The complete business account comparison guide

The options for those moving away from traditional banking and towards a new fintech business bank account can feel endless. Over the last decade, innovation in the financial sector has flourished, with more businesses looking to take advantage of the digital payments revolution. 

However, taking the plunge and switching to a neo-bank or electronic money institution can be daunting for those used to traditional banking. 

In this article, we’ll take you through the different directions your brand could take and why we believe 3S Money is the genuine business banking alternative.

For many business owners looking to expand globally, the bureaucratic nature of traditional banking has put a stranglehold on innovation for decades. Since the financial crash of 2008, fintech and neo-banks have continued to flourish by offering businesses financial services fit for today’s fast-moving world. 

Ultimately, fintech organisations can adapt and innovate in ways that high-street banks struggle to do. Here are five examples of why fintech banking differs so radically from traditional banking:

1. Less bureaucracy.
2. An firm belief in innovation.
3. Quicker and friendlier customer service.
4. Uncomplicated and intuitive online interfaces.
5. Truly global services to help businesses connect internationally.

For businesses looking to grow, develop and collaborate nationally and internationally, a business bank account with a fintech organisation makes sense.
 

No matter the size of your company, it’s essential to set out your organisation’s priorities before signing up with a challenger bank. Here are the top 5 main factors you should consider when choosing your new business account:

1. Competitive exchange rates

Exchange rates can vary significantly between different organisations. We suggest deep diving into as many numbers as possible before signing up for a new business bank account. Hefty fees on international payments can significantly impact your business’s finances in the long term.

2. Low international payment fees

International bank accounts will often add charges for international payments. The cost of these fees will change from bank to bank, but some may charge a percentage commission on the payment, while others may offer a flat fee for each payment, depending on the country.

3. Residential document requirements

Trust us - we understand how frustrating it can be when banks don’t accept certain residential documents. Our company was founded on the principle of ease of use for companies worldwide, regardless of residency. Many other challenger banks may be stricter with their document requirements, so check this before applying for a business account.

4. Customer service levels

It’s no secret that traditional banks have an appalling customer service record. Thankfully, challenger banks often have the flexibility to provide quick, professional assistance to their clients. For instance, at 3S Money, we assign a dedicated Client Manager to every one of our clients, with a response to queries within 20 minutes.

5. Multicurrency capabilities

Having multicurrency capabilities is important for business bank account users because it enables them to engage in international business transactions and expand their customer base beyond their domestic market.
 

3S Money has a unique offering for businesses across the globe and one that we think is at the very top of fintech innovation - but we’ll dig deeper into that a bit later. This section will take you through other international business accounts in today’s thriving market.

AirWallex is an Australian payments provider that was founded in 2015. The company has since expanded massively, offering various options to companies worldwide.

What do they offer?

AirWallex allows clients to open 11 different bank accounts with multi-currency options and the ability to both receive and send payments internationally. Their fees vary from 0.5% to 1%, depending on the currency used. 

While this challenger bank operates internationally, they only offer physical cards to their Australian-based clients (this is due to change in the coming months, with US and UK companies able to apply for physical cards soon). 

How do they compare to 3S Money?

While AirWallex offers a range of currencies and an all-in-one dashboard, they don’t come close to 3S Money’s offering. AirWallex provides its clients access to 11 currencies within their multi-currency account package, while 3S Money offers over 65.
 

Revolut is one of the heavyweights within the global fintech sector. Founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Nikolay Storonsky, the challenger bank has grown significantly in the last few years with tens of millions of users. Revolut offers international personal and business accounts as well as Cryptocurrency support.

What do they offer?

Revolut has a variety of packages within its international business account offering. The Standard tier gives your business access to a UK current account and the ability to send and receive payments with a European IBAN bank account.

Businesses with Revolut bank accounts can also initiate money transfers internationally free of charge in 30 currencies based on the interbank exchange rate. Revolut also has dedicated accounting integration and both freelance and company plans.

How do they compare to 3S Money?

Unlike 3S Money, Revolut does not offer a dedicated Client Manager for every account holder and doesn’t offer nearly the same number of currencies. 3S Money also gives clients access to high-value payment specialists and a credit line of $10 million, which Revolut does not.
 

Founded a little earlier than their competitors, WorldFirst opened its doors in 2004, offering cross-border FX transfers and international payments to small and medium-sized companies. The company has transformed into a global fintech with over 500 employees.

What do they offer?

WorldFirst’s international business account allows clients to receive payments from 100+ global marketplaces. The fintech also makes safety a big part of its USP, with real-time fraud monitoring and two-factor authentication on logins. A quick sign-up process and no minimum transaction limits are other benefits of using a WorldFirst account. 

How do they compare to 3S Money?

WorldFirst’s safety credentials are similar to those of 3S Money, while the latter’s multi-currency offering, and dedicated Client Managers give 3S Money the edge.
 

Wise is one of the most recognisable EMIs in the market. Founded in 2011 as TransferWise and based in the UK, the firm allows users to create business and personal bank accounts with ease of use at the top of their priorities.

What do they offer?

Wise does not charge users monthly account fees, but there is still a £45 set-up cost. You can hold 50+ currencies in your account with no extra cost and have access to 170+ countries. You can transfer money internationally with fees starting from 0.41% (this will change depending on the country). 

In terms of receiving money, you will have access to 9 currencies: AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HUF, NZD, RON, SGD, and USD. Wise Business makes ‘no hidden fees’ a key USP for their account offering. 

How do they compare to 3S Money?

Wise does not offer a dedicated Client Manager and doesn’t reach the 65+ currencies that 3S Money provides its clients. High-value payment specialists and a credit line of up to $10m are other services at 3S Money but not at Wise.
 

Payoneer was founded in New York in 2005 and has since developed into one of the larger fintech organisations offering dedicated international business accounts.

What do they offer?

Payoneer provides business account users access to USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, and CNH and doesn’t charge any initial account fees. Their FX rate varies between 0.5%-2%, and the company charges a fee of up to 2% for sending payments and a 1-3% fee for receiving payments into the business account. 

However, receiving and sending payments becomes free if the other user also has a Payoneer account. You’ll be charged a 29.95 USD annual fee if your account becomes inactive.

How do they compare to 3S Money?

With a higher FX rate, access to fewer currencies and no dedicated Client Managers, it’s clear to see the areas where Payoneer is lagging behind 3S Money.
 

Ebury was founded in 2009 and, as of 2023, has expanded its offices to over 30 locations worldwide. Ebury aims to simplify global trade with FX risk management, international payments, trade finance and currency accounts.

What do they offer?

Ebury offers IBAN bank details for over 30 countries, often issued within hours, and FX hedging and global payment solutions in 130+ countries. Ebury provides clients with a dedicated Relationship Manager and a fully integrated payment platform.

How do they compare to 3S Money?

While impressive, Ebury’s currency and global bank offering don’t match 3S Money’s International Business Account regarding financial reach.

Our clients can send and receive payments in 65+ currencies and 190+ countries. Those extra numbers matter when you’re looking to expand internationally and could enable access to markets crucial for your business.
 

3S Money was created in 2018 out of frustration with the status quo. The story starts in the Netherlands, where our founders were ready to start a new business venture. However, without Dutch passports, they couldn’t open a business account.

After being restricted from the Dutch banking system, they decided to push back against banking bureaucracy and develop a company that stood for international growth and entrepreneurship.

Fast forward, 3S Money has a team of 150+ employees in five international offices and processed $3 billion in client payments.

What do we offer?

3S Money is a cross-border payment platform for international businesses. We offer local EU, UK and US account details and the ability to send, collect and exchange payments in 190 + countries and 65+ currencies. 

We prioritise being fully transparent with our fees, which are kept as low as possible: incoming payments are free, while outgoing payments cost just $1.

On top of these competitive fees, 3S Money prioritises customer service and ease of use. Each client is assigned a dedicated Client Manager available within 20 minutes (unlike Wise and Revolut).
 

3S Money offers a refreshingly simple approach to business payments and can support you in every stage of your growth journey. We can help clients from diverse industries with complex structures and unique payment needs. Here’s an overview of the features we offer:

• Access to international payment and banking networks markets. 

• The ability to freely collect, send, and exchange payments in over 190+ countries.

• Instant access to 65+ currencies with 5x cheaper FX rates than high-street banks.

• Local business IBANs in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, and Luxembourg.

• 100% online account management for up to 10 users.

• A dedicated Client Manager that speaks your language.

Ultimately, growth is the name of the game in business. Entering a secure and meaningful financial partnership will help lay the foundations of success for you, your company, and your clients.

If you’re searching for a way to digitise your economic life, embrace alternative banking, or simply gain access to new markets internationally - 3S Money has got you covered.