12th October 2025, Kathmandu
The digital economy has ushered in a new era of work, with freelancing becoming a powerhouse of national income, especially in Bangladesh. Recognizing the unique financial landscape of this vibrant community, Prime Bank Limited has taken a significant stride by launching the Prime Freelancer Account.
Prime Freelancer Account
This specialized banking solution is meticulously designed to meet the complex and dynamic needs of professionals who earn foreign currency through online outsourcing and international projects. Launched in October 2025, this product promises to empower freelancers, offering them the financial freedom to truly “Optimize My Income and Become My Own Boss.”
The Power of a Seamless Banking Solution
The Prime Freelancer Account is far more than a standard bank account; it is a bundled financial tool that addresses the core challenges faced by freelancers, such as receiving foreign payments, managing foreign currency balances, and ensuring hassle-free digital transactions.
The account essentially functions as a two-in-one proposition: a Foreign Currency (FCY) account, specifically an Exporter’s Retention Quota (ERQ) account, which holds the foreign earnings, and a linked Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) account, which provides the local currency savings and transactional capabilities. This dual setup is the cornerstone of its convenience.
Key Financial Freedoms for the Modern Freelancer
Prime Bank has stripped away many common banking pain points to ensure a truly user-centric experience, making it an attractive offering in the competitive digital banking space.
- Zero Balance & No Maintenance Fees: A primary and highly compelling feature is the ability to open the USD-denominated account with zero minimum balance and, crucially, to maintain it with no maintenance fees. This immediately lowers the barrier to entry for new or emerging freelancers who need every dollar to count. The elimination of maintenance charges is a substantial saving that directly translates to higher net income for the professional.
- Foreign Currency Retention Power: Adhering to the regulations set by the Bangladesh Bank, the account allows freelancers to retain up to 35% of their net foreign earnings in USD. This feature is vital, as it provides a financial buffer against currency fluctuation and allows freelancers to use their retained funds for bonafide business-related expenses internationally, such as purchasing software, paying for domain hosting, or covering other service-related costs. The remainder of the income is seamlessly converted and transferred to the linked BDT account.
- Free International Debit Card: To ensure immediate and global access to funds, the account includes a free international debit card. This card facilitates smooth international transactions and is indispensable for a professional whose business relies on cross-border payments, both for expenses and local withdrawals.
- Bundled Prime One Savings Account: The local currency component of the solution is the Bundled Prime One Savings Account. This is where the BDT portion of the converted earnings is held, offering freelancers the dual benefit of a transactional account alongside attractive savings features.
- Complimentary Life Insurance: Adding a layer of security and value, the linked BDT account comes with free life insurance coverage. This complimentary benefit provides much-needed financial protection and peace of mind for the freelancer and their family, a significant value addition for self-employed individuals.
Streamlined Banking for a Global Profession
Beyond the core financial features, Prime Bank has embedded services that enhance the day-to-day experience of global banking.
- Seamless Remittance Options: The account is structured for smooth remittance options in both USD and BDT, simplifying the process of receiving payments from international clients or marketplaces. This reliability and speed in fund transfers are critical for maintaining good client relationships and managing business cash flow.
- Dedicated Service Desk: Recognizing that freelancers often require specialized assistance, Prime Bank has established a Dedicated Service Desk at selected branches to provide personalized, professional support. This ensures that any queries related to foreign exchange, documentation, or transaction issues are handled swiftly and efficiently by knowledgeable personnel.
- Digital Convenience: The entire solution is built on a foundation of modern digital features, ensuring that professionals can manage their finances 24/7. From monitoring balances to making payments, the digital platforms associated with Prime Bank provide the convenience necessary for a professional whose office is wherever their laptop is.
Eligibility and Simple Documentation
Prime Bank has made the eligibility and documentation process transparent and straightforward to encourage wider adoption among the Bangladeshi freelancing community.
To qualify for the Prime Freelancer Account, an applicant must be a Bangladeshi resident aged 18 or above and actively earning foreign currency (FCY) through freelancing or outsourcing from abroad. Crucially, the applicant must also maintain a Prime Bank savings or current account in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), which serves as the local currency link.
The required documents focus on verifying identity, residence, and, most importantly, the source of freelance income:
- Identity & Nominee Proof: Completed account opening form, copies of NID, passport, or birth certificate for both the applicant and nominee(s), along with respective passport-sized photographs.
- Tax Compliance: Proof of tax return submission or e-TIN certificate (where applicable) to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Address Verification: A recent utility bill is required for verification of the residential address.
- Proof of Income/Profession: This is arguably the most critical document, which can be furnished as an ID or certificate from industry bodies like BASIS or the Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS), a freelancer profile screenshot from a reputable marketplace, or valid work orders/email communications demonstrating recent foreign currency earnings.
By offering this comprehensive and well-rounded financial product, Prime Bank is not only supporting the growth of the individual freelancer but also contributing significantly to the foreign exchange reserves and the burgeoning digital services export sector of Bangladesh. The Prime Freelancer Account is a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and empowering the next generation of global entrepreneurs.
For More: Prime Freelancer Account