Airwallex vs Zand.
Airwallex (A77/100) and Zand (Z77/100), scored on the same six pillars and compared row-by-row. Every cell is sourced from licence registers and live pricing pages, not opinion. Zand leads Airwallex 4-3.
| A Airwallex №14 · FCA 77 /100 | Z Zand №15 · CBUAE 77 /100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Composite score Out of 100 | 77 /100 | 77 /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 | Full bank CBUAE |
| Deposit guarantee Per depositor | €100,000 SG.SDIC | €250,000 AE.DPS |
| Reach | ||
| Markets served Licensed jurisdictions | 50 countries | 1 country |
| Crypto Coins available | No | No |
| Stocks & ETFs Self-directed | No | Yes |
| 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 Zand if…
UAE's first fully-digital full bank — CBUAE-licensed since 2021. Holds its own banking licence (not a partner-bank). Both retail and corporate banking offered. Adds full-bank diversity to the UAE set alongside Wio.
- Best for fees Zand won 1 of 4
- Best for protection Zand won 2 of 2
- Best for reach Tied
- Best for ux Airwallex won 2 of 2
Airwallex vs Zand — FAQ
Quick answers to the four questions the search-bar asks most about a head-to-head.
Is Airwallex better than Zand?
Under our v3 methodology, Zand leads Airwallex 4–3 across 12 dimensions. Composite scores: Airwallex 77/100 vs Zand 77/100. Zand is stronger overall, but the right pick depends on which row matters most to you — fees, protection, reach, or app quality.
Is Airwallex or Zand cheaper?
Monthly fee — Airwallex: €0; Zand: €0. Card FX markup — Airwallex: 0.40%; Zand: Interbank. Zand 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 Zand?
Airwallex holds a Partner-bank licence under FCA; deposit guarantee per depositor: €100,000. Zand holds a Full bank licence under CBUAE; deposit guarantee per depositor: €250,000. Zand is the stronger pick on regulatory protection.
Where can I use Airwallex and Zand?
Airwallex operates in 50 countries; Zand 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.