Sommario:WorldFirst, established in 2004, is an Australia-based, ASIC-regulated financial services organization that specializes in global business payments and currency conversion. Its key features include multi-currency accounts, foreign exchange solutions, and virtual debit cards, all with no continuing maintenance fees, making it suitable for e-commerce businesses and SMEs.
WorldFirst Review Summary | |
Founded | 2004 |
Registered Country/Region | Australia |
Regulation | ASIC (regulated); FCA (Exceeded) |
Products & Services | Currency exchange, international payments, multi-currency accounts, virtual debit card, mass payments, forward contracts |
Customer Support | Phone (Australia): 1800 326 667 |
Phone (NZ): 0800 666 114 | |
Phone (International): +61 2 8298 4990 | |
Email: media@worldfirst.com |
WorldFirst, established in 2004, is an Australia-based, ASIC-regulated financial services organization that specializes in global business payments and currency conversion. Its key features include multi-currency accounts, foreign exchange solutions, and virtual debit cards, all with no continuing maintenance fees, making it suitable for e-commerce businesses and SMEs.
Pros | Cons |
Regulated by ASIC | Primarily tailored to businesses, not individuals |
Free multi-currency account and same-day transfers | |
Transparent and capped FX conversion fees | |
Long operational history |
WorldFirst is a regulated financial institution. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has approved World First Pty Ltd as a Market Maker. This licence is active and valid.
Furthermore, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) granted it a payment services licence. However, its current FCA status is “Exceeded”, implying that the license may no longer be active or in compliance.
Regulated Authority | Current Status | Regulated Country | License Type | License No. |
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Regulated | Australia | Market Maker (MM) | 000331945 |
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Exceeded | UK | Payment License | 900508 |
WorldFirst is clearly positioned as a B2B (business-to-business) solution, with a focus on cross-border payments, foreign exchange services, and account management for worldwide trade.
Product/Service | Features | Supported |
Multi-Currency Accounts | World Account – for global business needs | ✔ |
Marketplace Collection | Get paid by Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, etc. | ✔ |
Client Invoicing | Receive payments directly from clients | ✔ |
Fund Transfers | Send funds to business partners or suppliers | ✔ |
FX Services | Spot contracts, forward contracts, firm orders | ✔ |
World Card Payments | Pay using World Card | ✔ |
Corporate Payments | Solutions for importers/exporters | ✔ |
China Payments | Direct payments into China | ✔ |
Team & Account Management | Admin tools for internal teams | ✔ |
Software Integration | Integrate with accounting systems like Xero | ✔ |
WorldFirst's rates are often lower than industry standards, particularly for organizations that handle cross-border payments and FX. The majority of essential services are free, and where costs do apply (for example, currency exchange), they are clearly capped or maintained to a minimal percentage.
Service Category | Details | Fee |
Account Opening & Maintenance | Open and maintain World Account | 0 |
Local & Global Currency Accounts | 20+ currencies | |
Ongoing Account Fees | Unlimited users, team management | |
Dedicated Support | Phone, chat, and email support | |
Receiving & Holding Payments | Receive payments from marketplaces/clients | |
Fund Your Account | From personal or business account | |
Hold Funds | Up to 20+ currencies | |
Payments & Currency Conversion | Local AUD/NZD payments | |
Other Currency Payments | Local/cross-border (non-AUD/NZD) | From 0.4%, capped at AUD 15 |
Payments to Other World Accounts | Anywhere, instant | 0 |
Payments to 1688 | Instant to suppliers | Up to 0.8% |
FX for Major Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY | Up to 0.6% |
FX for Minor Currencies | 40+ currencies | From 0.67% |
Forward Contracts | Risk management solution | Up to 0.2%/month |
Full Value Transfer (FVT) - USA/UK/EEA | Ensures full amount is received | 0 |
FVT - Other Countries | Fixed AUD 25 | |
World Card (Debit Card) | Application, 25 users, usage | 0 |
Currency Not Held in Balance | FX conversion at WorldFirst or Mastercard | Up to 1.5% |
Tools & Integrations | Mass payments, Xero, NetSuite integration | 0 |
FXTM
Exness
DBG Markets
XM
GMI
CPT Markets
FXTM
Exness
DBG Markets
XM
GMI
CPT Markets
FXTM
Exness
DBG Markets
XM
GMI
CPT Markets
FXTM
Exness
DBG Markets
XM
GMI
CPT Markets