Wise vs Airwallex: Choose Airwallex for global scale

Wise is adequate for sending money internationally, but Airwallex is built to run a global business, surpassing Wise with a financial platform beyond basic transfers and financial services. What you get is a full payment gateway that Wise lacks, as well as team spend tools, and centralised financial operations designed for growing, multi-market businesses.

Choose the platform built for your business to go beyond borders. Start your Airwallex account in minutes today.

Hero Banner Image

3 reasons why businesses choose Airwallex over Wise

Expand your global payout coverage

Airwallex enables businesses to send payments to over 200 countries, compared to Wise’s coverage of 70+ countries.

Accept payments globally

Wise is suitable for sending money but it lacks an eCommerce payment gateway. Airwallex gives you a full payment gateway to accept payments from customers via 160+ preferred local methods. Beyond payments, Airwallex's billing suite supports a range of payment collection needs — from recurring billing and invoicing via payment links, to subscription management and more, all in one platform.

Access a unified financial platform

Wise focuses on basic business needs. Airwallex brings everything together in a unified financial platform — from collections via a payment gateway, and expense management, to automated bill pay, global payouts, multi-currency corporate cards, and more. With Airwallex, you can remove the pain of manual reconciliation across disconnected systems.

The end-to-end platform for global scale and zero complexity

Airwallex gives you capabilities that Wise doesn’t: Transfers to 200+ countries, and a full payment gateway that can accept payments globally using over 160 local payment methods in 180+ countries, as well as integration with major eCommerce platforms. This means fewer forced conversions, fewer fees, faster supplier payments, and one platform powering every part of your global finance.

Join Singapore businesses like Love, Bonito, EU Holidays, and Igloohome already using Airwallex as an important growth engine.

Compare Wise and Airwallex features

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.

Features

Wise

Airwallex

Business Accounts

Global accounts with local bank details

20+ currencies with a fee

20+ currencies with local bank details

FX & Transfers

70+ countries

200+ countries and 60+ currencies at bank-beating FX rates

SWIFT-free transfers via local payment rails

Not stated

120+ countries

Speed of payout

Varies

95% arrive on the same day

Yield

Spend

Debit card cashback with built-in expense management

Bill Pay

✅ Only via integrations with QuickBooks and Xero

✅ Fully integrated, end-to-end automated solution

Purchase Orders

Payments

Payment gateway

160+ payment methods and 130+ currencies

Like-for-like settlement

✅ 14 currencies to avoid conversion fees

Billing

Invoicing

✅ One-off invoices

✅ Global collection, accounting integration and automatic reconciliation capabilities

Subscription management

✅ Recurring invoices

Save on more fees with Airwallex

Airwallex offers lower FX, no hidden fees, and broader local transfer coverage.

General

Fees

Wise

Airwallex

Account set up fee

Free (S$99 to access accounts with local details)

Free

Debit cards

First card on the account is free, additional physical cards S$4 each; up to 3 virtual cards included

10 physical/virtual cards free; additional cards S$5/month per user

FX & Transfers

Fees

Wise

Airwallex

Receiving funds through local payment rails

20+ currencies with a fee

Free for 20+ currencies

International transfers with no SWIFT fees

No transfer fee when local rails available; otherwise flat S$20-S$35 per transfer

Free transfers to 120+ countries via local payment rails

What local businesses are saying about Airwallex

Airwallex Testimony

“When we set our sights beyond Singapore, we knew expansion wouldn’t be easy. Navigating new markets and managing finances across different countries was overwhelming. But I quickly realised that growth is about having the right people and the right tools to support you at every step – and that's how Airwallex came to the rescue.”

Rachel Lim

Co-founder, Love, Bonito

Airwallex Testimony

“Airwallex’s global network made sending and receiving international payments easy. We avoid cross-border fees by paying overseas suppliers in their local currency. Sometimes, transfers are even done within the day.”

Alan Ang

Director and Co-founder, EU Holidays

Airwallex Testimony

“We’ve used Airwallex as our financial platform for more than 2 years, and every transaction we have made has always been successful. Like Igloohome, Airwallex is solving real problems and we're glad we found a financial partner in them."

Anthony Chow

CEO and Founder of Igloohome

Airwallex Testimony

“When we spend S$100, our balance reflects S$99 — thanks to the cashback from the Airwallex Corporate Card. This records our expenses as a positive gain, helping us stretch our budget further. In just two years, we've saved over S$30,000 with Airwallex.”

Dominic Ong

CFO, Endowus

Airwallex Testimony

"For eCommerce businesses like ours, flexibility and ease of use are key. Airwallex offered exactly what we were looking for – a reliable way to accept and make international payments without the hassle of traditional banking."

Jenny Kwang

Founder, J&Co Jewellery

FAQs about upgrading from Wise

How much are Wise’s fees in Singapore?

Wise’s full features cost $99, and their transfer fees vary depending on the currency account. Airwallex removes the complexity. Setup is free and it bypasses the SWIFT network, offering transparent and lower fees for businesses dealing with multiple currencies and regions.

What alternative solutions to Wise are there?

There are several alternatives to Wise, including Airwallex, Aspire, YouBiz, and WorldFirst. However, Airwallex stands out as the all-in-one financial platform for businesses, with wider global coverage, multi-currency support, competitive pricing, like-for-like settlement. It also offers a comprehensive suite of solutions including payment acceptance, FX and transfers, and spend management tools.

Who can open an Airwallex Business Account in Singapore?

To be eligible for a business account, your company must meet these requirements:

  • Your company must be an officially registered and active business. This means it must be fully incorporated and in good standing.

  • Your company must be registered in an eligible country.

  • Your company doesn't operate in unsupported industries.

  • Your company cannot be on a sanctions list, be a shell bank, or be a bearer share entity.


For more information, click here.

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 hold funds in a foreign currency until FX rates are favourable for conversion.

Sign up online, or get in touch with us today

All comparisons and information reflect Airwallex’s own research using public documentation as of 18 December 2025, and have not been independently validated.

This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex nor substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (201626561Z) is licensed as a Major Payment Institution and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Yield is not a savings or deposit product. Investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before making any investment decision. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should consider whether the investment is suitable for you. Screenshots of the product are for illustrative purposes only.