Source: https://rivet.global/blog/worldfirst-vs-airwallex
Published: 2026-08-29 · Updated: 2026-11-05 · By Alexia M.

# WorldFirst vs Airwallex for business: costs, cards and currencies

WorldFirst vs Airwallex compared on monthly fees, FX margins, transfers and cards from their UK price lists, plus where a stablecoin account fits.

## Key takeaways

- WorldFirst has no subscription. Airwallex Explore costs £19 a month unless you deposit or hold at least £10,000, and Grow costs £49.
- Both charge about 0.5% on major currency conversions. Airwallex charges 1% for other currencies; WorldFirst offers 0.30% for six months to new customers.
- Airwallex has the deeper spend tools: up to 10 or 50 company cards, bill pay and approval rules. WorldFirst has the marketplace network and China payments.
- Neither supports stablecoins. Rivet does, on every plan.

WorldFirst charges nothing a month. Airwallex charges £19 a month on Explore, waived if you deposit or keep at least £10,000 in the account, and £49 on Grow. That is the first fork. The second is what you need the account to do.

Both price lists are from each provider's UK site, read in November 2026.

## Side by side

| | WorldFirst (UK) | Airwallex (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | £0 | Explore £0 or £19; Grow £49 |
| Collection currencies | 20+ | 20+ |
| FX, majors | up to 0.50% (0.30% first 6 months) | 0.5% above interbank |
| FX, others | quoted | 1% above interbank |
| SWIFT out | £4.62 to £23.00 by currency | £10 to £20 |
| Domestic EUR, GBP | £0.27 SEPA, £0.31 UK | Free |
| Cards | 25 virtual, 5 physical, cashback up to 1.2% | 10 cards on Explore, 50 on Grow |
| Spend tools | Basic | Bill pay, approvals, expense rules |
| Marketplaces | 130+ | Integrations, fewer marketplace links |
| Stablecoins | No | No |

## Where WorldFirst wins

Marketplace sellers and importers. Free collection from 130+ marketplaces, cheap local payments and same-day CNH payments to China suit e-commerce. No subscription means low balances cost nothing.

## Where Airwallex wins

Teams. Free domestic transfers in EUR, GBP and CHF, bill pay up to 500 bills a month, multi-step approvals on Grow and more company cards suit a company with staff spending on its behalf.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet suits a service company or a founder with a non-resident US LLC: USD details in the company's name on the free Starter plan, unlimited virtual cards on every plan, USDC and USDT ramps, and payouts to 120+ countries. Growth adds EUR and GBP details, physical cards and roles and approvals for up to 10 people.

Airwallex's 0.5% and Rivet Growth's from 0.50% are level on majors. Rivet's Starter rate, from 0.80%, is higher, so a company converting large sums on a free plan pays less at WorldFirst. See also [Airwallex vs Wise vs Rivet](/blog/airwallex-vs-wise-vs-rivet) and [WorldFirst vs Wise](/blog/worldfirst-vs-wise). Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold client funds.

## Questions

### Is Airwallex or WorldFirst cheaper?

On conversion they are close: WorldFirst up to 0.50% for majors, Airwallex 0.5% for majors and 1% for others. WorldFirst has no subscription; Airwallex Explore is free only if you deposit or hold £10,000 a month. For a seller with small balances, WorldFirst usually costs less.

### Which is better for SWIFT payments?

Airwallex charges £10 to £20 per SWIFT transfer. WorldFirst's UK list shows £4.62 to £23.00 for other currencies, and £5.38 to £7.69 for EUR and USD to other destinations. Check the corridor you use most.

### Do either of them handle USDC?

No. Rivet handles USDC and USDT deposits and withdrawals on six networks, alongside USD details in your company's name.