Airwallex vs. Aspire | Comparison for US Businesses

Airwallex and Aspire represent two of the most dynamic names in digital business finance. While Airwallex is known for being a global payments leader with multi-currency solutions for cross-border commerce, Aspire emphasizes modern business accounts and credit lines for growing enterprises.

Our Airwallex vs. Aspire comparison guide compares the platforms’ strengths and value propositions. We’ll provide you with the information you need to choose between the two. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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Airwallex vs. Aspire: Quick Overview

	Airwallex	Aspire
Key features	Multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, virtual/physical cards, global payments, accounting and eCommerce integrations1	Digital business account, multi-currency payments, virtual/physical cards, cashback on SaaS/marketing spend, accounting integrations, bulk payments2
Main fees	Explore: Free, Grow: $99/month, Accelerate: Custom Pricing1	No monthly fees; FX fees around 0.4%; some regional limits on card availability2
Great for	Businesses with global operations needing cost-efficient international transactions and wide currency support1	Digital-first SMEs and startups seeking streamlined banking with perks like cashback2
Trustpilot rating6 7	3.7	4.2

Airwallex vs. Aspire: Key Features

Both platforms bring some notable features to the table. Below, we look at their offerings in detail.

Airwallex

Airwallex is made for companies that want to open multi-currency accounts with local bank details in major markets to transact like a local across borders. The platform supports foreign exchange and transfers to over 150 countries at interbank rates, which is a major advantage for companies handling frequent cross-border payments.¹

Airwallex also issues virtual and physical multi-currency cards for both companies and employees, with instant compatibility for Apple Pay and Google Pay. Besides global transfers, the platform allows businesses to collect payments via links and plugins, which integrate directly with online stores.

Expense management is built in, so finance teams get real-time oversight of employee spending. They can also reconcile transactions in one place.

Another notable feature is bill pay functionality, which allows uploading, approving, paying and reconciling domestic and international invoices. Airwallex further offers API and embedded finance capabilities for companies that want to integrate financial services directly into their own platforms.

Other features include multi-user access, mobile app functionality and batch payment options. Customer support is also available across key regions, so companies operating internationally have help when needed.

Aspire

Aspire allows companies to open accounts for free, with charges only applying to actual transactions. So, it’s a cost-effective solution for startups, too.

Local and multi-currency account numbers are included, supporting SGD, USD, EUR and more. The platform’s corporate cards are another draw, as they offer scalable solutions for teams of different sizes.

Companies also get access to built-in expense management controls like multi-level approvals, real-time spend tracking and automated reconciliation. Finance leaders can further integrate these tools with existing accounting software to cut down on manual work.

Aspire also supports international transfers across more than 130 countries in 13 currencies, using local rails and major card networks for faster, low-cost payments.² All of this is backed by compliance with Hong Kong’s Money Service Operator standards, so funds remain secure.

Airwallex vs. Aspire: Fees

Now, let’s discuss the fee structures for both platforms.

Airwallex Fees

Airwallex offers three pricing tiers: Explore, Growth and Accelerate.

The Explore plan has no monthly fee and includes global accounts in 20+ currencies, free local transfers to more than 120 countries, interbank FX rates with a 0.5% markup for major currencies and unlimited multi-currency corporate cards with zero international transaction fees. Businesses also get access to expense management, reimbursements and bill pay.

The Grow plan is priced at $99 per month and adds advanced features such as customizable approvals, rules-based bill automation, vendor approval workflows, remittance advice and integrations with NetSuite and HRIS platforms.

Accelerate is for large enterprises and comes with custom pricing and central management across unlimited entities.

Additional costs include SWIFT transfers ($15 to $25), FX conversions (0.5% to 1.0% markup) and card payment processing fees (2.8% + $0.30 for domestic cards, 4.3% + $0.30 for international).³

Aspire Fees

Aspire operates on a zero monthly fee model. Businesses can open multi-currency accounts across four major currencies and only pay per transaction.

FX rates start from 0.22%, much lower than traditional bank spreads. Local transfers are free.⁴

International transfers rely on Aspire’s network of licensed partners and bulk payments through GIRO are supported. For corporate cards, each user receives one free physical card, while unlimited virtual cards are available for international or online spending.

Cashback of 1% applies to SaaS and digital advertising expenses. There’s also a 0.5% annual account fee applied to balanced generating Aspire Yield returns of up to 4.38% on USD holdings.

Airwallex vs. Aspire: Comparison

Airwallex

Which is Best: Airwallex vs. Aspire?

Airwallex is ideal for companies with a wide international reach, managing global operations and offering strong multi-currency support.

In comparison, Aspire suits growing digital-first businesses, especially those in Southeast Asia, with its cashback perks, accounting integrations and bulk payment tools. It’s up to you to decide between both platforms based on your business requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the competitors of Aspire?

Aspire’s competitors include Airwallex, Revolut Business, Payoneer and Brex. All these tools offer digital banking, multi-currency accounts, payment solutions and financial tools for modern businesses.

What are the disadvantages of Airwallex?

Some of the disadvantages of Airwallex include limited approval role controls, the inconvenience of OTP for batch payments, reliance on digital-only services and occasional supplier resistance toward virtual cards.

Can Airwallex and Aspire be used together?

Some businesses use both platforms strategically. Airwallex works for international transactions, and Aspire is used for local payments and expense management.

Is Airwallex a Chinese company?

Airwallex was founded in Melbourne, Australia. While it has significant operations in China, it is an Australian fintech company.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

• Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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