Introduction
WorldFirst is a UK-based financial services provider specialising in international payments and foreign exchange. Founded in London in 2004, it became part of Ant International in 2019.
WorldFirst serves more than 1.5 million customers globally and has processed over US$500 billion in transactions. Its network covers more than 210 regions, supported by over 30 local offices.
WorldFirst is not a traditional bank. Its services are centred on cross-border money management, with separate accounts available for personal customers and businesses.
Personal Account
WorldFirst Personal is an app-based account for managing money internationally. Customers can send, convert and manage multiple currencies from one place, with live exchange rates and transfer costs shown before a transaction is confirmed.
The account is geared more towards international money management than everyday UK banking. A personal debit card, interest on balances and local payments are not currently available.
World Account
The World Account is designed for businesses operating across multiple markets. It provides local receiving accounts in more than 15 currencies, including GBP, USD, EUR, CAD, AUD and JPY, and allows businesses to hold funds in more than 20 currencies.
The account is free to open, has no ongoing account fees and no minimum balance requirement. Businesses can also receive payments from more than 100 marketplaces and companies worldwide.
Fees
Personal customers are shown the live exchange rate and applicable costs before confirming a transfer, with no hidden fees.
For the World Account, local payments in GBP, EUR or USD cost £0.30, while international payments cost £4. Cross-currency payments above £5,000 are free, as are transfers between World Accounts.
Currency conversion costs up to 0.50% across major currencies such as GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, CAD and JPY.
Business customers using the World Card can also earn up to 1.2% cashback on eligible spending and pay noFX fees when spending from balances held in 15 supported currencies.
Payments & Transfers
Personal customers can send money 24/7 to China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan and more than 40 other destinations. Transfers can be made to supported bank accounts or local e-wallets, including Alipay, GCash and DANA.
Around 86% of personal transfers arrive within seconds and 92% within five minutes, although actual delivery times can vary depending on the destination and payment method.
For businesses, international payments can be made in more than 100 currencies to over 210 countries and territories. Transfers between World Accounts are instant and free.
WorldFirst also connects with more than 130 global marketplaces, including Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop and AliExpress, allowing businesses to collect revenue from different markets into one account.
Security
WorldFirst is a regulated financial services provider rather than a bank. In the UK, World First UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FCA Firm Reference 900508).
Customer funds are safeguarded in accordance with the regulations that apply to electronic money institutions. WorldFirst also holds more than 60 regulatory licences globally and works with leading global banks to safeguard customer funds.
Account and transaction security includes biometric authentication, two-factor authentication and advanced encryption.
Customer Support
Customer support is available by phone, email and live chat. WorldFirst has local support teams across more than 20 regions, with assistance available in more than 11 languages.
Local teams provide support during business hours, while a global team provides additional assistance outside these hours. Phone and live chat enquiries are typically answered within 60 seconds, while emails are typically answered within 24 hours.