Airwallex vs Grasshopper.
Airwallex (A77/100) and Grasshopper (G72/100), scored on the same six pillars and compared row-by-row. Every cell is sourced from licence registers and live pricing pages, not opinion. Airwallex leads Grasshopper 4-2.
| A Airwallex №14 · FCA 77 /100 | G Grasshopper №29 · OCC 72 /100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Composite score Out of 100 | 77 /100 | 72 /100 |
| Fees | ||
| Monthly fee Cheapest paid tier (€0 if free) | €0 Free tier | €0 Free tier |
| FX markup Debit card abroad | 0.40% | Interbank |
| Free FX / month EUR equivalent | €0 | €0 |
| Free ATM Before fee kicks in | — | — |
| Protection | ||
| Banking licence Tier | Partner-bank FCA | Partner-bank OCC |
| Deposit guarantee Per depositor | €100,000 SG.SDIC | $250,000 US.FDIC |
| Reach | ||
| Markets served Licensed jurisdictions | 50 countries | 1 country |
| Crypto Coins available | No | No |
| Stocks & ETFs Self-directed | No | No |
| UX | ||
| Trustpilot Customer score | 4.0 ★ 5k reviews | — |
| App store iOS + Android avg | 4.5 ★ iOS 4.6 · And 4.4 | 4.2 ★ iOS 4.3 · And 4.0 |
| Read review → | Read review → | |
Pick Airwallex if…
The global multi-currency payments and operating-account platform with the broadest footprint in the SMB category — 23 currencies, local accounts in 10+ jurisdictions, local-account receiving in 60+ countries, multi-jurisdiction licensing (AU AFSL + MAS MPI + HKMA MSO + FCA EMI + US state money-transmitter), volume-based FX pricing, and issuing API for embedded card programmes. Structurally the most comprehensive cross-border AP / AR platform in the category, sitting between Wise Business (consumer-and-SMB cross-border) and Stripe (acquiring + payments) in the global-SMB stack. The embedded-finance API is the structural moat versus Aspire and Wise Business — marketplaces and SaaS platforms build payouts and card-issuing on Airwallex infrastructure rather than running multiple regional bank relationships.
Pick Grasshopper if…
The OCC-chartered US national bank for startups — the structural distinction from Mercury / Brex / Bluevine / Rho is that Grasshopper IS the bank. Direct FDIC cover at the chartered-bank level, multi-bank Cash Sweep extending to $25M. Free business checking with API access. The structural fit for US-incorporated startups wanting a real bank relationship rather than a partner-bank fintech.
- Best for fees Grasshopper won 1 of 4
- Best for protection Grasshopper won 1 of 2
- Best for reach Airwallex won 1 of 3
- Best for ux Airwallex won 2 of 2
Airwallex vs Grasshopper — FAQ
Quick answers to the four questions the search-bar asks most about a head-to-head.
Is Airwallex better than Grasshopper?
Under our v3 methodology, Airwallex leads Grasshopper 4–2 across 12 dimensions. Composite scores: Airwallex 77/100 vs Grasshopper 72/100. Airwallex is stronger overall, but the right pick depends on which row matters most to you — fees, protection, reach, or app quality.
Is Airwallex or Grasshopper cheaper?
Monthly fee — Airwallex: €0; Grasshopper: €0. Card FX markup — Airwallex: 0.40%; Grasshopper: Interbank. Grasshopper wins more fee rows (1 of 4). See the Fees section of the matrix above for ATM caps and the rest.
Which is safer for deposits, Airwallex or Grasshopper?
Airwallex holds a Partner-bank licence under FCA; deposit guarantee per depositor: €100,000. Grasshopper holds a Partner-bank licence under OCC; deposit guarantee per depositor: $250,000. Grasshopper is the stronger pick on regulatory protection.
Where can I use Airwallex and Grasshopper?
Airwallex operates in 50 countries; Grasshopper operates in 1 country. Check each provider's signup page for the live country list — eligibility depends on residency, not just the licence footprint.
Want a 3- or 4-way comparison?
The dynamic compare picker handles up to four banks. Add this pair plus one or two more and we'll resolve every row.