CIMB multi currency account: Your full guide

If you send and receive international payments frequently, or run a business which works with customers and suppliers based overseas, a multi-currency account could be a smart way to lower your banking costs.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the CIMB multi currency account products available for individual and business customers. We’ll take a look at the fees and charges, as well as the CIMB foreign currency rate used, and touch on an alternative for comparison, the borderless account from Wise.

CIMB multi-currency account basics

CIMB Singapore offers multi-currency account products for personal and business customers, including options for day to day banking, and for saving.

Here’s a summary of some of the most important points to know about the foreign currency personal accounts on offer - we’ll cover the business products a little later.

Understanding exchange rates

You’ll notice we mention currency conversion costs in the table above. This is important if you have a foreign currency account, as you may find you need to switch from one currency to another to make and receive payments.

In most cases when you exchange currency, you’ll pay an upfront fee, which may be a fixed cost or a percentage of the transaction value. But it may surprise you to learn that there could be another fee, too - which is rolled up into the exchange rate used. This is because many banks and exchange services add a markup to the exchange rate they use.

You can check whether or not there is a markup on the exchange rate you’re offered, by comparing it to the mid-market exchange rate. This is the rate banks get when they buy currency themselves - but many services don’t pass this rate on to their own customers.

It’s always worth shopping around when you’re making an international payment, as the fees you’ll pay vary widely from provider to provider. Using your bank might not be the best value option out there.

Check out whether you can save by using a currency specialist like Wise to make your international payment. Wise use the mid-market exchange rate with no markup, and charge just a low transparent fee for payments. You can also get a borderless account to hold multiple currencies, which comes with a handy debit card for withdrawals and payments - saving you time as well as money.

CIMB US dollar account (USD)

If you need a USD account, you can choose either a savings product or a current account from CIMB. You can deposit and withdraw money by demand draft, EFT and cheque, and receive free electronic statements. To get started you’ll need to provide a minimum opening deposit of USD1,000, as well as your NRIC or passport and proof of address. ²

If you’re thinking of opening a CIMB USD account, check out the Wise US dollar account as a comparison. You can open your account online, with no minimum opening deposit, monthly charge or fall below fee. Receive payments in US dollars free of charge, and hold, send or spend your money as you please using your linked debit card.

CIMB foreign currency account fees

As with any account product, it’s essential to check through the terms, conditions and costs before you get started. You can then compare the fees with alternative accounts such as the Wise multi-currency borderless account, which comes without any minimum opening deposit, monthly fee or fall below charge.

Here are the main benefits of Wise’s borderless account:

Your Wise Borderless Account
Manage +40 currencies including SGD Local bank details for USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and NZD Your Wise Platinum Debit Card Mastercard It always uses the mid market rate - the real exchange rate for your international money transfers

Coming back to the main subject of the article - here’s all you need to know about the fees and charges you’ll find with a CIMB foreign currency account.

How much does CIMB charge my account to receive foreign currency?

CIMB does not charge customers for receiving money by telegraphic transfer into their foreign currency account. However, if your payment is processed using the SWIFT network there may be fees deducted by intermediary banks which process the payment. This could mean you receive less than you expect into your account.

CIMB multi-currency account for business

As well as personal multi-currency account options, CIMB can provide a foreign currency account for your business. You’ll benefit from a broader range of available currencies, with online banking to make life easier. However, there are fees you’ll want to review before you decide if this is the right account for your business needs.

Here’s a rundown of the key features and fees applied to the CIMB foreign currency account for business.

When you’re choosing a business account it is a good idea to check out a range of options from different providers. Take a look at the business bank accounts available from big names like CIMB, and compare them to the business account options available from alternative specialist providers like Wise.

With a Wise borderless account for business you can hold your money in over 40 different currencies, and receive payments for free with your own local bank details for the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and the euro area.

Whether you’re looking for a foreign currency account for your personal needs, or to help you run your business across borders, it pays to shop around. There are many different account types available - so with a bit of research you’re sure to find one which suits you.

Remember to look at the full range of fees and features, and pay attention to the exchange rates and international payment costs you might encounter. By comparing both traditional bank accounts and modern online alternatives like the borderless account from Wise, you’ll be able to choose the perfect product for you.

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