Skip to main content

Foreign Currency Account

A more flexible way to manage global currencies

Our Multi-Currency Call Account (MCA) and Foreign Currency Time Deposit (FCTD) make it easier to hold a range of currencies and transact around the world.

Our foreign currency accounts help you diversify assets and conduct foreign currency transactions from a single local bank.

No minimum balance

Enjoy a hassle-free MCA with no minimum balance. Monthly maintenance fees may apply.

Convenient & flexible

Hold funds in a range of currencies without having to convert them to US Dollars.

Simple deposit & withdrawal

Easily withdraw and deposit funds to and from your MCA. Check issuance and cash transaction are not available.

FDIC insured

FDIC protection1 on foreign currency deposits to put your mind at ease.

Multi-Currency Call Account (MCA)

Manage your foreign currency and US Dollar needs with one bank. A Multi-Currency Call Account (MCA) allows you to receive, send and hold foreign currencies without opening an account in a foreign country. MCA is a non-interest bearing foreign currency denominated account currently available in the following currencies:

Asia Pacific Eurozone Americas
  • Australian Dollar (AUD)        
  • China Yuan (CNY)        
  • Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)      
  • Japanese Yen (JPY)        
  • New Zealand Dollar (NZD)        
  • Singapore Dollar (SGD)        
  • British Pound (GBP)
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Swiss Franc (CHF)  
  • Canadian Dollar (CAD)
  • Mexican Peso (MXN)

 

Foreign Currency Time Deposit (FCTD)

Diversify your assets with our foreign currency time deposit. We offer a wide range of foreign currency time deposits at competitive interest rates, with terms ranging from 7 days to 12 months. Please call 866-228-4299 for more details.

Minimum account opening – USD 25,000 equivalent

Foreign currency time deposits are FDIC insured 1

 


There are significant risks to most investments. Before you undertake any foreign currency transaction, we encourage you to speak with our FX specialists, in addition to personal research in order to better understand the factors involved that may influence the currency market as well as the risks that are involved. Foreign currency investments are subject to market risk and currency fluctuations, which may involve a loss of principal; FDIC insurance does not cover against a loss in principal due to these types of risks. For more information about the Multi-Currency Account (MCA), Foreign Currency Time Deposit (FCTD) and the risks involved, please contact our Foreign Exchange Department.

  1. FDIC insurance covers your account in the case of the default of the insured depository institution. FDIC insurance for deposits denominated in a foreign currency shall be determined and paid in the amount of US Dollars that is equivalent in value to the amount of the deposit denominated in that foreign currency as of the close of business on the date of default of the insured depository institution, up to the amount established by the FDIC.

Related Products & Services

Read our FX market update
Posted Monday through Friday

Right Arrow

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum balance to open a foreign currency account?

There’s no minimum balance requirement on a Multi-Currency Call Account (MCA). The minimum balance for Foreign Currency Time Deposit (FCTD) is USD 25,000 equivalent.

Can I deposit foreign currency cash notes into my Multi-Currency Call Account (MCA)? Can I withdraw cash from my MCA?

No. MCA does not accept cash transactions. To buy or sell foreign currency cash notes, please see our Foreign Currency Cash Exchange service for details.

If I sell foreign currency from my MCA, when will I see the funds in my USD account?

Buying and selling foreign currency usually takes two business days to settle, except for the Canadian Dollar, which typically takes one business day to settle.

Are MCA and FCTD accounts FDIC insured?

Yes. Foreign currency deposits are FDIC insured.1 However, the FDIC does not protect against foreign currency exchange rate risk.

How do I receive foreign currency remittance to my MCA?

If you need help receiving foreign currency, please see our Incoming Wire instructions.

What is the interest rate for MCA and FCTD?

MCA is a non-interest bearing account. Please contact our Foreign Exchange Department at 866-228-4299 or by email at [email protected] for our competitive FCTD interest rate.

Cathay Bank

Email communication is not secure

Please do not include sensitive information such as account numbers or other personal information such as Social Security or Tax Identification numbers, driver’s license numbers, etc. in any email sent to us via this link.

Have a question?

Our specialists are happy to assist you with all your International Banking needs. Please reach out to our team for more information.