Airwallex business account review: Features, pricing and alternatives (2026)

Written by
Daniel Ling
Last Modified on
February 13, 2026

Summary

  • Airwallex is a global fintech company offering financial infrastructure to international businesses.
  • The three primary product groups offered by Airwallex include business accounts, core APIs, and embedded finance to help businesses manage and scale international operations.
  • Airwallex offers multi-currency capabilities in 22 international currencies and facilitates international transfers to over 150 countries.
  • Airwallex provides eCommerce and accounting software integration for seamless financial management.

Financial platform Airwallex is a fintech company offering businesses the opportunity to set up digital global bank accounts, alongside features such as international transfers, automated bill payment, expense management, multi-currency employee and company cards, and more.

What is Airwallex?

Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Airwallex is a global fintech platform that provides cross-border financial tools for modern businesses. It serves startups, e-commerce sellers, and enterprises, helping them manage international payments, expenses, and multi-currency operations.

Airwallex supports businesses across industries such as technology, SaaS, e-commerce, professional services, and import-export, and is built for companies that operate across multiple countries to move money, collect payments, and control spending without relying on traditional banks.

Rating

Overall rating: 4.4 / 5

Methodology
Our evaluation of the Airwallex Business Account is based on a clear and transparent rating framework, designed to provide an objective overview of its overall quality and performance.

Arithmetic Mean Approach:

The final score is derived by calculating the arithmetic mean, which involves adding up the individual category scores and then dividing by the total number of categories.

Equal Weighting:

Each category (Features, Pricing & FX, Global Payments, Ease of Onboarding, and Support & Ecosystem) is assigned equal importance in the final calculation, ensuring a balanced and unbiased score.

Data Sources:

Ratings are based on a combination of official documentation, publicly available pricing and feature details, third-party reviews, and verified user feedback.

Interpretation Caveat:

While this method provides a fair and objective benchmark, it does not reflect individual business priorities.

Intended Use:

The resulting score is designed as a general performance indicator, useful for comparison and decision-making, but should be considered alongside your business’s specific needs and priorities.

Pillar Weightage Score Rationale
Features (Account + Card + FX) 20% 4.6 Broad feature set including multi-currency accounts, corporate cards, batch payments, expense tools, and international payments.

It also includes payment acceptance tools for e-commerce and APIs for deeper integrations. Few competitors combine all these capabilities in one platform.
Pricing Transparency & FX 20% 4.4 FX uses interbank rates with a 0.4%–0.6% markup, shown upfront with no hidden fees, though niche pairs can be pricier than Wise.
Global Payments 20% 4.5 Supports payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies via local and SWIFT networks, with same-day processing in major corridors and local account details for receiving funds.
Ease of Onboarding 20% 4.2 Onboarding is 100% digital and fast. However, cross-border entities may face extra document checks.
Support & Ecosystem 20% 4.3 Support is available 24/7 via help centre and email/chat, but phone support isn’t offered in all regions.

Offers strong integrations with accounting software and e-commerce APIs.

Airwallex key features in 2026

  • Multi-currency business accounts: Supports over 20 currencies, including SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD. Businesses can receive payments like a local and hold funds in a central wallet.
  • International payments: Enables local or international transfers to over 150 countries and in 60+ currencies using local rails and SWIFT networks.
  • Corporate cards: Offer company cards and employee cards for your business spending, allowing you to link cards to specific currency wallets.
  • Expense management tool: Streamline your bill payments, monitor your spending in real time, and implement approval workflows.
  • Payment gateway: Accepts over 160 global payment methods for online transactions.
  • Foreign exchange services: Offers transparent FX rates with markups that fall between 0.4% and 0.6% above the interbank rate.
  • Bulk and automated payments: Enables batch and automated payments through CSV upload.
  • Integration and APIs: Connects with accounting platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite, with APIs to automate payments, reconciliation, and card issuing.
  • Yield feature: Allows your business to earn returns on any idle USD and SGD balances.

Airwallex business account: Pros and cons (2026)

Pros Cons
Multi-currency accounts in 20+ currencies with local bank details in 10+ major markets No traditional banking services (loans, overdrafts, term deposits, letters of credit)
International payments to 150+ countries via local and SWIFT networks Limited options to control currency risk, as it doesn’t provide hedging tools or FX forward contracts
Supports 160+ local payment methods, including WeChat Pay, GrabPay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay Corporate cards don’t support ATM withdrawals, restricting access to cash
Virtual and physical Visa cards with real-time spend tracking In certain regions, customer support is limited to ticket-based or email-only assistance
Integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Shopify, and WooCommerce FX fees can be higher on some corridors (e.g. up to 0.6% on KRW)
Integrates easily with popular accounting tools Expense management costs SGD $5 per additional user beyond 5 free users
Compatible with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce No cash or cheque deposits, limiting use for offline or traditional payment workflows
Transparent FX pricing (0.4%–0.6%) with no monthly or setup fees Yield products are not available in all regions
Batch payments and API automation for scalable operations Extra onboarding checks for non-Singapore entities

Overview of the Airwallex business account (2026)

Multi-currency business account (Global account)

Airwallex’s Global Account is built for SMEs managing cross-border payments and multi-currency holdings. Here’s what users get:

  • Pricing: There’s no account opening fee. The monthly subscription rates for each plan range from SGD $0 to SGD $399. Depending on the tier, different services and limitations are available for your business.
  • Batch payments: You have the convenience of making multiple transfers at once with batch payments. The availability and limits of this feature can vary based on your account configuration and plan.
  • Currency support: You can effortlessly hold and manage balances in over 20 currencies, such as SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and HKD.
  • Domestic funds transfers: Fund transfers in Singapore are facilitated through MEPS and FAST networks, adhering to the usual processing rules and cut-off times.
  • Transaction limitations: Although Airwallex doesn’t openly have transaction restrictions, the amount and usage of transfers are influenced by internal controls for risk management, regulatory mandates, and compliance evaluations.
  • Access to API: Upon technical setup and clearance, you will have access to APIs that automate payments, reconcile accounts, and streamline account procedures.
  • FX conversion: The Airwallex dashboard displays the current interbank-based exchange rates, along with any applicable markups, for foreign exchange conversions.

Corporate card

Airwallex’s Visa-powered corporate cards help businesses manage global expenses and team spending efficiently. There are two types of cards available:

  • Company cards: Used for shared company expenses such as software subscriptions and advertising spend.
  • Employee cards: Designed for individual business purchases like travel and employee benefits.

With these cards, users can:

  • Issue unlimited virtual and physical Visa cards instantly for teams or departments (subject to the pricing plan).
  • Transactions can be settled from related currency wallets when available, and support for several currencies is provided.
  • Link cards to specific wallets to avoid unnecessary FX conversions.
  • Configure spending limits and approval workflows to control budgets.
  • Freeze or cancel cards instantly from the dashboard.
  • Get detailed, real-time expense tracking and reporting in one view.
  • Use cards for online, in-store, or mobile payments (supports Apple Pay & Google Pay).
  • Free card issuance, though expense management tools cost SGD $5 per user/month.

Payment gateway

The Airwallex Payments solution enables businesses to collect revenue globally with flexible integrations.

  • Accept 160+ payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and GrabPay.
  • Enable local checkout experiences with like-for-like settlement in customer currencies.
  • Offer subscription and recurring billing, automatically charging clients at set intervals.
  • Integrate easily with Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom-built sites through APIs.
  • Access fraud protection tools and built-in chargeback management.
  • Transparent fees: 3.3% + SGD $0.50 for local cards, 3.6% + SGD $0.50 for international cards.

Expense management, bill pay & reimbursements

Airwallex consolidates invoice management, approvals, and team expenses into one interface.

  • Upload and track bills directly on the platform.
  • Automate approvals with custom workflows.
  • Pay vendors locally or internationally from the same dashboard.
  • Capture receipts and categorise transactions automatically.
  • Sync all transactions to accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite.
  • Generate real-time expense reports for finance visibility.
  • Expense management module is paid for more than 5 users ($5 per user/month).

Accounting integration

Airwallex connects with leading accounting and ERP tools to automate reconciliation and reporting.

  • Direct integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.
  • Automatic hourly syncing for all transactions and receipts.
  • Import charts of accounts, tax rates, and tracking categories to align with internal bookkeeping.
  • Embed payment links into invoices for faster collections.
  • Reconcile transactions automatically with minimal manual work.

Yield/interest on balances (Available in select markets)

Airwallex provides an optional way for businesses to earn on idle balances with Yield.

  • Earn up to 1.11% on SGD and 3.77% on USD (as of January 2026).
  • Funds are invested in short-term, low-risk money market instruments.
  • Withdraw anytime with no lock-in periods.
  • Returns depend on prevailing market rates and availability in each region.
  • Not guaranteed or covered under deposit insurance schemes.

Airwallex Customer Support and Assistance

Airwallex offers several standard customer support options, but availability and responsiveness may vary by region.

  • Help Centre & Self-Service:

Most support starts through the Airwallex Help Centre, which includes articles on common topics such as account setup, card management, payments, and platform usage. It’s useful for basic troubleshooting, though deeper or account-specific issues typically require escalation.

  • Support Channels & Phone:

Requests can be submitted through the Help Centre, and businesses in Singapore can reach the team by phone at +65 3129 4178 during designated working hours. Phone support isn’t available 24/7, and users are generally encouraged to raise tickets online first.

  • Account Manager & Email Support:

Larger clients or those with higher transaction volumes could be assigned a dedicated account manager. General assistance and queries should be directed to support@airwallex.com. Response times may vary depending on your location and the type of issue.

  • Office Presence & Local Contacts:

Airwallex operates locally under MAS registration as a licensed provider for e-money issuance and cross-border transfers. Regional contact details are listed on its “Get Support” page for businesses needing in-country help.

Airwallex fees and charges you should look out for (2026)

In terms of pricing, Airwallex offers three subscription plans, Explore, Grow, and Accelerate, each with its own features and pricing structure.

Explore Grow Accelerate
Subscription fees Free $79/month
(with a free 1-month trial)
From $399/month
Key benefits Open multiple accounts per entity Everything in the Explore plan, plus: Everything in the Grow plan, plus:
Earn 3.28% on USD and 0.63% on SGD with Yield* Earn 3.39% on USD and 0.74% on SGD with Yield* Earn 3.77% on USD and 1.12% on SGD with Yield*
5 free spend users per month, 10 free company cards Up to 50 free company cards Unlimited company cards
Bank feeds sync with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite Expenses and bills sync with Xero and QuickBooks

HRIS platform integrations
Sync bank feeds, expenses, and bills with NetSuite
Purchase orders and requests Dedicated account manager
Central management of finances across global entities
Typically used by Businesses seeking to manage funds and finances globally. Growing businesses seeking to manage funds and spend with precision. Large businesses seeking customised financial workflows.

Beyond the subscription fees, there are a few other service fees worth noting:

Service / Feature Fee Details & Notes
Account Registration SGD $0 Opening a Global Account is free. No setup or onboarding fees are charged.
Monthly Fee SGD $0 Base account has no mandatory monthly fee; paid plans unlock advanced features.
Minimum Balance SGD $0 No minimum balance is required to maintain the account.
SWIFT Transfers $20–35 / transfer (SHA & OUR) Applicable when payments are made via the SWIFT network. Fees vary depending on the corridor and intermediary banks involved.
FX Rates & Fees Up to 0.6% markup 0.4% above interbank rates for major currencies and 0.6% for all other currencies.
Corporate Card SGD $0 Both virtual and physical corporate cards (for companies or employees) are free to issue.
Expense Management Module 5 free spend users
SGD $5 per additional user / month
Charged for each active cardholder using the Expense Management tool. Includes receipt uploads, approvals, and reconciliation features.
Domestic Card Payments (acceptance) 3.30% + SGD $0.50 per transaction Applies to payments made via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, or Google Pay using Singapore-issued cards.
International Card Payments (acceptance) 3.60% + SGD $0.50 per transaction Applies to cards issued outside Singapore. Higher rate reflects international processing and FX handling.
Local Payment Methods (acceptance) SGD $0.50 + applicable method fees Supports WeChat Pay, GrabPay, and 160+ local payment methods worldwide. Fees vary by payment partner and country.
Subscription Management 0.50% per successful card transaction Designed for recurring billing and subscription businesses. Enables automatic charge collection and renewal tracking.

How to set up an Airwallex business account

A business registered in Singapore will require the following documents to open an Airwallex business account.

Eligibility Requirements

Airwallex business accounts are open to registered businesses in Singapore and several other supported countries. Eligible entities typically include:

  • Private Limited Companies (Pte. Ltd.)
  • Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
  • Sole Proprietors
  • Non-Singapore entities with valid company registration and proof of operations

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorised to open accounts on behalf of their business.

‍Required documents

  • Partnership Agreement (if applicable)
  • Ownership Structure Chart (if applicable)
  • Authorisation Letter Template (if applicable)
  • Financial Institution Onboarding Questionnaire (if applicable)
  • ID of UBO (if applicable)
  • ID of Authorised Person (if applicable)
  • Individual Address Proof (if applicable)

Application process

You can apply for an Airwallex account entirely online. The process is straightforward:

  1. Visit the Airwallex website and select “Open a Business Account.”
  2. Provide company details, including your registration number, business address, and nature of business.
  3. Upload identification documents for all directors, shareholders, and authorised persons.
  4. Verify ownership structure and provide any supporting compliance documents requested.
  5. Submit your application for review.

Airwallex may reach out for additional verification or clarification if needed.

How long does it take to set up an Airwallex Business Account?

While still quicker than traditional banks, opening a business account with Airwallex can take up to 1-3 working days to set up, which is still longer than other fintech providers.

How to start using your Airwallex Account

Once your account is approved:

  1. Log in to your Airwallex dashboard.
  2. Deposit funds into your global wallet.
  3. Create local currency accounts in your preferred markets.
  4. Issue virtual or physical corporate cards for your team.
  5. Set up integrations with accounting tools or e-commerce platforms.
  6. Begin sending or receiving payments in multiple currencies.

Your account is now ready to handle cross-border transactions, manage expenses, and receive international payments efficiently.

Who is Airwallex business account best suited for?

Airwallex is particularly fitting for businesses that:

  • Handle a large number of cross-border transactions or multi-currency flows, and require local account details in multiple currencies to receive payments globally.
  • Operate in multiple markets and require a platform built around FX and international payouts.
  • Want to use a secondary operating account focused on global spend and expansion rather than as their primary domestic bank.
  • Provide business cards to groups or divisions; mandate transparent spending controls; and track expenses in various currencies.
  • Employ financial or technical staffs that can set up accounting, e-commerce, or platform-specific workflow interactions, APIs, or payment gateways.

Airwallex may not be suitable for you, if:

  • You want to optimise your financial transactions with local Singaporean banks for PayNow transfers, salary distributions, CPF payments, and business tax payments.
  • You require traditional banking services such as loans or overdrafts and need capability of handling deposits in cash or checks.
  • You want to use a single account for all your domestic and foreign banking requirements or opt for a personalised banking provider.

TrustPilot rating: 3.4/5 (based on 2,237 reviews as on 21st Jan 2026)

Most users were happy with their overall experience on Airwallex and appreciated the platform’s user-friendliness and efficiency in handling international transactions. The most positive aspects pointed out by users include competitive exchange rates, user-friendly platforms, intuitive design, simplicity, and cost savings compared to traditional banks.

Some reviewers also highlighted the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer support team, especially the quick resolution of issues. However, general concerns expressed by some reviews include payment issues and inconsistent communication regarding price changes.

The Alternative: Airwallex vs Aspire

Aspire is an all-in-one finance platform for digital businesses, helping over 50,000 companies save time and money with business accounts, international payments, expense management, payable management, and receivable management solutions — all accessible via a single, user-friendly account. Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire is backed by top-tier global VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y Combinator, Tencent, and PayPal

Here is a summary of some key differences between Airwallex and Aspire:

Account / Feature Aspire Airwallex
Time to open account Typically 1–2 business days Typically 1–3 business days
100% online account opening
Account fees Free Free
Safeguarding of funds 100% safeguarded in SG Tier-1 bank 100% safeguarded in SG Tier-1 bank
SGD Account – Receive via PayNow
SGD Account – Send via PayNow
Pay CPF
Local SGD transfers Free Free
FX rates & fees (SGD) From 0.22% Up to 0.6% markup
Bulk payments (local transfers)
Multi-currency account
Supported currency accounts SGD, USD, EUR, GBP SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, HKD, NZD, CNY, IDR, DKK, CZK, HUF, ILS, CHF, MXN, NOK, PLN, RON, SEK, ZAR
Free local transfers
FX rates & fees (multi-currency) From 0.22% Up to 0.6% markup on top of partner markup
Cross-border fees (SWIFT) From US$8 From US$20
Virtual cards Unlimited Unlimited
Card fees No fees No fees
Budgets & spend controls Spend limit only
Card cashback 1% cashback on digital marketing & SaaS 1% cashback
Universal invoice collection
Automatic invoice reconciliation
Payment links
Live support
Integrated expense & payable management
Mobile app capabilities Full parity with web app: transfers, cards, approvals, workflows, expenses, payables, receivables Limited vs web app: transfers, card viewing, receipt submission only

Aspire business account

Aspire’s business accounts can be opened remotely in typically 1 day. It’s easy to send and receive money in multiple currencies, and they offer transparent and low-cost FX.

  • Global accounts for  SGD, USD, EUR and GBP
  • Faster account opening within one business day
  • Free transfers via your USD account to SGD, AUD, CAD, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, INR, MXN, MYR, NOK, PHP, PLN, RON, SEK, and USD.
  • Supports PayNow QR for sending and receiving offline payments (Airwallex does not)
  • Supports Payroll, CPF, and corporate tax payments (Airwallex does not)
  • More affordable SWIFT and FX rates
  • Earn returns of up to 3.45% on USD and 0.83% p.a., with no lock-in periods, through Aspire Yield

Aspire expense management

Aspire also offers businesses an advanced expense management product that surpasses Airwallex’s solutions. 

  • Create budgets at the client, project, or team level, and assign owners with 
  • Submit, review, approve and disburse claims from a single dashboard.  

Aspire corporate cards

Aspire also offers corporate cards, allowing you to empower your team to spend seamlessly.

  • Issue virtual cards to employees instantly
  • More granular card controls and customisations
  • Cards can be tagged to budgets to keep spending organised
  • Earn 1% cashback on digital marketing and SaaS spend

Aspire software and integration

Close your books twice as fast, with all transactions synced with major accounting software.

  • Offers claims management to consolidate expenses
  • More advanced accounting integrations to Xero, Quickbooks, Netsuite and more.
  • Offers integrated receivable, expense, and payable management functionalities

You can unlock more benefits with Aspire Premium for just SGD $15 per month. With Aspire Premium, you get all the features of our standard account, plus:

  • 5 free outbound international transfers per month
  • 0% FX fees on the first SGD $13,000
  • Free outbound international transfers worth up to USD $75 per month
  • Earn returns of up to 3.70% on USD and 1.08% on SGD p.a., with no lock-in periods
  • Extra partner discounts on business tools and travel

Conclusion

Airwallex is best suited for businesses that genuinely need multiple foreign currencies and advanced API or payment solutions. It’s a stronger fit for larger or more technically resourced companies, such as e-commerce or platform businesses, that can fully use its international payments infrastructure. 

Smaller businesses, however, might find APIs and payment solutions complicated to implement, given technical integration requirements. 

Businesses seeking a practical alternative may consider Aspire. It’is suitable for companies of all sizes, as it focuses on the financial fundamentals businesses need from day one, with fast account opening and local payment support. It also provides essential tools like expense management at no cost to get started, along with PayNow, salary, and CPF payments—making it a more complete operating account for Singapore-based businesses.

Open an account with Aspire today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airwallex approved by MAS?

Airwallex is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and supports thousands of companies located in this region. Its Singapore subsidiary, named Airwallex Capital (Singapore) Pte Ltd, has a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence that allows it to offer regulated custodial and investment solution services to businesses located in Singapore.

Is Airwallex a bank?

Airwallex isn’t a bank and is a fintech company offering financial technology services ranging from multicurrency accounts to global payments. It partners with globally regulated banks and payment networks to facilitate financial management solutions for businesses. 

Is Airwallex a Singapore Company?

No, Airwallex isn’t a Singapore company that was founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, and is now headquartered in Singapore. It’s a multinational financial technology firm offering global payment services and solutions to businesses.

Is Airwallex beneficial to Singapore startups and small businesses?

Singapore startups and small businesses who process multi-currency payments or engage with overseas suppliers or customers can explore Airwallex. For your daily operations, a Singapore-focused business account may be better especially if your company works locally or needs local banking services like PayNow collections, payroll, CPF payments, or cash management.

Does Airwallex accept PayNow and local wage payments in Singapore?

Currently, Airwallex in Singapore does not support PayNow QR payments or transfers. This option is incompatible with contributions to the CPF or direct payouts. Typically, businesses that require local payment capabilities utilise alternate fintech platforms or maintain an alternate local business bank account.

Sources:
  • Airwallex - https://www.airwallex.com 
  • MAS - https://www.mas.gov.sg 
  • Trustpilot - https://www.trustpilot.com/review/airwallex.com
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Daniel Ling
is a seasoned writer specialising in business finance, market trends, and industry best practices. Daniel has led thought leadership initiatives at Meta and other reputable companies for more than a decade. Daniel leverages his consumer insights and a data-driven approach to help businesses grow.
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