Airwallex vs Wise Business: Which Is Better for SMEs in Singapore in 2026?

Looking up Airwallex vs Wise usually means you already know both names. What you’re really trying to work out is which one fits how your business actually runs.

Wise is built around simple, transparent international transfers. Airwallex offers more controls and tools for managing payments as teams grow. Which one works better depends on how often you move money and how much structure you need.

Below, we compare where each platform performs well and where the trade-offs start to show, covering fees, features, and real user experience so you can decide which option makes more sense for your business.

If your payments are becoming more complex as your business grows, Airwallex tends to be the better fit. If you want a simple way to move money with strong local support, Wise fits your needs better.

If your Singapore business is expanding into multiple markets and needs tools like integrations or a payment gateway, Airwallex is the better choice. If you mainly need a simple way to send and receive money across borders, Wise is a better fit.

For small businesses and SMEs, the main difference in fees is how easy they are to plan for. Wise uses a pay-as-you-go model, which makes it easier to estimate costs if you send or receive money occasionally or in smaller amounts. Airwallex tends to make more sense as payment volume grows, since many local transfers are free and SWIFT fees are clearly set.

That said, if your business often receives payments in currencies like KRW, VND, or PHP, Airwallex’s percentage-based receiving fees can add up, and Wise may feel more predictable for managing incoming funds.

Airwallex works well if you need to give cards to several team members and keep spending under control as your business grows, with higher limits and more flexible card management. This is useful once expenses are shared across staff or departments. Wise is better suited to simpler setups, where you mainly need a business card for everyday spending and occasional cash withdrawals, without worrying about monthly card fees.

Both Airwallex and Wise keep eligibility broad and the application process simple, making them equally accessible for Singapore businesses. The real decision comes down to other aspects rather than setup.

If you value a dedicated account manager, you will only find that with Airwallex’s Accelerate plan, which is for large companies or enterprises.

For SMEs and solopreneurs, Wise offers broader access, including a Singapore phone line with 24/7 support, which is helpful in urgent situations.

Wise’s higher score reflects broad user trust built on a large base of reviews. Airwallex’s rating is more mixed, but feedback consistently points to the usefulness of its business-focused features. If ease of use and predictability matter most, Wise’s reviews may feel more reassuring. If your business needs features built for ongoing operations, Airwallex’s feedback remains relevant.