Skip to contentGet In Touch: info@diraxo.com
Airwallex vs Wise: Which Is Better for International Business Payments in 2025?
In a fast-paced, borderless economy, the ability to send, receive, and manage international payments efficiently can give businesses a competitive edge. Two of the leading platforms in this space—Airwallex and Wise—offer powerful, cost-effective solutions tailored for businesses scaling globally. But which is better in 2025? This in-depth guide breaks down the key differences between Airwallex vs Wise, comparing their fees, features, integrations, and real-world use cases to help you choose the best option for your international payment needs.
Quick Comparison: Airwallex vs Wise
| Feature | Airwallex | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Account Type | Multi-currency business accounts | Personal & business multi-currency accounts |
| FX Rates | Mid-market + small margin | Real mid-market rate |
| Countries Supported | 130+ | 160+ |
| Currency Accounts | 11+ currencies with local details | 10+ currencies with local account details |
| Integrations | Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce | Xero, QuickBooks |
| API Access | Yes – full suite for developers | Limited API for business use |
| Ideal For | SMEs, SaaS, eCommerce, platforms | Freelancers, small businesses, remote teams |
What Is Airwallex?
Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Airwallex has quickly scaled into a global financial technology powerhouse. It offers a robust platform designed for fast-growing businesses seeking international reach. From issuing virtual cards to managing multi-currency accounts and executing mass payouts via API, Airwallex provides infrastructure that goes beyond basic remittances.
Key Airwallex features:
- Borderless business accounts
- International FX transfers with competitive margins
- Real-time payment tracking
- Expense management and virtual cards
- Developer-friendly APIs
Explore Airwallex
Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Airwallex has quickly scaled into a global financial technology powerhouse. It offers a robust platform designed for fast-growing businesses seeking international reach. For a deeper dive into its capabilities, check out our full Airwallex Review 2025.
What Is Wise?
Wise (formerly TransferWise) has been a game changer in the world of transparent, affordable money transfers. Launched in 2011, Wise is widely known for providing the real exchange rate without markups, and it’s become a favorite among freelancers, expats, and small businesses handling cross-border payments.
Key Wise features:
- Multi-currency business accounts
- Real mid-market exchange rates
- Local account details in 10+ currencies
- Direct debit and batch payment tools
- Easy setup and intuitive dashboard
Airwallex vs Wise: Deep Feature Comparison
1. Ease of Use and Onboarding
Wise offers one of the simplest onboarding experiences in fintech. Signing up takes minutes, and account verification is typically quick. Its clean interface makes managing multiple currencies a breeze.
Airwallex, on the other hand, has a slightly more involved KYC process, geared toward businesses with larger operational footprints. The platform offers more features, but it comes with a learning curve.
Verdict: Wise wins for simplicity; Airwallex suits businesses that need more customization.
2. Supported Countries and Currencies
- Wise supports users in over 160 countries and allows sending money to 80+ currencies. It offers local account details for the US, UK, EU, Australia, and more.
- Airwallex supports 130+ countries and lets users open local currency accounts in 11+ currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, HKD, CNY, and JPY.
Verdict: Wise offers broader coverage, but Airwallex’s offering is stronger for Asia-Pacific.
3. Exchange Rates and Transfer Fees
- Wise is transparent: it uses the real mid-market rate and charges a small, flat fee per transfer.
- Airwallex offers competitive FX rates with a slight markup, but still undercuts traditional banks significantly.
Example: A $10,000 USD transfer to GBP
- Wise: ~0.43% total cost
- Airwallex: ~0.5% total cost
Verdict: Wise edges ahead on rate transparency, but Airwallex’s fees are also competitive, especially at scale.
4. Business Tools and Integrations
Airwallex excels in business features:
- Mass payouts (great for platforms or marketplaces)
- Multi-user controls and permissions
- Xero, Shopify, and WooCommerce integration
- Custom virtual employee cards
- Developer-friendly API for automating finance operations
Wise supports:
- Xero and QuickBooks integration
- Batch payments
- Expense tracking and simple reports
- Fewer customization options for large teams
Verdict: Airwallex wins for scaling businesses; Wise works well for simpler use cases.
5. Security and Regulation
Both platforms are regulated financial institutions in multiple jurisdictions:
- Wise is regulated by the FCA (UK), FinCEN (US), ASIC (Australia), and more
- Airwallex is licensed by ASIC, FCA, HKMA, and operates under strict banking compliance globally
Both offer:
- Two-factor authentication
- End-to-end encryption
- Real-time fraud monitoring
Verdict: It’s a tie—both are secure and highly trusted.
Use Case Scenarios
✅ Use Wise if you are:
- A freelancer, consultant, or small team needing to receive payments from clients abroad
- Looking for an easy, transparent solution with no hidden fees
- Sending smaller payments frequently to multiple countries
✅ Use Airwallex if you are:
- An eCommerce brand selling internationally
- A SaaS business with global subscriptions and payouts
- A company managing payroll, vendor payments, or B2B transfers at scale
Real User Reviews: What People Are Saying
According to Trustpilot, Wise users praise its intuitive design and transparent pricing, but some report occasional transfer delays for less common currencies.
Airwallex has glowing reviews from scaling startups and tech companies, especially for its API and Asia-Pacific capabilities (Trustpilot). However, some users mention complexity during initial setup.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Feature | Airwallex | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Advanced features, APIs, great for global teams | Transparent pricing, easy setup, wide currency support |
| Cons | Steeper learning curve, not ideal for solo users | Limited tools for scaling businesses |
Final Verdict: Which Is Better in 2025?
So, Airwallex vs Wise—who wins in 2025? It depends on your business goals:
- Choose Wise if you want simplicity, low fees, and fast setup for managing international payments in a straightforward way. It’s ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams.
- Choose Airwallex if you’re scaling a tech company, eCommerce business, or platform with multi-currency needs, payout complexity, or API integration requirements.
Both are exceptional. Your choice should align with the size, structure, and operational needs of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Wise or Airwallex cheaper for international business payments?
A: Wise is slightly cheaper for small-to-medium transfers due to its real exchange rate. Airwallex is highly competitive, especially for larger volumes.
Q: Can I integrate Airwallex or Wise with my accounting software?
A: Yes. Both integrate with Xero and QuickBooks. Airwallex offers broader tools for automation.
Q: Are Airwallex and Wise regulated?
A: Yes. Both are licensed and regulated in major financial markets including the UK, US, EU, and Australia.
Q: Which platform is better for global payroll?
A: Airwallex is better suited for global payroll due to its multi-user setup and mass payout features.
Experiencing issues with the platform? Our guide on Airwallex Not Working – 7 Easy Fixes can help you troubleshoot common problems quickly.
Conclusion
In the battle of Airwallex vs Wise, there’s no universal winner—but there’s a clear choice based on your business type. Wise delivers on cost and transparency, perfect for lean teams and individual entrepreneurs. Airwallex provides the infrastructure for businesses ready to scale internationally.
Want to test both? Sign up for free accounts with Wise and Airwallex to see which one fits your needs.
