OCTIS vs CommBank vs Airwallex for an Australian business
A big four bank, a multi-currency platform, and the business that runs on both.
Last checked · 2 sources
Otty's short answer
CommBank's Business Transaction Account costs A$0 a month online or A$10 with branch access, and suits local banking, cash and lending. Airwallex charges A$0 to A$99 a month with FX at 0.5% to 1% above interbank, and suits paying or earning in other currencies. Neither keeps your books, runs your sales or files for the company. OCTIS does that work on top of the accounts you hold.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | CommBank Business Transaction Account | Airwallex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | A$0 online, A$10 branch | A$0 or A$29; A$99 Grow |
| Branches and cash | No | Yes, on the A$10 option | No |
| FX markup | Foreign exchange via licensed partners | Not on page | 0.5% major, 1% other |
| SWIFT transfer | Sending payments via licensed partners | Not on page | A$10 to A$30 |
| Local transfers | International multi-currency account via licensed partners | Bank standard | Free to 120+ countries |
| Company cards | Corporate card via licensed partners | Not on page | Up to 10 on Explore |
| Bookkeeping and reconciliation | Statements from either account reconciled into your books | Not offered | Not offered |
| CRM, automation and AI agents | Built in | Not offered | Not offered |
| Company secretary and filings | Built in for the Hong Kong company | Not offered | Not offered |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 11 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 sell in several countries and want the company, books, payments via partners and CRM in one place, whichever account you bank with.
CommBank Business Transaction Account
Choose CommBank if you want a free online account, cash handling, branches and one bank for lending.
Airwallex
Choose Airwallex if you pay suppliers or earn income in foreign currencies and want lower FX margins.
What the table does not show
What each one is for
CommBank is a bank: an AUD account, branches, cash deposits and lending under one roof. Airwallex is a payments platform: multi-currency accounts, company cards and cheaper FX, with no branches. Most Australian businesses that trade overseas end up holding both, which means two sets of statements to reconcile every month.
Fees that matter in daily use
CommBank charges nothing monthly online and A$10 for the branch option, which includes 5 assisted transactions; extra assisted transactions are A$5 each and overdrawing costs A$15 a day. Airwallex Explore is free, with paid plans at A$29 and A$99 a month. Airwallex lists FX at 0.5% above interbank for major currencies and 1% for others, plus A$10 to A$30 per SWIFT transfer. CommBank's page does not state international fees, so ask for its schedule.
The work neither account does
Neither CommBank nor Airwallex keeps your books, chases invoices, runs a sales pipeline or files for the company. That work usually goes to a bookkeeper, an accountant and a separate CRM. OCTIS puts it in one workspace: payments via licensed partners, bookkeeping that reconciles both accounts, a CRM, automation and Otty agents. If you have staff or premises in Australia, local registration and tax still apply; OCTIS can help arrange it.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS is not a bank and has no partnership with CommBank or Airwallex. If your company holds either account, OCTIS bookkeeping reconciles the statements into your books, and the account, FX, card and payments are also available via licensed partners. Send your current bill or a written quote for 10–30% off.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airwallex better than CommBank for a business?
For overseas payments, usually yes: Airwallex lists FX at 0.5% to 1% above interbank and free local transfers to 120+ countries. For cash, branches and lending, CommBank. Many businesses keep both.
How much is the CommBank business account fee?
A$0 a month online or A$10 a month with branch access, which includes 5 assisted transactions, per CommBank's page.
How much does Airwallex cost in Australia?
Explore is A$0 a month, with paid plans at A$29 and A$99 (Grow), per Airwallex's Australian pricing page.
Is Airwallex a bank?
No. It is a payments platform. Read its terms on how customer funds are protected before moving large balances.
Does OCTIS replace my bank account?
No. OCTIS is not a bank. It offers an international account, FX, a corporate card and payments via licensed partners, and runs the books, CRM and compliance on top of whichever accounts you keep.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.