Airwallex vs Currenxie (2026): Which Is Better for Receiving International Payments in India?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
The better choice depends on how your clients pay and which documents you need. Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. Airwallex is best for registered Indian companies that want multi-currency collection accounts and also pay suppliers globally. The table compares both by use case using published information.
| Use case | Better option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Invoices around $2,000 | Not comparable | Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. |
| Invoices around $5,000 | Not comparable | Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. |
| Invoices around $10,000 | Not comparable | Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. |
| Need: registered Indian companies that want multi-currency collection accounts and also pay suppliers globally | Airwallex | Airwallex is built for this. |
| Need: incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence | Currenxie | Currenxie is built for this. |
How do Airwallex and Currenxie compare at a glance?
| Attribute | Airwallex | Currenxie |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Fees | No USD receive fee; free local payouts; Explore plan no monthly fee | USD 0.75 per local collection, USD 8.00 SWIFT, USD 3.00 India payout |
| FX markup | 0.60% for INR (0.40% majors), Singapore schedule; India rate not confirmed | States mid-market + 0.50% for INR (0.35% majors) |
| Settlement | States ~90% processed within hours to one business day | States same or next business day; India timing not confirmed |
| FIRA | No auto FIRA; FIRC on request; partner fee may apply | Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC mention |
| Currencies | Receive 20+ currencies from 70+ countries; INR payouts to India | Holds 15 currencies incl. USD, EUR, GBP, HKD; INR payouts to India |
| RBI status | Not confirmed; not on RBI list, no PA-CB claim | Not confirmed; no RBI claim, licensed elsewhere |
| Indian individuals | No, registered businesses only | No sole traders or personal accounts |
| Indian businesses | Yes, via Airwallex Singapore, subject to checks | Not confirmed for India-registered companies |
| Limits | Airwallex states most accounts have no deposit limit; transfer limits vary by method and are shown when creating a transfer. India-specific limits Not confirmed. | Not confirmed |
How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 with Airwallex vs Currenxie?
Each row applies the platform's published fee, FX markup and GST on the fee to the XE mid-market rate for 3 Nov 2026.
| Platform and invoice | Fee | FX markup | GST | INR received | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex, $2,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Airwallex, $5,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Airwallex, $10,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Currenxie, $2,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currenxie, $5,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currenxie, $10,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
What is Airwallex and who is it for?
Airwallex is a global business account provider that issues local collection account details (Global Accounts) in 20+ currencies. Its help centre lists India as an eligible business registration country, with Indian businesses onboarded to the Airwallex Singapore entity. An Indian company can collect foreign client payments into a Global Account, convert to INR and send the money to its Indian bank account by local transfer.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed. Airwallex is not on the RBI list of payment system authorisations dated 30 Sep 2026, and its pages make no PA-CB claim
- Used by: Yes. India is listed as an eligible registration country, with Indian businesses onboarded to Airwallex Singapore, subject to industry and risk checks
- Best for: Registered Indian companies that want multi-currency collection accounts and also pay suppliers globally
What is Currenxie and who is it for?
Currenxie is a Hong Kong headquartered payments company that offers a multi-currency Global Account with local virtual account details in several countries, FX conversion and outbound payments. It accepts companies only, not sole traders or personal use. An incorporated business could collect from foreign clients into its Currenxie balances and send INR to an Indian bank account through Currenxie's local India payout, but Currenxie publishes no India-specific onboarding, compliance or FIRA information.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state any RBI authorisation; it lists licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada
- Used by: Not confirmed for India-registered companies. Currenxie states it welcomes 'businesses registered in most countries, except those that are currently under international sanctions or deemed high risk' (India is not on its prohibited list) and cannot onboard US-registered businesses; it does not state which entity would contract with an Indian company
- Best for: Incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence
How do Airwallex and Currenxie fees and FX markup compare?
What does Airwallex charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: USD local account details in the US (ACH, Fedwire) | 0% Global Account receiving fee | FedNow and RTP only for eligible customers | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Receiving: SWIFT into a Global Account (USD, EUR, GBP and others) | 0% Global Account receiving fee | Intermediary bank charges are Not confirmed | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Receiving: Local GBP, EUR, SGD, AUD, CAD and other local account details | 0% for most currencies (0.60% for KRW, VND, BRL and MYR collections) | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Receiving: Online card payments | 3.60% + SGD 0.50 for international cards (Singapore schedule) | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Currency conversion to INR | 0.60% customer mark-up for INR (0.40% for major currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP), included in the exchange rate, per the Singapore fee schedule; optional API quote-lock premiums of 0.02% to 0.30% are extra; India-specific rate Not confirmed | When foreign currency is converted | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Convert the balance to INR with the 0.60% customer mark-up included in the rate and send by local transfer to the Indian bank account; the local payout fee is $0. SWIFT payouts cost SGD 20 (SHA) or SGD 35 (OUR). | When INR is sent to your account | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Explore plan | Free | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Grow plan | SGD 79/month | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Accelerate plan | From SGD 399/month | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| SWIFT payout | SGD 20 (SHA) or SGD 35 (OUR) per payout | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| FIRC | May be charged by the banking partner; quoted by support on request | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Extra spend users | SGD 5 per additional active spend user per month (5 free) | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| API FX quote validity premium (optional, API version 2024-06-30 or later) | 0.02% (1 minute) to 0.30% (24 hours), added to the FX mark-up | – | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| GST on fees | The Singapore fee schedule states fees are exclusive of GST where applicable. Whether Indian GST applies to Indian customers is Not confirmed. | Applies to the platform's fee | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
What does Currenxie charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: Local payment to virtual account details (US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico) | USD 0.75 per transfer | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Receiving: SWIFT payment received into the Hong Kong multi-currency account | USD 8.00 per transfer | Correspondent bank fees may apply and are outside Currenxie's control | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Receiving: Inter-client transfer from another Currenxie client | Processing fee waived; standard FX fees and any applicable non-standard fees still apply | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currency conversion to INR | States it uses the genuine mid-market rate plus a published FX fee: 0.50% for exchanges involving INR (Tier 3), 0.35% for major currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP; INR exchanges are excluded from volume-based FX discounts | When foreign currency is converted | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Convert balances to INR at mid-market plus a 0.50% FX fee, then send a local INR payment to an Indian bank account for USD 3.00 per transfer. Currenxie states new beneficiaries typically take one business day to activate; delivery time to India is Not confirmed | When INR is sent to your account | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Additional virtual account (one-time provisioning) | USD 8.00 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Inbound payment with incorrect beneficiary name | USD 40 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Returning an inbound payment | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Payment collection for offshore registered companies | 0.05% of received amount | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for offshore jurisdictions or listed industries | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Dormant account reactivation (no outgoing activity for 12 months) | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Team Visa cards (Hong Kong companies) | HKD 50 per month for up to 5, HKD 15 per additional card | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for complex corporate structures (three or more layers of ownership) | USD 500 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for companies with nominee shareholders | USD 250 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| GST on fees | Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state whether Indian GST applies to its fees | Applies to the platform's fee | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
How do Airwallex and Currenxie compare on settlement speed?
- Airwallex: Airwallex states about 90% of transfers to India are processed within a few hours to one business day
- Currenxie: States funds collected through virtual accounts are instantly available in the Global Account and that outgoing payments usually arrive on the same or next business day depending on the beneficiary bank's location; India-specific delivery time is Not confirmed
| Platform | Settlement to India | Payout route | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | States ~90% processed within hours to one business day | Convert to INR (0.60% markup in rate), $0 local transfer | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Currenxie | States same or next business day; India timing not confirmed | Mid-market + 0.50% FX, USD 3.00 per INR transfer; timing not confirmed | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
Do Airwallex and Currenxie provide FIRA and e-BRC, and are they RBI PA-CB authorised?
| Platform | FIRA and e-BRC | RBI status | Checked | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | No auto FIRA; FIRC on request; partner fee may apply | Not confirmed; not on RBI list, no PA-CB claim | 30 Sept 2026 | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Currenxie | Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC mention | Not confirmed; no RBI claim, licensed elsewhere | 30 Sept 2026 | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
Which currencies, countries and payment methods do Airwallex and Currenxie support?
| Platform | Currencies | Payment methods | Indian individuals | Indian businesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | Receive 20+ currencies from 70+ countries; INR payouts to India | USD local account details in the US (ACH, Fedwire); SWIFT into a Global Account (USD, EUR, GBP and others); Local GBP, EUR, SGD, AUD, CAD and other local account details; Online card payments | No, registered businesses only | Yes, via Airwallex Singapore, subject to checks | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally |
| Currenxie | Holds 15 currencies incl. USD, EUR, GBP, HKD; INR payouts to India | Local payment to virtual account details (US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico); SWIFT payment received into the Hong Kong multi-currency account; Inter-client transfer from another Currenxie client | No sole traders or personal accounts | Not confirmed for India-registered companies | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
What are the strengths and limitations of Airwallex and Currenxie?
Airwallex
- No receiving fee: 0% Global Account receiving fee for USD and most currencies
- Published FX margin: 0.60% for INR on the Singapore fee schedule, included in the quoted rate
- Multi-currency holding: funds can be held in major currencies before converting
- Wider toolkit: cards, bill pay and payment acceptance in one account
- Businesses only: no personal accounts for individuals or unregistered freelancers
- Offshore entity: Indian customers are onboarded to the Singapore entity, not an Indian one
- FIRC on request: not issued automatically, and the banking partner may charge for it
- No confirmed RBI status: Airwallex is not on the RBI authorisation list and makes no PA-CB claim
Currenxie
- Published pricing: collection, payout, SWIFT and FX fees are listed in USD on the pricing page
- Low collection fee: USD 0.75 per local payment received into a virtual account
- Several currencies: local receiving details in eight regions in one account
- Multiple licences: holds licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada
- Companies only: does not offer accounts to sole traders or for personal use, so Indian freelancers cannot open one
- No India-specific information: Currenxie publishes no FIRA, purpose code, GST or RBI information for Indian clients
- FX cost on INR: 0.50% fee for exchanges involving INR, with no volume discount, on top of the USD 3.00 payout fee
- Extra fees: non-standard fees apply, for example USD 40 to USD 75 for recalls, returns and amendments, and set-up fees for offshore or complex structures
Should you choose Airwallex or Currenxie?
- Choose Airwallex if: you need registered Indian companies that want multi-currency collection accounts and also pay suppliers globally.
- Choose Currenxie if: you need incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence.
For example, an exporter billing $5,000 a month: Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users.
Which other platforms should you consider besides Airwallex and Currenxie?
Other covered platforms ranked by the INR received on a $5,000 invoice.
| Platform | Fees | FX markup | FIRA | INR on $5,000 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skydo | $19 up to $2,000, $29 to $10,000, 0.3% above + GST | States zero FX margin at live rate | States instant, free FIRA per payment | ₹4,70,499 | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Razorpay | 1% per bank transfer (Rs 1,000 flat below Rs 1,00,000) + GST | States 0% markup on MoneySaver at live rate | FIRS within 24 hours of settlement; no charge listed | ₹4,68,151 | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | No inward, FIRC, SWIFT fee on current accounts; GST on conversion | Card rate, markup not published; 1.71% below mid-market on 7 Oct 2026 | Nil FIRC on current accounts; savings Rs 100 or nil | ₹4,65,132 | Service exporters wanting a current account without inward remittance fees |
| HDFC Bank | No inward charge; physical FIRC INR 200 + taxes; GST on conversion | Card rate ~1.79% below mid-market on 6 Oct 2026; markup unpublished | Physical FIRC INR 200; emailed advice free for trade | ₹4,64,754 | Existing HDFC customers wanting free SWIFT receipts or EEFC accounts |
How did we verify this?
Fees, FIRA terms and RBI status were checked on each platform's own pages and RBI sources on 30 Sept 2026. INR figures use the XE mid-market rate for 3 Nov 2026. The formula is on the methodology page.
- Airwallex Help: Eligible Countries and Territories, INDIA IN - AWX Legal Entity SINGAPORE (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Help: Eligibility to open an account, unable to offer personal accounts to individuals (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Singapore Fee Schedule, Customer Mark-Up / Margin (... INR ...) 0.60%; "The customer mark-up / margin will be included as the FX Exchange Rate"; Global Account Receiving Funds Fee 0% for other currencies; Local Payout Fee $0; 24-Hour Quote Validity 0.30%; "exclusive of GST (where applicable)" (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Singapore Pricing, Grow $79/month; Accelerate from $399/month; 3.60% + $0.50 international cards (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex: Send money to India (Singapore), Approximately 90% of transactions are processed within a few hours to one business day (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Help: What is an FIRC and how do I get one?, "there may be a fee associated with issuing an FIRC. This fee is not set by Airwallex; it is determined by our banking partner" (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Help: Which currencies can I get a Global Account in (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Help: Documents required for companies in other countries, Ultimate Beneficial owner ... more than 25% of the issued share capital (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Airwallex Help: Limits for transfers and deposits (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI: Certificates of Authorisation under the PSS Act (30 Sep 2026), Airwallex not listed (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Currenxie Pricing, Collect local payments USD 0.75 per transfer; Send local payments (... India ...) USD 3.00 per transfer; Tier 3 (... INR ...) 0.50% (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Currenxie homepage (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Who can apply? (Global Account), "We do not offer accounts for Sole Traders or for personal use." (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Is Currenxie regulated? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What documents are needed for opening a Global Account? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What documents can I use as proof of address? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Which countries and currencies are included in the Currenxie payment network? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What countries can I send and receive payments to and from? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What exchange rate is used for foreign exchange? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Schedule of additional and non-standard fees, Global Account set up for complex corporate structures (for companies that have three or more layers of ownership) $500; Global Account set up for nominee shareholdings $250 (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Are there any correspondent bank fees for transfers made with a Currenxie account? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Who can apply? (Currenxie Card) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Why does my account confirmation letter show Currenxie Technologies Limited? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Are there any fees associated with inter-client transfers? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- How do I send payments? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What is volume-based pricing? (updated 17 Sep 2026), "Out of scope currencies include: Any exchange with IDR, INR, MYR" (checked 7 Oct 2026)
FAQs about Airwallex vs Currenxie
Is Airwallex or Currenxie cheaper for receiving USD in India?
Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. At $2,000: Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. At $10,000: Neither platform publishes full pricing for Indian users. Figures use each platform's published pricing and today's reference rate, so check both pricing pages before you decide.
Which is faster, Airwallex or Currenxie?
Airwallex states: Airwallex states about 90% of transfers to India are processed within a few hours to one business day. Actual timing also depends on the payment method your client uses, cut-off times and bank holidays, so allow extra time for the first payment on either platform.
Do Airwallex and Currenxie both provide a FIRA?
Airwallex: No automatic FIRA; FIRC can be requested from support and is issued by Airwallex's banking partner, which may charge a fee that support will quote. Currenxie: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not mention FIRA or FIRC on its pricing page or in its help centre.
Are Airwallex and Currenxie authorised by RBI?
Airwallex: Not confirmed. Airwallex is not on the RBI list of payment system authorisations dated 30 Sep 2026, and its pages make no PA-CB claim. Currenxie: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state any RBI authorisation; it lists licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada.
Can Indian freelancers use both Airwallex and Currenxie?
Airwallex, individuals: No. Airwallex states it is unable to offer personal accounts to individuals; applicants must be officially registered, active businesses Currenxie, individuals: No. Currenxie states it does not offer accounts for sole traders or for personal use Eligibility can change, so confirm on each platform's sign-up pages.
Should I switch from Airwallex to Currenxie?
Switch only if Currenxie pays more on your usual invoice size or fits how your clients pay. Keep the Airwallex account open until every invoice sent with its details is paid, and download your FIRA or FIRC records first. Check the platform's own pricing page before relying on these figures.