Checkout v Airwallex: Compare features and fees
See how Airwallex delivers better features and lower fees than Checkout. While both providers support global transfers, Airwallex reaches 200+ countries and routes payments over local rails in 120+ countries for faster, lower‑cost delivery. Receive, hold, settle, and send funds all on one platform.*
3 reasons why businesses choose Airwallex over Checkout
Reach more countries with fast, low‑cost transfers
Send money to 200+ countries/regions using local and SWIFT payouts. Airwallex also connects to local clearing systems in 110+ countries/regions for payouts, enabling faster, lower‑cost delivery.
Receive funds like a local in more currencies
Open local currency accounts with local bank details (e.g., account numbers, sort codes/IBANs) and receive like‑for‑like in 20+ currencies — avoiding unnecessary conversions and simplifying reconciliation.
Get more on one platform
Accept customer payments via major card schemes and 160+ local payment methods, settle like‑for‑like in multiple currencies, manage a multi‑currency wallet, convert at interbank rates, and route payouts globally — all in Airwallex.
Send transfers to more regions and accept customer payments with Airwallex
Airwallex lets businesses route payouts locally or via SWIFT to 200+ countries/regions, while also accepting customer payments in 180+ countries/regions through 160+ local payment methods with no-code payment links, eCommerce plugins, or fully‑custom APIs.
Consolidate your global finances on one platform — receive, hold, settle and send funds, plus accept payments — to simplify operations and reduce unnecessary FX conversions.
Save on FX and conversion with Airwallex
Airwallex helps reduce total payment costs through like‑for‑like settlement (no forced conversion), competitive processing fees, and the ability to hold and convert funds at interbank rates when it suits your treasury.
What local businesses are saying about Airwallex
“Airwallex is a really good example of how we’re investing in technology. While our previous solution for foreign payments was very slow, manual and outdated, Airwallex is quick, easy and efficient. Not only does Airwallex save the team time, it also saves us money – it’s a win-win.”
Laura Bowden
CFO at McLaren Racing
“Everything just flows now - approvals, expenses, reimbursements. Managers feel trusted, the finance team is more visible, and we’re moving faster without losing control. Airwallex has completely changed the pace and perception of finance in the business.”
Nathan Humphreys
Financial Controller, Truvi
"We've had such a fantastic experience switching to Airwallex. Previously we were using a traditional bank to make all of our international transactions and they'd constantly lock us out of the account everytime we made a transfer, resulting in hours and hours of lost time on hold. Airwallex is secure, makes it super quick and simple to make and receive international payments."
Rupert
Managing Director, Perspective Pictures
"Our water solutions company, Dropterra (go.dropterra.com) has partnered with Airwallex since inception and it has been the best banking and payment partner a company can think of. International transactions are easy, secure, and fast, the technology is incredible and their client service fantastic! We look forward to growing and deepening our relationship with Airwallex!"
Francois Schramek
Co-Founder, Dropterra
“Before we found Airwallex, it was difficult to find an employee cards and payments infrastructure partner that could keep up with our high growth and big vision. Airwallex has provided a complete business account to seamlessly manage employee expenses, multi-currency collections and transfers at market-leading FX rates. To date, Airwallex has helped Mr Yum issue more than 30 cards, launch 3 months faster in the UK and saved more than $50,000 on international transaction and FX-related fees”
Corey Payne
Financial Controller, Mr Yum
Frequently asked questions about Checkout fees and features
How much are Checkout fees in the UK?
Checkout uses custom, tailored pricing (flat‑rate or interchange++) and does not publish a standard rate card; you’ll need a proposal to confirm exact fees.
By contrast, Airwallex publishes example fees by region and helps reduce total costs via like‑for‑like settlement that avoids forced FX. Example UK fees include: UK cards 1.30% + £0.20; EEA 2.40% + £0.20; International 3.15% + £0.20; Amex 2.40% + £0.20; local methods £0.20 + method fee.
What alternative solutions to Checkout are there?
There are several alternatives to Checkout, including PayPal, Payoneer, Stripe, and Wise. However, Airwallex stands out for its multi-currency support, competitive pricing, like-for-like settlement, and end-to-end solutions including payment acceptance, FX and transfers, and spend management tools.
Who can open an Airwallex Business Account in the UK?
Airwallex supports UK‑incorporated businesses such as limited companies and LLPs.
To open an account you’ll provide standard KYC information, typically including Companies House details, identification for directors and ultimate beneficial owners, and business address/registration documents, with exact requirements varying by entity and risk profile.
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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*All comparisons and information reflect Airwallex’s own research using public documentation as of August 2025, and have not been independently validated. 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].