WorldFirst review
Our verdict
Enjoy competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees when you send large sums of money overseas with WorldFirst.
The biggest issue with WorldFirst is that it no longer offers its services to personal customers. Currently, it only supports international money transfers to businesses in the countries it operates in.
That said, if you're a business, you can use WorldFirst's World Account, which gives you up to 10 local currency accounts so you can pay or get paid like a local.You'll also have a few forex tools to use to get the best out of your transfer such as spot contracts and forward contracts. It also offers competitive exchange rates on most currencies but a slight markup is added so it won't ever be as good as the mid-market rate.
- Good for large transfers and transparent margins on the exchange rate.
- Not so great if you only want to send a small amount or pay by card.
Details
Product details
| Product Name | WorldFirst |
| Pay By | Bank transfer |
| Receiving Options | Bank account, Mobile wallet, Alipay (China only) |
| Customer Service | Phone, Live chat, Email, In person |
| Maximum Transfer Amount | Unlimited |
| Number of Currencies | 10 |
Must read: WorldFirst has closed its private customer business
WorldFirst has discontinued its services for private customers until further notice. Money transfers services for business customers will remain unaffected.
Why should I consider WorldFirst?
- Competitive rates. WorldFirst offers highly competitive transparent exchange rates to customers that are usually not too far from the interbank rate.
- Same-day transfers for major currencies. If you're transferring to USD, EUR and GBP, WorldFirst is able to deliver within a day.
- FX tools. Choose between spot contracts, forward contracts and firm orders to get the best rate for you.
- No maximum limit. With no limit, you can transfer as much as you'd like in one go.
What to be aware of
- Only accepts bank transfers. You won't be able to use your credit card or debit card to pay for a money transfer.
- Fees on lower amounts. Transfers between $2,000 and $9,999 will incur a $10 fee, and transfer less than $2,000 will incur a $20 fee.
- Some smaller currencies are missing. WorldFirst has most of the major currencies covered, but not all of the smaller ones.
- Business transfers only. WorldFirst only caters to international money transfers for businesses.
How much are WorldFirst's transfer fees?
WorldFirst charges transaction fees for sending amounts less than $10,000. Amounts up to $2,000 will incur a fee of $20, while transfers between $2,000 and $9,999 have a fee of $10. Transfers over $10,000 are free.
What your transfer with WorldFirst could look like
How are WorldFirst's exchange rates?
WorldFirst adds a margin to the mid-market exchange rates. On popular currencies, WorldFirst guarantees that the margin will be between 0.15% and 0.50% on top of the exchange rate, based on annual transfer volumes. The more you send, the lower it gets. This rate goes down to 0.4% for Finder customers on their first deal. After that, Finder customers will be moved to their allocated bracket.
For the other, less popular currencies, you won't pay more than about 1% on top of the exchange rate. WorldFirst claims its exchange rates are up to eight times better than the Big Four banks, and backs this up with the WorldFirst Price Promise.
WorldFirst's Price Promise
If you get a better quote from another international transfer service, WorldFirst will beat it. You just need to:
- Register with WorldFirst.
- Let WorldFirst know how much money you're looking to transfer and the rate you were quoted, including the time of day you received the quote.
Conditions do apply:
- You must have an active trading account with another provider.
- You must have the quote in writing or email to send to WorldFirst within three hours of receipt.
- WorldFirst cannot give you a rate better than the rate at which they buy the currency.
WorldFirst reviews and complaints
WorldFirst is rated as "great" on Trustpilot and has a score of 4.0 out of 5, based on 2,158 reviews. Positive reviews highlight its ease of use and customer service. Negative reviews mention their compliance policies, Wise have to follow strict anti-money laundering regulations and require users to submit supporting documents for verification.
Several customers have had issues with WorldFirst closing their accounts due to compliance issues. This is common in the industry as strict money laundering regulations apply when sending large amounts. WorldFirst has responded to 98% of negative reviews on Trustpilot which is much higher than competitors. 81% of customers rated them 5 stars and 14% gave them a score of 3 stars or lower.
What are the ways I can send money abroad with WorldFirst?
WorldFirst offers four main transfer types to help you get the most out of your transaction.
- Spot contracts. Make a one-time transfer at the time of payment.
- Forward contracts. Lock in today's exchange rate and schedule a transfer now for up to two years later.
- Regular payments. Set up automated payments online or over the phone.
- Limit orders. Use these to execute a money transfer when your ideal exchange rate is met.
How to make an international money transfer with WorldFirst
You will need to sign up for an account with WorldFirst online. Once registered and verified, it's quick and easy to make future transactions.
What are WorldFirst's payment options?
WorldFirst only accepts payments via bank transfer.
After you've booked your money transfer, you'll receive an email with WorldFirst's bank account details for you to transfer your money to. You can organise your money transfer with WorldFirst either over the phone or online.
How long does an international transfer with WorldFirst take?
A number of factors affect the transfer time: the currency, what bank is used and the size of the transaction. If you're transferring to GBP, USD or EUR, the transfer is normally completed within the same day. With other currencies, you should allow one to four days for your money transfer to be completed.
Keep in mind that these times are from when WorldFirst receives your funds, depending on how fast your bank processes money transfers.
Is WorldFirst safe to use?
- Security and regulation: WorldFirst is government regulated and holds its customers' funds separate from the company's own.
- Established: 2004.
- Number of customers: Over 400,000* globally.
- Reviews: Trustpilot gives WorldFirst a score of 3.7* out of 5, based on over 2,067 reviews.
WorldFirst is regulated in Australia by ASIC, which is the body that regulates finance companies to protect consumers. Part of ASIC's Client Money regulation means that WorldFirst has to keep its customers' funds separate from its own. This protects its users' money if the company runs into financial difficulties.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) allows you an extra layer of security. It requires you to use two types of verification when you're logging into your account. These are usually your password and a number either sent to you by text or generated by an authenticator.
How does WorldFirst compare to other business transfer services?
Frequently asked questions
- WorldFirst official website, accessed October 2023
Your reviews
Kate Finder
Money expert
Hi there, looking for more information? Ask us a question.
You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:
- Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
- finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
- We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
- Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our 1. Terms Of Service and 6. Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Joel Marcelo
August 15, 2018
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
Yes! You can send money to Rwanda from Australia using WorldFirst. To start the process of sending money, please click the “Go to site” button to be redirected to their website.
Cheers,
Joel
Show more Show less
Theresa
July 03, 2018
wish to transfer $5,500 CDA funds to Nigeria. I do not use online banking. What options can I use to transfer funds other than Western Union. Can I use a Canadian credit card to transfer funds. What is the fee and how long does it take for the receiver to pickup funds.
Nikki Angco
July 05, 2018
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You can definitely use your credit card to do a money transfer. Also, just a friendly reminder that when you use a credit card to transfer money, you may be charged a cash advance fee and conversion and transfer fees depending on your bank’s terms and conditions.
The fees and transfer speed will depend on the transfer facility you will use. You may view our guide and compare money transfer providers and view your options on how to send money to Nigeria. Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you initiate a money transfer.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Nikki
Show more Show less
Mark
September 27, 2017
I have some Ghana cedis in Australia, how can I exchange them to oz dollars?
Judith Finder
September 27, 2017
Hi Mark,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
There are different ways on how you can convert one currency to another. You may opt for either of the following: banks, international money transfer companies, foreign exchange kiosks, and post offices, and credit & debit cards.
We have a panel that will help you compare exchange rates. Simply enter the required details and then click “Calculate.”
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Judith
Show more Show less
Josh
May 30, 2017
I would like to transfer funds from my Australian account to my Canadian account as fast as possible can you help?
Harold Jacob Finder
May 30, 2017
Hi Josh,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You may want to check our guide about sending money to Canada, which can show you some available service providers who can help.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Show more Show less
Greg
November 20, 2016
Im wanting to have send money to USA next May
I’m I able to lock in the current exchange rate
thanks
Shirley Liu Finder
November 21, 2016
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your question.
Yes you can utilise a forward contract for your money transfer.
You can fix it up 2 years in advance.
Cheers,
Shirley
Claudia
August 15, 2018
Do you send money to Rwanda? From australia