Is WorldFirst safe?
Last updated: 28 May 2025
Discover how WorldFirst’s advanced security features, regulatory compliance and fraud protection ensure your money is always in safe hands
Key takeaways
- WorldFirst provides a secure multi-currency account along with a Mastercard-powered debit card for seamless international payments and currency management
- It’s regulated by ASIC and AUSTRAC, ensuring compliance and safety across multiple countries
- Advanced security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and 256-bit encryption protect user accounts and transactions
- Real-time fraud monitoring and 3D Secure (3DS) card payments safeguard against unauthorised access and scams
- Businesses benefit from fixed exchange rates, Xero integration and dedicated account manager support for streamlined global operations
WorldFirst is a one-stop digital payments provider for global businesses in international trade. The World Account from WorldFirst is a multi-currency account that makes it easy for SMEs – especially online sellers – importers and exporters to manage international transactions.
With a World Account, you can send and receive payments, convert currencies and hold funds in 20+ supported currencies. You can also hedge currency risks through forward contracts or firm orders and save more of what you earn.
Founded in London in 2004, WorldFirst has expanded over the years to offer services in various countries including Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore and the UK. In 2019, WorldFirst joined Ant Group, strengthening its global capacities. Dedicated support from staff in 32 global offices ensures businesses always get the assistance they need.
Table of Contents
Is WorldFirst safe to use for sending, receiving and holding money?
WorldFirst is a licensed payment provider that partners with leading banking institutions to ensure your funds always stay safe (learn more about how WorldFirst works here). Authorised and regulated across various countries, WorldFirst implements a broad range of money transfer security measures, including:
Security and compliance
WorldFirst is registered as an Australian company. It has an ACN (Australian Company Number) and is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). World First Pty Ltd is also a designated remittance provider registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre).
Similarly, in New Zealand WorldFirst is incorporated as an overseas ASIC company, is a financial service provider (FSP) on the FSP Register and is a DIA reporting entity for AML/CTF.
Two-factor authentication
WorldFirst offers two-factor authentication (2FA), one of the most effective ways to protect your international money transfers. It adds a layer of security by requiring a second verification through a separate channel so only you – the genuine account owner – can access the account.
When logging in to your WorldFirst account, you’ll be asked to enter an extra code once you’ve entered your account credentials. The six-digit one-time password (OTP) is shared through an SMS or the Authy authenticator app and is needed when logging in, creating payees and making transactions.
With the Authy app, you can approve trades and payments via push notification.
Encryption
WorldFirst uses 256-bit encryption to protect customer funds. This encryption standard refers to the length of the key used to access/encrypt a file. Hackers need over 2,000 different combinations to break any 256-bit encrypted message, which is nearly impossible, even with the fastest computers.
- Open 15+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Take control of spending with the World Card, a business expense card that saves you more with 1% cashback. Learn more
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
How does WorldFirst protect you from fraud and scams?
WorldFirst has systems and analytics in place that constantly monitor fraudulent activity in real time.
This means that as fraudulent access is spotted (like logins from a country a user doesn’t live in), our software alerts and prompts users to enter 2FA codes. Without entering the code in time, the access or process will be blocked.
How does WorldFirst protect you against card fraud?
World Cards offered by WorldFirst also follow several protective measures to ensure your card payments always stay safe. Powered by Mastercard, the card offers enhanced security with 3D Secure, keeping your online payments protected from fraud. With 3D Secure, you get a one-time PIN code sent to your mobile that you’ll have to enter to authenticate any card payments.
Make fast and secure payments with WorldFirst
With a World Account from WorldFirst, you can open multiple local currency accounts online – for free – and make international transactions in 100+ currencies securely and at speed.
Along with all the security features outlined above, you can also lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months through forward contracts, integrate with Xero accounting software and access a dedicated account manager for support with your transfers.
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
Is WorldFirst safe?
Discover how WorldFirst ensures secure global transactions with advanced security, regulatory compliance and fraud protection for businesses.
May / 2025
Your guide to the World Card: Easy payments in over 150 currencies
Simplify your business expenses with the World Card from WorldFirst, a virtual debit card that lets you pay in 150+ currencies with no application fee or ongoing costs.
Apr / 2025
Your small business can go global – here’s how with WorldFirst
Grow your business globally in 2025. WorldFirst makes international payments simple, reducing costs to help you scale with confidence.
Mar / 2025Choose a category below for more business, finance and foreign exchange support from WorldFirst.
- Almost 1,000,000 businesses have sent USD$300B around the world with WorldFirst and its partner brands since 2004
- Your money is safeguarded with leading financial institutions
