If you’re running a startup with international clients, global team members, or suppliers overseas, traditional banking can slow you down. You deal with delays, hidden fees, and currency conversions that eat into your profit. That’s where Airwallex comes in. In this blog, I’ll break down what Airwallex does, who it’s best for, and why it might be one of the smartest money tools for digital entrepreneurs and founders in 2025. Let’s get in.
What is Airwallex?
Airwallex isn’t a traditional bank. You won’t get a mortgage or business loan here. Instead, it’s a financial platform built to make international business simple.
At its core, Airwallex lets you open a multi-currency business account with local bank details in key markets like the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, and Asia without setting up a branch in each country. This means you can receive and send money globally, skip unnecessary currency conversion, and save on transfer fees.
You also get access to powerful tools like virtual and physical corporate cards, real-time spend tracking, and integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and QuickBooks.
Key Features and Benefits
- Global Business Accounts
Airwallex gives you local bank account details in over 20 currencies across 60+ markets. This lets you get paid like a local, avoid double conversion fees, and keep money in different currencies until you’re ready to convert at competitive rates.
You can save up to 80% on foreign exchange (FX) fees compared to traditional banks.
- International Payments
Sell in one currency, pay vendors in another. With Airwallex, you can accept payments from Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, TikTok Shop, and more. You can also pay freelancers, contractors, or suppliers directly, often with same-day transfers at interbank rates.
- Corporate Cards and Expense Management
Create unlimited virtual and physical corporate cards for you and your team. You can:
- Set custom spending limits
- Assign cards to different team members
- Categorize expenses
- Track spending in real-time
Perfect for managing ad spend, subscriptions, or team travel without waiting for reimbursements or fighting over receipts.
- No More Conversion Traps
Let’s say you get paid in euros but your Stripe account converts it to USD, and then your bank changes it again to pay a supplier in AUD. That’s a lot of fees.
Airwallex helps you hold money in multiple currencies and convert only when it makes sense, saving you time and money.
Who Is Airwallex Best For?
Online Sellers & Marketplace Brands
If you sell on Amazon, Etsy, or TikTok Shop in different countries, Airwallex helps you collect payments in local currency and hold them without forced conversions.
Freelancers and Agencies with Global Clients
Get paid faster and cheaper from international clients — especially helpful if you’re freelancing on platforms like Upwork or managing international retainers.
Businesses with Overseas Suppliers or Remote Teams
Avoid Swift delays. Send money the same day and skip bank fees. If you have VAs or contractors abroad, you can even give them Airwallex cards with spending limits.
Why It’s Better Than SWIFT Transfers
SWIFT transfers:
- Take 2–5 business days
- Cost $20–$50 per transfer
- Only process during banking hours
Airwallex transfers:
- Arrive same day 95% of the time
- Work 24/7
- Cost way less, especially with low FX margins
This alone can make a huge difference for fast-moving startups.
Pricing Breakdown
- Free to open an account
- No monthly fees or minimum balance required (in most regions)
- Low FX conversion margin (~0.5% for major currencies)
- Free to create virtual cards
- Extra card users beyond two: ~$15/month per user
- Domestic card payment processing: ~2.8% + 30¢ per transaction
- SWIFT transfers (if needed): $15–$25
You only pay for what you use and compared to regular banks or PayPal, it’s still much cheaper.
Platform Walkthrough Highlights
The dashboard is clean, fast, and beginner-friendly. Here’s what you’ll find once you’re inside:
- Wallet View to track balances and transactions by currency
- Transfers to send money one-time, recurring, or in bulk
- Cards to manage virtual and physical corporate cards
- Contacts to pay vendors or team members easily
- User Roles to invite teammates and manage permissions
- Analytics to view payments, sales, refunds, and disputes
- Perks Tab for partner discounts, deals, and integrations
You can also sync with QuickBooks, Xero, and major e-commerce platforms to keep your books clean.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy online setup (no paperwork or long wait times)
- Major savings on FX and international transfers
- Multiple currencies under one roof
- Smart card controls for team spending
- No monthly fees or hidden costs
- Great for global teams, freelancers, and startups
Cons:
- No loans or credit products (yet)
- Not available in all countries (check your region)
- All cards are prepaid, not credit
- No physical branches (100% online)
- Business use only — not for personal accounts
Final Thoughts: Is Airwallex Worth It?
If you run a global business, sell in multiple markets, or work with remote teams, Airwallex is one of the smartest tools you can add in 2025. It gives you speed, control, and cost savings, all without the complexity of setting up international bank accounts.
For most startups, it’s not a replacement for a full business bank, especially if you need credit or lending. But it’s a perfect companion for managing money across borders without friction. If you’re serious about scaling your business internationally, Airwallex is absolutely worth checking out.
