Guide to the top Revolut alternatives in New Zealand

Key takeaways:

• Revolut Business is currently not available in New Zealand, but there are a number of alternatives available.

• The top alternatives to Revolut in New Zealand are Airwallex, Wise Business, XE, Emerge, and BNZ.

• Airwallex is the top choice for NZ businesses due to our comprehensive suite, which includes global accounts, cards, and expense management in a single platform.

Many New Zealand businesses may have heard of Revolut as it currently offers multi-currency accounts to consumers. However, only a waitlist is available for New Zealand businesses looking to sign up for its company offerings. This guide breaks down the best Revolut alternatives for NZ businesses, focusing on platforms that offer the speed, transparency, and global reach required to scale in 2026.

How does Revolut work for businesses in NZ?

Currently, Revolut Business is only available via a waitlist for NZ-based companies. However, we can get an idea of how the business accounts will work by looking at other markets.

For businesses in Australia, Revolut Business provides a tiered account system with pricing starting at A$10 for a Basic plan. These accounts allow companies to hold multiple currencies, issue corporate cards to employees, and manage expenses through a centralized dashboard.

The top alternatives to Revolut in New Zealand

If you are looking for a platform that provides the flexibility of a digital-first account without the waitlist, several providers have stepped up to fill the gap. The following platforms are the leading contenders for NZ businesses in 2026:

• Airwallex: Our platform is an all-in-one financial suite incorporating a multi-currency account, Corporate Cards, FX & transfers, a Yield account to grow multiple currencies, payment acceptance products, and more.

• Wise Business: Known for its transparency and mid-market exchange rates, Wise Business offers multi-currency accounts and cards to Kiwi businesses.

• XE: XE is a long-standing leader in international money transfers and currency data and also offers a Global Account that holds 20+ currencies.

• Emerge: A digital-first challenger focusing specifically on the needs of the New Zealand market. Emerge offers both NZ consumers and businesses cards and accounts that offer low to no fees and digital-first features.

• BNZ Business First Transact: A traditional banking option for those who prefer an established local institution with branch access.

Compare the top alternatives to Revolut

Selecting the right platform depends on your specific volume of international trade and your need for integrated tools like expense management or payment links.

In-depth: Features of the top alternatives

Airwallex

Airwallex is a global financial operating system designed for modern businesses. Rather than just being a tool for transfers, we provide a comprehensive environment where you can collect, hold, and spend in multiple currencies without the friction of traditional cross-border banking.

Key features

• Global Accounts: Open local accounts in minutes for 21 countries (including US$, A$, and HK$) to receive payments like a local. Receive payments from 70+ countries and pay out to 200+ countries.

• Corporate Cards: Issue virtual and physical multi-currency cards to your team with built-in expense management and approval workflows.

• Bill Pay: Automate your accounts payable by uploading invoices and paying international suppliers in their local currency.

• Payment acceptance: Receive customer payments in 130+ currencies and avoid forced conversion with like-for-like settlement. Optimise your checkout by offering 160+ local payment methods.

Fees

• Account fees: NZ$0 monthly account fees and NZ$0 setup fees.

• FX Rates: Access competitive FX rates at just 0.5% to 1.0% above the interbank rate.

Wise Business

Wise is widely recognised is another choice for small businesses and freelancers who value simplicity and transparent pricing for one-off or recurring international transfers.

Key features

• Mid-market rate: Wise uses the real exchange rate (the one banks use with each other) with a transparent fee from 0.25%.

• Batch payments: Pay up to 1,000 people in one click, which is good for businesses with a global freelance workforce.

• Xero Integration: Seamlessly sync your multi-currency transactions with your accounting software.

Fees

• Setup fee: A one-time fee of NZ$40 to set up local banking details with your business account.

• Transfer fees: Variable fees starting from 0.25%, depending on the currency pair.

XE

XE is a veteran in the foreign exchange space. While it lacks the "all-in-one" business management features of Airwallex, it remains a powerful tool for companies whose primary need is moving large volumes of capital across borders securely.

Key features

• Forward contracts: Fix an exchange rate for a future date, protecting your business from currency volatility.

• Expert guidance: Larger business accounts can access dedicated account managers for insights on market trends.

• Global reach: Support for transfers in over 130 countries and 60+ currencies.

Fees

• No transfer fees: XE generally does not charge flat transfer fees for business accounts.

• The spread: Like most providers, XE makes money on the "spread" – the difference between the rate they buy currency at and the rate they give to you.

Emerge

Emerge is a homegrown New Zealand challenger designed specifically for the local market. It focuses on removing the "admin heavy" nature of traditional business accounts by offering a purely digital experience.

Key features

• Instant account opening: Skip the branch visits and open an account entirely via the mobile app.

• Expense management: Built-in tools to track employee spending in real-time.

• No FX fees on card spend: Unlike many traditional cards, Emerge does not charge additional FX fees when you use your card for international purchases.

Fees

• Monthly fee: NZ$0 per month.

• Card fees: NZ$0 foreign transaction fees, NZ$0 transaction fees, and transparent pricing for physical card issuance and replacement.

BNZ Business First Transact

As one of the Big Four, BNZ has adapted to the digital-first landscape by offering an account that can function as a solid platform for Kiwi SMEs who primarily operate within NZ but need the security and physical presence of an established local institution.

Key features

• Zero transaction fees: No BNZ fees on electronic and staff-assisted transactions: Manage your daily cash flow with no BNZ electronic or manual transaction fees (service, account, and facility fees may still apply).

• BNZ partner centres: Access free professional co-working spaces and meeting rooms in locations nationwide. This unique benefit allows you to cut down on office overheads while providing a professional environment to meet clients and close deals.

• Cybersecurity partnership: Protect your digital assets with 12 months of free Falcon Go cybersecurity from CrowdStrike for eligible BNZ small business customers.

Fees

• Monthly account fee: NZ$0 (available for businesses with an annual turnover under NZ$5 million).

• International payments: NZ$0 BNZ fee when you send foreign currency online via internet banking or the app (self-service). A NZ$5 BNZ fee applies when sending NZD online overseas, and NZ$25 for staff-assisted transfers. BNZ also adds an FX margin to the exchange rate.

• Receiving fees: A NZ$10 fee applies when BNZ receives an international payment and credits it to your BNZ account (NZ$15 if BNZ receives the payment and passes it on to another bank).

Why businesses choose Airwallex for global growth

Choosing a financial partner is about more than just finding the lowest fee; it is about finding a platform that removes the friction of growth. Airwallex helps New Zealand businesses scale by providing:

• Local presence globally: By providing local account details in 20+ countries, we allow you to receive payments from customers in the UK, US, or EU as if you had a local office there. This avoids the "double-dipping" of FX fees where both the sender and receiver are charged.

• Modern Corporate Cards: Our Corporate Cards allow you to empower your team while maintaining total control. You can set spend limits, track receipts instantly, and pay for international software subscriptions (like AWS or Slack) without losing money on currency conversions.

• Yield for growth: We don't just help you spend and receive; we help your capital work harder. Through Airwallex Yield, eligible businesses can earn returns on their balances in AUD and USD, ensuring that "idle" cash is contributing to the bottom line.

Frequently asked questions about Revolut alternatives

Is Revolut Business available in New Zealand?

As of April 2026, Revolut Business is only available via a waitlist in New Zealand. Businesses can sign up for the waitlist, but they cannot yet access the full suite of multi-currency business accounts or corporate cards.

Does Airwallex provide local NZD account details?

Yes. Airwallex provides local NZD account details, allowing you to receive payments from New Zealand customers and partners via the local clearing system, ensuring faster and cheaper transfers than the SWIFT network.

What is the cheapest way to send money overseas from NZ?

The cheapest way is typically through a specialist digital provider like Airwallex or Wise. These platforms avoid the high flat fees and 3-5% FX markups common at traditional banks by using local payment rails and offering rates closer to the interbank rate.

What’s the best Revolut alternative in New Zealand?

For businesses requiring a comprehensive suite of global accounts, expense management, and card issuance, Airwallex is the top-rated alternative. For individuals or freelancers focused purely on the exchange rate for small transfers, Wise Business is also a strong contender.

Sources

1. https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/business/ 

2. https://www.revolut.com/en-AU/business/business-account-plans/ 

3. https://www.bnz.co.nz/assets/personal-banking-help-support/rates-and-fees/business-account-and-service-fees.pdf   

4.  https://www.bnz.co.nz/business-banking/everyday-accounts

5. https://www.emerge.nz/business/business-account 

6. https://www.xe.com/en-nz/business/multi-currency-accounts/ 

7. https://wise.com/nz/pricing/business

The information in this article is based on our own online research. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. 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]]. Airwallex (New Zealand) Limited is registered with the New Zealand Financial Service Provider Register (FSP No. 1001602) to provide a range of financial services in New Zealand.