Abstract: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 |