Products Comparisons

2021 Best Business Banking Account - OCBC vs UOB vs DBS

Belinda Wan
January 24, 2019

Enjoy the perks: Selecting the best business account for your company can be a rewarding experience. Photo credit: Unsplash

*Article Updated for 2021

Disclaimer: This article contains ads. Lendingpot.sg may receive a small fee for each business account, card or credit facility opened with Aspire through our referral links.

Which bank should you open a business banking account with?

You may have just started or are thinking about setting up a business. 

At the top of your head, you are weighing the pros and cons of various aspects of your business, including the relatively simple task of opening a bank account.

We have compiled a useful guide and categorized it based on factors that may influence your decision.


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If your decision is based on the:

- Updated 2021: The Neobank Alternative for Business Accounts -

                   

aspire+300x150+(33%).png

Aspire, Singapore’s #1 SME Neobank, is offering start-ups a digital business account that is easy, fast and transparent.

Their account is 100% online with zero fees, zero FX mark-ups, no monthly or fall-below fees, and comes with a debit card that offers cashback on all online marketing and SaaS spending.

Click here to compare Aspire’s business account against the traditional banks in Singapore!

1. If your decision is based on the complexity of the application process

DBS OCBC UOB
Account Opening Details
  • Apply online instantly
  • Instantly open for companies with 3 or less directors (for Singaporean & PR)
  • Requires CorpPass for MyInfo Business, SingPass for MyInfo or DBS personal bank details
  • Requires visit to branch if the company have foreign directors or unique structure
  • Apply online instantly
  • Instantly open for companies with 2 or less directors (for Singaporean & PR)
  • Requires CorpPass for MyInfo Business, SingPass for MyInfo or OCBC personal bank details
  • Relationship managers will follow up for any other type of companies
  • Apply online instantly
  • Instantly open for companies with 2 or less directors
  • Requires CorpPass for MyInfo Business, SingPass for MyInfo
  • Requires visit to branch with documents for any other type of companies

*Information updated for 2021*

*Information updated for 2021*

The table above illustrates that DBS, OCBC & UOB all provide the option of an online application. UOB still prefers a physical meet-up for larger Current Accounts, while OCBC does not provide crystal-clear instructions about the eligibility of online applications.

If you are looking for a seamless application process and are eligible for it – we would say – go with DBS. But if you prefer talking to a representative? You have OCBC or UOB.

2021 Update: After a year, banking processes have improved and the local banks have caught up with the use of technology. Applying online is the main way and the differences between the banks are negligible.

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2. If your decision is based on the types of account available

DBS OCBC UOB
Accounts
  1. Business Digital Account
  2. Corporate Multi-Currency Account
  3. Fixed Deposit Account
  1. Business Growth Account
  2. Business Entrepreneur Account
  3. Busines Entrepreneur Account Plus
  1. eBusiness Account
  2. Current Account
  3. BizTransact Account
  4. Global Currency Account

*Information updated for 2021*

*DBS’s Fixed Deposit Account and UOB’s Global Currency Account have been removed as these accounts cover a different purpose.

*Information updated for 2021*

*DBS’s Fixed Deposit Account and UOB’s Global Currency Account have been removed as these accounts cover a different purpose.

OCBC stands out from the other 2 banks, as they have account types tailored for businesses in different stages.

The “Business Growth” account caters to start-ups, “Business Entrepreneur” for growing businesses, and “Business Entrepreneur Plus” for larger companies.

Without going into details about the benefits of each account, OCBC scores by simply providing more options for SMEs.

2021 Update: OCBC is not longer promoting the Business Entrepreneur Account, thus details about the account have been removed from the subsequent tables below. Based on the account types available now, UOB presents more options for SMEs.

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3. If your decision is based on the requirements of the account

DBS OCBC UOB
Business Digital Account Corporate Multi-Currency Business Growth Account Business Entrepreneur Plus eBusiness Account Current Account BizTransact Account
Minimum Balance N.A. $10,000 N.A. $30,000 $5,000   (avg. daily balance) $10,000   (avg. daily balance) $80,000   (avg. daily balance)
Minimum Initial Deposit $1,000 $3,000 $0 $30,000 $30,000 $1,000 $1,000

*Information updated for 2021. Details about OCBC's Business Entrepreneur Account have been removed.

As you can see, there is no minimum balance requirement for DBS accounts. The minimum initial deposit varies across the account types, with DBS and UOB requiring the lowest deposit amounts.

For us, we believe that SMEs will find it very difficult and stressful to maintain the minimum balance, especially if they are a cash-heavy business. Therefore, DBS wins hands down.

2021 Update: OCBC has removed its minimum balance and minimum initial deposit requirements, making it more attractive than any other business account offered by local banks.

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4. If your decision is based on the cost of the account

Additional Charges
DBS OCBC UOB
Business Digital Account Corporate Multi-Currency Business Growth Account Business Entrepreneur Plus eBusiness Account Current Account BizTransact Account
Fall-Below Fees (/mth) N.A. $35 N.A. $50 $15 $35 $80
Account Fees $18/mth $40/yr $10/mth (First 2 mths waived) N.A. $35/yr $35/yr N.A.
Account Closure Fees $50 (<6 mths) $50 (<6 mths) $50 (<6 mths) $50 (<6 mths) $30 (<6 mths) $30 (<6 mths) $200 (<1 yr)
FAST Transact.
  • Free to DBS accounts
  • $0.50 per transact. to non-DBS
  • $0.50 per transact.
  • First 30 per mth free using velocity@OCBC (until 30th Jun 2020)
  • $0.50 per transact.
  • Free 60, 50 & 100 FAST / PayNow per mth for eBusiness, Current Account & BizTransact respectively (until 31st Jul 2020)
PayNow Transact.
  • Free inward PayNow (until 31 Dec. 2021)
  • $0.50 per transact. for outward PayNow
  • Free PayNow Lookup (until 31 Dec. 2021)
  • Free inward PayNow (until 31 Dec. 2022)
  • $0.50 per transact. for outward PayNow
  • $0.20 per transact. for PayNow Lookup (free until Jun. 2020)
  • Free inward Paynow (until 31 Dec. 2021)
  • $0.70 per transact. for outward Paynow ($0.50 until 30 Jun. 2020)
  • Free 60, 50 & 100 FAST / PayNow per mth for eBusiness, Current Account & BizTransact respectively (until 31st Jul 2020)
Over-the-counter (OTC) Services
  • First $20,000 = Free
  • Next $10,000 or part thereof = $10
  • Add. $20 per transact. for digital account
$20 per transact.
  • 1-5 = free
  • 6-20 = $5 per transact.
  • >21 = $10 per transact.
$20 per transact. Not stated
Cheque Book Issuance $25/book Free $25 (1st free) N.A. Not stated
Cheque Clearing Fees $0.75/chq $0.75/chq $0.75/chq $0.75/chq $0.75/chq
  • First 30/mth free
  • $0.75/chq thereafter

*Information updated for 2021. Details about OCBC's Business Entrepreneur Account have been removed.

*Information updated for 2021. Details about OCBC's Business Entrepreneur Account have been removed.

There are no clear winners here. The choice of account will have to depend on the preferences of the business owner.

2021 Update: With the standardization of cheque-clearing fees, it seems like OCBC Business Growth Account would cost SMEs the least to maintain and transact.

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5. If your decision is based on the benefits of the account

DBS OCBC UOB
Business Digital Account Corporate Multi-Currency Business Growth Account Business Entrepreneur Plus eBusiness Account Current Account BizTransact Account
Rebates 0.3% for card transactions 0.5% (foreign currency) and 0.2% (local currency) on card transactions $0.50 rebates for FAST / PayNow transact.
Featured Benefits
  • Free online banking
  • Unlimited free digital tokens
  • Free debit card
  • $0 cables charges for selected countries
  • Free 6 months of SME tech solutions
  • Free online banking
  • 50% off Singtel Business Mobile Plan
  • Free debit card
  • Free business alerts via SMS and email(for first 3 months)
  • S$80* cashback ($30,000 deposit, until 30 Jun. 2020)
  • Free Bulk GIRO Payroll Transactions
  • Free online banking
  • Free trial of SME tech solutions
  • Free debit card
  • Free sms and email alerts

*Information updated for 2021. Details about OCBC's Business Entrepreneur Account have been removed.

*Information updated for 2021. Details about OCBC's Business Entrepreneur Account have been removed.

We believe that the benefits provided by DBS are slightly more tangible and useful for an SME.

2021 Update: Account benefits have been standardized across the market. Differences are negligible now.

Aspire's Neobank Business Account Vs Traditional Banks' Business Account

*This section is written in collaboration with Aspire*

Aspire, Singapore’s #1 SME Neobank, is offering start-ups a digital business account that is easy, fast and transparent. As a fintech company, it is able to operate efficiently and pass on its cost savings to businesses - its account is free with no monthly or fall-below fees. 

Targeted at digital businesses, Aspire’s advanced online and mobile interface and features allow business owners to operate their business accounts completely online. The account can be opened remotely from anywhere in the world and offers the only business debit card in Singapore to give 1% cashback on all online marketing and SaaS spending.

Aspire Business Account DBS Corporate Multi-Currency Account OCBC Business Entrepreneur Plus UOB Current Account
Minimum Initial Deposit N.A $3,000 $30,000 $1,000
Minimum Balance $0 $10,000 $30,000 $10,000
Fall-Below Fees $0 $35/mth $50/mth $35/mth
Account Fees $0 $40/yr $0 $35/yr
FAST Transaction Fees $0 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50
Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Variable
  • Low & transparent FX fees
  • $30 outbound
  • $10 inbound
  • $35 outbound
  • $10 inbound
  • $40 outbound
  • $10 inbound
Featured Benefits
  • Free online banking & debit card
  • Up to 1% cashback on marketing & SaaS spend
  • Up to $50,000 worth of SME tech solutions
  • Direct customer support (no answering machines
  • Free online banking & credit card
  • Free 6 months of SME tech solutions
  • Free online banking & debit card
  • 50% off Singtel Business Mobile Plan
  • Free business alerts via SMS and email (for the first 3 months)
  • Free online banking & debit card
  • Free trial of SME tech solutions

Aspire is no newcomer to the tech and banking scene. Its founders were part of the Lazada founding team, and it works in collaboration with a tier-1 bank, where deposits are guaranteed under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Scheme (SDIC). Funds are kept strictly segregated in a trust account, as prescribed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore on the Payment Services Act.

Here are a few features you can expect from Aspire.

Suite of user-friendly features

SME owners will appreciate Aspire’s range of services for sure. Its easily navigable website offers business owners help in four areas – Pay, Manage, Save and Grow – all of which are pertinent concerns for any entrepreneur.

The best thing: You just need five minutes to sign up for a free Aspire Business Account. Once you are all set up, all you need is the Aspire corporate card to run your business.

Multi-user access

The Aspire corporate card can be issued to every one of your team members for improved efficiency. The card has no sign-up, monthly, annual or hidden fees.

You won’t need to worry about overspending either – not when you can set card budgets and spend limits, and match receipts.

Effortless tracking and syncing

Not only does the card allow you to manage corporate expenses easily, you can also track your team’s spending with real-time notifications.

Even better, all transactions are synced automatically with your accounting and software workflows.

Quicker, more affordable payments

With the Aspire card, you can enjoy free local transfers anytime, anywhere. It can also help make international payments five times more affordable, allowing you to spend at the visa rate with a low transparent fee.

Unique perks and rewards

Once you open an Aspire account, you get to enjoy over S$50,000 worth of exclusive benefits from platform partners.

These exclusive perks fall under various categories such as legal, e-commerce, marketing, finance and accounting, and much more.

All you need to do is just log in, redeem your reward and enjoy it.

Help to grow and scale your business

If that’s not enough, Aspire also offers SMEs a range of credit solutions. Take your pick from revenue-based financing, credit lines, term loans, reverse factoring, and even custom solutions that can be designed to fit your needs.

All in all, Aspire’s Business Account is a good alternative to traditional business banking accounts, and provides great value for new entrepreneurs, businesses, and start-ups that prefer to manage their business finances online.

Wait, so which bank do I choose?

As much as we would like to be quick on our feet to recommend only the best solution, our findings have shown that there is no clear winner after all. Each account stands out in different areas.

Having said that, we feel that DBS provides the most clarity on its website, even though its Business Banking account might not necessarily be better.

We want to emphasize that at the end of the day, the accounts are structured in a way that occupies different segments of the market and caters to each SME’s personal preferences.

Disclaimer: All information is believed to be accurate; however, no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information are made. All information, commentary, recommendations or statements of opinion provided in this article are for general information purposes only. This article is based on information found exclusively on the respective websites. We believe our information is representative. However, if there are any errors in our reporting, please contact ask@lendingpot.sg for rectification. We do not claim to be authoritative.

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About the author

Belinda loves thinking about random stuff, and collecting useless bits of facts and trivia. She often roots for the underdog, and believes the world needs more happy endings.

business
banks
OCBC
UOB
DBS
BankingAccount
2021

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