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Common Fees Associated with Using Airwallex and Aspire

As small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the cost implications of your financial tools is crucial. At Counto, we specialise in helping SMEs navigate these complexities with ease. Today, let’s dive into the common fees associated with two popular digital banking solutions: Airwallex and Aspire.

Why Consider Airwallex and Aspire?

Digital-first banking solutions like Aspire and Airwallex offer significant advantages over traditional banks, especially in terms of cost. Let’s break down their fees and compare them to what you might encounter with conventional banking.

Airwallex Fees

Airwallex is known for its competitive pricing, especially for businesses that frequently deal with international transactions.

  • Account Opening: Free
  • Monthly Fees: Free
  • Local Transfers: Free
  • International Transfers: 0.3% fee
  • Foreign Exchange Markup: Up to 0.6%
  • SWIFT Transfers: Up to 35 SGD
  • Corporate Card Fees: 5 SGD/card/month in Singapore
  • Expense Management Fee: 0.4% per successful transaction

Counto’s accounting plans offer multicurrency accounting, unlimited transactions, GST submissions, and tax filing—all at no extra charge. Enjoy direct support from your Customer Success Manager, backed by a team of expert accountants and tax specialists. Explore our plans here.

Aspire Fees

Aspire aims to simplify business banking with transparent and straightforward fees.

  • Account Opening and Monthly Fees: Free
  • Local SGD Payments: Free
  • International Payments: 0.67 SGD fixed fee + variable fee based on currency (e.g., 0.4-1% for SGD, USD 8 for USD, EUR 10 for EUR, GBP 10 for GBP)
  • Foreign Exchange Markup: From 0.7%
  • Corporate cards: No monthly fees for additional corporate cards or expense management.

Key Differences Between Airwallex, Aspire and Traditional Banks

FeaturesAirwallexAspireTraditional Banks
FX FeesUp to 0.6%From 0.7%Typically 2-4%
International Payment Fees0.3%0.67 SGD fixed fee + variable fee based on currency$20-$40 or more per transfer
Account FeesNo account opening / monthly feesNo account opening / monthly feesBusiness accounts often have monthly fees
Local Payment FeesFree local currency transfers within SingaporeFree local currency transfers within SingaporeMay charge for inter-bank local transfers

Choosing the Right Digital Banking Solution

1. Airwallex

Airwallex is a strong contender for businesses that handle frequent international transactions and seek lower foreign exchange markups.

2. Aspire

Aspire is ideal for businesses that have local transactions and need corporate cards. 

Summary

When selecting between Aspire and Airwallex, consider your business’s specific needs. Aspire offers simplicity for local usage, while Airwallex shines in international transactions and lower FX markups. Both platforms significantly undercut traditional banks, offering SMEs a modern and efficient banking solution.

Experience the Counto advantage

Counto is the trusted provider of accounting, tax preparation 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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