Top MariBank alternatives in Singapore (2026): Features, fees, and comparisons

Written by
Content Team
Last Modified on
March 6, 2026

Summary

  • Businesses moving beyond MariBank often consider GXS Bank, ANEXT Bank, Green Link Digital Bank, traditional banks such as DBS, OCBC, and UOB, or fintech platforms like Airwallex, Wise, Revolut Business, and Aspire, depending on their operational needs.
  • GXS Bank suits businesses operating mainly in SGD. ANEXT Bank and Green Link Digital Bank support trade-focused SMEs needing cross-border financing and wholesale banking services
  • Wise and Airwallex support companies handling international payments by offering multi-currency accounts, FX capabilities, and global transfers for businesses working across markets
  • DBS, OCBC, and UOB serve established SMEs that need lending, trade finance, and full domestic banking infrastructure
  • Aspire helps startups and growing SMEs manage local payments, international transfers, corporate cards, and expenses from one account.

Digital banks like MariBank have made it much easier to open a business bank account. The process is quick, fully digital, and designed to remove the paperwork and branch visits that traditional banking often requires.

As businesses grow, however, financial needs often become more complex. You may begin paying overseas suppliers, running payroll regularly, or receiving payments in multiple currencies. At that stage, many companies start evaluating whether their current setup supports these expanding operational requirements.

If you find your business needing broader capabilities, you are not alone. Many SMEs in Singapore gradually move from basic digital accounts to platforms that can support everyday operations, cross-border payments, and long-term growth more comprehensively.

What MariBank offers Singapore businesses in 2026

MariBank Singapore is the digital banking arm of Sea Limited, the parent company behind Shopee and Garena. It holds a digital full bank licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and is covered by SDIC deposit protection up to SGD $100,000 per depositor. It offers both a savings account and a business account for its customers.

The Mari Business Account was built for Shopee sellers' benefit and to also keep micro-businesses in mind. For that audience, it does some things well: the account opening process is clean, the app experience is intuitive, and the integration with the Shopee ecosystem feels natural.

Key features:

  • No monthly account fees
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Simple digital account opening and app-based banking
  • SGD business account suitable for everyday transactions
  • Mari Business Loan is available for eligible businesses
  • Savings interest rates range from 2.28% to 3.5% per annum, depending on promotions and eligibility
  • Integrated experience for Shopee sellers and micro-businesses operating mainly in SGD

If your business needs go beyond basic SGD transactions, this is where MariBank's limits become apparent.

Why businesses look for MariBank alternatives in 2026

  • Limited multi-currency functionality: Mari Business Account primarily holds SGD balances. Businesses can send payments in multiple currencies, but cannot hold or receive foreign currency balances
  • No corporate cards: MariBank does not currently provide corporate cards for managing team expenses
  • Fewer advanced finance tools: Some competitors offer features such as spend management, bulk payments, and accounting integrations
  • Designed mainly for simple local operations: The account works best for SMEs focused on local SGD transactions or Shopee-based businesses, but may be less suitable for companies with global operations

Quick comparison of MariBank alternatives in 2026

The table below compares MariBank with its main competitors across the features that matter most for business use in Singapore's digital banking landscape.

Platform Monthly fee FX fees Currencies held / multi-currency Free local transfers Local SG rails Bulk payments Corporate cards CPF / payroll Expense management Accounting integrations Best for
MariBank SGD $0 SGD $0 until 30 Jun 2026 20 currencies None No None Partial Shopee sellers, micro-businesses in need of a business account
GXS Bank SGD $0 Variable (typically 1–3%) SGD-focused Yes None No None Limited/Basic Grab/Singtel users, simple SGD & small business basics
ANEXT Bank SGD $0 Competitive but may include a slight markup Limited - SGD, USD, CNH, EUR None No None Partial Trade-focused SMEs, supply chain financing
Green Link Digital Bank (GLDB) SGD $0 1/12% (min of USD $40 and max of USD $150) Limited None No None Partial Businesses requiring wholesale SME banking needs
DBS Business From SGD $10/month (Business Multi-currency – SGD $50/year) Variable (typically 1–3%) & SGD $0 when using DBS Business Advance+ Debit Card 13 currencies – SGD, USD, JPY, HKD, EUR, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, GBP, NOK, NZD, and SEK Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A Limited Full Established businesses, credit & trade finance
OCBC Business SGD $0 (Business Growth plan - SGD $10/month) Variable (typically 1–3%) 13 currencies – USD, EUR, AUD, JPY, GBP, CNH, HKD, CAD, NZD, CHF, SEK, DKK, NOK Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A Limited Full SG SMEs with credit needs
UOB Business From SGD $0 to SGD $2.91/month (SGD $35/year) depending on the chosen account Variable (typically 1–3%) 10 currencies - USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, JPY, NZD, GBP, CHF, HKD and CNH (with foreign currency accounts) Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A Limited Full Regional/ASEAN-focused businesses, trade finance
Airwallex SGD $0–$399/month From 0.4% 50+ currencies Yes Yes (plan-dependent) Yes No Moderate Xero, QuickBooks Partial API-driven, developer-led businesses
Wise Business SGD $0 (One-time fee - SGD $99) From 0.33% 40+ currencies Yes Yes (up to 1,000) Yes No Basic Xero, QuickBooks Partial Frequent international transfers, FX transparency
Aspire SGD $0 (Premium plan - SGD $15/month) From 0.22% 30+ currencies (SGD, USD, EUR, GBP) Yes (FAST + GIRO) Yes Up to 200 (for Basic plan) Yes Advanced Xero, QuickBooks, SAP, NetSuite, Deskera Full (PayNow, FAST, GIRO, CPF, salary) Singapore SMEs, startups, and solopreneurs wanting to manage payments, company cards, and expenses in one place

Data as of March 2026. Note: Fees and features are subject to change. Confirm current rates directly with each provider before committing.

Best MariBank alternatives for Singapore businesses in 2026

GXS Bank

GXS Bank is a digital bank licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. It is a joint venture between Grab Holdings and Singtel. The bank offers the GXS Biz Account, designed mainly for freelancers and small businesses, particularly those already using the Grab ecosystem.

What it offers

  • GXS Biz Account for freelancers and small businesses
  • Supports PayNow and FAST payments in Singapore
  • Fully digital onboarding and account management
  • Personal savings account with daily interest features
  • Deposits are insured under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation scheme up to SGD $100,000 per depositor per bank.

Pricing

The GXS Biz Account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no fall-below charges. Local transfers through FAST and PayNow are free1.

Considerations

The account mainly supports SGD transactions, so businesses that deal with foreign currencies may need another platform for international payments. Some business features, such as GIRO payments, corporate cards, and accounting integrations, are not currently available.

ANEXT Bank

ANEXT Bank is a digital wholesale bank licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Launched in 2022 and backed by Ant International, the bank focuses on providing banking and financing services for SMEs involved in regional trade and supply chains.

What it offers

  • Business account supports balances in SGD, USD, CNH, and EUR
  • Receivables financing and working capital solutions
  • Foreign exchange services for supported currencies
  • Fully digital onboarding and account management

Pricing

The ANEXT business account has no setup fee, no monthly account fee, and no minimum balance requirement.

Considerations

The platform focuses mainly on trade financing and cross-border business activity. It does not currently provide corporate cards, expense management tools, or integrations with accounting software. Some local payment features used by Singapore businesses, such as CPF contributions, payroll management, and GIRO arrangements, are also not supported.

Green Link Digital Bank (GLDB)

Green Link Digital Bank is a digital wholesale bank licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. It is backed by Greenland Group and Linklogis. The bank focuses on supporting SMEs that operate in supply chains and cross-border trade.

What it offers

  • Business banking for trade. It is designed for companies involved in B2B trade, including businesses trading with China
  • Financing tools for manufacturers, distributors, and trading companies
  • Working capital and credit solutions for operational funding
  • Operates under MAS supervision as a licensed financial institution

Pricing

There is no account fee (SGD $0). Foreign exchange transactions are charged at 1/12% per transaction, with fees ranging from USD 40 to USD 1505.

Considerations

The platform focuses mainly on trade financing and commercial banking services. It does not provide consumer banking features such as credit cards, personal savings accounts, or travel rewards. Its services are primarily designed for businesses involved in supply chain activity.

DBS

DBS Bank provides a full range of business banking services in Singapore. It also operates a dedicated SME banking segment that supports small and medium businesses with accounts, financing, trade services, and payment solutions.

What it offers

  • Loans, working capital, and trade finance solutions
  • Treasury and liquidity management tools
  • Dedicated managers for SMEs
  • Branches and service centres across Singapore
  • Support for CPF and IRAS payments
  • SGD deposits insured under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation scheme (within regulatory limits)

Pricing

The Business Multi Currency Account – Starter Bundle (for businesses under three years) charges SGD $10 per month with no monthly service charge. The Business Multi-Currency Account (for businesses over three years) charges SGD $50 annually plus a SGD $40 monthly service charge. Foreign exchange fees are waived when using the DBS Business Advance+ Debit Card3.

Considerations

Monthly service fees and fall below charges may apply, depending on the account type. Account opening and compliance checks may also take longer compared with some fintech platforms.

OCBC

OCBC Bank offers a wide range of business banking services with a strong focus on supporting SMEs across different industries.

What it offers

  • Business accounts and lending solutions
  • Industry-specific SME support for sectors such as retail, F&B, and trading
  • Treasury and cash flow management tools
  • Relationship management support for businesses
  • Integration with CPF and IRAS systems

Pricing

The Business Growth Account requires a minimum deposit of SGD $1,000 and charges SGD $10 per month. The Business Entrepreneur Account Plus requires a minimum deposit of SGD $30,000 and has no monthly account fee2.

Considerations

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements may apply depending on the account. Foreign exchange spreads and international transfer charges may be higher than those offered by some fintech platforms.

UOB

United Overseas Bank provides business banking services across ASEAN markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It offers several account options for companies handling domestic and international payments.

What it offers

  • Business current and foreign currency accounts
  • Regional banking network across ASEAN markets
  • Trade finance and cross-border payment services
  • Financing and working capital solutions for businesses

Pricing

The UOB eBusiness Account and Corporate Current Account charge SGD $35 annually. Minimum opening deposits generally start from SGD $1,000, depending on the account type. Foreign currency accounts usually do not have a monthly account fee, but minimum balance requirements may apply.

Considerations

Monthly service fees or fall-below charges may apply if balance requirements are not maintained. Foreign exchange spreads and international transfer costs may also be higher than those offered by some fintech platforms.

Airwallex

Airwallex provides financial infrastructure for businesses that operate internationally. The platform is designed to help companies manage global payments, multi-currency accounts, and online collections from a single system.

What it offers

  • Hold and send funds in 50+ currencies with local account details in major markets
  • Accepts customer payments through cards and digital wallets
  • Issue physical and virtual cards with spending limits for team members
  • Converts currencies with transparent pricing
  • Developer tools and APIs for automating payment and financial workflows

Pricing

There is no monthly account fee. International transfers start from around 0.4%, and domestic FAST transfers in Singapore are free.

Considerations

The platform supports salary payouts but does not provide full payroll processing, including salary calculations, tax management, and statutory filings such as CPF or IRAS submissions.

Wise

Wise offers international business accounts designed for companies that send or receive money across borders. Previously known as TransferWise, the platform focuses on transparent pricing and uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions. Wise operates globally and serves millions of users across more than 160 countries.

What it offers

  • Currency conversions use the real market rate, with no hidden markup
  • Transfer fees average around 0.25%, with lower rates for larger transfer amounts, depending on the currency pair
  • Hold 40+ currencies and receive local account details in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, NZD, HUF, and TRY
  • Send bulk transfers to up to 1,000 recipients at once
  • Connect with Xero and QuickBooks, with API access for custom workflows

Pricing

There is no monthly account fee. A one-time setup fee of SGD $99 may apply, and transfer fees vary by currency corridor but are displayed upfront before completing the transaction.

Considerations

Expense management tools are relatively basic compared with some dedicated spend management platforms. Customer support is mainly delivered through online help resources and chat-based support, and there is generally no dedicated relationship manager for business accounts.

Aspire

Aspire provides a fintech platform with a multi-currency account that lets businesses manage payments, expenses, and company spending in one place. It is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, with client funds safeguarded through partner banks, including DBS Bank.

What it offers

  • Hold and receive payments in 30+ currencies across 130+ countries, with local account details in USD, EUR, SGD, HKD, CNY, and GBP
  • Currency exchange rates start from 0.22%, with fees displayed before confirming transactions
  • Supports PayNow, FAST, GIRO, payroll, CPF contributions, and corporate tax payments
  • Issue up to 200 virtual and physical cards on the basic plan, with 1% cashback on eligible marketing and SaaS spend
  • Set budgets by team, project, or client, with approval workflows and real-time spend tracking
  • Sync with Xero and connect with QuickBooks, Oracle NetSuite, Deskera, and SAP
  • Earn returns on SGD and USD balances through money market funds, with next business day withdrawals and no minimum balance

Pricing

There are no monthly account fees for the Basic plan, no account opening charges, and no minimum balance requirements. Domestic transfers via FAST and GIRO are free, and international transfers start at FX rates of around 0.22%, as shown before completing the transaction.

Considerations

Aspire is not a traditional bank and does not provide lending services or deposit insurance. Some advanced tools and features may be available only under higher-tier plans.

Key factors to evaluate when choosing a business financial services provider in 2026

If you are planning to switch, review these factors carefully before opening a new account:

1. Understand the FX pricing model

Foreign exchange costs can add up, especially when processing large volumes.

Check:

  • Does the provider use the mid-market rate or apply a markup?
  • Are there extra charges on weekends?
  • Is pricing structured in tiers with monthly limits?
  • Are all fees clearly shown before you confirm a transaction?

2. Evaluate the total cost, not just the monthly fee

Examine your expected usage pattern and calculate the actual cost.

Review the full fee structure, including:

  • Monthly subscription fees
  • FX markup percentage
  • Card foreign transaction charges
  • International transfer fees
  • ATM or withdrawal fees

3. Confirm local payment capabilities

If your business primarily operates in Singapore, make sure the platform supports essential local rails such as:

  • PayNow
  • FAST and GIRO
  • CPF contributions
  • Salary payments
  • Corporate tax payments

4. Assess expense management features

For growing teams, strong spending controls are important.

Check whether the platform provides:

  • Budget limits by team or project
  • Structured approval workflows
  • Virtual and physical corporate cards
  • Real-time transaction tracking
  • Receipt capture and reconciliation tools

5. Consider scalability and global capability

Your banking partner should support your growth. Switching again in a year due to growth constraints can be disruptive.

Ensure the platform can manage:

  • Higher transaction volumes
  • Multi-currency holding accounts
  • Local receiving details in key markets
  • Batch payments or mass payouts
  • API access for automation

6. Check accounting integrations

Manual reconciliation increases the risk of errors and adds administrative burden. Automation can reduce accounting workload and improve accuracy.

Look for:

  • Direct integration with Xero, QuickBooks, or your accounting system
  • API connectivity
  • Automated and frequent data synchronisation

7. Review regulatory status and safeguards

Cost should not outweigh compliance and security.

Before moving, verify:

  • Data security and compliance standards
  • Licensing status in Singapore or other locations where you operate
  • How do they safeguard your (client) funds
  • Whether deposit insurance applies

Looking beyond MariBank

As your business grows, your financial needs may go beyond basic digital banking. If you require features such as multi-currency accounts, corporate cards, expense controls, or accounting integrations, you may consider platforms that offer a broader set of operational finance tools.

Aspire provides features such as multi-currency accounts, local payment rails including PayNow and FAST, corporate cards, payroll tools, and integrations with accounting software. These capabilities can help you manage supplier payments, team expenses, payroll, and financial reconciliation more efficiently as your operations expand.

So, let's get started and open a business account right away.

Frequently asked questions

Does MariBank support international payments?

Yes. MariBank allows overseas transfers to multiple countries and currencies. Using a Mari Savings Account, you can send money to over 41 countries in 20 currencies. The bank also advertises competitive foreign exchange rates and a SGD $0 transfer fee for eligible transfers. However, available currencies, limits, and processing times may vary by destination country and transaction type.

Can you use MariBank with other financial platforms?

Yes. Some businesses use MariBank for local payments or marketplace payouts while using another platform for international transfers, expense management, or accounting integration, depending on their operational needs.

Is GXS or MariBank better?

It depends on your needs. GXS Bank offers features like savings pockets to help you organise your money. MariBank provides a simple savings account with competitive interest and support for overseas transfers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources:
  1. GXS Biz account - https://www.business.gxs.com.sg/biz-account
  2. OCBC - https://www.ocbc.com/business-banking/help-and-support/accounts-and-services/business-pricing-guide
  3. DBS business account - https://www.dbs.com.sg/sme/day-to-day/accounts/dbs-business-multi-currency-account
  4. MariBank - https://www.maribank.sg/product/mari-business-account
  5. GLDB - https://www.glbank.com/data/tosend/resource/upload/GLDB-Fees-and-Charges.pdf
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Content Team
at Aspire is a society of seasoned writers & experts specialising in finance, technology and SaaS space. With 50+ years of collective experience, they help make business finance more profitable for readers. They write about finance tools, finance insights, industry trends, tactical guides to grow your business & also all things Aspire.
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