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Wise vs Aspire vs Airwallex: Which is the best business account in Singapore?

Choosing the right business account provider is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your company’s financial operations. 

Wise, Aspire and Airwallex are among the more modern solutions available here in Singapore. These are fintech companies that can transform the banking experience for small and medium businesses, enabling them to open a multi-currency account in minutes, and move money cheaper and faster than traditional banks.

This guide will review Wise, Aspire and Airwallex and compare how they measure up on key features. 

Business featuresWiseAspire Airwallex
Ability to sign up onlineYesYesYes
Licensed by MAS?YesNoYes
FX servicesYesYesYes
FX fees markupFrom 0.43%From 0.7%From 0.4%
FX currencies Send & receive payments to 70+ countries Send & receive payments to 50+ countries Send & receive payments to 40+ countries
Virtual &/or physical corporate cards available?Both available Both available Both available

What is Wise?

Wise is a major fintech platform that is regulated by MAS in Singapore. While the Wise platform bills itself as the ultimate solution for international money transfers, it does offer additional services like borderless banking, multi-currency accounts, and debit cards to manage money in various currencies.

Pros ✅
Cons ❌
50+ currencies to hold or use in your accountNo physical branch network
Account details and IBANS for 10 currenciesLimited services like loans
Uses the mid-market FX rateDoes not support less mainstream currencies
Physical cards available for use at ATMs worldwideLimited customer support
Internationally regulated

What is Aspire?

Aspire is a payments platform that is currently exempted by MAS from holding a licence for payments services in Singapore. Therefore, Aspire provides their services in conjunction with partners licensed by the local regulators. Aspire offers a range of services aimed at helping businesses manage their finances more efficiently such as business accounts and expense management.

Pros ✅
Cons ❌
Send and receive payments in 30+ currencies
Limited services like loans
Uses the mid-market FX rateNo physical branch network
Expense tracking to help manage cash flow
Have to connect your Aspire account with Wise
Connects with other platformsCharges $12 SGD monthly account fees

What is Airwallex?

Airwallex is a global payments platform offering virtual business accounts. Similar to Wise, it is regulated by MAS. Airwallex has gained a reputation for its innovative approach to international transfers. Within your Airwallex account, you can create virtual debit cards with user permissions and unique payment links for people to pay you easily.

Pros ✅
Cons ❌
Account details and IBANS for 12 currencies Limited services like loans
Holds 20+ currencies in the digital wallet
No physical branch network
Expense management toolsExtra $5 SGD monthly fee per employee corporate card if using their expense management
Unique payment links available
Physical corporate cards do not work with ATMs
Free local transfers

Bottomline: Which option is best for you?

As you can see, Wise, Aspire and Airwallex provide solid options for business customers in Singapore looking for business accounts that offer lower FX fees and process transactions faster than traditional banks. 

They also have lower barriers to entry, enabling foreigners looking to register companies in Singapore, to immediately participate in financial transactions. 

It is worth noting that while these digital players offer numerous advantages, traditional banks provide services like physical branches and personalised customer service. 

Ultimately, Wise, Aspire and Airwallex have transformed the way money is moved worldwide and the choice you pick will be based on your business needs. 

Experience the Counto advantage

Counto is the trusted provider of accounting, tax preparation, company incorporation, and CFO services for startups and SMEs. Get accounting plans that combine bookkeeping with corporate tax filing to help you stay compliant at an affordable price. To learn more, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email us at [email protected], or contact us using this form.

 

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