OCTIS vs Aspire vs Airwallex for Hong Kong businesses
Yes, Aspire serves Hong Kong companies. Here is how its plans, FX, cards and yield line up against Airwallex.
Last checked · 6 sources
Otty's short answer
Aspire does operate in Hong Kong, through AFT HK Limited, a licensed money service operator. Its Basic plan is HK$0 per month with 1.2% card cashback and FX from 0.18%. Airwallex lists FX from 0.2%, free local transfers, a payment gateway and a higher HKD yield. Pick Aspire for cashback cards and simple spend control. Pick Airwallex to collect payments and move money abroad.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Aspire | Airwallex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | HK$0 Basic; HK$399 Premium | HK$0 Explore; HK$499 Grow |
| Setup fee and minimum | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | None | None |
| FX markup | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | From 0.18%; 0% on Premium up to HK$80,000 | From 0.2% |
| Card cashback | Not an OCTIS product | 1.2% on eligible spend | Not listed |
| Overseas card fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | Not published | Zero on Explore cards |
| Free spend users | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | 5 Basic; 10 Premium | 5, then HK$40 each |
| Online payment gateway | Collecting payments via licensed partners | Not listed | Yes, from 3.30% + HK$2.35 |
| HKD yield, net | Not offered by OCTIS | Up to 1.97% Basic; 2.22% Premium | Up to 2.33% |
| USD yield, net | Not offered by OCTIS | Up to 3.11% Basic; 3.36% Premium | Up to 3.92% (Accelerate) |
| Currencies | International multi-currency account via licensed partners | 13 (Aspire count) | 20+ (Airwallex count) |
| HK licence | OCTIS is not licensed as a bank; partners are licensed | MSO 24-02-03202 (AFT HK Limited) | MSO 16-09-01929 |
| Yield provider licence | Not applicable | SFC CE BWA638, Types 1 and 4 | SFC CE BUL570, asset management |
| Approval time | Set up through licensed partners alongside your incorporation | As little as 1 business day | As fast as 48 hours |
| Bank deposit protection | OCTIS is not a bank | No, not a bank | No, not a bank |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want the company, accounts, CRM and an international account through licensed partners handled by one team.
Aspire
Choose Aspire if you want 1.2% card cashback, a simple spend dashboard and a low FX rate on a free plan.
Airwallex
Choose Airwallex if you need an online payment gateway, more currencies, free local rails or the highest published HKD and USD yield.
What the table does not show
Does Aspire work for Hong Kong companies?
Yes. Aspire has a Hong Kong site and says it operates through AFT HK Limited, licensed by the Customs and Excise Department as a money service operator (licence 24-02-03202). It lists approval in as little as one business day. It does not publish detailed eligibility rules for Hong Kong companies on the pages we read, and one third-party review says Singapore companies get the fullest product range. Apply or ask sales to confirm your company type.
Plans and cashback
Aspire has two Hong Kong plans: Basic at HK$0 per month and Premium at HK$399. Both give 1.2% cashback on eligible card spend, subject to terms. Premium adds 0% FX on the first HK$80,000 per month and five free international transfers. Airwallex has Explore at HK$0, Grow at HK$499 and Accelerate from HK$2,499. It does not list a cashback rate, but lists zero international fees on Explore cards.
Yield on idle cash
Both offer a yield product on balances. Aspire lists up to 1.97% a year on HKD on Basic and 2.22% on Premium, net of a 0.5% or 0.25% fee, as of 5 and 6 November 2026. Airwallex lists up to 2.33% on HKD on every plan as of 8 November 2026. Both say rates are not guaranteed and that the product is not a deposit.
Where OCTIS fits
Two accounts mean two statement feeds. OCTIS bookkeeping reconciles Aspire and Airwallex transactions, including card spend and FX, for a Hong Kong company, and we handle incorporation, company secretary work, profits tax and audit by a Hong Kong CPA practice. OCTIS is not a bank, does not hold your money and has no partnership with any provider here. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aspire available in Hong Kong?
Yes. Aspire runs a Hong Kong business account through AFT HK Limited, a licensed money service operator (licence 24-02-03202). It lists approval in as little as one business day. Check eligibility for your company type, as the page does not publish full criteria.
Is Aspire or Airwallex cheaper in Hong Kong?
Aspire lists FX from 0.18% and 1.2% card cashback on a free plan. Airwallex lists FX from 0.2% and free local transfers. Your mix of card spend, FX and transfers decides which costs less, so run your last three months through both fee tables.
Is Aspire a bank?
No. Aspire in Hong Kong is a licensed money service operator, not a bank. Balances are not covered by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Scheme, which protects bank deposits up to HK$800,000 per depositor per bank.
Which has the better yield, Aspire or Airwallex?
On the published HKD figures, Airwallex lists up to 2.33% against Aspire's 1.97% on Basic and 2.22% on Premium. Both are net, variable and not guaranteed, and neither is a deposit. Compare again on the day you move money.
Can I use Aspire and Airwallex together?
Yes. Some companies run Aspire for cards and spend control and Airwallex for collections and FX. Neither charges to open, so the cost is only your time and the monthly plan if you upgrade.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.