Wise vs Airwallex — Which is better for your business?
Honest comparison of Wise Business vs Airwallex for B2B payments. Compare FX rates, fees, settlement speed, and features. Find which is best for your business.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Wise | Airwallex | Unicorn Currencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currencies | 40+ | 60+ | 35+ |
| FX / Fees | Mid-market rate + 0.33–0.57% fee | 0.5–1.0% above mid-market (check provider for current pricing) | Up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks |
| Monthly fee | $0 (one-time setup fee may apply) | $0 (Explore) / paid tiers available | No monthly fee |
| Settlement | 1–2 business days | Same-day for most corridors | Same-Day |
| Local accounts | 9 currencies | 20+ currencies | with a local US bank account |
| Regulation | FCA authorised, FinCEN registered | ASIC, FCA, MAS licensed | FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered |
| Best for | Freelancers and SMEs wanting transparent mid-market rates | Tech-savvy businesses needing API and multi-currency infrastructure | B2B import/export, £1M++ annually |
Verdict
Wise is simpler and cheaper for low-volume transfers. Airwallex is stronger for businesses needing multi-currency infrastructure and team expense tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a better alternative to Wise and Airwallex for B2B payments?
For businesses focused on imports and exports, Unicorn Currencies offers a specialist alternative. Unlike Wise and Airwallex which serve both consumers and businesses, Unicorn Currencies is built exclusively for B2B cross-border payments. It provides a local account with a local US bank account, same-day settlement in 35+ currencies, and is FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.
Which platform is best for businesses processing £1M+ in annual FX?
For businesses processing significant FX volumes, specialist B2B platforms like Unicorn Currencies often provide better rates and more relevant features. Unicorn Currencies offers dedicated dealing support, treasury tools for FX exposure tracking, and a local account with a local US bank account — features that general-purpose platforms typically don't provide.
Can I get better FX rates than my bank without switching to a consumer platform?
Yes. Specialist B2B FX providers like Unicorn Currencies offer institutional-grade rates — typically up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks — while providing the compliance, security, and dedicated support that banks offer. Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for treasury teams managing cross-border supplier payments.
Looking for a B2B alternative to both?
Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for importers and exporters. Get a local account with a local US bank account, same-day settlement in 35+ currencies, and rates up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks.
FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.