KeynesPay vs Profee
Side-by-side comparison — pricing, features, ratings, use cases. Find which Money Transfer fits you best.
🔍 Independently researched ·
📊 Data-driven
45/100
Free tier
Hong Kong and Asia-focused B2B companies that need multi-currency accounts and a cost-effective way to pay suppliers acr
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
No monthly fee, but pay per transaction; minimal setup costs
Fee notes:
- Transfer fee: 0.3% to 1% of transaction amount, with minimum fee of HKD 100 (approx. USD 12.75).
- FX markup: 0.2% to 0.5% above interbank rate, depending on volume and currency pair.
- Receiving payments via virtual accounts is free for 12 currencies; additional currencies may incur a fee.
- SWIFT transfer fee: HKD 150 (approx. USD 19) for outbound SWIFT payments.
- Local payment method fee: waived for local currency transfers in supported corridors.
⚠ Watch for:
- Minimum transfer fee of HKD 100 applies even for small amounts.
- FX markup is not explicitly shown; it's embedded in the exchange rate.
- Additional fees for payments to certain countries (e.g., China) or using intermediary banks.
- Wire transfer fees may apply if using SWIFT network for non-local currencies.
🔧 Features
✓ B2b✓ Hong Kong✓ Supplier Payments✓ 150 Countries✓ Multi Currency✓ Free Tier
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Free account model: KeynesPay charges no monthly subscription, no minimum balance, and no account closing fees. This is a significant advantage over traditional corporate bank accounts, which often impose monthly maintenance fees (ranging from $20–100) and minimum balance requirements. For SMEs that process payments infrequently, the zero fixed cost means you only pay when you transact, keeping overhead predictable.
- Multi-currency virtual accounts: You get virtual IBANs and account numbers in USD, EUR, GBP, CNY, and HKD, allowing you to receive funds locally and hold them without converting. This simplifies cash management for businesses that deal with multiple currencies, as you can receive payments from customers in their local currency and later pay suppliers in the same currency, avoiding double conversion costs.
- Local clearing payments to 150+ countries: Instead of pushing every payment through SWIFT, KeynesPay leverages local ACH and clearing systems (e.g., SEPA, CHAPS, Fedwire, CNAPS). This typically makes transfers faster (often same-day or next-day) and cheaper, especially for high-volume small to medium-sized payments. For example, paying a supplier in China via CNAPS can be more efficient than a traditional wire.
- Competitive FX for business transfers: The platform offers interbank-plus-margin rates that are generally lower than typical retail bank rates. While the exact spread varies, businesses moving large invoices will find the rates competitive against most traditional banks. The ability to lock in rates or use forward contracts isn't explicitly mentioned, but for immediate conversions, the pricing is clear and upfront.
- User-friendly dashboard with API access: The platform provides a clean web interface to view balances, initiate payments, and track transaction history. For scaling businesses, API access enables automated payment reconciliation and integration with accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks, reducing manual effort.
⚠ Watch out for
- Not a licensed bank, no deposit insurance: Funds are safeguarded in partner banks (FPS-regulated), but they are not covered by any deposit insurance scheme (like FDIC in the US or DTI in Hong Kong). If a partner bank were to fail, you might not recover your full balance. This adds an element of risk that businesses must weigh against the benefits.
- Strictly B2B, no personal or payroll transfers: The platform is designed only for business-to-business payments. It cannot be used for sending money to individuals, paying contractors as individuals, or processing payroll for your staff. That means businesses still need another solution for these common needs, creating operational complexity.
- FX margin may be higher for small amounts: While KeynesPay is cheaper than many banks, its FX spread might be wider than Wise for smaller conversion amounts (e.g., under $10,000). Wise uses a mid-market rate with a small percentage fee, while KeynesPay's margin is built into the rate. For high-frequency small value payments, fees can add up, making Wise or even TransferWise more cost-effective.
- Limited public information on onboarding and compliance: The website doesn't clearly detail the exact documents required, the estimated time for activation, or the minimum transaction limits. From the experience of similar platforms, businesses may need to provide incorporation papers, beneficial ownership details, and some may be subject to enhanced due diligence, which could slow the initial setup. This lack of upfront clarity can frustrate small businesses looking to get started quickly.
🎯 Best for
Hong Kong and Asia-focused B2B companies that need multi-currency accounts and a cost-effective way to pay suppliers across 150+ countries.
🚫 Who should skip
Individual freelancers or companies looking for a full-service global banking platform with physical branch support, as KeynesPay is purely digital and B2B-centric.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — setting up an account and making transfers is straightforward, but understanding the FX pricing model and integrating the API calls may require a short learning period.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
KeynesPay is a solid choice for SMEs that regularly pay overseas suppliers and want to cut costs and speed up transactions, especially if you're trading in multiple currencies. However, if you need deposit insurance or personal transfer capabilities, look elsewhere. Ultimately, it's a reliable and c
69/100
12 Kč starting
Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelanc
★ Best
💰 Pricing
Starting at 12 Kč (per_transaction)
Fee notes:
- Card-to-card transfer fee: from €0.50 per transaction, plus a percentage (typically 1.5% to 2.5% depending on corridor and payment method).
- FX markup: 0.5% to 1.5% above interbank rate, varying by currency pair and corridor.
- Bank transfer (SEPA) fee: €1.00 per transaction (if available).
- Cash pickup fee: varies by agent (e.g., 1-2% of amount, minimum €3).
- No subscription fees; pay only for transactions.
⚠ Watch for:
- Transfer fees can be deducted from the sent amount or added on top; check total recipient amount.
- Card issuing bank may charge cash advance or foreign transaction fees.
- Recipient bank may deduct incoming wire fees.
- Weekend transfers may incur higher FX markup due to market closure.
🔧 Features
✓ Card To Card✓ Cis Corridors✓ Cyprus Latvia✓ Russian✓ Central Asia
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Specialized Corridor Expertise: Profee's focus on EU-to-CIS and EU-to-Asia corridors is its biggest strength. Services like Wise have restricted transfers to Russia and some Central Asian countries, leaving a void. Profee steps in, offering reliable transfer routes to these regions, which is invaluable for expats, immigrants, and business owners paying freelancers in places like Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan.
- Card-to-Card Convenience: The card-to-card system eliminates the need for bank account details or cash pickup. You only need the recipient's card number. This is a massive time-saver and reduces friction, especially for senders who may not have the recipient's IBAN or similar. It also helps unbanked recipients receive funds directly to their cards, which is common in these regions.
- Instant Transfer Speed: Transfers are typically completed within minutes, which is crucial for urgent remittances. Whether it's helping a family member with an emergency or paying a freelancer promptly, the speed is a major selling point. This is achieved through card network integration, ensuring funds reach the recipient's card almost immediately.
- Transparent Fee Structure (for standard corridors): For popular routes like EU-to-Russia or EU-to-Turkey, Profee offers competitive fees, sometimes even lower than traditional banks. The fee is displayed upfront before you confirm the transfer, with no hidden margins on exchange rates. This transparency builds trust, a key factor in financial services.
- Regulatory Compliance and Security: Profee is licensed in Cyprus and Latvia, operating under EU regulations. This provides a layer of security and accountability, which is reassuring for users sending money across borders. The platform uses encryption and complies with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) directives, ensuring transactions are secure and monitored.
⚠ Watch out for
- Limited Corridor Coverage: Profee is not a global service. It only sends from select EU countries to Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia. If you need to send money to Africa, South America, or other parts of Asia, you'll have to look elsewhere. This narrow focus is excellent for its niche but a dealbreaker for those needing diverse routing.
- Misleading 'Free' Tag: The starting price of $0.5 is promotional and applies to specific corridors and card types. For less common routes or when using certain cards, fees can be higher than competitors like Wise or Revolut. Users have reported that the 'free' tag is misleading, as the actual cost varies and sometimes exceeds expectations.
- Low Transaction Limits: Profee is designed for personal remittances, with limits that are capped. High-volume senders or businesses will quickly hit these limits and be forced to split transfers or seek alternatives. This makes it unsuitable for payroll or large transactions, a significant limitation for some potential users.
- Limited Customer Support Options: Support is primarily via email and an in-app chat, with no phone support. Response times can be slow, especially during peak hours. For a service dealing with money, this lack of immediate assistance can be frustrating, particularly if a transfer is delayed or fails.
- No Business Features: There are no API integrations, multi-user accounts, or invoicing tools. Profee is strictly a consumer service. This is a con for freelancers or small businesses that might want to automate payments or manage team expenses. They would need to use a separate platform for business needs.
🎯 Best for
Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelancers in Russia, Turkey, and Central Asian countries using just a card number.
🚫 Who should skip
Businesses with high-volume payment needs, people sending money globally outside the supported corridors, and those who prefer traditional bank-to-bank transfers or cash pickup options.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the platform is straightforward: create an account, verify your ID, enter the recipient's card details, and pay. Even first-time users can complete a transfer in under five minutes.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Profee is an excellent choice for individuals sending remittances from the EU to Russia, Turkey, or Central Asia, especially those who value speed and convenience. However, its limited corridor coverage and low transaction limits mean it's not suitable for businesses or those needing a global soluti
📊 Use Case Suitability
Higher score = better fit. Scores from editorial review.
Use CaseKeynesPayProfee
Paying Overseas Suppliers in Local Currency95—
KeynesPay lets you send payments to suppliers in 150+ countries using local sett
Managing Multi-Currency Cash Flow88—
The multi-currency virtual accounts allow businesses to hold and manage balances
Reducing FX Costs on Recurring International Payments84—
With competitive FX margins and the ability to transact in various currencies, c
Automating B2B Payment Reconciliation via API80—
The API enables companies to automate supplier payments and reconcile transactio
Receiving Customer Invoices in Foreign Markets75—
Virtual accounts in different currencies let businesses provide local account de
Remittances to Russia—95
This is Profee's core strength—fast card-to-card transfers to Russian bank cards
Sending money to Turkey from Europe—90
Profee has strong Turkish corridors and supports transfers to major Turkish bank
Paying freelancers in Central Asia—85
With coverage across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, Profee offers a sim
🧭 Which One Should You Pick?
Choose KeynesPay if...
- You are: Hong Kong and Asia-focused B2B companies that need multi-currency accounts and a cost-effective way to pay suppliers acr
- 👍 Free to open and maintain, with no monthly subscription or minimum balance requirements.
- 👍 Multi-currency virtual accounts support holding and receiving funds in USD, EUR, GBP, CNY, HKD, and
- 👍 Supplier payments reach 150+ countries using local clearing systems, which can be faster and cheaper
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: Not a licensed bank, so funds are safeguarded in partner banks but not covered b
Choose Profee if...
- You are: Individuals in the European Union who need to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to family, friends, or freelanc
- 👍 Specialized in EU-to-CIS corridors, including Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, where many general m
- 👍 Card-to-card transfer system means no bank account details or cash pickup locations are needed—just
- 👍 Fast transfers, typically arriving within minutes to the recipient's card, which is essential for ur
- 💰 From $0.5/mo
- ⚠ Trade-off: Limited to specific corridors and not a global money transfer solution; sends on
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What fees does KeynesPay charge if the platform is free?
The account setup and monthly maintenance are free, but revenue comes from FX spreads on currency conversions and transaction fees for certain payments. You pay a margin above the interbank mid-market rate, so the exact cost depends on the currency pair and transfer amount.
How does KeynesPay compare to Airwallex or Payoneer?
All three offer multi-currency B2B payments, but KeynesPay focuses specifically on Hong Kong-based businesses and has a strong reach across Asia and 150+ countries. Airwallex has a wider global banking footprint, while Payoneer is better known for freelancers and marketplaces. Pricing and FX margins vary, so it's worth comparing quotes for your specific payment volume.
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