Comparing Digital Multi-Currency Accounts: Wise, YouTrip, Revolut, and More

Preparing for an overseas holiday usually involves a trip to the money changer at Mustafa or Change Alley in hopes of getting the best exchange rates, and then fearfully rushing home before someone robs you of those big wads of cash.

Now, thanks to multi-currency cards, that is a thing of the past. Just exchange currencies in your multi-currency account from the comfort of your home, and then use your card to pay or withdraw cash when you’re overseas.

Are these services too good to be true? Should you use them? And before you do, what do you need to know?

Comparing multi-currency accounts in Singapore (2024)

Card/wallet	Foreign currencies (excluding SGD)	Card/account fees	Overseas ATM withdrawal fee
DBS Multiplier	12 currencies: AUD, CAD, CNH, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, NOK, GBP, SEK, THB, USD	Fall below fee of $5 a month if your balance dips under S$3,000.	$7 (free for withdrawals with Plus/Cirrus Card via Westpac Group ATMs in Australia and DBS Hong Kong, and Plus Card via DBS ATMs in India and Indonesia
HSBC Everyday Global Account	10 currencies:  AUD, CAD, EUR, JPY, NZD, GBP, CHF, USD, HKD, RMB	Fall below fee of $5 a month if your balance dips under S$2,000.	Free at HSBC ATMs worldwide except in Argentina, France, Brazil, Greece, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand and Turkey—these will incur a 1.5% debit card foreign transaction fee.
UOB Mighty FX	10 currencies: AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, USD	Mighty FX Debit Card annual fee of $18.34 (waived for the first three years, and waived subsequently, if you make at least 12 Mastercard transactions per year)	$5 per withdrawal at non-UOB ATMs
Citibank Global Foreign Currency Account	14 currencies: AUD, CAD, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, GBP, CHF, USD, AED, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK	$15 a month if your Total Relationship Balance (TRB) across all your Citi accounts and investments is less than S$15,000 at the end of each month	2.5% fee if your withdrawal or transaction is in a currency different from your account’s
YouTrip	Over 150 currencies worldwide. You can exchange and store 10 currencies on the go in your YouTrip app: SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, HKD, AUD, NZD, CHF, SEK	No account fees	2% after first S$400 in a month
Revolut	Pay with over 150+ currencies. Exchange and store 33+ foreign currencies in-app	3 membership tiers: Standard (free), Premium ($9.99/month), and Metal ($19.99/month).	2% or $1.49 (whichever is higher) after the first $350/month or the first 5 withdrawals per month, whichever comes first,
Wise	Exchange and store 40+ foreign currencies	No account fees. One-off $8.50 fee to order your physical card (digital card is free).	1.75% on any amount withdrawn above $350/month plus $1.50 per withdrawal if you make 3 or more withdrawals.
Instarem’s Amaze Card	Exchange and store 11 currencies: SGD, EUR, USD, JPY, THB, GBP, AUD, CHF, NZD, CAD and MYR. Or use your linked credit/debit card and enjoy earning rewards on it.	No account fees	2%

 

DBS Multi-Currency Account

The DBS Multi-Currency Account (MCA) lets you stash cash in up to 12 foreign currencies as well as the Singapore dollar.

There are a few types of DBS MCA, but the most popular one is the DBS Multiplier Account as it allows you to save SGD for your personal savings and gives you bonus interest for crediting salary and spending with a DBS credit card. Read more about it in our review of the best savings accounts in Singapore.

The basic account is free and there is no initial deposit, however, fall below fees ($5 a month) apply if your balance dips under 3,000 SGD. This fee will be waived if you’re 29 years old or below, or if the DBS Multiplier is your first DBS/POSB account.

If you have the Multiplier already, you can easily use the “Transfer Funds to My Account” function to convert currencies. For other types of MCA, you transfer money in SGD to the account, exchange currencies and then leave the money in the account for future use.

They don’t charge forex conversion fees, which means their exchange rates are quite competitive compared to what money changers can offer. That said, the best money changers such as Mustafa are usually able to offer slightly better rates. However, their rates can still be higher than multi-currency card services like YouTrip, Wise and Revolut.

You can link the account directly to a DBS Visa Debit Card, which means that when you’re overseas you can use the card to pay. This lets you skip a trip to the money changer—instead, you can exchange currencies when the exchange rate is favourable and then spend the cash on the card. With the DBS Visa Debit Card linked to a DBS MCA (as opposed to a regular DBS account), you won’t be charged any foreign exchange and debit card fees.

The DBS Visa Debit Card can also be used to withdraw cash at ATM machines. However, the catch is that there is a service charge of S$7 per cash withdrawal. The card is only free to use overseas at certain ATMs:

• Plus/Cirrus Card via Westpac Group ATMs in Australia and DBS Hong Kong
• Plus Card via DBS ATMs in India and Indonesia

How to apply for DBS MCA?

You can apply for the Multi-Currency Account by downloading the DBS digibank app and registering for an account with your Singpass.

Pros of DBS MCA

• 12 foreign currencies
• No foreign exchange fees or debit card fees
• ATM cards can be used overseas
• Free ATM withdrawal with Plus/Cirrus Card via Westpac Group ATMs in Australia and DBS Hong Kong, and Plus Card via DBS ATMs in India and Indonesia
• No account fees

Cons of DBS MCA

• $7 per ATM withdrawal

 

HSBC Everyday Global Account

The HSBC Everyday Global Account works like a regular multi-currency savings account, letting you stash your personal savings in SGD and then convert them to other currencies.

To exchange currencies, you can download the HSBC Mobile app where their integrated foreign exchange service lets you get real-time currency exchange rates and make currency exchanges when the rates are in your favour.

With the HSBC Everyday Global Account, you will be issued the HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card, which you can use to pay overseas in 10 currencies and withdraw cash at HSBC ATMs worldwide for free except in these countries: Argentina, France, Brazil, Greece, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand and Turkey. You’ll have to pay a 1.5% debit card foreign transaction fee for foreign ATM withdrawals.

On the bright side for high rollers, you can withdraw up to 10,000 SGD from ATM machines worldwide, provided you dare to walk around with that much cash on you.

You also have the opportunity to earn 1% cashback on eligible spending and 1% bonus interest on incremental daily balances if you qualify for the HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme. That requires you to jump through a few hoops—namely, deposit at least 2,000 SGD each month and perform 5 eligible transactions per month, such as using your Everyday Global Debit Card, making GIRO bill payments and so on. Read more about it in our review of the best savings accounts in Singapore.

While there are no account fees, you’ll be charged a fall-below fee of S$5 if the average daily balance in your HSBC Everyday Global Account falls below S$2,000.

How to apply for the HSBC Everyday Global Account

If you’re an existing HSBC banking customer with another HSBC bank account, you can apply via online banking.

If you only have an HSBC credit card or insurance products, fill out this form so that HSBC can get in touch with you.

Pros of the HSBC Everyday Global Account

• Exchange and store 10 foreign currencies
• Account and card are free with no fees and charges
• No fees at HSBC ATMs in most countries
• High ATM withdrawal limit of 10,000 SGD
• Possibility to earn bonus interest with the HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme

Cons of the HSBC Everyday Global Account

• 1.5% fee for non-HSBC ATM withdrawals and withdrawals in Argentina, France, Brazil, Greece, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand and Turkey
• RMB is not supported

 

UOB Mighty FX

UOB Mighty FX is a multi-currency account that can be linked to one of the following UOB accounts–One Account, iAccount, Wealth Premium Account, Privilege Account or KrisFlyer UOB Account. It supports 11 major currencies.

You can transfer money from one of the above accounts to Mighty FX and convert it to the currency of your choice on the UOB TMRW app by going to Wealth > Mighty FX. Their exchange rates are quite competitive compared to the average money changer.

When you are overseas, you can then spend using the UOB Mighty FX Debit Card which will be issued to you, thereby avoiding ATM fees. You can choose to either spend your foreign currency savings or deduct savings from your SGD account and convert them on the spot.

However, if you need to withdraw cash from a non-UOB ATM, you will be charged 5 SGD per withdrawal.

There are no required minimum deposits or fall below fees for Mighty FX (although the SGD account linked to Mighty FX might charge its own fees). There is, however, a Mighty FX Debit Card annual fee of $18.34 which is waived for the first three years, and subsequently, if you make at least 12 Mastercard transactions per year.

How to apply for UOB Mighty FX

Sign up online with your Singpass.

If you are an existing UOB customer, you can also sign up through Internet banking.

Pros of UOB Mighty FX

• 11 major foreign currencies
• No foreign exchange fees or debit card fees
• ATM card can be used overseas

Cons of UOB Mighty FX

• Overseas ATM fee of 5 SGD per withdrawal for non-UOB ATMs
• Annual fee of $18.34 after 3 years if 12 Mastercard transactions not made per year

 

Citibank Global Foreign Currency Account

To transfer money and pay in a foreign currency, you will have to have a local and foreign currency account with Citibank. First you transfer money from your SGD account to the foreign currency one, such as their Global Foreign Currency Account, converting the currency in the process. You then link the currency of your choice to your Citibank Debit Mastercard.

The Citibank Debit Mastercard lets you transact overseas and withdraw cash at any Citibank ATM overseas without having to pay ATM fees or additional conversion fees. You’ll also enjoy better exchange rates than if you were to use a regular ATM card.

The main benefit of this card compared with most of the multi-currency accounts on this list is that you can withdraw cash for free if you do not want to or are unable to pay by card, provided you can find a Citibank ATM. However, if you withdraw cash or make a transaction in a foreign currency that differs from your Global Foreign Currency Account’s, you’ll have to pay a 2.5% administrative fee.

You’ll have to pay a fall-below fee of $15 a month if your Total Relationship Balance (TRB) across all your Citi accounts and investments is less than S$15,000 at the end of the month.

Another thing to consider is that you cannot link this card with another credit or debit card. So, you need to make sure there’s enough money in your multi-currency wallet, otherwise your payment will be declined. On the bright side, that means there’s no way you’ll incur late fees.

How to apply for the Citibank Global Foreign Currency Account

You can apply online here.

Pros of the Citibank Global Foreign Currency Account

• Exchange and store 14 foreign currencies
• Account and card are free with no fees and charges
• No fees at Citibank ATMs

Cons of the Citibank Global Foreign Currency Account

• 2.5% fee for withdrawals/transactions in a currency different from your account’s

 

YouTrip card by EZ-Link

No, you’re not dreaming. EZ-Link, the card you use to pay for the privilege of using the MRT, is one of the parties behind the multi-currency mobile wallet that lets you make payments overseas, aka YouTrip.

How does YouTrip work? You top it up with money, exchange currencies, and then spend using the card when you’re overseas.

The card lets you convert and make payments without transaction fees in over 150 currencies. The exchange rates offered are Mastercard wholesale rates. This means that the rates are closer to what is published on Google and better than most banks’ over-the-counter exchange rates.

Want to conveniently exchange currencies as and when you like? Using their mobile app, you can also check rates and exchange 10 currencies on the go, which is convenient if you’re hoping to catch the best rates.

This is a good card to use if you’re visiting a country whose currency is not accepted by any of the other accounts and cards, such as Vietnamese Dong or Icelandic króna.

YouTrip waives ATM withdrawal fees for users’ first S$400 ATM withdrawal in the calendar month. Subsequent ATM withdrawals are subjected to a flat-rate fee of 2%. If you’re planning on withdrawing large amounts, the withdrawal fee can really start to add up.

How to apply for a YouTrip card?

Apply here:

Download the YouTrip app via App Store or Google Play to complete the registration process.

Pros of the YouTrip card

• Pay in 150+ currencies
• 0 foreign currencies supported by in-app exchange
• ATM card can be used overseas
• No account fees
• Lets you pay using your credit/debit card

Cons of the YouTrip card

• 2% withdrawal fee after the first S$400

 

Revolut card

Revolut is another popular multi-currency cards used by travellers worldwide. You can use the service to remit money overseas at low fees and pay with the Revolut card overseas. Revolut uses mid-market fees for conversion, which are lower than banks’ and more current than physical money changers.

The card allows you to spend in over 150 countries and within the app using a linked credit/debit card, enabling you to take advantage of any cashback, rewards, and miles that your card qualifies you for.

In addition, you can also convert more than 33 currencies to store. There is also a “Pockets” feature that you can use to budget and save money. For travellers who want to monitor the movements of a particular foreign currency, Revolut also allows you to set up trading watchlists.

Revolut comes in 3 different membership tiers, Standard (free), Premium ($9.99/month), and Metal ($19.99/month). For regular travellers, the Standard membership should be sufficient. If you would like to get complimentary airport lounge access and personalised designs on your cards, you can go for the paid memberships.

One interesting feature about Revolut is their offer single-use virtual cards. Each comes with a card number that can be used for online transactions, changing after each use to protect yourself against fraud.

With the Standard plan, you can withdraw up to 350 SGD/month or make a maximum of 5 withdrawals per month using the card, whichever comes first, with no fee imposed by Revolut. Individual foreign ATM terminals may charge their own fees, but this applies to all other cards, even those that charge for withdrawals. Do an online search to find out which ones are free at your destination.

If you bust the withdrawal limit, you’ll have to pay 2% of your withdrawal sum or 1.49 SGD, whichever is higher.

Revolut has been granted a remittance licence by MAS. It’s also one of the first banking apps of this kind to offer cryptocurrencies, so you can dabble in that if you so desire, but don’t blame us if you lose your holiday money!

How to apply for the Revolut card?

Download the Revolut app via App Store or Google Play to complete registration process.

Pros of the Revolut card

• Pay in 150+ currencies
• 33+ foreign currencies supported by in-app exchange
• ATM card can be used overseas for free
• No account fees
• Lets you pay using your credit/debit card

Cons of the Revolut card

• Withdrawal limit of 350 SGD or 5 withdrawals per month, otherwise must pay 2% or $1.49, whichever is higher.

 

Wise

Wise (previously known as TransferWise) is quite like Revolut in that it offers both money remittance services as well as currency exchange.

You can apply for Wise’s borderless debit card supported by Mastercard to spend worldwide. You don’t need to top up any balance to apply for the card.

You can store 40+ currencies within TransferWise’s app by setting up different balances. The service is seamless and easy to use, and their promise is that what you see is what you get. The currency exchange rate and fees are displayed upfront so you can see how much you are getting when you are converting or remitting money.

Although Wise has fewer features than Revolut, it’s easy to understand. This makes it appealing to the minimalist traveller who just wants to get lower conversion rates and nothing else. Sending money abroad can also be done at a much lower cost. Wise uses mid-market rates, which means less markup for consumers.

You can withdraw up to 350 SGD per month using the card, bearing in mind that each foreign bank may impose its own fees. Search online to find out which banks offer don’t charge for withdrawals at your destination.

You’ll be charged 1.75% on any amount withdrawn above 350 SGD plus 1.50 SGD per withdrawal if you make 3 or more withdrawals.

How to apply for Wise’s borderless debit card?

Sign up for a Wise account here.

Pros of Wise’s borderless debit card

• Exchange and store 40+ foreign currencies
• ATM card can be used overseas for free
• No account fees
• Lets you pay using your credit/debit card

Cons of Wise’s borderless debit card

• Withdrawal limit of S$350 per month, otherwise must pay S$1.50 per withdrawal and 1.75% on any amount withdrawn above S$350.
• One-off $8.50 fee to order your physical card (digital card is free)

 

Instarem’s Amaze Card

Instarem started out as a company that only offered online remittance but then followed in Revolut and Wise’s footsteps by offering the Amaze card.

You can link up to 5 Mastercard debit or credit cards with your Amaze card. When you pay overseas using it, Amaze will automatically convert and then charge it to your linked credit or debit card. This means no foreign transaction fees and better rates.

You also have the option of topping up the card with SGD and then exchanging and storing currencies until you wish to spend them. However, you’ll get charged a 1% fee for top-ups made with Mastercard and a 2.1% fee for top-ups made with Visa. Top up via PayNow for $0 fees.

You can store up to 11 different types of currencies in the multi-currency wallet: SGD, EUR, USD, JPY, THB, GBP, AUD, CHF, NZD, CAD and MYR. The maximum amount you can top up is S$3,000.

The good thing about linking your credit card is that you don’t have to miss out on the cashback, rewards, and air miles from your credit cards’ programmes.

You also get to earn InstaPoints on the Amaze card at a rate of 0.5 InstaPoints per 1 SGD spent in foreign currency, capped at 500 InstaPoints per month. Exchange for cashback at the rate of 5 SGD cashback for 1,000 InstaPoints or 20 SGD cashback for 2,000 InstaPoints. So if we do the math…

4,000 SGD spending in foreign currency → 2,000 InstaPoints → 20 SGD

That works out to be a 0.5% cashback rate—not a lot, but I suppose better than nothing. More importantly, you get to enjoy earning your miles and rewards points on your credit card.

Compared to its competitors Revolut and Wise, the Amaze card offers a much higher withdrawal limit of 1,000 SGD per day. So, if you travel to places that don’t accept payment by card, this can be useful.

The catch? Instarem charges a fee worth 2% of the amount withdrawn, on top of any fees charged by the foreign bank.

How to apply for Instarem’s Amaze Card?

Sign up for the Instarem Amaze Card.

Pros of Instarem’s Amaze Card

• Exchange and store 11 currencies
• ATM card can be used overseas with high withdrawal limit of 1,000 SGD per day
• No account fees
• Earn InstaPoints as you spend
• Lets you pay using your credit/debit card and earn rewards on it

Cons of Instarem’s Amaze Card

• ATM withdrawal fee of 2%

 

Note: Paying by credit card is not always an option in certain countries

While many of the countries that Singaporeans are fond of visiting are advanced in cashless payments, there are some countries that rely heavily on cash, such as Laos and Myanmar. Even developed countries like Japan can have a preference for cash. In addition, some countries such as Indonesia also have issues with credit card fraud, so you might want to think twice about using your credit card for everything.

You’re also more often than not expected to pay in cash at certain types of businesses, such as market and street food stalls. If you have a debit card that allows you to withdraw money with no fees at overseas ATMs, make sure the country that you’re going has an extensive ATM network.

So, basically, always do research on how acceptable payment by credit or debit card is at your destination, and plan to bring along an appropriate amount of cash.

 

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