Airwallex vs TransFi (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. TransFi is best for businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries.
| 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: businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries | TransFi | TransFi is built for this. |
How do Airwallex and TransFi compare at a glance?
| Attribute | Airwallex | TransFi |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Registered Indian companies collecting multi-currency and paying suppliers globally | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Fees | No USD receive fee; free local payouts; Explore plan no monthly fee | Not published; India not on supported countries list |
| FX markup | 0.60% for INR (0.40% majors), Singapore schedule; India rate not confirmed | Not confirmed; no FX markup published |
| Settlement | States ~90% processed within hours to one business day | Not confirmed for India |
| FIRA | No auto FIRA; FIRC on request; partner fee may apply | Not confirmed; not mentioned on official pages |
| Currencies | Receive 20+ currencies from 70+ countries; INR payouts to India | States 40+ currencies, 100+ tokens; INR not confirmed |
| RBI status | Not confirmed; not on RBI list, no PA-CB claim | Not confirmed; no RBI authorisation documented |
| Indian individuals | No, registered businesses only | Not confirmed; India not on supported list |
| Indian businesses | Yes, via Airwallex Singapore, subject to checks | Not confirmed; India not on supported list |
| 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; KYB levels are triggered by per-transaction, daily or monthly cumulative thresholds, which TransFi asks customers to obtain from their BD Manager or support |
How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 with Airwallex vs TransFi?
Each row applies the platform's published fee, FX markup and GST on the fee to the XE mid-market rate for 4 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 |
| TransFi, $2,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| TransFi, $5,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| TransFi, $10,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
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 TransFi and who is it for?
TransFi is a cross-border payments infrastructure company offering collections, payouts, treasury and fiat-to-stablecoin conversion through an API and business products such as BizPay and Checkout. It routes payments over stablecoin rails and supports digital assets such as USDT and USDC. India does not appear on the Supported Countries list in its developer documentation (updated 4 August 2026), so it is not a confirmed route for Indian residents receiving money from abroad.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed; TransFi's policy page lists an affiliate, Trans-Fi India Private Limited, but documents no RBI authorisation
- Used by: Not confirmed for Indian businesses. India is not on the Supported Countries list in the developer documentation, although the homepage mentions India in a South Asia section.
- Best for: Businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries
How do Airwallex and TransFi 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 TransFi charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: Virtual account (IBAN) for bank transfers, e.g. EUR | Not confirmed | Documented for supported countries; availability to Indian residents not confirmed | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Receiving: Local payment methods (bank transfer, cards, wallets) via payin order | Not confirmed | Funds land on the TransFi balance in the chosen currency, which can be a stablecoin | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Receiving: Crypto or stablecoin deposit address | Not confirmed | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Currency conversion to INR | Not confirmed; no FX markup is published | When foreign currency is converted | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Not confirmed. TransFi documents settlement from the TransFi balance to a bank account but publishes no INR payout route or cost for Indian recipients. | When INR is sent to your account | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Account and transaction fees | As agreed between TransFi and the customer; not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| GST on fees | Not confirmed; no GST treatment is stated | Applies to the platform's fee | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
How do Airwallex and TransFi compare on settlement speed?
- Airwallex: Airwallex states about 90% of transfers to India are processed within a few hours to one business day
- TransFi: Not confirmed for India; TransFi states collected money lands on the TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to a bank account, but no India settlement time is stated
| 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 |
| TransFi | Not confirmed for India | Not confirmed; no INR payout route published | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
Do Airwallex and TransFi 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 |
| TransFi | Not confirmed; not mentioned on official pages | Not confirmed; no RBI authorisation documented | 30 Sept 2026 | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
Which currencies, countries and payment methods do Airwallex and TransFi 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 |
| TransFi | States 40+ currencies, 100+ tokens; INR not confirmed | Virtual account (IBAN) for bank transfers, e.g. EUR; Local payment methods (bank transfer, cards, wallets) via payin order; Crypto or stablecoin deposit address | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
What are the strengths and limitations of Airwallex and TransFi?
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
TransFi
- Collection options: Supports bank transfers, cards, local wallets, virtual accounts and crypto deposits in supported countries
- Stablecoin rails: Converts between fiat and digital assets within one platform
- API-first: Developer documentation covers collections, payouts, settlements and webhooks
- Registration disclosed: TransFi Canada Inc. states a FINTRAC Money Service Business registration (M24519990)
- India coverage: India is not on the Supported Countries list in TransFi's developer documentation
- Pricing: No public fee schedule or FX markup; fees are agreed per customer
- India compliance: No FIRA/FIRC, purpose code handling for Indian exports or RBI authorisation is documented
- Digital assets: Flows that involve crypto or stablecoins may not suit Indian exporters who need standard inward remittance documentation
Should you choose Airwallex or TransFi?
- Choose Airwallex if: you need registered Indian companies that want multi-currency collection accounts and also pay suppliers globally.
- Choose TransFi if: you need businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries.
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 TransFi?
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 | ₹4,69,887 | 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 | ₹4,67,542 | 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 | ₹4,64,528 | 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 | ₹4,64,149 | 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 4 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)
- TransFi homepage, 40+ currencies, 130+ digital assets; South Asia section (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Supported Countries, Country list, updated 2026-08-04; India not listed (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collections, Four ways to collect; funds land on TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to bank (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collect via a Virtual Account (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collect with a Local Payment Method (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: KYB levels for Business User (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Compliance Policies, FINTRAC MSB M24519990; Annexure A group entities (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Business Services Agreement, Definition of Fees (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Payment Methods, 40+ currencies and 100+ tokens; 100+ countries (checked 6 Oct 2026)
FAQs about Airwallex vs TransFi
Is Airwallex or TransFi 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 TransFi?
Airwallex states: Airwallex states about 90% of transfers to India are processed within a few hours to one business day. TransFi states: Not confirmed for India; TransFi states collected money lands on the TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to a bank account, but no India settlement time is stated.
Do Airwallex and TransFi 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. TransFi: Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC is mentioned on TransFi's official pages. Check the platform's own pricing page before relying on these figures.
Are Airwallex and TransFi 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. TransFi: Not confirmed; TransFi's policy page lists an affiliate, Trans-Fi India Private Limited, but documents no RBI authorisation.
Can Indian freelancers use both Airwallex and TransFi?
Airwallex, individuals: No. Airwallex states it is unable to offer personal accounts to individuals; applicants must be officially registered, active businesses TransFi, individuals: Not confirmed. TransFi's products are aimed at businesses, and India is not on its documented Supported Countries list. Eligibility can change, so confirm on each platform's sign-up pages.
Should I switch from Airwallex to TransFi?
Switch only if TransFi 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.