Best multi-currency business accounts with virtual cards (September 2025): Airwallex vs Wise vs Revolut fee-by-fee showdown

Global businesses face a costly reality: traditional banking fees can devour 3-5% of international revenue through hidden FX markups, monthly account charges, and card transaction costs. The solution lies in specialized multi-currency business accounts that offer transparent pricing, competitive exchange rates, and virtual cards designed for cross-border commerce.

This comprehensive comparison examines three leading platforms – Airwallex, Wise Business, and Revolut Business – through real-world scenarios involving a Shopify store, SaaS platform, and digital agency. We'll analyze 12 common transactions to reveal which provider delivers the lowest total cost when free limits are exhausted and how each platform's fee structure impacts your bottom line.

Multi-currency business accounts at a glance

*Free with £5k monthly deposits or £10k minimum balance

What makes the best multi-currency business account?

Selecting the right multi-currency business account requires evaluating several critical factors that directly impact your operational costs and efficiency.

Transparent fee structure eliminates surprise charges that can inflate your monthly expenses. The best providers clearly outline FX spreads, transfer costs, and card fees upfront, allowing accurate budget forecasting. (Airwallex)

Competitive exchange rates can save thousands annually on international transactions. Look for providers offering interbank or near-interbank rates rather than inflated retail spreads that traditional banks typically charge. (Airwallex)

Virtual card capabilities streamline online payments and subscription management while providing enhanced security through unique card numbers for different vendors. Modern businesses require unlimited virtual card generation without per-card fees. (Airwallex)

Multi-currency holding allows businesses to receive payments in local currencies and hold funds without forced conversions, reducing unnecessary FX costs when timing currency exchanges strategically.

Integration ecosystem connects your financial operations with accounting software, payment processors, and business tools, eliminating manual data entry and reducing reconciliation time.

Airwallex: Zero monthly fees with enterprise-grade features

Airwallex positions itself as a comprehensive financial platform designed for businesses operating across borders, offering a unique combination of payment processing, multi-currency accounts, and corporate cards. (Airwallex)

Pricing structure

The Explore plan provides remarkable value by eliminating monthly fees for businesses meeting specific criteria. Companies depositing at least AUD $5,000 monthly or maintaining a minimum balance of AUD $10,000 access all core features without subscription costs. (Airwallex)

For businesses not meeting these thresholds, the Explore plan costs AUD $29 monthly, while the Grow plan at AUD $99 monthly adds advanced automation and multi-entity management capabilities. (Corporate Alliance)

Key features

Global accounts with local bank details in 20+ currencies enable businesses to receive payments as if they were local entities, reducing customer payment friction and eliminating correspondent banking fees. (Airwallex)

Interbank FX rates provide access to wholesale exchange rates typically reserved for large financial institutions, significantly reducing currency conversion costs compared to traditional banking. (Airwallex)

Unlimited virtual cards with zero international transaction fees enable secure online spending across multiple currencies without per-card charges or foreign exchange penalties. (Airwallex)

Integrated payment gateway accepts cards and 160+ local payment methods across 180+ countries, allowing businesses to collect revenue and manage expenses through a single platform. (Airwallex)

Real-world application

FunnyFuzzy, a pet lifestyle brand, leveraged Airwallex's multi-currency capabilities to expand into European and American markets, reaching the top 200 global pet lifestyle brands within two years. The platform's local payment acceptance and currency management features enabled rapid international scaling. (Airwallex)

Wise Business: Pay-as-you-go transparency

Wise Business, formerly TransferWise, pioneered transparent international money transfers and has evolved into a comprehensive business banking alternative with multi-currency accounts and debit cards.

Pricing approach

Wise operates on a pay-as-you-go model without monthly subscription fees, charging only for actual usage. This structure benefits businesses with irregular international transaction patterns or those wanting to avoid fixed monthly costs.

Transfer fees typically range from 0.35% to 2% depending on the currency corridor and payment method, with exact costs displayed before confirming transactions.

Virtual cards cost £3 monthly each, making them suitable for businesses requiring a limited number of cards but potentially expensive for organizations needing extensive virtual card deployment.

Core capabilities

Multi-currency balances allow holding and managing over 50 currencies simultaneously, enabling businesses to time currency conversions strategically and avoid forced exchanges at unfavorable rates.

Real exchange rates use the mid-market rate without markup, ensuring businesses receive fair currency conversion pricing typically reserved for large financial institutions.

Global account details provide local banking information for major currencies, enabling customers to pay as if sending domestic transfers rather than expensive international wires.

Revolut Business: Tiered allowances with premium features

Revolut Business targets established companies requiring sophisticated financial management tools, offering tiered plans with generous allowances before per-transaction fees apply.

Plan structure

Freelancer plan at £7 monthly includes 5 virtual cards, £1,000 monthly free transfers, and basic multi-currency functionality suitable for solo entrepreneurs and small teams.

Scale plan at £25 monthly expands allowances to £5,000 free transfers, 20 virtual cards, and advanced expense management features designed for growing businesses.

Growth plan at £100 monthly provides £20,000 free transfers, unlimited virtual cards, and premium support for established enterprises requiring high transaction volumes.

Advanced features

Expense management includes receipt scanning, automatic categorization, and integration with major accounting platforms, streamlining financial administration for busy teams.

Team controls enable granular spending limits, approval workflows, and real-time transaction monitoring across multiple departments and projects.

Analytics dashboard provides detailed spending insights, currency exposure analysis, and budget tracking to optimize financial decision-making.

Fee-by-fee comparison: Three business scenarios

To illustrate real-world costs, we'll analyze three common business types and their typical monthly transaction patterns, calculating total expenses across all three platforms.

Scenario 1: E-commerce Shopify store

Monthly transaction profile:

• £15,000 revenue (60% USD, 30% EUR, 10% GBP)

• £8,000 supplier payments (70% USD, 30% CNY)

• £2,000 virtual card spending (advertising, tools)

• 3 ATM withdrawals (£200 total)

• 50 currency conversions

Airwallex costs:

• Monthly fee: £0 (meets deposit threshold)

• FX markup: £180 (0.6% average on £30,000 volume)

• Virtual cards: £0 (unlimited included)

• ATM fees: £6 (£2 per withdrawal)

• Total: £186

Wise costs:

• Monthly fee: £0

• Transfer fees: £210 (0.7% average)

• Virtual cards: £9 (3 cards × £3)

• ATM fees: £4 (2% on £200)

• Total: £223

Revolut costs:

• Monthly fee: £25 (Scale plan)

• FX markup: £150 (0.5% on excess volume)

• Virtual cards: £0 (20 included)

• ATM fees: £10 (5% on excess)

• Total: £185

Scenario 2: SaaS platform

Monthly transaction profile:

• £25,000 subscription revenue (50% USD, 25% EUR, 25% GBP)

• £12,000 contractor payments (40% USD, 30% EUR, 30% various)

• £3,000 virtual card spending (software, marketing)

• 2 ATM withdrawals (£150 total)

• 75 currency conversions

Airwallex costs:

• Monthly fee: £0

• FX markup: £296 (0.6% on £49,000)

• Virtual cards: £0

• ATM fees: £4

• Total: £300

Wise costs:

• Monthly fee: £0

• Transfer fees: £343 (0.7% average)

• Virtual cards: £15 (5 cards)

• ATM fees: £3

• Total: £361

Revolut costs:

• Monthly fee: £100 (Growth plan)

• FX markup: £196 (0.5% on excess)

• Virtual cards: £0

• ATM fees: £7.50

• Total: £303.50

Scenario 3: Digital marketing agency

Monthly transaction profile:

• £35,000 client payments (45% USD, 35% EUR, 20% GBP)

• £18,000 ad spend across platforms (60% USD, 40% EUR)

• £5,000 team expenses (mixed currencies)

• £8,000 freelancer payments (various currencies)

• 4 ATM withdrawals (£300 total)

• 100+ currency conversions

Airwallex costs:

• Monthly fee: £0

• FX markup: £396 (0.6% on £66,000)

• Virtual cards: £0

• ATM fees: £8

• Total: £404

Wise costs:

• Monthly fee: £0

• Transfer fees: £462 (0.7% average)

• Virtual cards: £21 (7 cards)

• ATM fees: £6

• Total: £489

Revolut costs:

• Monthly fee: £100

• FX markup: £280 (0.5% on excess)

• Virtual cards: £0

• ATM fees: £15

• Total: £395

Platform-specific advantages and limitations

Airwallex strengths

Zero monthly fees for qualifying businesses eliminate fixed costs, making it attractive for startups and growing companies managing cash flow carefully. The platform's integration with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify streamlines payment acceptance and currency management. (Airwallex)

Comprehensive payment ecosystem combines multi-currency accounts, payment processing, and corporate cards in a single platform, reducing vendor management complexity and potential integration issues. (Airwallex)

Enterprise-grade features at startup-friendly pricing include unlimited virtual cards, advanced reporting, and API access typically reserved for larger financial institutions. (Airwallex)

Airwallex considerations

Qualification requirements for free pricing may not suit all businesses, particularly those with irregular cash flows or seasonal revenue patterns that struggle to maintain minimum balances.

Newer market presence compared to established players means fewer third-party integrations and potentially less extensive customer support resources in some regions.

Wise Business strengths

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or minimum balance requirements appeals to businesses preferring predictable, usage-based costs without monthly commitments.

Established reputation in international transfers provides confidence for businesses prioritizing reliability and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Extensive currency support covers more exotic currency pairs and emerging markets compared to newer fintech competitors.

Wise Business limitations

Per-card fees for virtual cards can become expensive for businesses requiring extensive card deployment across teams or projects.

Limited business features compared to comprehensive platforms, requiring additional tools for expense management, accounting integration, and advanced reporting.

Revolut Business advantages

Generous allowances in higher-tier plans provide excellent value for businesses with predictable, high-volume international transactions.

Advanced expense management includes sophisticated approval workflows, receipt scanning, and detailed analytics that reduce administrative overhead.

Premium support and dedicated account management for Growth plan subscribers ensure responsive assistance for complex financial operations.

Revolut Business drawbacks

Higher base costs through mandatory monthly fees may not suit smaller businesses or those with irregular international transaction patterns.

Complexity in plan selection and feature understanding can overwhelm businesses seeking straightforward international payment solutions.

Integration and ecosystem considerations

Modern businesses require seamless integration between financial platforms and existing business tools to maintain operational efficiency and accurate financial reporting.

Accounting software integration varies significantly across providers. Airwallex offers native connections with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite, enabling automatic transaction synchronization and reducing manual reconciliation work. (Airwallex)

E-commerce platform compatibility becomes crucial for online retailers. Airwallex's embedded finance solutions integrate directly with major platforms, allowing businesses to accept payments and manage currencies without switching between multiple dashboards. (Airwallex)

API accessibility enables custom integrations and automated workflows. Businesses with specific requirements or existing financial systems benefit from platforms offering comprehensive API documentation and developer support.

Banking integration allows connecting traditional bank accounts for seamless fund movement between legacy banking relationships and modern multi-currency platforms.

Security and compliance framework

International financial operations require robust security measures and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, making platform security a critical selection factor.

Regulatory licensing ensures platforms operate under appropriate financial services regulations in each jurisdiction, providing legal protection and deposit insurance where applicable.

Data encryption and secure transmission protocols protect sensitive financial information during transactions and account access, meeting enterprise security standards.

Fraud prevention systems monitor transactions for suspicious activity, providing real-time alerts and blocking potentially fraudulent payments before they complete.

Compliance reporting assists businesses in meeting tax obligations and regulatory requirements across multiple countries, reducing administrative burden and compliance risk.

Making the right choice for your business

Selecting the optimal multi-currency business account depends on your specific transaction patterns, growth trajectory, and operational requirements rather than simply choosing the lowest-cost option.

High-volume businesses with consistent international transactions benefit most from Airwallex's zero monthly fees and unlimited virtual cards, particularly when meeting the qualification criteria for free access. (Airwallex)

Cost-conscious SMEs with moderate international activity may prefer Wise's transparent, pay-as-you-go model that eliminates monthly commitments while providing competitive exchange rates.

Established enterprises requiring sophisticated expense management and team controls often find Revolut's premium features justify the higher monthly costs through operational efficiency gains.

Seasonal businesses should carefully evaluate how minimum balance requirements and monthly fees impact cash flow during slower periods, potentially favoring usage-based pricing models.

Growth-stage companies benefit from platforms offering scalable pricing that grows with transaction volume rather than requiring plan migrations as business expands.

Future-proofing your financial operations

The multi-currency business account landscape continues evolving rapidly, with new features and competitive pressures driving innovation across all major providers.

AI-powered features are becoming standard, including automated expense categorization, fraud detection, and currency conversion timing optimization to reduce FX costs.

Embedded finance integration allows businesses to offer financial services directly to their customers, creating new revenue streams while simplifying payment acceptance.

Cryptocurrency support is gradually expanding across platforms, enabling businesses to accept and hold digital currencies alongside traditional fiat balances.

Enhanced analytics provide deeper insights into spending patterns, currency exposure, and optimization opportunities that help businesses make data-driven financial decisions.

The choice between Airwallex, Wise, and Revolut ultimately depends on your business's specific needs, transaction patterns, and growth plans. Airwallex's zero-fee model and comprehensive platform make it attractive for growing businesses, while Wise's transparency appeals to cost-conscious operations, and Revolut's premium features serve established enterprises requiring sophisticated financial management tools. (Airwallex)

Evaluate each platform using your actual transaction data, consider future growth requirements, and take advantage of free trials to test real-world performance before making your final decision. The right multi-currency business account can save thousands annually while streamlining your international financial operations.

FAQ

What are the monthly fees for Airwallex, Wise, and Revolut business accounts?

Airwallex offers three plans: Explore (free with AUD $5k monthly deposits or AUD $10k balance, otherwise AUD $29/month), Grow (AUD $99/month), and Accelerate (AUD $499/month). Wise charges no monthly fees but has per-transaction costs. Revolut Business has a free tier with paid plans starting around $25/month for additional features.

Which platform offers the best virtual card features for international businesses?

Airwallex provides unlimited multi-currency corporate cards with zero international fees and up to 1.5% cash rebates on local USD spend. All three platforms offer virtual cards, but Airwallex's zero international fees and cashback rewards make it particularly attractive for businesses with high international spending volumes.

How do foreign exchange rates compare between Airwallex and Wise?

Both Airwallex and Wise offer access to interbank FX rates, which are significantly better than traditional banks. Airwallex allows businesses to settle payments in 14+ major currencies without forced FX conversions, while Wise is known for transparent mid-market rates. The actual cost depends on transaction volume and currency pairs involved.

What are the key differences between Airwallex and Wise for business payments?

According to Airwallex's comparison, they offer competitive pricing with fewer currency conversion fees when settling funds in the same currencies as customers pay. Airwallex provides a built-in multi-currency wallet for 14+ major currencies, while Wise focuses on transparent mid-market rates and simple fee structures. Airwallex also offers more advanced business features like approval workflows and NetSuite integration in higher-tier plans.

Can these platforms integrate with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks?

Yes, all three platforms offer accounting integrations. Airwallex integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite (NetSuite available on Grow plan and above). Wise connects with major accounting platforms including Xero and QuickBooks. Revolut Business also provides integrations with popular accounting software to streamline financial management.

What countries and currencies do these multi-currency business accounts support?

Airwallex supports collection and holding in 20+ currencies with free transfers to 120+ countries, plus local bank details in multiple regions. Wise supports 40+ currencies and transfers to 80+ countries. Revolut Business handles 30+ currencies with global transfer capabilities. All three platforms cover major business currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD.

Citations

1. https://corporatealliance.com/blog/airwallex/understanding-airwallex-fees-a-transparent-2025-breakdown/

2. https://www.airwallex.com/au/pricing

3. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/bank-charges-canada

4. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/charge-card-vs-credit-card

5. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/comparison-wise-vs-airwallex

6. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/wise-alternatives-and-competitors

7. https://www.airwallex.com/eu/case-studies/funny-fuzzy-or-eu

8. https://www.airwallex.com/nz/pricing

9. https://www.airwallex.com/sg/case-studies/shopline

10. https://www.airwallex.com/us/blog/november-release-notes-24

11. https://www.airwallex.com/us/platform-pricing