Starting your first business? One of the earliest and most frustrating lessons is realizing that getting paid across borders isn’t as simple as clicking a button. You assume you’ll just “use Airwallex” and the payments will start rolling in, but then reality kicks in: your company is registered in one country, your customers are in another, and the currencies you need? Not always supported.
That’s where things get tricky, and that’s exactly what this guide helps you sort out. We’re walking through how to create an Airwallex business account, specifically if you’re setting up from outside the U.S. or U.K., or coming from a region that might face restrictions. Let’s make sure your setup actually works for the payments you want to accept.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an Airwallex business account, understand all the requirements, and find the right approach if you’re a nonresident or from a restricted country.
What Is an Airwallex Business Account and How Does It Work?
Let’s assume some of you want to know what exactly Airwallex is. And this section is for them.
Think of Airwallex like that smart friend who knows how to move money across borders without getting ripped off. It’s not a traditional bank. It’s more like a global financial toolkit for businesses.
Airwallex business accounts are ideal for founders handling global payments or managing clients across multiple countries.
- You can open multi-currency accounts (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.) without flying to those countries.
- You can receive payments, pay international suppliers, and even issue cards for your team.
- It cuts out messy conversions, banking delays, and random hidden fees.
Basically, if your business deals with international clients, Airwallex helps you look and operate like a local, everywhere.
Airwallex Overview: History, Features, and Global Presence
Started in Melbourne back in 2015, Airwallex wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was built by four friends trying to solve a currency payment headache for their own café supplies business. Today? It’s one of the top global fintech players in the cross-border payment game.
- Headquarters: Melbourne’s where the story began, and it’s still the heart of the company. But big teams are also based in London, San Francisco, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- What they’re really good at: Think borderless business tools: multi-currency accounts without the headache, smart FX features, cards that work worldwide, online payments that just flow, and APIs that developers don’t have to fight with.
- Where they operate: They’re active in 130+ countries, support over 50 currencies, and offer 11+ local account setups. So your money moves like it lives there.
- Who they work with: From scrappy startup founders and eCom hustlers to creative crews and major SaaS names, basically, anyone tired of getting wrecked by FX fees when doing business globally.
- Fun fact: By 2023, Airwallex was already moving over $100 billion a year. Not bad, right?
So, if you’re a global founder looking for a serious business wallet that’s more than just a bank alternative, Airwallex is probably already on your radar for good reason.
Airwallex Supported Countries and Currencies (2025 Update)
At this point, let’s talk about the Airwallex supported countries & currencies.
Before you apply, just make sure your company’s being set up in a country that Airwallex actually supports. In 2025, that supported countries’ list includes the U.S., UK, Australia, Singapore, and several countries across the EU. (Russia & Belarus are still off-limits.)
Airwallex supported currencies include USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, SGD, etc., but not every currency is available under every business registry location. This matters when you plan to receive funds.
Your Airwallex business account requirements may vary slightly depending on the country where your company is registered.
Airwallex Business Account Requirements (Complete Checklist)
Before you create your Airwallex business account, it’s important to prepare the right documents. Airwallex takes compliance and verification seriously, so even a small mismatch can delay your approval.
Here’s a complete checklist of what you’ll need:
Required Documents and Information
- Company Registration Documents
Your official formation papers — such as the Certificate of Formation or Articles of Organization — prove your business is legally registered. - Tax Identification Number
- For U.S. companies, you’ll need an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- For U.K. companies, use your Company Registration Number from Companies House.
- Valid Government-Issued ID
A clear scan of your passport or national ID card belonging to the business owner or directors. - Proof of Residential Address
A recent utility bill, bank statement, or government letter (issued within the last 3 months). The address must match the one listed on your ID or business records. - Business Email Address
Use a domain-based email like support@yourbrand.com. Avoid free emails such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook — Airwallex often rejects these for business verification. - Active Business Website
Your company’s website must be live and functional, not “under construction.” It should clearly describe your services, products, and business model. - Local Phone Number
A working U.S. or U.K. phone number (can be virtual) helps Airwallex verify your regional presence. Ensure the number matches your company’s registered country. - Operating Agreement or Shareholder Agreement (if applicable)
For U.S. entities, Airwallex may request your Operating Agreement to confirm ownership and structure — even if you’re a single-member company.
How to Create an Airwallex Business Account in the U.S.
If you’re forming a U.S. company to access Airwallex, especially from outside the country, here’s what you actually need to pull it off without hiccups.
Documents You’ll Need:
- Company formation papers. Your LLC’s certificate and Articles of Organization.
- EIN confirmation letter. From the IRS (yes, that one-pager is crucial).
- Personal identification / Passport. Belongs to the person who actually owns the business.
- Proof of residential address. Something recent and valid (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
- U.S. phone number. Can be virtual, but should be reliable.
- Webmail or business email address. Like support@yourcompany.com, not Gmail.
- Signed Operating Agreement. Airwallex might ask for it to verify the structure, even if it’s a single-member LLC.
- Complete business website link. Yes, it must be live and actually show what you do.
What Happens Next
- You enter your U.S. company details and EIN during signup
- Upload the passport of the actual owner, plus proof of address if requested
- Add your U.S. phone and website (Airwallex does review them)
- Once verified, you’ll get access to everything that makes Airwallex special:
- Multi-currency wallets
- Local routing accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
- Global payments, transfers, and payouts
One Heads-up
If you’re setting this up from a country that’s on Airwallex’s restricted list (think Russia, Belarus, etc.), forming a U.S. company is a valid workaround. But don’t expect to open wallets in region-locked currencies like AED unless your business is legally registered in that region (like the UAE).
In short? The U.S. route works. But make sure your docs are sharp and your setup makes sense for your payment flows.
How to Create an Airwallex Business Account in the UK
So, you’re not based in the UK, but you’ve set up a UK company and want to use Airwallex? Smart move. Here’s how to get the account running smoothly without running in circles.
Documents You’ll Need:
- Company documents. Your Certificate of Incorporation + business registration info.
- Personal identification / passport. A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of residential address. Think utility bill, bank statement, or government letter (must match your ID).
- Business email. Ideally, a domain-based one (like hello@yourbrand.co.uk), not Gmail or Yahoo.
- Live business website. This is mandatory. Not optional. Not “under construction.” They’ll check it.
- UK phone number. Virtual is fine, but make sure it’s real and active
What Happens Next
- You submit your UK business details, along with the ID of the actual owner
- Airwallex will likely ask for your proof of address (no PO Boxes)
- They’ll check your phone and website to see if it reflects a real operation
- If all looks good, you get access to:
- A UK GBP account with local sort code + account number
- Global Accounts in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, etc.)
- Easy global payouts, receipts, and transfers
A Quick Tip for Non-UK founders
Even if you’re from a country Airwallex restricts, a UK company can give you access, but only to wallets available to UK entities. You won’t get region-specific wallets like AED or HKD unless your business is legally set up in those regions.
Airwallex Business Account for Nonresidents and Restricted Countries
If you’re not from the U.S. or U.K., or you’re applying from a country on Airwallex’s restricted list, getting approved takes more than just filling out a form. These aren’t just tips. They’re checkpoints that make or break your account application:
Choose Your Company Location Strategically
If your clients are mostly in the U.S., form a U.S. company. Same for the U.K. Airwallex cares about transactional relevance where your business operates and earns, not where you personally live.
Use Valid Regional Contact Details
A functional U.S. or U.K. phone number and business address matter, even if they’re virtual. Avoid using unrelated country details. They verify these things.
Maintain a Professional Online Presence
Airwallex reviews your online presence. It should be very apparent on your website what your business does, who it serves, and how everything works behind the scenes. Incomplete or generic sites often get flagged or cause delays.
Restricted-country residents need a clean legal entry point.
If you’re from a country Airwallex doesn’t support, your only real option is to set up a legit business in a country they do. That means making sure your registration is fully in place, your tax IDs are sorted, your operating agreement is solid, and all the key documents are lined up and ready to roll.
Consistency is everything.
Everything from your company documents to your website, phone number, address, and even your email domain should all tell the same story. They all need to match; same region, same tone, same location vibe. That’s how you build trust. Mixed signals, like a U.K. business with a .in email and a UAE-based contact number, can trigger rejection.
Understand that approval isn’t guaranteed.
Even if every document checks out, Airwallex can still turn you down. Sometimes, it’s not just about what you submitted; it’s about things like your risk profile, how your business is structured, or even small mismatches that quietly slip through. That’s exactly why having a backup account plan isn’t just a smart idea. No way around it, especially if you’re playing in the high-risk lane or managing things across borders.
Airwallex Business Account vs Personal Account: Key Differences
There’s a quiet difference between opening an account to run a business and one just to receive money. It might not look like a big deal upfront, but it becomes obvious once transactions start piling up.
Personal Account: Limited by Design
A personal Airwallex account is built for individual use: everyday transfers, light travel expenses, maybe holding one or two currencies. It won’t give you global account perks like a U.S. routing number or a UK sort code, and it doesn’t work with platforms like Amazon, Shopify, or Stripe.
What’s more, if you start using it for business things, like getting paid by clients or paying suppliers often, it can raise red flags on the compliance side. That means account reviews, delays, or even holds.
Business Account: Made for Operations
The business account is tailored for companies, even solo founders. You get:
- Global Account access (multi-currency wallets with local bank details)
- Better payment controls (send, receive, hold in supported currencies)
- Business credibility (your invoices, receipts, and client payments all reflect your brand, not your personal name)
- Compliance readiness for marketplaces and payment partners
And most importantly, it’s structured for scale. Whether you’re an LLC in the U.S. or a UK-registered LTD, this is the setup that works long-term.
In short?
If you’re serious about your business, especially if you’re working across borders, the personal account is not the right fit. It’s better to start with the proper foundation than to switch later when something breaks.
Here is the short Comparison Table.
| Feature | Business Account | Personal Account |
| Purpose | Company operations | Individual use |
| Currencies | 50+ | Limited |
| Local account details | Yes | No |
| Marketplaces supported | Shopify, Amazon, Stripe | Not Supported |
Need a Hand with All This?
Let’s be honest: creating a US or UK company, setting up the right phone number, preparing docs, and making sure your Airwallex application doesn’t get stuck in limbo… It’s a lot. That’s where Business Globalizer steps in.
We help nonresidents and international founders (yes, even from restricted countries) get fully set up with:
- A registered company in the US or the UK
- All required documents (EIN, Articles of Organization, Operating agreement, etc.)
- Application support for Airwallex
You focus on the business. We handle the boring paperwork. Simple as that.
Final Thoughts
Setting up global payments isn’t about wishful thinking; it’s about knowing what tools actually match your setup. Whether you’re building your company from Dhaka, Nairobi, or Warsaw, platforms like Airwallex can be incredibly useful. But only if your account, country, and currency are all speaking the same language.
Creating an Airwallex business account isn’t just another formality — it’s your gateway to borderless business. Prepare your documents, verify your setup, and build confidently. And if you’d rather skip the complexity, let Business Globalizer guide you from company formation to full Airwallex approval.
FAQs on Airwallex Business Account
Can I open an Airwallex business account as a nonresident or from restricted countries?
Answer: Yes, you can. While Airwallex may restrict your home country, it often accepts companies formed in supported regions like the US or the UK. If you legally register a company there, meet all document and compliance requirements, and have a business model that makes sense to them, you’ve got a shot. But don’t skip the compliance part. They take KYC seriously.
Can I open an Airwallex business account without a physical presence in the US or UK?
Answer: If you want a short answer, yes. If you are looking for a long one, you’ll need to have a registered company, a local phone number, valid ID, and a functional business website. For the US, having an EIN and a signed Operating Agreement is a must. You don’t need a physical office, but you do need a legitimate paper trail.
Is there any way to open a personal account instead of a business one?
Answer: Nope. Airwallex is strictly for businesses. They don’t deal with personal accounts or freelancer setups. Even if you’re a solo founder, you’ll still need to register a proper company. No shortcuts there.
How long does Airwallex account verification take?
Answer: It depends on your docs. If you’ve got all your stuff lined up, EIN, website, phone number, utility bills, ID, you could get approved in just 2 to 5 business days. But if anything’s off or incomplete, be prepared for a bit of back-and-forth emails.
Pro tip: their team does respond fast, but they don’t skip verification steps.
Do I need a local bank account to create an Airwallex business account?
Answer: Not necessarily. In fact, one of the main reasons people use Airwallex is to avoid flying overseas to open a traditional bank account. Once your business is verified, you get access to multi-currency Global Accounts (USD, GBP, etc.) from the Airwallex dashboard itself. No physical banking branch needed.
Does Airwallex provide physical and virtual cards?
Answer: They do both. Virtual cards are instant and work great for online subscriptions or remote teams. But yes, you can also order physical debit cards tied to your Airwallex balances. Which is great for business travel or everyday expenses. Just be sure your country of incorporation supports card delivery.
