WorldFirst and Airwallex are two prominent players in the multi-currency account sector, offering essential services like business cards and competitive foreign exchange fees. While both platforms provide similar functionalities, differences exist in their fee structures, transfer speeds, global reach, and customer support.
WorldFirst does not impose any setup or monthly account fees, instead charging for domestic and international payments alongside currency conversion. Their international transfer fee is straightforward, at £4, while they offer competitive FX rates—0.5% for major currencies and a reduced rate of 0.3% for new customers in 2026. Transfers typically arrive the same day for 90% of transactions, with instant transfers available between WorldFirst accounts.
In contrast, Airwallex operates on a tiered subscription model, with their entry-level plan free for businesses that maintain at least £10,000 in monthly activity. Transfer fees vary from £10 to £20 for SWIFT transfers, and their exchange rate markup is 0.5% for major currencies and 1% for others. They enable 90% of transfers to arrive within a day and provide extensive integrations with popular platforms like Xero and Amazon.
Both companies offer free receiving fees and adhere to rigorous security measures, including two-factor authentication. Customer support also varies, with WorldFirst providing extensive multilingual support across 30+ global offices, whereas Airwallex focuses on email support, with dedicated account management available at higher subscription tiers.
Ultimately, businesses must weigh these differences to find the service that best meets their specific financial needs and operational requirements.
Why this story matters
- Understanding the nuances of financial platforms is crucial for businesses making cross-border transactions.
Key takeaway
- WorldFirst offers a straightforward, no-fee model, whereas Airwallex provides advanced features under a subscription model.
Opposing viewpoint
- Some businesses may prefer Airwallex’s comprehensive integrations and expense management features over WorldFirst’s simpler pricing structure.
