Cross-border payments and multi-currency accounts: A comprehensive guide for European SMEs

Cross-border payments and multi-currency accounts: A comprehensive guide for European SMEs
Ronen

Ronen

  • 24 Jul 2024
  • 12:28
  • 4 min

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe are increasingly engaging in cross-border transactions in today’s globalized economy. Whether it’s purchasing goods from overseas suppliers, paying remote employees, or managing investments in different countries, the need for efficient and cost-effective cross-border payments is paramount. Alongside this, the ability to hold and manage multiple currencies seamlessly can significantly enhance financial flexibility and reduce costs. This is where multi-currency accounts come into play.

What are cross-border payments?

Cross-border payments refer to transactions where the payer and the recipient are located in different countries. These transactions can involve various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and online payment platforms. The process can be complex due to differences in currencies, banking systems, regulations, and intermediary institutions.

Poland also has many SMEs that trade vigorously – okoora’s core audience for the okoora’s platform SMEs make up over 99% of all business in Poland and are responsible for almost half of GDP (45.3%), according to the government-led Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Exports account for around 50% of total revenue for Polish SMEs, indicating their strong integration into global trade, according to the OECD. This is significantly higher than the EU average, where exports make up about 30% of SME revenues. Similarly, imports account for around 45% of total procurement costs for Polish SMEs, on average, also according to the OECD. This reflects the heavy reliance of Polish SMEs on foreign-sourced raw materials, components, and intermediary goods.

Why are cross-border payments important for European SMEs?

For European SMEs, cross-border payments are essential for international trade, investment, and remittances. They facilitate economic integration and enable businesses to expand their markets globally. Efficient cross-border payments allow SMEs to:

  • Expand Market Reach: Access new customers and suppliers outside national borders.
  • Enhance Supplier Relationships: Pay overseas suppliers promptly and cost-effectively, fostering better business relationships.
  • Manage Remote Workforce: Compensate employees and contractors working in different countries in an efficient manner, enabling the company to take advantage of the talents of a global labor pool.

However, traditional cross-border payments can be slow and expensive. They often involve multiple intermediaries, each charging fees and contributing to delays. Additionally, currency exchange rates can be unfavorable, further increasing the cost.

Introducing multi-currency accounts

A multi-currency account allows you to hold, manage, and transact in multiple currencies from a single account. This means you can receive payments in one currency and hold the funds until you decide to convert them into another currency, potentially taking advantage of favorable exchange rates. It also simplifies the process of making payments in different currencies, reducing the need for multiple bank accounts in various countries.

Okoora's platform solution for cross-border payments and multi-currency accounts

At okoora, we understand the challenges and complexities faced by European SMEs in managing cross-border payments. Our platform solution is designed to streamline the process, offering a seamless and cost-effective way to handle international transactions. Here’s how okoora can help:

  • Fee-less transfers: Eliminate transaction fees to banks and payment processors for transaction that are a part of your monthly plan, reducing overall costs.
  • Open global accounts: Enjoy a fast, red-tape-free process to open accounts in different countries across the globe.
  • Support for 100+ currencies: Manage over 100 currencies from a single account, enhancing flexibility.
  • One process for multiple geographies: Simplify operations with a single process for multiple countries.
  • Status notifications: Receive real-time status notifications via email.
  • Multiple payment methods: Okoora provides multiple payment methods for the same country to ensure your payment is received and to offer both faster and cheaper options.

With over 20,000 happy clients and $3 billion saved, okoora has proven its value to businesses in saving money and managing their international finances effectively. Clients enjoy the convenience of having one account for all their global transactions.

Benefits of using okoora's multi-currency account for European SMEs

  • Cost Savings: By holding funds in multiple currencies, you can avoid frequent conversions and take advantage of favorable exchange rates.
  • Convenience: Manage all your international transactions from the platform, simplifying your financial operations.
  • Flexibility: Adapt to market changes by holding and transacting in different currencies based on your needs.
  • Security: Benefit from robust security measures that protect your funds and data.

Conclusion

Cross-border payments and multi-currency accounts are indispensable tools for European SMEs in today’s interconnected world. They enable businesses to operate seamlessly across borders, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Okoora’s innovative platform solution provides a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to manage your international financial activities, ensuring that you stay ahead in the global marketplace.

Explore okoora’s multi-currency accounts today and take control of your cross-border payments with ease and confidence. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help your business grow!

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Ronen

About the author Ronen

Ronen Shnidman is Director of Marketing at okoora. He writes on topics related to payments, foreign currency exchange and hedging. Before joining okoora, Ronen worked at a number of startups focused on payments, e-commerce, fraud prevention and open-source intelligence. In a previous life, Ronen was a journalist for major English-language newspapers in Israel and a business reporter for a well-regarded diamond industry publication. He also has BA degree in Economics from McGill University and a MA in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University.

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