How Airwallex beats Brex
Brex is a US account that spends abroad; Airwallex is a global account that acts locally. Stop paying a 3% banking tax on international spend and start collecting revenue natively to protect your margins.
Understand exactly what you'll pay
No hidden fees. Here is a breakdown of the key costs on each platform for US businesses.
| Account Setup | FX Conversion | Corporate Cards | International Transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | FREE* | +0.5% to 1% (Major Currencies) | Earn 1.5% cashback | $0 transfer fee on local rails |
 | FREE for US Entities | ~3% spread on international card transactions | ~3% spread on international spend | Relies on expensive SWIFT wires for global payouts |
| Account Setup | |
|---|---|
| FREE* |
| FREE for US Entities |
| FX Conversion | |
|---|---|
| +0.5% to 1% (Major Currencies) |
| ~3% spread on international card transactions |
| Corporate Cards | |
|---|---|
| Earn 1.5% cashback |
| ~3% spread on international spend |
| International Transfer | |
|---|---|
| $0 transfer fee on local rails |
| Relies on expensive SWIFT wires for global payouts |
Reasons growing companies choose Airwallex
Global accounts in minutes
Open local bank accounts in 23+ currencies instantly. While Brex is centered on your US bank account, Airwallex lets you collect, hold, and spend like a local anywhere in the world.
Eliminate SWIFT fees
Stop paying $25+ for every international wire. Airwallex uses local payment networks in over 110 countries to bypass the SWIFT network, meaning your payments arrive faster and cost you zero in transaction fees.
The card built for global spend
Brex cards are great for US startups, but Airwallex cards are built for the world. Issue virtual and physical cards to your team in seconds. Spend directly from your multi-currency balances to avoid FX markups entirely, and earn 1% cashback on every transaction.
Seamless integrations
Connect Airwallex to your existing tech stack. We sync directly with QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, ensuring every international transaction is automatically reconciled in your home currency.
Airwallex vs Brex — breakdown
What 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 While our previous solution for foreign payments was very slow, manual and outdated, Airwallex is quick, easy and efficient.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
“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
"One thing was clear: We needed a simple-to-use, truly global financial solution that allowed us to seamlessly accept money from customers in multiple markets convert it to other currencies only when needed, and pay vendors in different countries. In other words, we needed to trade globally - not just Australia.”
Richard Li
Co-founder & CEO, July
"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
Ready to take your business global?
Join 150,000+ businesses using Airwallex to simplify their global finances.
FAQs about upgrading from Brex
Is Airwallex better than Brex for international business?
Yes, specifically for businesses with significant international collection and payout needs. Airwallex provides local bank details in 20+ currencies and allows you to bypass the expensive SWIFT network, offering a level of cost efficiency that Brex’s USD-centric model cannot match.
How do Brex and Airwallex compare on FX fees?
Airwallex uses a transparent pricing model, charging a 0.5% markup for major currencies and 1.0% for others. Brex typically includes a spread of approximately 3% on its card network for international transactions.
Can I collect revenue from global platforms like Amazon or Shopify?
Airwallex is the clear winner for eCommerce businesses. You can use Global Accounts to collect funds in 20+ currencies natively, allowing you to avoid the 2% to 3% forced conversion fees these platforms often charge. Brex is primarily designed for receiving USD.
What are the main differences between the corporate cards?
Airwallex cards are built for borderless operations, offering 0% international transaction fees and a flat 1.5% cashback on USD spend. Brex cards have a ~3% spread on international spend and utilize category-specific multiplier points rather than a flat rate.
How long does it take to open an account?
Both platforms feature 15-minute digital onboarding. Airwallex accounts are typically approved within one to three business days. You can open an account with just an EIN, and neither platform requires a personal guarantee for corporate cards.