Frequent travellers, business owners, expats, freelancers managing multiple international clients, international students, and many more demographics now have to juggle various currencies. Holding both GBP and USD in a single account saves on conversion fees, simplifies international spending, and gives you flexibility when exchange rates move.
This guide explains why multi-currency accounts are useful, how they work, and the best options for holding GBP and USD securely in one place.
Also read: Where to find the best USD to GBP exchange online
Holding both currencies separately gives you more control over your money. Some of the most common reasons include:
If you earn in GBP but want to keep some savings in USD (or vice versa), a multi-currency account lets you avoid unnecessary conversions, especially when the exchange rate is not favourable.
Freelancers, creators, consultants, and remote workers often receive payments from the UK, the US, or both. A dual-currency account allows you to receive money directly in the currency your client pays in.
Traditional banks usually convert your money to the local currency automatically when receiving USD or GBP, often at poor rates. Multi-currency accounts give you control over when and how to convert.
If you travel frequently, keeping both currencies helps you avoid high ATM fees, card charges, and unfair exchange services abroad.
Read also: How Grey differs from a UK bank
A GBP–USD multi-currency account allows you to:
Some providers even give you local account details—for example, a UK account number and sort code for GBP payments, and a US account (ACH routing) for USD payments. This makes it much easier to receive money from employers, clients, or platforms.
There are a few reliable options for managing both currencies in a single account. Each works differently depending on where you live and what you need.
Grey offers USD and GBP accounts with real account details, allowing you to receive payments as if you had a local UK or US bank account. It also provides low-cost currency conversion and local withdrawals in several countries. It is ideal for creators, freelancers, remote workers, and anyone earning internationally. With Grey’s virtual USD card, you can easily make international payments and shop on global marketplaces with ease. Your multi-currency account also integrates seamlessly with global platforms like marketplaces (Etsy, Amazon), freelancing platforms (Fiverr, Upwork), and social media platforms (YouTube, TikTok).
Wise provides a multi-currency account that supports GBP, USD, and more than 40 other currencies. It also issues local account details for both the UK and the US with a transparent fee structure and mid-market exchange rate. It works well for people who frequently convert money or transfer money between countries.
Payoneer lets you receive USD and GBP payments from platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and TikTok Shop. You can then hold the funds or withdraw them to your local bank. It is best for freelancers using freelancing platforms.
Some UK and US banks offer foreign currency sub-accounts, but many don’t provide seamless USD–GBP functions like digital payment platforms. Fees are usually higher, and transfers are slower. However, it is an excellent option for people who need a strictly traditional bank setup for official or personal reasons, especially if it involves moving large sums of money.
Before opening a multi-currency account, check:
The steps are usually simple:
Once set up, you can receive GBP and USD separately, choose when to convert, and avoid unnecessary banking fees.
Also read: How expats are saving hours each week with Grey
Holding both GBP and USD in one account gives you flexibility, protects your earnings from poor exchange rates, and makes global payments far easier. Whether you are earning abroad, working with international clients, or simply saving for the future, a multi-currency account provides a simple, modern way to manage your money across borders. Grey provides users with this flexibility with a seamless international payment option that supports USD, GBP, and EUR. With low and transparent fees, competitive exchange rates, swift payment processing, and versatile virtual USD cards, Grey makes you a modern person solving money problems the modern way.
Get started on Grey today for seamless international payment.
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