UOB Business Account Review [2025]: Features, Fees & Alternatives

2025-05-21

7 minute read

UOB business account review
Statrys Score Cards
UOB Business Account
6.5

Features

6

Fees

7

Customer Support

7

Ease of Opening an Account

6

Find the right fit for your business

Final Verdict

UOB’s eBusiness Account suits SMEs focused on local operations, but may hold back those aiming for global reach or digital agility.

The UOB eBusiness Account covers what most Singapore-based SMEs need: a simple SGD current account that supports local payments. For those with local suppliers, employees, and clients, the account offers practical value, especially with digital transaction rebates and access to UOB’s broader SME services.

Additionally, there are no bundled tiers or complex add-ons, just core tools to manage domestic payments and payroll. It’s a practical option for business owners who want reliability without paying for extras they won’t use.

However, it’s built for daily operations within Singapore, not for regional expansion. You can’t hold foreign currencies, and onboarding can be restrictive for foreign-owned entities. UOB’s platform is improving, but it still leans on traditional processes and lacks the agility of newer fintech options.

Key Highlights

  • SGD current account designed for Singapore-registered SMEs
  • Supports FAST and GIRO payments and GIRO collections
  • Digital rebate programme for outgoing transactions
  • Bulk payroll processing via GIRO
  • Access to UOB Infinity and SME mobile app
  • Access to additional business banking services, loans, cards, and financing within the UOB ecosystem
Pros ✅
  • Clear local payment support (FAST, GIRO, payroll)
  • Digital rebates reduce transaction costs
  • Low annual fee
  • Trusted traditional bank with in-branch access
Cons ❌
  • Only support the Singapore dollar
  • Online onboarding is limited to locally owned entities
  • Slower, more manual processes for foreign-owned companies

Need More Than Just SGD Payments?

With Statrys, you can send and receive payments in 11 major currencies without hidden fees or complicated onboarding.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard. The interface displays account details for "Happy Client Limited," showing a total balance of HKD 886,277.52 across multiple currencies (HKD, USD, EUR). The left sidebar contains navigation options such as Accounts, Transfer, Convert, Secure your FX Risk, Payees, Cards, Team, Statements and documents, and Integrations. A prominent "Add a payee" and "View Account Details" call-to-action section is visible.

UOB eBusiness Account Features

UOB offers a range of SGD and foreign currency accounts for businesses, from basic current accounts to savings and fixed deposit options. Among these, the UOB eBusiness Account stands out as the most practical choice for handling routine business transactions in Singapore.

Key features of the UOB eBusiness Account

The UOB eBusiness Account is a single SGD account designed for SMEs operating in Singapore with a focus on domestic transactions. There’s no multi-currency functionality or tiered product bundles here, just the essential tools you need to send and receive payments and manage cash flow. That simplicity is exactly why I find it useful for SMEs with primary business dealings in Singapore.

The account supports key transaction types including FAST and GIRO transfers, GIRO collections, and bulk payroll processing. These cover most local payment needs for SMEs managing suppliers, recurring invoices, and employee salaries. GIRO collection, in particular, is a solid feature for businesses with predictable billing cycles, like retainers or subscriptions.

What adds further value are the built-in incentives for digital usage. UOB offers a rebate of SGD 0.50 on up to 60 outgoing FAST transactions per month, SGD 0.20 per GIRO payment or collection (also capped at 60), and f ull rebates on bulk GIRO payroll charges. These aren’t headline features, but they can reduce transaction costs for businesses that rely on online payments.

You can manage the account through the UOB Infinity digital banking platform or the UOB SME app on mobile. This setup is convenient for business owners with finance teams who want to delegate access without overcomplicating the workflow.

Our Verdict: 6/10

The UOB eBusiness Account includes all the essential features most small businesses in Singapore need. It supports FAST and GIRO transfers, bulk payroll, and recurring collections, making it a strong fit for handling everyday local transactions. The digital payment rebates add value if you manage payments online.

While it doesn’t offer multi-currency support or advanced tools, it’s a good starting point if all you need is a basic account, and you might later explore UOB’s other business services like loans or credit.

UOB eBusiness Account Fees

The UOB eBusiness Account has an annual account fee of SGD 35 and a monthly fall-below fee of SGD 15 if your average daily balance drops below SGD 5,000. However, this fee is waived for the account opening month and the following 11 months, so technically, you don’t have to worry about it during your first year.

For foreign-incorporated companies, there’s also an account setup fee starting from SGD 500.

UOB clearly lists the significant fees and minimum requirements for using the account on their product page. Let’s take a look at some of the key ones.

Category Pricing
Minimum initial deposit SGD 1,000
Over-the-counter deposit/withdrawal SGD 20 per transaction
Cheque clearing fee SGD 0.75 per cheque
FAST payments Receive: Free
Send: SGD 0.50
GIRO payments Receive: Free
Send: SGD 0.40

Our Verdict: 7/10

Compared to other traditional banks in Singapore, the UOB Business Account offers reasonable pricing with a low annual fee and a waived fall-below fee during the first year, which is helpful for new businesses.

While FAST and GIRO payments come with modest per-transaction fees, these costs are clearly stated. Overall, UOB’s fee structure is fair, but not the most competitive if cost is your top priority.

UOB Customer Support

UOB offers several ways to reach its business support team, including an online inquiry form, a business banking hotline (available Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm), and direct phone lines for specific departments like credit management and corporate transaction services. 

And, as a traditional bank, it also offers in-branch support, which is still useful for more complex requests or document-related matters. 

Our Verdict: 7/10

While UOB’s customer support offers in-person and phone call options for those favouring traditional methods, the absence of 24/7 support could be a drawback for businesses that operate across different time zones or require immediate help after standard hours.

Opening a UOB eBusiness Account

The UOB eBusiness Account can be opened online if you meet certain eligibility criteria. In this section, let’s look at who qualifies and what you’ll need to get started.

Eligibility Criteria and What You’ll Need

UOB accepts a wide range of business entities for the eBusiness Account, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, private limited companies, professional practices, and associations. The required documents vary depending on the type of entity, but UOB provides a detailed document checklist for each. 

For private limited companies, you’ll typically need:

  1. Account Opening Form
  2. ACRA Business Profile Search
  3. Business Tax Identification No (TIN)
  4. Identity Documents - NRIC(s) / Passport(s)
  5. Proof of Residential Address (For Foreigners)
  6. FATCA Self-Certification or IRS Withholding Certificate
  7. Account Opening Resolution
  8. Certified True Copy of Constitution
  9. Common Reporting Standard Form

In order to open the account online, you’ll need a SingPass login and must meet the following criteria.

  1. Your business is registered in Singapore.
  2. Your business is owned by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  3. Your business is a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Private Limited Company.
  4. If your business is a Private Limited Company, the Directors must be the Approved Signatory and Approved Person of the company.

How to Apply

  • Apply online if you have a SingPass and meet the local ownership criteria.
  • Otherwise, you’ll need to visit a branch in person.
UOB business account online application process

UOB does not specify the processing time to complete online account applications. However, it generally takes 1-4 weeks to open a business bank account in Singapore.

Our Verdict: 6/10

UOB offers the convenience of online application for eligible businesses with a SingPass, which is a plus for local owners who meet the criteria. The documentation requirements are clearly outlined, and the overall process is fairly standard for a traditional bank.

However, the experience is less seamless compared to some digital-first platforms, and foreign-owned or more complex businesses will likely need to apply in person.

While functional, the onboarding process still feels rooted in traditional banking, rather than being fully optimised for speed or flexibility.

UOB Ratings and Reviews

UOB doesn’t have many reviews on public platforms like Trustpilot, which is typical for traditional banks. The few available comments mostly focus on retail banking, not business banking, with some complaints about slow service and limited digital support.

While this doesn't directly reflect the business account experience, it suggests UOB remains more conventional compared to newer, more responsive fintech providers.

Online Multi-Currency Business Account for SMEs

If you’re opening a business account in Singapore as a base for regional or global expansion, an SGD-only account might not give you the flexibility you need. A multi-currency account lets you hold funds in different currencies and manage FX more strategically, which is useful when dealing with international clients, suppliers, or partners.

For businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI, Statrys offers 100% online account opening, allowing business owners to complete the process remotely without travelling. Here’s what the account includes:

✅One business account supporting 11 major currencies

Physical and virtual Mastercard® prepaid card, managed via the Statrys app

Real-time SWIFT tracking with free MT103 document

Competitive FX and Spot Orders 

✅A dedicated account manager for direct, personalised support

For businesses that value digital access, multi-currency tools, and responsive support, Statrys is a practical option.

Open a Hong Kong Business Account

No minimum deposit. No maximum transaction. Support from an account manager.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard. The interface displays account details for "Happy Client Limited," showing a total balance of HKD 886,277.52 across multiple currencies (HKD, USD, EUR). The left sidebar contains navigation options such as Accounts, Transfer, Convert, Secure your FX Risk, Payees, Cards, Team, Statements and documents, and Integrations. A prominent "Add a payee" and "View Account Details" call-to-action section is visible.

Our Rating Methodology

More info

Click "More info" to understand how we calculate our UOB Business account ratings.

FAQs

Is there an account opening fee for a UOB business account?

There is no opening fee for companies incorporated in Singapore; only a minimum deposit is required. However, a minimum account opening fee of SGD 500 will be charged to companies incorporated outside Singapore.

How do I apply for a business account with UOB?

How long will it take to open an account with UOB?

Is UOB good for business banking?

Get your Hong Kong business account open in a few days

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