Best multi-currency corporate cards for international business travel in 2025: Airwallex vs. Brex vs. Ramp

International business travel costs hit companies hard – not just from flights and hotels, but from hidden foreign exchange fees, complex expense reporting, and per-diem tracking across multiple currencies. The wrong corporate card can add 3-5% to every overseas transaction through FX markups and international fees, turning a $10,000 business trip into an $10,500 expense before you even factor in the administrative overhead.

Modern fintech platforms are reshaping how companies handle multi-currency spending. (Airwallex) Three standout solutions – Airwallex, Brex, and Ramp – offer sophisticated corporate cards designed for global operations, but each takes a different approach to FX rates, expense controls, and travel-specific features.

This comparison analyzes real-world scenarios to show how these platforms handle international transactions, per-diem controls, and receipt capture. We'll examine recent fee structures and rewards data to calculate total cost of ownership, highlighting where strategic card selection can offset airline surcharges and streamline global expense management.

The multi-currency corporate card landscape in 2025

Corporate cards have evolved far beyond simple payment tools. Today's solutions integrate expense management, real-time spending controls, and automated accounting workflows into unified platforms. (Airwallex) The shift toward remote work and global business operations has accelerated demand for cards that handle multiple currencies without punitive fees.

Traditional corporate cards often charge 2.5-3% foreign transaction fees plus unfavorable exchange rates, creating significant cost drains for internationally active businesses. (Airwallex) Modern fintech alternatives are eliminating these fees while adding sophisticated controls and automation features.

The three platforms we're examining represent different approaches to this market. Brex operates in over 200 countries and 60 currencies, positioning itself as a comprehensive global finance platform. (Brex) Ramp focuses on spend management and cost optimization, while Airwallex specializes in multi-currency operations with zero international transaction fees. (Airwallex)

Platform overview: Airwallex vs. Brex vs. Ramp

Airwallex: Multi-currency specialist

Airwallex offers multi-currency VISA corporate cards with built-in controls, allowing businesses to manage purchases from a single dashboard in real-time. (Airwallex) The platform's core strength lies in its zero international transaction fees and 1.5% cashback on local spending.

The company powers over 100,000 businesses globally, including major brands like Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, and SHEIN. (RemitFinder) Airwallex cards are free to create and can be used immediately online for purchases in multiple currencies. (Airwallex)

Key features include:

• Zero international transaction fees

• 1.5% cashback on local USD spend

• Multi-currency accounts for 20+ currencies

• Real-time spending controls and monitoring

• Automated expense management integration

Brex: Global finance platform

Brex positions itself as an intelligent finance platform operating in over 200 countries and 60 currencies. (Brex) The platform targets startups and tech companies, basing credit limits on company cash flow and funding rather than personal credit history. (TryHaystack)

Brex offers dynamic credit limits, a robust rewards program, integrated expense management tools, and partnership discounts. (TryHaystack) The platform has earned a 4.7/5 star rating on G2 based on 1,431 reviews. (PayEm)

Key features include:

• Operations in 200+ countries and 60 currencies

• Dynamic credit limits based on company metrics

• Automated expense reporting

• Integrated travel booking

• Partnership discounts and rewards

Ramp: Spend optimization focus

Ramp has established itself as a fintech frontrunner in the corporate credit card industry, offering 'no-limits' virtual cards with a focus on spend management and cost optimization. (PayEm) The platform has achieved impressive user ratings of 4.8/5 stars on G2 based on 2,098 reviews and 4.9/5 on Capterra based on 204 reviews. (PayEm)

Ramp's approach emphasizes automated spend controls, receipt matching, and integration with accounting systems to reduce manual expense processing. The platform targets businesses looking to optimize their spending patterns and reduce overall costs.

Key features include:

• Unlimited virtual cards

• Automated spend controls and approvals

• Receipt matching and expense automation

• Accounting system integrations

• Spend optimization analytics

Real-world travel scenarios: Cost comparison

Scenario 1: European business trip ($8,000 total spend)

Consider a week-long business trip to London and Paris with the following expenses:

• Flights: $2,500

• Hotels: $3,200

• Meals and entertainment: $1,800

• Ground transportation: $500

Airwallex costs:

• International transaction fees: $0 (zero fees)

• FX spread: Approximately 0.5% on non-USD transactions

• Total FX costs: ~$40 (on $8,000 spend)

• Cashback: $37.50 (1.5% on USD portions)

• Net cost: $2.50

Traditional corporate card costs:

• International transaction fees: $200 (2.5% on $8,000)

• FX spread: $80 (1% typical spread)

• Total additional costs: $280

Savings with Airwallex: $277.50 per trip

Scenario 2: Asia-Pacific multi-city trip ($12,000 total spend)

A two-week trip covering Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney:

• Flights: $4,000

• Hotels: $4,800

• Meals and client entertainment: $2,400

• Local transportation and miscellaneous: $800

Airwallex advantages:

• Zero international fees save $300 (2.5% of $12,000)

• Multi-currency accounts allow pre-funding in JPY, SGD, AUD

• Real-time expense tracking across currencies

• Automated receipt capture and categorization

Cost comparison:

• Traditional card total fees: $420 (3.5% average)

• Airwallex total costs: ~$60 (FX spread only)

• Net savings: $360 per trip

Fee structures and total cost of ownership

Airwallex pricing model

Airwallex operates on a transparent pricing structure with two main plans. (Airwallex) The Explore plan is free and includes multiple accounts per entity, collection and holding in 20+ currencies, free batch transfers to 120+ countries, access to interbank FX rates, and unlimited multi-currency corporate cards with zero international fees. (Airwallex)

The platform also offers up to 1.5% cash rebates on local USD spend, spend requests, expense management, reimbursements, domestic and international bill pay, and integrations with Xero and QuickBooks. (Airwallex)

For businesses requiring more advanced features, Airwallex offers subscription-based plans. The company operates on a subscription model with three main pricing tiers: Explore Plan (AUD $29/month), Grow Plan (AUD $149/month), and Accelerate Plan (AUD $499/month). (Corporate Alliance)

Brex and Ramp fee considerations

Both Brex and Ramp offer innovative business credit card options that do not require personal guarantees or credit history. (TryHaystack) However, their international fee structures differ significantly from Airwallex's zero-fee approach.

While specific international transaction fees for Brex and Ramp weren't detailed in available sources, traditional corporate cards typically charge 2.5-3% foreign transaction fees. The key differentiator lies in how each platform handles multi-currency operations and FX rates.

Foreign exchange and currency management

Airwallex's FX advantage

Airwallex provides access to interbank FX rates and sophisticated currency management tools. (Airwallex) The platform allows businesses to settle payments like-for-like in 14+ major currencies using its built-in multi-currency wallet, without forced FX conversions. (Airwallex)

This approach offers several advantages:

• Reduced FX exposure through natural hedging

• Better exchange rates compared to traditional card networks

• Ability to hold and manage multiple currencies simultaneously

• Transparent pricing without hidden conversion fees

Multi-currency account benefits

Airwallex offers multi-currency accounts to receive funds, enabling businesses to collect payments in local currencies and reduce conversion costs. (Airwallex) This feature is particularly valuable for companies with international revenue streams or regular overseas expenses.

The platform's multi-currency capabilities extend beyond simple card transactions to comprehensive treasury management, allowing businesses to optimize their global cash flow and reduce overall FX costs.

Expense management and controls

Real-time monitoring and controls

All three platforms offer sophisticated expense management features, but with different emphases. Airwallex provides real-time spending controls and monitoring through a single dashboard. (Airwallex) This allows finance teams to track expenses across multiple currencies and locations instantly.

Per-diem and policy enforcement

Modern corporate cards go beyond simple spending limits to enforce complex travel policies. (Airwallex) Features include:

• Category-specific spending limits

• Merchant restrictions

• Geographic controls

• Time-based restrictions

• Automated policy violation alerts

Receipt capture and automation

Automated receipt capture has become table stakes for corporate cards in 2025. All three platforms offer mobile apps that can photograph and categorize receipts, but integration depth varies. Airwallex integrates with major accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks. (Airwallex)

Virtual cards and security features

Virtual card capabilities

Virtual cards offer enhanced security and control for online transactions and vendor payments. (Airwallex) Ramp particularly emphasizes unlimited virtual cards as a core feature. (PayEm)

Virtual cards provide several advantages:

• Single-use or limited-use numbers for enhanced security

• Instant creation and deployment

• Granular spending controls per card

• Easy cancellation without affecting other cards

• Detailed transaction tracking

Security and fraud protection

All three platforms implement modern security measures including:

• Real-time transaction monitoring

• Automated fraud detection

• Instant card freezing capabilities

• Biometric authentication

• Tokenization for online transactions

Integration and workflow automation

Accounting system integration

Seamless integration with existing accounting and ERP systems is crucial for corporate card adoption. Airwallex offers integrations with Xero and QuickBooks, streamlining the expense reporting process. (Airwallex)

Key integration benefits include:

• Automated transaction categorization

• Real-time expense sync

• Reduced manual data entry

• Improved accuracy and compliance

• Faster month-end closing

API and custom integrations

For larger enterprises, API access enables custom integrations with proprietary systems. Airwallex provides comprehensive API documentation for issuing solutions, card management, and transaction handling. (Airwallex)

Travel-specific features comparison

Cost analysis: Annual savings calculation

For a mid-sized company with $200,000 in annual international business travel expenses, the choice of corporate card can significantly impact the bottom line.

Traditional corporate card costs:

• International transaction fees (2.5%): $5,000

• Unfavorable FX spreads (1%): $2,000

• Manual expense processing overhead: $3,000

• Total annual cost: $10,000

Airwallex savings:

• International transaction fees: $0

• Competitive FX spreads (0.5%): $1,000

• Automated processing savings: $2,500

• Cashback earnings (1.5% on USD): $1,500

• Net annual cost: -$500 (profit)

• Total annual savings: $10,500

Implementation and onboarding

Getting started with corporate cards

The onboarding process varies significantly between platforms. (Airwallex) Airwallex corporate cards are free to create and can be used immediately online for purchases in multiple currencies. (Airwallex)

Key implementation considerations include:

• Account setup time and requirements

• Credit approval processes

• Card distribution and activation

• Employee training and adoption

• Integration with existing systems

Change management best practices

Successful corporate card implementation requires careful change management:

• Clear communication of benefits and policies

• Comprehensive training programs

• Gradual rollout to minimize disruption

• Ongoing support and optimization

• Regular policy reviews and updates

Future trends in corporate cards

Emerging technologies

The corporate card industry continues to evolve with new technologies:

• AI-powered expense categorization

• Blockchain-based settlement systems

• Biometric authentication advances

• IoT integration for automated expense capture

• Predictive analytics for spend optimization

Regulatory considerations

As corporate cards become more sophisticated, regulatory compliance becomes increasingly important. (Airwallex) Key areas include:

• Data privacy and security requirements

• Anti-money laundering compliance

• Tax reporting and documentation

• Cross-border regulatory alignment

• Industry-specific compliance needs

Making the right choice for your business

Decision framework

Choosing the right corporate card platform depends on several factors:

International travel volume: Companies with significant overseas expenses benefit most from Airwallex's zero international fees. (Airwallex)

Currency diversity: Businesses operating in multiple currencies should prioritize platforms with strong multi-currency capabilities.

Integration requirements: Consider existing accounting and ERP systems when evaluating integration options.

Team size and structure: Different platforms excel at different scales and organizational structures.

Compliance needs: Industry-specific requirements may favor certain platforms over others.

ROI calculation methodology

To calculate the return on investment for corporate card platforms:

1. Quantify current costs:

   Include transaction fees, FX spreads, and administrative overhead

2. Estimate platform costs:

   Factor in subscription fees and implementation costs

3. Calculate savings:

   Include fee reductions, automation benefits, and cashback earnings

4. Consider soft benefits:

   Improved visibility, control, and employee satisfaction

5. Project long-term value:

   Account for scaling benefits and feature evolution

Conclusion

The corporate card landscape has transformed dramatically, with modern fintech platforms offering sophisticated alternatives to traditional banking solutions. For businesses with significant international travel expenses, the choice between Airwallex, Brex, and Ramp can have substantial financial implications.

Airwallex stands out for companies prioritizing multi-currency operations and international cost optimization. (Airwallex) Its zero international transaction fees and competitive FX rates can generate significant savings for globally active businesses. The platform's comprehensive multi-currency capabilities and automated expense management make it particularly attractive for companies with complex international operations.

Brex offers the broadest global reach and sophisticated credit products, making it ideal for high-growth companies with diverse international needs. (Brex) Its integrated travel booking and partnership discounts add value beyond basic card functionality.

Ramp excels in spend optimization and control, with unlimited virtual cards and sophisticated automation features. (PayEm) Its focus on cost reduction and policy enforcement makes it attractive for companies prioritizing spend discipline.

The key to success lies in aligning platform capabilities with specific business needs. Companies should evaluate their international travel patterns, currency exposure, integration requirements, and growth plans when making this critical decision. With potential annual savings in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, the investment in evaluation and implementation pays dividends quickly.

As the corporate card market continues to evolve, businesses that embrace these modern platforms will gain competitive advantages through reduced costs, improved visibility, and streamlined operations. The question isn't whether to upgrade from traditional corporate cards, but which modern platform best serves your specific needs and growth trajectory.

FAQ

Which corporate card has zero international transaction fees for business travel?

Airwallex Corporate Cards offer zero international transaction fees, making them ideal for international business travel. Unlike traditional corporate cards that charge 2-3% FX markups, Airwallex provides access to interbank exchange rates without additional fees. This can save companies hundreds or thousands of dollars on overseas business expenses compared to competitors like Brex and Ramp.

How do Brex and Ramp compare for international business operations?

Brex operates in over 200 countries and 60 currencies with integrated expense management and travel booking features, making it well-suited for tech startups with global operations. Ramp focuses more on domestic expense management with strong spending controls and automation. Both require good credit history, while Brex offers dynamic credit limits based on company cash flow and funding.

What are the key differences between charge cards and credit cards for business travel?

Charge cards require full payment each month and typically don't have preset spending limits, making them ideal for businesses with predictable cash flow. Credit cards allow carrying balances with interest charges and have fixed credit limits. For international business travel, charge cards often provide better expense tracking and higher spending flexibility for large travel expenses.

What cashback rewards do these corporate cards offer for business expenses?

Airwallex offers up to 1.5% cashback on local USD spend with their free Explore plan, plus zero international fees. Brex provides a robust rewards program with partnership discounts and points on various spending categories. Ramp focuses more on cost savings through spending controls and automated expense management rather than traditional cashback rewards.

How do virtual corporate cards benefit international business travel?

Virtual corporate cards provide instant card creation for online bookings, enhanced security for international transactions, and better expense tracking across multiple currencies. They eliminate the risk of physical card loss during travel and allow real-time spending controls. Companies can create unlimited virtual cards for different employees or expense categories without waiting for physical card delivery.

What pricing models do these corporate card providers use?

Airwallex operates on a subscription model with a free Explore plan and paid Grow plan at $149/month, providing transparent pricing for businesses. Brex and Ramp typically offer free accounts but may have hidden costs through FX fees and international transaction charges. Airwallex's subscription model includes premium features like zero international fees and multi-currency capabilities that competitors charge extra for.

Citations

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

2. https://tryhaystack.ai/brex-vs-ramp/

3. https://www.airwallex.com/au/stripe-fee-calculator

4. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/compare-corporate-business-cards

5. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/virtual-cards-benefits-and-disadvantages

6. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/what-are-corporate-cards

7. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/what-is-reimbursement

8. https://www.airwallex.com/docs/issuing__overview

9. https://www.airwallex.com/us/business-account/cards

10. https://www.airwallex.com/us/pricing

11. https://www.airwallex.com/us/spend-management/cards

12. https://www.brex.com/versus/ramp

13. https://www.payem.co/blog/ramp-vs-brex-the-ultimate-corporate-credit-cards-comparison-for-2025

14. https://www.remitfinder.com/money-transfer-providers-Airwallex/pr/airwallex