Azimo or WorldFirst – the questions surrounding which of these companies is better continue to make the rounds. If these questions trouble you as well, going through this detailed comparison will go a long way toward providing the answers. In the end, no matter which of these companies you choose, you will be better off than turning to the big banks.
Azimo
WorldFirst
Phone
0.15% - 0.5%
Fee on top of inter-bank rate is based on total transfers for the year.
0.5% < £500k
0.25% < £5m
0.15% > £5m
If you take the WorldFirst vs. Azimo comparison to Trustpilot, you will see that customers of both companies have rated them well. While Azimo scores 9.0 out of 10, WorldFirst averages at 8.5 out of 10.
Whether you should use the services of WorldFirst or Azimo depends on different factors. This comparison is divided into multiple sections to simplify the decision making process:
- Exchange Rates
- Fees
- Countries
- Ease of Use
- Security
- Regular Overseas Payments
- Coupons
Worldwide Money Transfer Exchange Rates
Given the volatility in exchange rates, this section of the Azimo vs. WorldFirst comparison does not yield a clear winner. To find out which of these companies provides better rates on any given day, you have to compare the rates offered at that time. When compared to most banks, both provide better rates.
Azimo
- You can visit the Azimo website and use its currency calculator. This gives you an indication of the existing inter-bank rate, which this company uses as a benchmark.
- You find out the actual transfer rate before you initiate a transfer
- The transfer method you choose can have a bearing on the exchange rate you receive.
WorldFirst
- WorldFirst makes use of existing interbank rates to process all transfers, while charging a transparent margin
- You may use live rate graphs and tables provided by WorldFirst to get an indication of prevailing interbank rates.
- The company informs you of the actual transfer rate before you finalize a transfer.
- You can sign up for free rate alerts.
Overseas money Transfer Fees
Whether you use the services of Azimo or WorldFirst, the fees you pay for your transfer depend upon multiple factors.
Azimo
- The calculator on the Azimo homepage lets you calculate the cost of your transfer.
- The transfer method and the destination country can have a bearing on the total fees payable. For example, an electronic bank transfer is typically less expensive than a SWIFT transfer.
- You find out about the fees Azimo charges before the transfer.
WorldFirst
- The company follows a transparent pricing band, where fees vary depending on your expected annual transfer amount (refer to table below)
- Minimum and maximum transfer limits may vary depending on your country of residence
- The company charges nominal fees from businesses and online sellers
- You can view the current fee structure in the table below.
WorldFirst Money Transfer Fees Table
| Annual Transfer Amount | £0-£500k / AUD$0-$750K | £500k-£5M / AUD$750k – $7.5M</> | £5M+ / AUD$7.5M |
| Real Exchange Rate Plus Fee | 0.50% | 0.25% | 0.15% |
Destination Countries for Send Money Internationally
Both companies provide the ability to transfer funds in different currencies, to a number of countries. Both companies make revisions to these lists over time.
- Check this page to view the list of Azimo supported countries.
- Read this review to check the list of currencies and countries supported by WorldFirst.
Ease of Use
Whether you sign up with WorldFirst or Azimo, the online application process takes only a few minutes. Expect both companies to verify the details you provide before activating your account.
Azimo
- You may sign up as an individual or a business
- The company lets you use your Facebook account to register.
- You can access the Azimo website in English, Dutch, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
- Transferring funds to cash pickup centers is an option with some countries.
- You can top off mobile phone number accounts for some countries.
- Accepted modes of payment include electronic bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.
- German and Austrian customers can make payments via Sofort Überweisung.
- If you live in Spain or Italy, you can make payments via Trustly.
- The company accepts payments via iDEAL from residents of Netherlands.
- To transfer funds on the move, you can use Azimo apps for iOS and Android.
WorldFirst
- The company serves individuals, businesses, and online sellers
- You may open an account by speaking to a WorldFirst representative over the phone.
- Access to the WorldFirst website comes in different languages.
- You may integrate your World Account with Xero and seamlessly reconcile payments to and from matching currency accounts with worrying about currency conversion fees.
- WorldFirst accept payments via electronic bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, CHAPS, and BACS.
- WorldFirst provides apps for iOS and Android.
Security
In this section of the WorldFirst vs. Azimo comparison, both companies rank highly. Both hold client money in segregated accounts. Websites of both companies use high levels of encryption, so the details you provide online remain secure.
Azimo
Azimo Limited is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
WorldFirst
- WorldFirst UK Limited is regulated by the FCA and the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
- WorldFirst Private Limited is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- WorldFirst Asia Limited is regulated by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Regular Overseas Payments
If you want to set up regular transfers, Azimo is not the answer. WorldFirst lets you carry out regular overseas transfers easily.
Coupons
Whether you register with Azimo or WorldFirst, you will have access to promotions and offers from time to time, details of which you can find here.
- Azimo provides free-free transfers for new customers, no matter whether you sign up as an individual or a business. You also stand to win rewards through its Invite a Friend program.
- There are no ongoing promotions from WorldFirst.
Read More
- Looking for an alternative to WorldFirst?
- Catch up on the WorldFirst awesome services and feature offerings
- Considering TransferWise or WorldFirst? Find out more with this feature comparison.
Rogelio says
Hi my name is Rogelio I sent monex from Austria to Mexico today at 7:45 in the morning, so, I would like to ask when the receiver can pick up the money? in mexico?
Thank you in advance for your feedback!.
Kr
Rogelio
iCompareFX says
Hi Rogelio,
Which provider did you send through? Azimo or World First?
You should contact your provider customer service or account manager when following up on funds in transit.
Best regards,
The iCompareFX Team