Singapore’s best business accounts: a how-to guide for entrepreneurs

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Summary

  • Choosing the right business account means matching your needs with features like fees, transfer options, multi-currency support, and minimum balances.
  • ANEXT Business Account offers no fees, daily interest up to 1% p.a., unlimited free local transfers, and competitive fees on international transactions.
  • Compare benefits and fee structures across banks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, and FinTechs like Aspire for different business stages and transaction needs.

Finding the most suitable fit between your business goals and a business account that meets them can be a pain. We’ve put together the info you need to sign up for the right business account – read on to learn more.

Compare these features between business accounts

FeatureANEXT Business AccountDBS Business Multi-Currency AccountOCBC Business Growth AccountUOB eBusiness AccountAspire Business Account
Initial depositNoneNoneS$1,000S$1,000None
Account opening or setup fee

Free*

*a fee may be charged for accounts which require dedicated Relationship manager support for account opening
Free for online account opening, a fee of at least S$2,000 may be charged for accounts which require dedicated Relationship Manager support for account openingFree for Singapore-incorporated companies; at least USD1,200 for foreign incorporated companiesFree for Singapore-incorporated companies; at least S$500 for foreign-incorporated companiesFree
Account feeNone

Starter bundle*: S$10 monthly fee, else S$50 annual account fee.

*for companies less than 3 years in business
S$38 annual account fee. S$10 monthly fee waived for 1st 2 monthsS$35 annual account feeNone
Fall-below feeNoneS$40 monthly if average daily balance falls below S$10,000 or equivalentS$15 monthly if average daily balance falls below S$1,00012-month fee waiver. After which, S$15 if average daily balance falls below S$5,000None
Interest

Up to 1% p.a. daily interest*

*this is an indicative rate, refer to interest rate schedule for the most updated rates
NoneNoneNoneNone
Transfer fees (per transaction)
  • Unlimited free local SGD transfers via FAST, PayNow, GIRO and MEPS
  • Free inward Telegraphic Transfer
  • Flat SWIFT fee from USD10 according to currency of transfer and charge option regardless of transfer amount.
  • Free, same-day USD and EUR transfers to selected destinations via ANEXT Flash
  • 50 free FAST and 50 free GIRO per month for payments made via DBS IDEAL (Includes bulk transactions and payroll)
  • Starter Bundle: unlimited free FAST and GIRO
  • S$30 flat fee per outward telegraphic transfer
  • 80 free FAST & GIRO transactions per month
  • S$30 flat fee per outward telegraphic transfer via OCBC Velocity
  • 60 Free FAST & GIRO transactions per month
  • S$10 inward Telegraphic Transfer
  • 1/16% commission (min. S$10, max S$100) per outward telegraphic transfers
  • Unlimited free local SGD FAST transfers
  • S$8 SWIFT fee
Multi-Currency accountYesYesNoNoYes
Currencies heldSGD, USD, CNH, EUR13 currenciesSGD onlySGD onlySGD, USD, IDR
Bulk paymentsYesYesNoYesYes

ANEXT Business Account

Opening and maintaining requirements: No opening fees, annual fees, or fall-below fees. Plus, the account yields daily interest of up to 1% p.a.

Local and international transfers: Account holders enjoy unlimited free local SGD transfers and inward overseas telegraphic transfers, with the ability to send payments overseas in nine currencies at competitive flat fees for outgoing telegraphic transfers.

Opening requirements: The ANEXT Business Account can be opened online with MyInfo Business data using a Singpass login. The business must be incorporated in Singapore with an active Corppass account. Non-Singapore citizens and non-PRs may be asked to present additional physical documentation.

Aspire Business Account

Opening and maintaining requirements: The account charges no monthly service fee, and requires no minimum maintaining balance.

Local and international transfers: Account holders enjoy free local FAST transfers, with the ability to receive and send funds via PayNow. International transfers incur fees, though the bank claims their FX rates are 3x cheaper compared to traditional banks.

DBS Business Multi-Currency Account

Opening and maintaining requirements: DBS’s business account package is specifically targeted at new entrepreneurs; only companies that have been incorporated in the last three years may apply. No initial deposit required, but recurring fees include a S$50 annual account fee and a S$40 monthly service charge (waived if the average daily balance is at least S$10,000 or equivalent).

Local and international transfers: Account holders enjoy 50 FAST and 50 GIRO free monthly transactions for payments made via DBS IDEAL. A S$30 flat fee for outward telegraphic transfer will also be charged.

OCBC Business Growth Account

Opening and maintaining requirements: OCBC’s business account imposes an initial deposit requirement of S$1,000, and a S$10 monthly maintenance fee that’s waived for the first two months.

Local and international transfers: Account holders enjoy free FAST, GIRO, and PayNow transactions.

UOB eBusiness Account

Opening and maintaining requirements: Initial deposit of S$1,000, and S$5,000 minimum daily balance per user. New accounts will incur no annual fee or fall-below fee for the first 12 months after opening; S$35 annual account fee and fall-below fee of S$15/month to be charged after 12 months.

Local and international transfers: Account holders enjoy a S$0.50 rebate per transaction on up to 60 outgoing FAST/PayNow FAST transactions per month via UOB Infinity.

Earn daily interest on your account balance with your ANEXT Business Account, secured with 3FA security and minimal transaction fees.

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