid plans above with higher allowances
Full service Irish bank that offers trade finance, letters of credit, foreign currency accounts and a relationship manager for firms that trade internationally. Business accounts carry transaction and maintenance fees.
Best for
Trade finance and credit
Monthly fee
Transaction and maintenance fees, see the bank's fee schedule
Compare accounts for Importers and Exporters in Ireland
These providers accept importers and exporters in Ireland. Fees and eligibility shown as of 31 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Questions about banking for Importers and Exporters in Ireland
Which account suits an importer or exporter in Ireland?
It depends on how you trade. Wise Business and Revolut Business suit firms that want to hold several currencies and pay suppliers at a fair exchange rate, while AIB or Bank of Ireland suit firms that need trade finance, letters of credit or a relationship manager. Compare features and verify current terms with the provider. This is general information, not advice. As of 31 March 2026.
Can these accounts hold and pay in foreign currencies?
Yes for the digital providers. Wise Business holds and converts many currencies near the mid market rate, and Revolut Business supports multi currency accounts with Irish IBANs. Traditional banks also send and receive foreign currency, usually at a wider exchange spread. Confirm the currencies and limits you need with the provider. As of 31 March 2026.
Do digital providers offer trade finance or letters of credit?
Generally no. Trade finance products such as letters of credit, documentary collections and invoice finance are usually offered by traditional banks such as AIB and Bank of Ireland rather than by digital providers, which focus on payments and currency. If you need these products, ask the bank directly. As of 31 March 2026.
How can I cut the cost of paying overseas suppliers?
Compare the foreign exchange cost, not just the transfer fee, since the exchange spread is often the larger cost. Wise Business converts near the mid market rate with a stated fee, and Revolut Business includes a currency allowance on paid plans then charges a percentage. Total the cost for your usual payment sizes with the provider before deciding. As of 31 March 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 31 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.