While Sphere presents a range of payment features, the absence of public pricing information and customer reviews can give potential users pause. This article will examine what Sphere is, explore the reasons one might consider other options, and outline alternative global payment solutions to fit various needs.
What is Sphere?
Developed by OPG Asia Pte Ltd, SpherePay is a mobile payment platform launched in 2017 that offers secure online payment and fund management. Its standout features include a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option, support for cryptocurrency transactions, and a Payment Link feature for businesses.
The company does not make its pricing information public, instead asking interested parties to contact them directly for details. Additionally, the platform currently has no customer reviews on its Trustpilot profile, resulting in an unverified reputation.
What to Consider When Selecting a Sphere Alternative?
When searching for a payment platform to replace Sphere, it's important to weigh several factors to find the best fit for your business's specific needs:
- Transparent Pricing and Fees: Look for platforms that clearly outline their transaction fees, monthly costs, and any hidden charges to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Cryptocurrency and Fiat Capabilities: For modern businesses, especially in the Web3 space, the ability to handle both traditional money and digital assets is a significant advantage.
- Global Payment and Multi-Currency Support: A platform's capacity to manage international transfers and hold funds in various currencies is fundamental for companies with a worldwide presence.
- Customer Support and Reliability: Dependable and responsive customer service is vital for resolving issues quickly and ensuring your financial operations run smoothly.
- Integrated Business Tools: Consider solutions that offer more than just payments, such as built-in features for payroll, expense management, and accounting software integrations.
If these considerations resonate with your business requirements, explore our curated list of alternatives in the next section.
10 Best Alternatives to Sphere
1. OneSafe
OneSafe is a finance platform built to modernize banking for businesses, particularly those operating in the Web3 and crypto sectors. We offer essential tools for straightforward fund management, rapid payments, and access to both traditional and digital assets.
Our platform facilitates a direct 1:1 conversion from USD to USDC on Polygon, which simplifies payroll and expense management for global teams. We also provide streamlined onboarding, frictionless transfers, and responsive customer support tailored for organizations in the digital asset space.
Pricing
Here's a look at our straightforward pricing structure:
- Free General Fees: We don't charge for account opening, maintenance, or card issuance, and there are no minimum balance requirements.
- 0.1% US Domestic & USDT Fees: Enjoy low fees on US domestic ACH and wire transfers, as well as USDT transactions.
- 0.2% International Fees: This rate applies to SEPA payments (EUR) and international wires, with the latter including a $50 SWIFT fee.
- $25 Fedwire Fee: We charge a simple flat fee for US domestic wires sent via Fedwire.
- Included Crypto Conversion: Convert between fiat and crypto at market rates with no hidden fees.
Reviews
Users consistently praise OneSafe for its exceptional customer support and ability to solve complex banking challenges, often calling it a game-changer for Web3 companies.
- “OneSafe is a game-changer. They solve so many headaches for our company. Finally a banking solution that gets it.” - Marco, CEO of Ensuro
- “OneSafe has revolutionized our Web3 organization's payroll and banking processes. The team's responsiveness and reliability have made it a must-have solution for any Web3 company.” - Bryan, CCO of Swapsicle
Want to see how OneSafe can help your business? Check us out here.
2. Currensea
Currensea is a UK-based financial technology company that provides a travel debit card intended to lower foreign exchange fees. The card links to a user's existing UK bank account, which means funds do not need to be topped up or transferred before use.
The service offers real-time exchange rates and sends immediate notifications that detail the amount spent. It operates on a subscription model with different tiers that determine the limits for fee-free card spending and ATM withdrawals.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing:
- Free Essential: This plan has a one-time £4.95 card delivery fee. It allows for £500 in monthly card spending at the real-time rate before a 1% fee is applied. ATM withdrawals are fee-free up to £200 per month, after which a 2% fee is charged.
- £39.95 Annually Pro: This plan provides market-leading exchange rates, unlimited fee-free card spending, and fee-free ATM withdrawals up to £500 per month.
- £150 Annually Elite: This plan contains all Pro features, with an increased fee-free ATM withdrawal limit of £750 per month and additional benefits.
Reviews
User feedback for Currensea generally discusses the card's ease of use, exchange rates, and transaction notifications, while some reviews raise concerns about card acceptance in certain locations and customer support responsiveness. Check out more Currensea reviews here.
3. Airwallex
Founded in 2015, Airwallex is a financial technology company that provides a suite of services, including cross-border payments and multi-currency business accounts. The platform also offers tools for expense management and corporate cards.
Businesses can hold funds in over 20 currencies and access foreign exchange rates with a markup of 0.5% to 1% above interbank rates. The service also provides free local transfers to over 120 countries and integration with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks.
Pricing
Here is a look at their pricing plans:
- Free Explore Plan: This plan is for small businesses and is free for users who deposit at least $5,000 per month or maintain a minimum balance of $10,000. It includes multiple business accounts and free transfers to over 120 countries.
- $99/month Grow Plan: This plan is for growing businesses and adds international batch transfers, expense management, and bill pay services.
- $499/month Accelerate Plan: This plan is for large businesses and includes centralized management of finances across global entities and single sign-on capabilities.
- Custom Plan: Pricing is tailored for high-volume businesses or those needing custom API implementations.
Reviews
User reviews indicate some customers experience challenges with customer service, account suspensions without clear reasoning, and difficulties with the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Check out more Airwallex reviews here.
4. Wise
Wise, formerly TransferWise, is a UK-based financial technology company founded in 2011 that specializes in international money transfers. The company serves both individual and business customers, with over 15.5 million active users.
It offers a multi-currency account for holding funds in over 40 currencies and a debit card for global spending. The platform processes transfers using the mid-market exchange rate without added markups.
Pricing
Wise operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no monthly subscription fees, applying charges to specific transactions. Fees for sending money start at 0.57% and vary by currency, while other costs include a one-time $9 fee for its multi-currency card, a $31 setup fee for business accounts, and charges for certain ATM withdrawals and incoming international wire transfers.
Reviews
User reviews indicate some customers have experienced challenges with account freezes and unresponsive customer support. Check out more Wise reviews here.
5. Fiducial Banque
Fiducial Banque, established in 2014, is an online banking institution for professionals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), merchants, and associations. As a subsidiary of the Fiducial Group, it offers a range of banking services designed for entrepreneurs.
Clients receive a dedicated advisor upon account opening and have access to a fully digitalized system for 24/7 account management. The bank also offers financing solutions, such as business loans and leasing options, to support business growth.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing packages:
- €12 (excl. tax) per month PRO Base: This package includes a professional current account, a dedicated banking advisor, 24/7 online banking access, a Visa Business debit card, unlimited SEPA direct debits and transfers, and check deposit services.
- €25 (excl. tax) per month PRO Plus: This tier encompasses all PRO Base services, adding the ability to accept card payments, a choice of Visa debit cards with immediate or deferred options, and the provision of checkbooks.
- €45 (excl. tax) per month PRO Excellence: This package includes all PRO Plus services, with the addition of unlimited account movement commissions, one free cash deposit per month through a partner network, and a Visa Premier debit card with deferred debit.
Reviews
User feedback for Fiducial Banque points to challenges with customer service responsiveness, delays in receiving assistance, and technical issues with its mobile application. Check out more Fiducial Banque reviews here.
6. Revolut
Revolut is a British financial technology company founded in 2015 that provides a suite of banking services. These services include current accounts, debit and credit cards, stock and cryptocurrency trading, and peer-to-peer payments.
The platform allows users to manage and exchange over 25 currencies at the interbank rate and facilitates both local and international money transfers. It also offers team management tools like issuing cards with spending controls and integrates with accounting software such as Xero and Sage.
Pricing
Here is a look at their pricing plans:
- From £10 per month Basic Plan: Provides essential features for running a business.
- From £30 per month Grow Plan: Offers additional tools to manage spending and operations.
- From £90 per month Scale Plan: Designed for businesses with higher transaction volumes and advanced needs.
- Custom Pricing Enterprise Plan: Tailored to specific business requirements.
Reviews
User reviews mention challenges with customer support responsiveness and limitations in some banking functionalities. Check out more Revolut reviews here.
7. N26
N26 is a German fintech company founded in 2013 that provides a fully mobile banking experience. Its services include transaction accounts, debit cards, overdrafts, and investment products.
The platform operates through a mobile app that provides real-time banking and tools for managing spending and savings. Features vary by plan and can include a virtual Mastercard, sub-accounts for budgeting, and travel insurance.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing plans:
- Free N26 Standard: A free account with no maintenance fees that includes a virtual Mastercard for online purchases and mobile payments.
- €4.90 per month N26 Smart: This account offers tools for spending and saving, including the ability to add up to 10 sub-accounts.
- €9.90 per month N26 Go: This account is designed for travel and offers benefits like free ATM withdrawals abroad and travel insurance.
- €16.90 per month N26 Metal: This premium account includes a metal card, travel insurance, and priority customer support.
Reviews
User feedback points to challenges with customer support, including slow response times and unhelpful replies, as well as more significant issues like unexplained account closures and frozen funds. Check out more N26 reviews here.
8. Brex
Brex, founded in 2017, is a financial technology company providing a suite of services like corporate cards, expense management, and business accounts. These offerings are integrated into a single platform for managing various financial operations.
The platform incorporates AI-powered custom rules, real-time reporting, and integrations with accounting software. It is designed for startups, mid-sized companies, and global enterprises, offering scalable solutions for different business requirements.
Pricing
Here is a look at their pricing:
- Free Essentials: This plan for startups and growing companies includes global card acceptance, AI-powered custom rules, accounting integrations, bill pay, and reimbursements.
- $12 per user per month Premium: This plan includes all Essentials features plus customizable expense policies, advanced approvals, and multi-entity support.
- Custom Enterprise: This plan is for global enterprises and includes all Premium features, a named account manager, and customizable implementation services with tailored pricing.
Reviews
User feedback indicates some customers have experienced issues with customer service, including unresponsiveness and difficulty resolving complex queries, alongside challenges with account closures and receipt syncing. Check out more Brex reviews here.
9. Finom
Finom is a European financial technology company founded in 2019 that provides digital banking and financial management services for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers. The platform offers online account opening with local IBANs, invoicing, accounting integrations, and expense management.
The service provides free physical and unlimited virtual debit cards, with the possibility of earning up to 3% cashback on business purchases. It also supports multiple currencies and international payments, aiming to streamline financial operations for businesses across Europe.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing:
- Free Solo Plan: This plan is for freelancers and includes one user, a personal IBAN, and basic invoicing features.
- €9 per month Start Plan: This plan is for small businesses and includes two users and advanced invoicing features.
- €28 per month Premium Plan: This plan offers five users and includes invoicing and accounting integrations.
- €149 per month Corporate Plan: This plan is for larger businesses and provides ten users with advanced invoicing and accounting features.
- €339 per month Enterprise Plan: This plan includes fifteen users and all features from the Corporate Plan.
Reviews
User reviews for Finom frequently discuss the platform's interface and invoicing features, while some report challenges with account management, transaction processing, and fees. Check out more Finom reviews here.
10. OneMoneyWay
OneMoneyWay is a digital platform providing global financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. It facilitates international transfers with local IBAN accounts, foreign exchange for over 24 currencies, and various payment solutions like SWIFT and SEPA.
The platform states it processes transactions more quickly than traditional banks and places no limits on transaction amounts. It also provides virtual and physical corporate cards, business accounts, and payment terminals through its regulated partners.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing:
- Free Freemium: This plan is for businesses with annual revenue below £150,000 and includes one business account, one virtual corporate card, and higher transaction fees.
- £49 per month Starter: Billed annually, this plan provides up to three business accounts, two virtual and two physical corporate cards, and lower transaction fees.
- £99 per month Business: Billed annually, this plan offers up to five business accounts, four physical corporate cards, unlimited virtual cards, and the lowest transaction fees.
These prices are indicative and may vary based on a company's revenue and industry.
Reviews
User feedback for OneMoneyWay often discusses the level of customer service and staff interactions, while some reviews also mention the length of processing times for account setup. Check out more OneMoneyWay reviews here.
Which One Should You Go With?
While each of these platforms offers a strong set of features, we recommend OneSafe for businesses seeking a modern financial partner that understands the digital asset landscape. Sign up for OneSafe today to see how we can help your business grow.
