Aspire: Best Overall for SMEs
Aspire is purpose-built for Singapore SMEs. Zero monthly fee, zero minimum balance, corporate Visa cards with customizable spending limits, and built-in expense management with receipt capture. The Xero and QuickBooks integrations auto-categorize transactions. API access lets developers connect Aspire to any ERP or invoicing system. Limitation: no credit facilities and no GIRO for CPF payments.
OCBC Business Growth Account: Best Traditional Bank
OCBC offers the best entry point among local banks. Zero minimum balance for the first 12 months (then SGD 5,000 or SGD 8/mo fee). Full OCBC digital banking access. Multicurrency account with 14 currencies. Trade financing, overdraft, and business credit lines available. GIRO for all government payments. The catch: branch visit required, 2-3 week onboarding.
DBS BusinessCare: Best for Established SMEs
DBS is the most comprehensive business banking platform in Singapore. PayLah! for business, DBS IDEAL for corporate banking, and the most extensive ATM and branch network. Full credit suite including trade financing, working capital loans, and business credit cards. Monthly fee of SGD 18 and SGD 3,000 minimum balance make it best for businesses past the startup stage.
Wise Business: Best for International SMEs
Wise dominates multi-currency: hold 40+ currencies, receive payments locally in 9 countries (SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, CAD, HKD, TRY), and convert at mid-market rates with transparent fees (typically 0.3-0.6%). No monthly fee, no minimum balance. Ideal for SMEs with international clients or suppliers.
UOB BizAccount: Best for SME Ecosystem
UOB pairs the BizAccount with BizSmart, a cloud-based suite integrating accounting, HR, and POS tools at discounted rates. Lower minimum balance (SGD 1,000) than DBS. Good trade financing options for import/export businesses. Monthly fee of SGD 8 with fee waiver if balance stays above SGD 10,000.
Airwallex: Best for E-Commerce SMEs
Airwallex shines for marketplace sellers and e-commerce businesses. Collect payments from Amazon, Shopee, and Lazada directly into your Airwallex account. Competitive FX rates for high-volume international payments. API-first approach. Zero monthly fee. Limitation: not suitable for businesses needing GIRO or local credit facilities.