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Is WorldFirst safe?

Last update: May 28, 2025

Contents

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.

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.

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.

Based in Sydney, Jim is responsible for the WorldFirst business across Australia and New Zealand. He brings with him over 25 years of experience helping Business Owners, CFO’s and Treasury Managers overcome the challenges with cross border payments and navigating volatile foreign exchange markets.

Jim Vrondas

Author

Country Manager ANZ at WorldFirst

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Is WorldFirst safe?