Introduction
In the age of global business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no longer confined by borders. Whether you’re paying international contractors, purchasing inventory, or receiving payments from global customers, seamless and cost-effective cross-border transactions are essential. In 2025, a wave of new features and competitive pricing among payment platforms has made choosing the right provider more complex — and more strategic. This article explores the top cross-border payment platforms for SMEs in 2025, focusing on speed, pricing, features, and best use cases.
What you'll find in this article
Why Cross-Border Payment Platforms Matter for SMEs
SMEs often operate with tighter margins and fewer resources than large enterprises. Delays, hidden fees, and inefficient systems can have outsized consequences on operations. Cross-border payment platforms provide solutions that streamline these transactions, ensure compliance with international regulations, reduce costs, and offer real-time insights into financial performance.
Benefits include:
Criteria for Comparing Payment Platforms
When selecting a cross-border payment platform, SMEs should evaluate providers based on:
Leveraging Technology for Seamless Expansion
1. Wise
Wise is one of the most widely used platforms for transparent, low-cost international transfers.
Key Features
Pricing
Variable fee (0.35% to 1.5% depending on corridor)
Speed
Same-day to 2 business days
Best For
SMEs seeking transparent fees and mid-market rates for global transfers
2. Payoneer
Designed for freelancers, e-commerce businesses, and SMEs working with global marketplaces.
Key Features
Pricing
2% withdrawal fee; currency conversion markup applies
Speed
1-3 business days
Best For
Marketplace sellers and remote teams needing multicurrency withdrawals
3. Stripe
A payment infrastructure powerhouse, Stripe enables global invoicing, subscriptions, and embedded payments.
Key Features
Pricing
1.5%-2.9% + 30¢ per transaction; extra 1% for currency conversion
Speed
Payouts in 2-7 days
Best For
SaaS startups and tech SMEs with global digital product sales
4. Revolut Business
Revolut offers a borderless banking solution with built-in multi-currency accounts and corporate cards.
Key Features
Pricing
Free plan available; paid tiers start at $39.99/month
Speed
Instant to 1 business day
Best For
European SMEs needing flexible international payments and expense control
5. OFX
OFX is known for its personal support, lack of transfer fees, and strong compliance capabilities.
Key Features
Pricing
Competitive FX margin (0.4% – 1%)
Speed
1-2 business days
Best For
SMEs dealing in high-volume or high-value transfers
6. Airwallex
A rising fintech star focused on cross-border infrastructure for digital-first businesses.
Key Features
Pricing
FX margin ~0.3%-0.6%; no monthly fee
Speed
Instant to 2 business days
Best For
Digital SMEs and startups requiring seamless API-powered global payments
7. Veem
Business-focused payment platform simplifying invoice payments globally.
Key Features
Pricing
Free for USD payments; ~2% for FX conversions
Speed
1-3 business days
Best For
SMEs that prioritize ease of invoicing and reconciliation
8. WorldFirst
A veteran in FX and cross-border payments now owned by Ant Group.
Key Features
Pricing
FX margin ~0.5%
Speed
1-2 business days
Best For
Businesses in Asia or the UK seeking bulk transfers
9. Remitly for Business
While known for remittances, Remitly is entering SME space with B2B services.
Key Features
Pricing
Flat fee + FX margin varies
Speed
Instant to 2 days
Best For
SMEs with frequent transfers to emerging markets
10. Instarem
Offers business payments and FX solutions for small enterprises.
Key Features
Pricing
Low flat fees + ~0.5% FX margin
Speed
1-2 days
Best For
SMEs looking for user-friendly FX and team payment tools
Comparison Table
Platform
FX Margin
Speed
Best For
Wise
0.35% - 1.5%
Same-day to 2 days
Transparent Transfers & Payroll
Payoneer
~2%
1-3 days
Freelancers & Marketplace Sellers
Stripe
2.9% + FX
2-7 days
Digital Product Sales, SaaS
Revolut
0.3% - 1.0%
Instant - 1 day
EU Expense & Currency Exchange
OFX
0.4% - 1.0%
1-2 days
High-volume FX
Airwallex
0.3% - 0.6%
Instant - 2 days
API-based Global Finance
Veem
~2%
1-3 days
Invoice-based Businesses
WorldFirst
~0.5%
1-2 days
UK & Asia Transfers
Remitly Biz
Flat + FX
Instant - 2 days
Transfers to Emerging Markets
Instarem
~0.5%
1-2 days
FX + Reimbursements for SMEs
How to Choose the Right Cross-Border Payment Platform
1. Evaluate Volume and Frequency:
Are you sending daily micro-payments or monthly bulk salaries?
2. Check Destination Countries:
Not all platforms support every country or currency.
3. Consider Your Use Case:
– Invoicing? Use Veem or Stripe.
– Bulk payouts? Try Wise or Payoneer.
– FX focus? Opt for OFX or Airwallex.
4. Assess Integration Needs:
Choose platforms that integrate with your finance tools.
5. Factor in Support & Compliance:
Don’t overlook KYC onboarding and customer service.
Looking to simplify international payments and financial workflows?
Explore our Accounting & Finance Marketplace for trusted platforms that help SMEs manage cross-border transactions, reduce fees, and stay compliant.
Conclusion
In 2025, SMEs have access to more powerful, cost-effective cross-border payment platforms than ever before. From payroll to invoicing, FX savings to financial compliance, these tools are now essential for staying competitive in a global marketplace. Whether you’re a tech startup in Southeast Asia or a freelancer collective in Europe, choosing the right platform is not just about cost — it’s about efficiency, transparency, and growth readiness. Carefully compare your options and align them with your business goals to unlock global success.
As cross-border business becomes the norm, having reliable payment and finance tools is essential.
👉 Visit the Accounting & Finance Marketplace to find the right solutions that support smooth, secure, and scalable international operations.