WorldFirst Review [2025]: Pros, Cons & What To Use Instead

Final Verdict

An international money transfer service and payment solution for ecommerce sellers, especially suitable for those on Amazon, Shopify, Shopee, Etsy and TikTok Shop.

WorldFirst is a compelling option if you're running a global ecommerce business and need to manage payments in multiple currencies. It’s tailored for online sellers collecting across marketplaces like Amazon, Shopee, or Shopify, offering the core tools you need to receive, convert, and send money globally—without a monthly fee. 

If you're simply looking for a reliable way to collect and process payments, WorldFirst gets the job done. However, the platform lacks more advanced features like performance tracking or cash flow planning. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is web-based. The mobile app is still relatively new and hasn’t received any user reviews yet, which may raise concerns about its reliability and user experience for those who prefer managing finances on the go.

Key Highlights

• Multi-currency account to hold and manage 15 to 20+ currencies
• Send payments to 200+ countries in 100+ currencies
• Receive funds from platforms like Amazon, Shopee, PayPal, and Stripe
• Currency conversion with spot contracts
• “World Card” for global spending in 150+ currencies
• Platform integrations with Shopify, TikTok Shop, Etsy, and more

WorldFirst Account Features

Although WorldFirst is UK-based, it provides payment services globally. While specific features may vary slightly depending on your location, the core product is the World Account — a multi-currency wallet for global businesses. It allows users to send, receive, and manage cross-border payments. Here are the key features:

• Currency Accounts: Access local bank details for about 15–20+ currencies through your World Account, depending on your jurisdiction. You’ll then have sub-accounts, called Receiving Accounts. All incoming funds are pooled and held by currency within your main World Account.
• Pay: Send money domestically or internationally to over 200 countries in about 100 currencies to suppliers, employees, business partners, tax authorities, and 1688.com, a famous chinese wholesale and dropship website. You can also use WorldFirst to set up automatic transfers.
• Collect: Receive global revenue in 20+ currencies from various sources, including online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon), payment providers (e.g., Stripe), other businesses or individuals, and even tax refunds.
• Connect: Integrate with over 130 online marketplaces and payment gateways such as Amazon, Shopee, Shopify, PayPal, and more.
• Manage: Switch between different marketplace receiving accounts and access up to 12 months of transaction history.
• Currency Exchange: Convert balances between currencies within your account by selecting the amount and the currencies you wish to “sell” and “buy.” Plus, use spot contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate.

As an added benefit, one of their latest products is “World Card”—a card that allows you to make transactions in over 150 currencies across more than 210 countries and territories, wherever Mastercard® is accepted. WorldFirst also offers tailored solutions for Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, Etsy, and Shopee.

Certain regions, like the UK and Singapore, offer additional services, including FX forward contracts, firm orders, cashback for card spending and software integration. Multiple cards for each team member is not available yet. 

WorldFirst is primarily a web-based platform, but they recently launched a mobile app in the UK and EEA in September 2024.

Our Verdict: 8.5/10

WorldFirst offers a solid platform for international ecommerce businesses, with features like multi-currency payments and collections. What stands out is its wide integration with global marketplaces, especially big names across regions like Amazon, Shopify, and Shopee. They also offer a unique option for paying on 1688, which is especially beneficial for wholesale orders and sourcing.

However, the experience can depend on where you’re based—some features like FX forwards and cashback are only available in certain regions. The platform leans more toward day-to-day operations than strategic planning. The management tools, like transaction history, is fundamental, but there is not much in terms of advanced analytic features. 

WorldFirst Fees

Fees may vary by region. Below are the main fees for reference:

To get the most up-to-date details, visit the WorldFirst website, select your region, and click on 'Pricing' in the top menu.

Our Verdict: 7/10

WorldFirst keeps core account fees low — with free account opening, no monthly fees, and no cost to collect funds — which are key for any ecommerce seller. Local transfers are usually free or low-cost. FX fees are fairly standard for a platform of this type, though not market-leading, and international transfer fees can add up if you’re sending funds often. 

The downside is pricing varies by region, and the fee page is quite short, which makes it hard to tell if it is the full picture. Especially when features like platform integration and automated transfers are advertised but not clearly covered in the fee breakdown. It’s a good idea to take a closer look before using WorldFirst service at high volume.

WorldFirst Customer Support

WorldFirst primarily offers support via email. International clients can reach them at seaclients@service.worldfirst.com  

Phone support is available in some regions. For instance,

In the UK, 

• UK: Call 020 7801 1065 
• Abroad: Call +44 20 7801 1065
• Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm (UK time). 

In Singapore

• Call +65 6805 4380
• Monday to Thursday, 9am–6pm, and Friday, 9am–5pm (SGT). 

You can check the number for your location by visiting the WorldFirst website and selecting your country. Support hours vary, but phone lines are typically closed on weekends and public holidays.

Our Verdict: 5/10

WorldFirst’s support is relatively limited. Email is the main channel. Local phone access is useful, with standard weekday and hour coverage. There’s no detail on live chat, which puts it a step behind many financial service providers that offer the option. Reviews are mixed — some users say support was helpful, while others mention unresolved issues still pending. It seems to work fine for basic queries but may fall short if your business spans time zones or needs quick help on the spot after hours. Overall, it lands somewhere in the middle.

Opening a WorldFirst Account

Setting up a WorldFirst business account can be done entirely online through their website. Below are the eligibility requirements, what you’ll need, and how to apply.

Eligibility Criteria and What You’ll Need

To be eligible for a WorldFirst account, you must be either a registered company or a sole trader. WorldFirst supports businesses from most countries. Before applying, ensure you have the following documents and information:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license)
• Business details including name, address, business type, industry, and estimated monthly turnover

For registered companies, additional information is required:

• Details, identification, and residential addresses of all directors and any Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) holding 25% or more ownership
• Company registration number and documents 
• Supporting documents verifying company status and structure such as Articles of Association and a Certificate of Good Standing 

How to Apply 

1. Go to https://www.worldfirst.com and click “Sign Up”. 
2. Choose your country, and enter your email and phone number to receive verification codes. You cannot change the country once you are registered.
3. Select your business type (sole trader or registered company)
4. Provide your business name, registration number, address, industry, and estimated monthly turnover
5. Upload your government-issued ID and complete a short video selfie for identity verification
6. If applying as a company, enter the company registration number, along with the full names and birthdates of all directors and UBOs

Note that you should keep your browser open until you submit information to create an account, otherwise, you’ll have to start over. Once everything is submitted, WorldFirst will review your application and notify you when your account is approved.

Our Verdict: 7.5/10

WorldFirst’s account opening is fully online and fairly straightforward, with clear steps and standard document requirements for both registered businesses and sole traders. It does a good job balancing security and convenience, with ID checks that can be done remotely and don’t feel overly complicated.

However, you may run into a couple of CAPTCHAs, and there’s no option to save your progress yet, so if you leave the browser, you’ll need to start over. That makes it more time-consuming than other providers that let you pause and come back. You’ll want to have every document ready before you begin.

WorldFirst Ratings and Reviews

Trustpilot: 4.1/5 (based on 2,869 reviews)
WorldFirst receives relatively good scores, with users generally appreciating its reliable service and helpful customer support. However, negative feedback often points to issues like account login problems, delayed payments, and application rejections.

As of April 2025, there are currently no user reviews on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

If You Need a Business Account in Asia

If your businesses are registered in Hong Kong, Singapore or the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Statrys is a notable business account alternative to WorldFirst.

While WorldFirst offers local currency accounts in multiple locations to collect funds, Statrys simplifies the process with a unified multi-currency account that allows businesses to hold and manage 11 major currencies in one single account number.

Statrys is designed for international payments and FX risk mitigation, with additional features like Xero accounting integration and multiple expense cards for your team. 

Additionally, Statrys has a strong commitment to customer support, providing a dedicated account manager and offering assistance through multiple channels, including WeChat, WhatsApp, phone, and email, to ensure your queries are answered promptly and effectively.

Let’s take a look at Statrys’ services.