In today's globalized world, the need for efficient and cost-effective international money transfer services has never been greater. Two prominent players in this arena are Azimo and Wise (formerly TransferWise). Both platforms have garnered significant attention for their user-friendly interfaces and competitive rates. This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect their features, fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and overall user experience to help you determine which service aligns best with your needs.

Company Overviews

Azimo

Founded in 2012, Azimo is a UK-based online money transfer service that enables users to send funds to over 195 countries in more than 60 currencies. The platform offers various payout options, including bank deposits, cash pickups, mobile wallet transfers, and mobile airtime top-ups. Azimo's mission is to make international money transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible, particularly for individuals sending remittances to family and friends abroad.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Established in 2011, Wise is a UK-based financial technology company specializing in international money transfers and multi-currency accounts. The platform supports transfers to over 80 countries in more than 50 currencies. Wise is renowned for its transparent fee structure and commitment to providing mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups. In addition to personal transfers, Wise offers business accounts and a multi-currency debit card, enhancing its appeal to a broad user base.

Fees and Exchange Rates

Azimo

Azimo's fee structure varies based on the destination country, transfer amount, and payout method. The platform charges a fixed fee, which can range from as low as £0.99 to higher amounts depending on the specifics of the transfer. Additionally, Azimo applies a markup to the exchange rate, typically ranging between 0.1% and 2.25% over the mid-market rate. This means that while the upfront fees may appear low, the total cost of the transfer can be higher due to the less favorable exchange rate.‍

Wise

Wise is lauded for its transparent fee structure. The platform charges a combination of fixed and variable fees, both of which depend on the currency pair involved. For example, when transferring £1,000 to Kenya, the total fee would be £9.77, comprising a £2.05 fixed fee and a £7.72 variable fee. Importantly, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate without any markup, ensuring that users receive the most favorable rate available.

Transfer Speed

Azimo

Azimo offers varying transfer speeds depending on the destination and payout method. For certain countries and methods, such as cash pickups and mobile wallet transfers, funds can be available within minutes. Bank transfers typically take between one to three business days. Azimo's extensive network of payout partners enables rapid transfers to many locations, making it a suitable choice for users prioritizing speed.

Wise

Wise's transfer speeds are influenced by factors such as the destination country, payment method, and banking hours. Approximately 40% of Wise's transfers are instant, with the majority arriving within 24 hours. However, some transfers, especially those involving less common currency routes or larger amounts, may take up to two to three business days. Wise's commitment to transparency ensures that users are informed of the estimated delivery time before confirming the transfer.

Supported Countries and Currencies

Azimo

Azimo boasts an extensive reach, allowing users to send money to over 195 countries in more than 60 currencies. This wide coverage makes it particularly appealing to individuals sending remittances to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Additionally, Azimo offers various payout options, including cash pickups at over 300,000 locations, mobile wallet transfers, and home delivery in select countries, providing flexibility to recipients.

Wise

Wise supports transfers to over 80 countries in more than 50 currencies. While its coverage is slightly less extensive than Azimo's, Wise focuses on major currency corridors and offers competitive rates and speeds within these routes. The platform also provides multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage balances in multiple currencies, which is beneficial for frequent travelers and businesses operating internationally.

User Experience and Accessibility

Azimo

Azimo offers a user-friendly platform accessible via its website and mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices. The registration process is straightforward, and users can initiate transfers quickly. The platform supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, and Russian, catering to a diverse user base. Customer support is available via email and phone during business hours, and the platform provides real-time notifications to keep users informed about their transfers.

Wise

Wise is known for its intuitive interface and seamless user experience. The platform is accessible through its website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Registration is quick, and the process of setting up transfers is transparent, with clear information on fees and exchange rates provided upfront. Wise supports multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish, Romanian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Polish, and Hungarian. Customer support is available via email and phone, and the platform offers a comprehensive help center to assist users with common queries.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Azimo

Azimo has garnered positive feedback from its users, particularly for its user-friendly interface and diverse payout options. On Trustpilot, Azimo holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on over 50,000 reviews, with 78% of users rating it as "Excellent" and 14% as "Great." Users frequently commend the platform for its speed, ease of use, and competitive rates. However, some users have reported occasional delays and issues with customer support responsiveness.

Wise

Wise also enjoys a strong reputation among its users, particularly for its transparency and cost-effectiveness. On Trustpilot, Wise has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on over 100,000 reviews, with 75% of users rating it as "Excellent" and 15% as "Great." Users appreciate the platform's straightforward fee structure, real-time exchange rates, and efficient transfer process. Some users have noted that while most transfers are swift, certain transactions, especially those involving less common currencies, may take longer to process.

Additional Features

Azimo

Beyond standard money transfers, Azimo offers several additional features:

• Cash Pickup: Recipients can collect cash from over 300,000 locations worldwide, providing flexibility for those without bank accounts.
• Mobile Wallet Transfers: Funds can be sent directly to mobile wallets in select countries, facilitating easy access to money.
• Mobile Airtime Top-Ups: Users can top up mobile phone credit for recipients in various countries, adding convenience for those supporting family and friends abroad.

Wise

Wise offers several features that enhance its utility:

• Multi-Currency Account: Users can hold and manage balances in multiple currencies, making it ideal for frequent travelers and businesses dealing with international clients.
• Debit Mastercard: Wise provides a debit card linked to the multi-currency account, allowing users to spend directly from their balances at favorable exchange rates.
• Business Accounts: Wise offers tailored solutions for businesses, including batch payments and integration with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks.

Pros and Cons

Azimo

Pros:

• Extensive network of payout options, including cash pickups and mobile wallet transfers.
• Competitive fees for smaller transfers.
• User-friendly platform with support for multiple languages.

Cons:

• Higher exchange rate markups compared to some competitors.
• Limited availability for sending money from countries outside Europe.
• Customer support responsiveness can be inconsistent.

Wise

Pros:

• Transparent fee structure with no hidden markups.
• Mid-market exchange rates ensure favorable conversions.
• Additional features like multi-currency accounts and debit cards.

Cons:

• Limited payout options, primarily focusing on bank transfers.
• Transfer speeds can vary, especially for less common currency routes.
• Fees can be higher for smaller transfers compared to some competitors.

Conclusion

Both Azimo and Wise offer robust solutions for international money transfers, each with its unique strengths. Azimo stands out with its diverse payout options and extensive reach, making it suitable for users sending remittances to countries with limited banking infrastructure. However, its higher exchange rate markups and occasional customer support issues may be a drawback for some users.

On the other hand, Wise excels in transparency, offering mid-market exchange rates and a clear fee structure. Its additional features, such as multi-currency accounts and debit cards, add value for frequent travelers and businesses. However, its focus on bank transfers may limit its appeal to users seeking alternative payout methods.

Ultimately, the choice between Azimo and Wise depends on individual needs and priorities. For those prioritizing diverse payout options and extensive reach, Azimo may be the better choice. Conversely, users seeking transparency, favorable exchange rates, and additional financial tools may find Wise more aligned with their requirements.