Wise vs Airwallex: Get wider global reach and a platform built for business with Airwallex
Businesses can send transfers to 200+ countries with Airwallex, far more than the 70+ supported by Wise. Get wider global coverage and more features – including payment acceptance, advanced spend management tools, and more.
3 reasons why businesses choose Airwallex over Wise
Get wider global reach
Airwallex offers multi-currency accounts in 20+ currencies, compared to Wise’s 10+. Send money to 200+ countries, including 120+ using local payment rails, compared to 70+ with Wise.
Get paid in more ways
Both Wise and Airwallex offer payment links and invoices. But Airwallex also provides other payment solutions like low-code eCommerce plugins, hosted checkouts, and fully customisable APIs.
Manage expenses with more control
While Wise offers basic card controls, Airwallex helps businesses track and control spend with end-to-end tools – from more flexible spend limits, shared cards tied to expenses, multi-layer approval workflows and AI-powered expenses and automation.
Reach more markets and gain full control over spend with Airwallex
The biggest difference between Airwallex and Wise is global reach, where businesses can receive funds like a local via multi-currency accounts in 21+ currencies, more than Wise’s 10+. Airwallex also provides broader transfer coverage to 200+ countries, compared to Wise’s 70+.
Businesses can get better oversight and control over their global spend with Airwallex’s end-to-end expense management tools, which are more advanced than Wise’s.
Save on transfer fees and FX with Airwallex
Overall, Airwallex offers lower international transfer fees. Businesses can also access interbank rates when converting currencies for payouts, saving up to 80% on foreign exchange (FX) fees.
What local businesses are saying about Airwallex
“Reports that you can get out of the portal are very tailored to what we would like… You can go fully customised with the expense coding. From an accounting perspective, you could put your entire P&L into Airwallex and the cardholders would code it… From an accounting perspective, life could not be easier.”
Mitch Halstead
Senior Financial Accountant, Rodd & Gunn
“If you have staff, suppliers or customers overseas, then your business should be using Airwallex. It’s a fantastic product backed by a wonderful customer care team who will answer all your questions and ensure you get onboarded properly and know how to use the product.”
Dale Beaumont
Founder and CEO, Business Blueprint
"Before Airwallex, we were making unnecessarily expensive conversions. Our margins have easily increased by 3% simply by switching to Airwallex.”
Jake McKeon
Coconut Bowls, Founder
"These small percentages here and there add up over time with a real bottom line impact. When I see the rates are good, I’ll convert my AUD into USD, knowing that I’ve saved money that I can re-invest into the business in the long-run."
Andy Worley
Co-Owner & Director, Sheet Society
“Because of Airwallex, we’re enjoying significant cost savings and a more streamlined management of funds between different currencies, which is essential for our travel agency.”
Simon Russell
Authentic Vacations, CEO
Frequently asked questions about Wise features and fees
What alternative solutions to Wise are there?
There are several alternatives to Wise, including PayPal, Payoneer, and BNZ. However, Airwallex stands out for its competitive pricing, global reach, multi-currency support, and end-to-end solutions including FX and transfers, spend management tools, and payment acceptance.
How much are Wise fees in New Zealand?
Wise typically charges variable fees starting from 0.22% per transfer for sending money abroad. Fees vary by currency and payment rails. Additional fees apply for FX conversions. Airwallex offers a competitive alternative with transparent and often lower fees, especially for businesses dealing with multiple currencies and regions.
Who can open an Airwallex Business Account in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand businesses are eligible. You’ll need an active NZBN, a valid ID for all directors or beneficial owners, and basic registration documents.
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. You can collect payments from your international customers in their preferred currency and then spend those proceeds later in the same currency (for example, to pay global suppliers and employees), thereby eliminating unnecessary conversion fees. You can also benefit from holding funds in a foreign currency until FX rates are favourable enough to convert these funds to your home currency.
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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].
This case study is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or guarantee of results. The experiences and outcomes described may not be representative of all clients or experiences. 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.
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.