Helm and WorldFirst, compared.
The same checklist applied to both, using each provider's published fees. Read on 21 October 2026.
| Helm | WorldFirst | |
|---|---|---|
| Account currencies with local details | USD, EUR, GBP | 20+ local receiving currencies |
| Account fee | Agreed with your account manager | None |
| Receive on local rails | Domestic transfer | Domestic transfer |
| Receive by SWIFT | Agreed with your account manager | Free to receive |
| Send by SWIFT | Agreed with your account manager | USD to other destinations 7.69 GBP; other currencies 4.62 to 23.00 GBP |
| Conversion | Agreed with your account manager | 0.30% to 0.50% for major currencies |
| Digital dollars | USDC and USDT | Not offered |
| Trade finance | Supplier, receivables and working capital | Not offered |
| Named account manager | Every client | Not stated on the pricing page |
| Opening time | Days, one document list | Not stated on the pricing page |
Which one fits which business
WorldFirst, owned by Ant Group, is strong on China: its published USD payment to mainland China arrives within four business hours. Its receiving is free and its conversion fee is at or below Helm's. Helm's differences are digital dollars, trade finance and a named account manager. A business whose trade is mainly paying mainland Chinese suppliers in USD by bank transfer should compare WorldFirst's China rail closely. A business that also settles in USDT, finances orders or wants one person to call is the business Helm serves.
The checklist behind the table
The items above are the ones that decide what an account costs a trading business and whether it covers the whole trade. The guide to the best business bank account for importers explains each item; the exporters' guide covers the receiving side.
Open a Helm account
USD, EUR and GBP accounts, SWIFT and digital dollar payments, trade finance and a named account manager.
Open accountQuestions
Is Helm cheaper than WorldFirst?
It depends on what you do. The table above lists each provider's published fees on the same items. For a trading business the three fees that matter most are the SWIFT fee, the conversion fee and the fee to receive; compare those three against your own monthly pattern.
Can I use Helm and WorldFirst together?
Yes. Many businesses hold more than one account. Helm account details in your company's name can be used alongside any other provider.
Where do these figures come from?
Helm agrees fees with each client before the account opens. WorldFirst's figures are from worldfirst.com/uk/pricing, read on 21 October 2026. Fees change; check the provider's page before you decide.
Figures for WorldFirst are taken from its published pricing page on the review date and may change. WorldFirst is a trademark of its owner. This page is general information, not advice.