Azimo or World First – 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
World First
Phone
If you take the World First 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, World First does slightly better, at 9.1.
Whether you should use the services of World First or Azimo depends on different factors. I have divided this comparison 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. World First 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.
World First
- The World First website gives you access to live rates and graphs.
- 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 World First, the fees you pay for your transfer depend upon multiple factors.
Azimo
- 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.
World First
- The World First website you use affects the fees you have to pay.
- With the UK-based website, no transfer fees apply. However, the minimum you can transfer is £1,000.
- If you use the U.S.-based website, transfers under USD $10,000 attract USD $10 in fees. Transfers over this amount are free.
- Its website for the Hong Kong market requires that you transfer at least HK $100,000. You do not have to pay any transfer fees.
- You can view the latest fee structures of different World First websites at WorldFirst.com/uk/, WorldFirst.com/us/, WorldFirst.com/au/, WorldFirst.com/en-fr/, WorldFirst.com/en-jp/, WorldFirst.com/en-cn/, WorldFirst.com/en-sg/ or WorldFirst.com/en-hk/.
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.
Azimo
Click here to view the list of Azimo supported countries.
World First
Check the list of countries below supported by World First.
Ease of Use
Whether you sign up with World First 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
- 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.
World First
- You open an account by speaking to a World First representative over the phone.
- World First accept payments via electronic bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, CHAPS, and BACS.
- World First provides apps for iOS and Android.
Security
In this section of the World First 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).
World First
- World First UK Limited is regulated by the FCA and the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
- World First USA, Inc. is regulated by the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the U.S., and by FINTRAC in Canada.
- World First Private Limited is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- World First 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. World First lets you carry out regular overseas transfers easily.
Coupons
Whether you register with Azimo or World First, you will have access to promotions and offers from time to time, details of which you can find here.
Azimo
Azimo first transfer is fee free.
World First
World First and iCompareFX bring you an awesome offer for new account sign-ups. You can get your first two transfers fee free! Read more on how to activate and redeem your exclusive World First Coupon.
Read More
- Looking for an alternative to World First?
- Catch up on the World First awesome services and feature offerings
- Considering TransferWise or World First? 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