Top 5 ZA Bank Alternatives in 2025 (and What They Do Better)

2025-08-14

9 minute read

Card with the ZA Bank logo compared to other competitors

If you manage business finances in Hong Kong, you may already use ZA Bank or be considering it as your virtual banking platform. With a fully online setup and support for HKD, CNY, and USD, it’s a fast, convenient choice for SMEs and entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to traditional banks.

But for businesses operating across borders, ZA Bank may fall short. Its international payment options are limited, it supports fewer currencies, and it lacks advanced features like team access controls and bulk payments.

That’s why this article compares five strong alternatives—providers offering greater flexibility, better international coverage, and powerful tools designed to help your business grow.

What Makes a Good Alternative to ZA Bank?

ZA Bank is a virtual bank in Hong Kong offering digital business accounts in HKD, CNY, and USD. It also supports batch payroll and provides 24/7 customer support, which makes it a practical choice for SMEs with local banking needs.

Even so, it may not meet the needs of businesses that work across borders. It supports only three currencies, does not offer payment cards, and lacks accounting software integrations. It is also limited to companies incorporated in Hong Kong with local tax-resident owners.

If your business needs more international support or advanced features, here are the key things to look for in an alternative:

  • Multi-currency accounts: Hold and manage payments in a wider range of currencies.
  • Local account details: Receive payments like a local in major markets such as the US, UK, or EU.
  • Business tools: Use features like batch transfers, invoicing, cards, and accounting integrations.
  • Transparent fees and FX rates: Know exactly what you’re paying for transfers and currency exchange.
  • Team access controls: Assign roles and permissions for different users.
  • Payment cards: Use virtual or physical cards for business spending.
  • Human support: Get help from real people when you need it.

Here’s a quick overview of five providers that offer broader global coverage, better currency support, and more flexible tools than ZA Bank.

Provider Best For Key Advantage Over ZA Bank Things to Note
Statrys Hong Kong-registered SMEs or BVI companies needing support and transparency Offers real-time FX from 0.1% and human support channels Only available to companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI; prepaid cards require manual top-up
Airwallex SMEs and startups with remote teams or high international volumes Accepts and holds 60+ currencies, unlike ZA Bank's 3 No ATM withdrawals; limited card shipping; email/chatbot support only
Wise Freelancers and growing businesses with global clients Receive payments like a local in 23 currencies and access low mid-market FX rates SWIFT fees on incoming payments; no business debit card in Hong Kong
Currenxie Ecommerce sellers and platforms with payout needs Provides virtual accounts in 40+ countries and supports marketplace payouts Cards only for Hong Kong companies; not available to sole traders or US entities
Payoneer Freelancers and online sellers using global marketplaces Integrates with 2,000+ platforms and supports payouts to 190+ countries High FX and card fees; annual fee for low usage; support requires login
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Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of August 2025, but it may be subject to change. We recommend checking each provider’s official website for the latest details.

Looking for a better fit than ZA Bank?

Statrys offers multi-currency accounts, transparent FX, and human support — with no monthly fees.

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.

1

Statrys

Statrys is a Hong Kong-based fintech that provides business accounts for SMEs, startups, and companies with international operations. It supports 11 major currencies, enables payments via SWIFT, FPS, and CHATS, and offers real-time FX rates starting from 0.1% above the mid-market rate.

You can integrate with Xero for accounting, and manage your account entirely online. Statrys also stands out for offering direct access to human support through phone, WhatsApp, email, or WeChat. This level of support is uncommon among fintech providers.

There are no setup costs, no monthly fees, and no minimum deposit requirements. However, accounts are primarily available to companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the BVI.

Key Services Offered by Statrys

  • Multi-currency account: Hold and manage 11 major currencies in one account
  • Local and global payments: Use FPS and CHATS in Hong Kong, or SWIFT for international transfers
  • Transparent FX rates: Convert currencies at real-time rates from as low as 0.1%
  • Prepaid Mastercard®: Issue virtual cards for company spending
  • Xero integration: Sync and reconcile payments, including card transactions
  • Role-based access: Assign permissions such as Viewer, Maker, or Approver
  • Dedicated human support: Get help via phone, WhatsApp, WeChat, or email
  • Payment tracking: Monitor SWIFT transfers with real-time status and shareable links

Statrys Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free (no setup or maintenance fees)
Inactivity Fee HKD 88 if fewer than 5 outgoing payments/month
Send Payments Local: HKD 5 (HKD/CNY), HKD 75 (local USD)
SWIFT: HKD 85
Receive Payments Local (HKD/CNY/USD): Free
SWIFT: HKD 60
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee As low as 0.1%, based on real-time mid-market rates
Card & Usage Fees First physical card free; extras HKD 48/month
ATM: 1.99%
FX: 1.5% per foreign transaction

For full details, visit Statrys’ pricing page.

Pros and Cons of Statrys

✅ No monthly fees or minimum deposit

✅ Real-time FX rates starting from 0.1%, lower than most local providers

✅Covers all major local payment routes (FPS and CHATS)

✅ Full Xero integration, including card expenses

✅ Supports BVI and offshore companies

✅ Direct access to human support through multiple channels

❌ Primarily available to companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI.

❌ Prepaid cards must be topped up manually

Statrys vs ZA Bank

Feature Statrys ZA Bank
Supported currencies 11 major currencies 3 (HKD, CNY, USD)
Payment cards ✅ Virtual Mastercard® prepaid card ❌ Not offered
FX tools Real-time FX from 0.1% 24/7 FX, margin not disclosed
Accounting integration ✅ Full Xero integration ❌ Not available
Customer support Human support through phone, email, WhatsApp Chatbot or email only

Open Your Business Account Without the Bank Hassle

With Statrys, apply online in minutes — no monthly fees, no hidden charges, and real human support.

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.

2

Airwallex

Airwallex is a digital payment platform designed for businesses that manage cross-border payments and global teams. Founded in Australia, it has a strong presence in Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. The platform supports over 60 currencies, offers local account details in major markets, and includes tools like batch transfers and API integrations.
This makes it a strong option for businesses that sell internationally, pay overseas contractors, or need more flexibility than a local bank can offer. However, some features vary by region. Customer support is limited to email and chatbot, and fees for receiving payments via SWIFT are not always clearly shown before sign-up. These factors may matter if your business values transparent pricing or live support.

Key Services Offered by Airwallex

  • Multi-currency wallet: Hold and convert 60+ currencies including HKD, USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, and AUD
  • Local receiving accounts: Get account details in 60+ countries to receive payments like a local
  • Global payments: Send money via SWIFT or local networks such as SEPA, CHAPS, and ACH
  • Batch transfers: Pay up to 1,000 recipients at once using a CSV file
  • Visa business cards: Issue virtual or physical cards with spending controls (ATM withdrawals not supported)
  • Business integrations: Connect with Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot, or use APIs for automation

Airwallex Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free (no setup or maintenance fees)
Send Payments Local: Free
SWIFT: HKD 120–200
Receive Payments Local: Free in most cases
SWIFT: 0.3% if received from non-owner accounts
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee From 0.2% above interbank rate
(contact sales for custom pricing)
Card & Usage Fees Borderless Company Cards: Free
Expense tools: HKD 40 per cardholder/month

Features, pricing, and availability may vary by region or business type. View the full Airwallex pricing page or contact Airwallex for a tailored quote.

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Tip: Before signing up, learn what to expect from an Airwallex business account, including key features, costs, eligibility, and setup steps.

Pros and Cons of Airwallex

✅ Local account details in 60+ countries

✅ Hold and convert over 60 currencies in one digital wallet

✅ Batch payments to up to 1,000 recipients

✅ Virtual and physical Visa cards with no foreign transaction fees

✅ Developer tools and integrations for ecommerce and automation

❌ ATM withdrawals not supported

❌ Business cards only shipped to a limited number of countries

❌ Only email and chatbot support available in Hong Kong

❌ Receiving fees via SWIFT not clearly disclosed before sign-up

❌ Expense tools come with extra monthly fees

Airwallex vs ZA Bank

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free (no setup or maintenance fees)
Send Payments Local: Free
SWIFT: HKD 120–200
Receive Payments Local: Free in most cases
SWIFT: 0.3% if received from non-owner accounts
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee From 0.2% above interbank rate
(contact sales for custom pricing)
Card & Usage Fees Borderless Company Cards: Free
Expense tools: HKD 40 per cardholder/month
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Note: Still deciding if Airwallex is right for your business? Read our full Airwallex Business Account review for insights on features, support, and setup.

3

Wise

Wise offers a global business account designed for companies and professionals who operate across borders. It supports over 40 currencies and provides local account details in 23 of them, including major markets like the US, UK, EU, and Singapore. This makes it easy to receive payments like a local.

You can send money to more than 70 countries at the real mid-market exchange rate, with low and transparent fees. Wise also supports batch payments, payment links, and integrations with major accounting platforms. These features help streamline how businesses move and collect funds globally.

However, Wise has no business debit card in Hong Kong. If your business needs to spend using cards or withdraw from ATMs, this may be a limitation.

Key Services Offered by Wise

  • Multi-currency account: Hold and convert over 40 currencies in one account
  • Local account details: Receive payments in 23 currencies, including HKD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD
  • Global transfers: Send money to over 70 countries at the mid-market exchange rate
  • Batch payments: Upload CSV files to pay up to 1,000 recipients at once
  • Payment links and invoicing: Request payments via link or invoice
  • Accounting integrations: Sync with Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent
  • Team access controls: Assign user roles and manage permissions
  • Customer support: Access email, phone, and live chat when logged in

Wise Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free
(no one-time or monthly fee in Hong Kong)
Send Payments (HKD) ~0.24% of HKD 250,000 transfer (with volume discount)
Receive Payments Local: Free
SWIFT: USD 6.11 / GBP 2.16 / EUR 2.39
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee Starts from 0.26%, uses mid-market rate

Volume discounts apply for transfers over USD 25,000/month. See the full fee table on the Wise Business pricing page.

Pros and Cons of Wise

✅ Hold and manage over 40 currencies

✅ Local account details in 23 currencies

✅ Mid-market FX rates with low, transparent fees

✅ Volume discounts for high-value transfers

✅ Batch payments and payment links for faster processing

❌ No business debit card in Hong Kong
❌ Fees apply when receiving funds via SWIFT

❌ Help Centre available only after login

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Want a full breakdown of Wise Business? Read our Wise Business Account Review for in-depth details on fees, supported markets, and platform experience.

Wise vs ZA Bank

Feature Wise ZA Bank
Supported currencies Over 40 currencies 3 (HKD, CNY, USD)
Local account details In 23 currencies HKD only
FX tools Mid-market rates from 0.26% 24/7 FX, fees not fully disclosed
Payment cards ❌ Not available in Hong Kong ❌ Not offered
Accounting integration ✅ Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent ❌ Not available
Customer support Email, phone, and live chat (log-in required) Chatbot or email only

4

Currenxie

If your business relies on international platforms or sells across multiple regions, Currenxie offers the kind of flexibility that traditional banks often lack. With the Currenxie business account, you can collect payments using local bank details in over 40 countries, hold 20+ currencies in one place, and make fast payments to more than 120 markets.

Beyond global payments, Currenxie supports marketplace integrations with platforms like Amazon and Shopify, plus accounting sync via Xero. Hong Kong-based businesses can also apply for a Visa card with spending controls and cashback rewards. For larger businesses, API access makes it easier to scale payment operations.

That said, the platform is only available to registered companies and not open to sole traders or US-incorporated entities. Customer support is also limited to email, with no hotline or live chat options.

Key Services Offered by Currenxie

  • Multi-currency wallet: Hold and manage 20+ currencies in one account
  • Virtual account details: Receive local payments in over 40 countries, including the US, UK, EU, and  Hong Kong
  • Global transfers: Send payments to 120+ countries via local routes or SWIFT
  • Visa business card: Available for Hong Kong companies with spending controls and partner perks
  • Marketplace collection: Connect with Amazon, PayPal, Shopify, Stripe, Klarna, and others
  • Xero integration: Sync transactions and track cash flow in one platform
  • Team access controls: Manage roles and permissions for internal users
  • API integration: Automate cross-border payments, FX, and card issuing

Currenxie Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free (no setup or maintenance fees)
Send Payments Local: USD 3 per transfer
SWIFT: USD 8 per transfer
Receive Payments Local (via virtual accounts): USD 0.75 per transfer
SWIFT: Varies
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee Mid-market rate
FX margin from 0.1% to 0.6% depending on currency pair
Card & Usage Fees First card free
ATM and shipping fees apply

See the full fee breakdown on Currenxie's official pricing page.

Pros and Cons of Currenxie

✅ Virtual account details in 40+ countries

✅ Supports payouts from marketplaces like Amazon and Stripe

✅Visa business card with 1% cashback (Hong Kong companies only)

✅ API available for automating payments, FX, and card issuing

❌ Not available to sole traders or US-incorporated companies

❌ Card only available to Hong Kong-incorporated businesses

❌ No live chat or phone support (email form only)

Currenxie vs ZA Bank

Feature Currenxie ZA Bank
Supported currencies 20+ 3 (HKD, CNY, USD)
Virtual bank accounts 40+ countries ❌ Not offered
Marketplace support ✅ Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, etc. ❌ Not available
FX margin 0.1 to 0.6% Undisclosed
Payment cards ✅ Visa card (Hong Kong companies only) ❌ Not offered
Customer support Email only 24/7 chatbot and hotline

5

Payoneer

Payoneer stands out as a global payment solution built for the platform economy. Whether you're a freelancer invoicing overseas clients or an online seller managing payouts from multiple marketplaces, it provides access to local receiving accounts in major currencies and supports payments to more than 190 countries.

Its wide network of marketplace integrations, including Amazon, Upwork, Airbnb, and over 2,000 other platforms, makes it especially useful for digital-first businesses. Payoneer also offers batch payment tools and Mastercard® cards in eligible markets, helping you manage global earnings in one account.

However, businesses with lower transaction volumes or a need for cost-efficient FX may find the fees limiting. Support is only available after login and may vary depending on your location.

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Tip: Looking for a full detail of Payoneer's features and fees? Read our Payoneer Business Account review for more insights.

Services Offered by Payoneer

  • Multi-currency account: Hold and manage balances in over 30 currencies
  • Local receiving accounts: Available for USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, CAD, and more
  • Global payments: Send funds to 190+ countries in 70+ currencies
  • Marketplace integrations: Connect with 2,000+ platforms, including Amazon, Fiverr, and Airbnb
  • Batch and scheduled payments: Pay up to 1,000 recipients at once
  • Payoneer Card: Mastercard® (virtual or physical, depending on eligibility and country)
  • Withdraw to local bank: Hong Kong withdrawals supported (fees may apply)

Payoneer Fees

Fee Type Amount
Account Opening Free
Annual Account Fee USD 29.95
(only if less than USD 2,000 received/year)
Send Payments To bank: Up to 3% (varies by region and volume)
To Payoneer users: Free (same country), up to 1% (cross-border)
Receive Payments Local (in same currency): Free
Cross-currency: Up to 1%
Client payments (e.g. credit card, PayPal): Up to 3.99% + USD 0.49
Foreign Exchange Fee 0.5% (between Payoneer balances)
Up to 3.5% (external conversion or withdrawals)
Foreign Exchange Rate and Fee Up to 3.5% (card)
0.5% (between Payoneer balances)
Card & Usage Fees Annual fee: USD 29.95
ATM withdrawal: USD 3.15
Currency conversion: Up to 3.5%
Cross-border fee: Up to 1.8%

Card availability and fee conditions may vary by country. Visit Payoneer’s pricing page for the most accurate and up-to-date fees.

Pros and Cons of Payoneer

✅ Integrated with 2,000+ global marketplaces and platforms

✅ Local receiving accounts in key currencies (USD, EUR, GBP)

✅ Virtual and physical Mastercard® card options (where available)

❌ Annual fee applies for low-volume users (under USD 2,000/year)

❌ FX and card fees can be as high as 3.5%

❌ Live chat and phone support require login and vary by region

Payoneer vs ZA Bank

Feature Payoneer ZA Bank
Supported currencies 30+ currencies 3 (HKD, CNY, USD)
Payment cards ✅ Mastercard® (where available) ❌ Not offered
Marketplace integrations ✅ 2,000+ platforms ❌ Not available
FX margin Up to 3.5% Undisclosed
Customer support Login required for chat/phone 24/7 hotline and chatbot

Final Note

Choosing the right provider isn’t always about picking just one. Depending on how your business operates, a combination of tools may serve you best. Focus on what fits your needs today and supports where you’re headed next. The right setup should make doing business across borders easier, not harder.

Open a Hong Kong Business Account

Access 11 major currencies, real support, and fees that won't surprise you. Trusted by 5,000+ SMEs globally.

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.

FAQs

Can non-Hong Kong residents or foreign-owned companies open an account with ZA Bank?

No. ZA Bank only accepts companies incorporated in Hong Kong with local tax-resident owners. Foreign-owned or offshore entities should consider other providers such as Statrys.

Is ZA Bank good for international businesses?

What currencies does ZA Bank support for business accounts?

What are the best alternatives to ZA Bank for business accounts?

Disclaimer

More info

Our insights are derived from industry experience and information provided on each provider’s website. While we'd love for you to choose us, what's most important is that you make the decision that's right for you.

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statrys dashboard payments 2025