PayPal vs Airwallex: Compare features and fees
Find out how PayPal’s features and fees compare to Airwallex’s.
Airwallex supports 160+ local payment methods, offering broader payment acceptance than PayPal. With Airwallex, businesses can save more with competitive pricing and fewer currency conversion fees when settling funds like-for-like, in the same currencies as customers’. Receive, hold, convert, and transfer global funds all on one platform.
3 reasons why businesses choose Airwallex over PayPal
Settle payments like-for-like in 14+ currencies
Settle payments in the same currencies that customers pay in, directly into Airwallex. Save on FX fees, over and over again.
Get paid in more ways
Let customers pay with major card schemes and 160+ local payment methods, compared to PayPal’s 20+. Airwallex also lets businesses show localised pricing to customers in their preferred currency and unlocks their preferred payment methods.
Earn returns on AUD and USD balances
Unlike PayPal, Airwallex lets businesses earn competitive returns on idle balances, with no minimum lock-up period. Businesses can earn 3.52% on AUD funds and 3.88% on USD funds.
Cut FX fees: Save more with like-for-like settlement
Save on payment processing fees and avoid costly currency conversions with like-for-like settlement. For example, an Australian business can transact in GBP and settle those funds directly into a local GBP account, without having to convert the funds to AUD and pay foreign exchange (FX) fees. This GBP balance can then be used to pay UK suppliers, further cutting FX fees.
With Airwallex, businesses can settle payments like-for-like in 14+ major currencies using its built-in multi-currency wallet, without any forced FX conversions. Unlike with PayPal, where funds are automatically converted to the PayPal balance’s default currency.
Offer more ways to pay and manage your end-to-end finances with Airwallex
Airwallex offers more ways to pay with 160+ local payment methods, including PayPal itself. In comparison, PayPal offers just 20+.
International transfers with Airwallex usually settle within one business day, faster than the 3–5 business days it takes with PayPal.
Unlike PayPal that focuses mainly on transfers, Airwallex offers more – including multi-currency business debit cards, robust expense management tools, and high-rate saver accounts.
Save on transaction fees and FX fees with Airwallex
Overall, Airwallex offers lower transaction fees and currency conversion fees.
What local businesses are saying about Airwallex
"Having reliable payment processing with Airwallex is something that, as we mature as a company and bring on more customers, we’ve got to make sure that we’re confident in. Being able to rely on Airwallex is something that’s going to be really important as we grow.”
Tony Hughes
Tour Amigo, CMO
“If you have staff, suppliers or customers overseas, then your business should be using Airwallex. It’s a fantastic product backed by a wonderful customer care team who will answer all your questions and ensure you get onboarded properly and know how to use the product.”
Dale Beaumont
Founder and CEO, Business Blueprint
"Before Airwallex, we were making unnecessarily expensive conversions. Our margins have easily increased by 3% simply by switching to Airwallex.”
Jake McKeon
Coconut Bowls, Founder
“Because of Airwallex, we’re enjoying significant cost savings and a more streamlined management of funds between different currencies, which is essential for our travel agency.”
Simon Russell
Authentic Vacations, CEO
Frequently asked questions about PayPal features and fees
How much are PayPal fees in Australia?
PayPal typically charges 3.6% plus a fixed fee for international transfers. Additional fees apply for foreign currency settlement and FX conversions. Airwallex offers a competitive alternative with transparent and often lower fees, especially for businesses dealing with multiple currencies and regions.
What alternative solutions to PayPal are there?
There are several alternatives to PayPal, including Stripe, Square, Wise, and Payoneer. However, Airwallex stands out for its multi-currency support, competitive pricing, like-for-like settlement, and end-to-end solutions including payment acceptance, FX and transfers, and spend management tools.
What is like-for-like settlement?
Like-for-like settlement is a process that ensures that the currency a business receives in their account is the same as the currency in which the payment was made. This means that if a customer pays a business in, for example, US dollars (USD), the funds will be settled directly into their Airwallex account in USD, without currency conversion. This approach helps businesses avoid unnecessary foreign exchange fees and ensures that they receive the exact amount they are owed, making international transactions more transparent and efficient.
Who can open an Airwallex Business Account in Australia?
Most Australian businesses are eligible. You’ll need an active ABN, a valid ID for all directors or beneficial owners, and basic registration documents.
How does an Airwallex Business Account help businesses save on transaction fees?
An Airwallex Business Account can be used to avoid unnecessary conversion fees and to save on everyday expenses. You can collect payments from your international customers in their preferred currency and then spend those proceeds later in the same currency (for example, to pay global suppliers and employees), thereby eliminating unnecessary conversion fees. You can also benefit from holding funds in a foreign currency until FX rates are favourable enough to convert these funds to your home currency.
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*All comparisons and information reflect Airwallex’s own research using public documentation as of August 2025, and have not been independently validated. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].