Why Hong Kong businesses choose Airwallex over DBS
While traditional banks focus on local foundations, Airwallex connects you to the world. Open a multi-currency account fully online, eliminate international transaction fees, and streamline your global operations.
Airwallex holds 80+ international licences, and meets the highest international security standards and local regulatory requirements.
3 reasons why Airwallex is the modern alternative to DBS
Eliminate international fees and accelerate cash flow
Bypass the SWIFT network and its associated costs. Access $0 transfer fees to 120+ 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.
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 14 currencies.
Compare DBS and Airwallex features
DBS provides established financial infrastructure, but its established systems aren't always optimised for the speed and agility required by global businesses. Airwallex offers a specialized platform designed for cross-border cost efficiency and operational speed.
Don’t limit your business potential. Choose a partner built for growth.
An end-to-end platform engineered for global scale
Airwallex offers a comprehensive financial operating system designed to replace fragmented banking 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 HSBC
How much are HSBC’s transfer fees in Hong Kong?
DBS's transfer fees vary depending on the currency and transfer method. Airwallex removes the complexity and bypasses the SWIFT network, offering transparency and lower fees for businesses dealing with multiple currencies and regions.
Is Airwallex safe?
At Airwallex, we take security seriously and have implemented a number of measures to ensure that our users and their money are protected. Airwallex takes a multi-layered approach to security, from advanced fraud detection systems to exceeding regulatory compliance requirements. We’ve received multiple certifications and implemented a fully fledged security system to protect your data and transactions. We hold 80+ licences and adhere to regulations in the countries we operate in.
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. Collect payments from your international customers in their preferred currency and pay global suppliers and employees, or manage funds in a foreign currency until FX rates are favourable for conversion.
All comparisons and information reflect Airwallex’s own research using public documentation as of 16 December 2025, and have not been independently validated.
This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex, nor does it substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currentness. Product features, pricing and other details are subject to change. Airwallex does not guarantee the continued accuracy of this information and is not responsible for any inaccuracies that may arise from such changes. This publication is not intended to be relied on for the purpose of making a decision about a financial product. Users are encouraged to conduct their own verification and seek their own advice.
With the Airwallex credit card, there is no revolving credit carried over – pay your statement balance in full at the end of each repayment period.