Limited offer - Unlock up to HK$68,888 in business rewards with Airwallex AI.
Airwallex vs Stripe: Which platform is better for Hong Kong businesses going global?
Airwallex gives Hong Kong businesses more than online payment acceptance. Businesses can open local and foreign currency accounts in 21 countries online within minutes and make payments to 120+ countries through local payment rails. Airwallex also holds 87 licences and permits globally, supporting businesses as they expand into new markets. By bringing payments, collections, FX, and spend management together, Airwallex enables startups and growing enterprises to manage their global financial operations on a single platform—without relying on separate providers for each function.
3 reasons why Airwallex is the modern alternative to Stripe
Eliminate international fees and accelerate cash flow
Bypass the SWIFT network and get access $0 transfer fees to 120+ countries or regions via our local payment rails.
Frictionless, fully digital onboarding
Skip the branch visits and paperwork. Complete your application entirely online and get approved in as little as 48 hours, so you can start trading immediately.
Accept payments from around the world
Improve checkout conversion with 160+ local payment methods, including FPS, WeChat Pay, and more. Settle like-for-like in 20+ currencies.
Compare Stripe and Airwallex features
Stripe is primarily known for online payment processing and developer-focused infrastructure. However, Hong Kong businesses managing cross-border operations may need additional capabilities beyond accepting payments. Airwallex brings global accounts, online payments, FX, international transfers, corporate cards, and spend management together on one platform, helping businesses reduce operational complexity as they expand globally.
Go beyond accepting payments. Choose a financial platform built for global growth.
An end-to-end platform engineered for global scale
Airwallex offers a comprehensive financial operating system designed to replace fragmented tools. Manage, send, and receive funds globally without unnecessary FX fees. whether you are paying suppliers or collecting from customers, our extensive network ensures your capital moves with maximum efficiency.
Join 200,000+ companies using Airwallex to simplify finance and fuel expansion.
See how our customers are finding Airwallex
“The 1% extra on every business travel expense used to add up. With Airwallex, I can skip those frustrating foreign transaction fees.”
Rachel Lim
Co-Founder, Love, Bonito
"Airwallex has been a game changer for all our banking needs. As a fast-growing startup, we need a scalable yet cost-efficient batch payment solution to pay our employees and vendors both inside and outside Hong Kong. Airwallex helps us save money on every bank transfer with their near-zero transaction fee and market-beating FX rates. We also use Airwallex’s multi-currency Visa cards for business travel expenses and SaaS subscriptions to avoid hidden bank fees that would otherwise have been difficult to spot. Would highly recommend other startups to get started with Airwallex!"
Henson Tsai
Founder, SleekFlow
“Through Airwallex, Jakewell can easily create Visa Corporate Cards for their team in minutes. Management can set spending limits and assign specific uses for each card to avoid misuse, while the team can quickly handle unexpected expenses. All transactions are automatically recorded, making the reconciliation process a breeze.”
Phyllis
Head of Digital Operations at Jakewell
"I’m so thankful that Airwallex exists! In Hong Kong, it's so hard to find financial service providers that are friendly to small businesses. Airwallex allows me to exchange currencies at really great rates, and the interface is very modern and easy to use compared to my bank. We save so much money with Airwallex! In just a few months, we've already saved more than HK$78,000 in unnecessary fees!"
Jennifer Chong
CEO, Linjer
“To ensure that marketing teams across each market have sufficient funds for daily operations, such as ad placements, KOL payments, and software subscriptions, Grams(28) conducts cross-border transfers on a daily basis. Through Airwallex, we can now easily create employee cards for various teams with just a few clicks.”
Benjamin
Founder of Grams(28)
“Importing the best wine and sake overseas always involve extra costs on transaction fee & FX fee. With Airwallex, we saved 100% of our overseas remittance cost and we could provide the best price for our customers.”
Tomy Wu
Co-Founder, MyiCellar
FAQs about upgrading from Wise
What is the difference between Stripe and Airwallex?
Stripe is primarily known for online payment processing and developer tools. Airwallex also supports online payments but combines them with global accounts, FX, international transfers, corporate cards, and spend management on one platform.
How do Stripe and Airwallex support cross-border operations?
Both platforms help businesses accept international payments. Airwallex additionally enables businesses to manage funds across currencies, make international transfers, pay suppliers, and control company spending through one platform, reducing the need for separate financial tools.
Should my Hong Kong business choose Stripe or Airwallex?
Stripe may suit businesses prioritizing developer-focused payment infrastructure and customizable checkout experiences. Airwallex may be more suitable for businesses seeking an integrated solution for online payments, global accounts, FX, transfers, and spend management. Compare transaction fees, FX costs, settlement options, and operational requirements before deciding.