Amaiz rolls out local-network international payments to 96 countries

Amaiz has launched a new cross-border payment service for small businesses that lets them pay suppliers, freelancers and contractors in 96 countries through local banking networks. The company says the route can be faster than SWIFT and may lower total costs, with many payments arriving within 24 hours.

Why it matters: - Small businesses often lose time and money on routine overseas payments. - Amaiz is pitching local-network transfers as a faster and potentially cheaper alternative to defaulting to SWIFT or a usual payment provider. - The service is aimed at regular, lower-value international payments, where fees and exchange rates can materially affect what the recipient receives.

What happened: - Amaiz launched an international payment service for overseas suppliers, freelancers and contractors. - The service covers 96 countries. - Payments typically arrive within 24 hours, and some can arrive the same day. - Timing depends on destination, cut-off time and the recipient's eligibility. - The launch was announced in London on September 24, 2026.

The details: - Amaiz uses local banking systems to move money in destination markets. - The service gives businesses another option instead of automatically relying on SWIFT or their usual payment provider. - Amaiz charges 0.75% plus €1.49 for a local bank transfer. - Amaiz charges 0.75% plus €1.99 for an e-wallet payment. - Currency conversion and third-party charges may also apply. - Customers can see the precise quotation before confirming a payment. - Destinations available include Pakistan, India, Thailand, Nigeria, China, the Philippines and Bangladesh. - In an August 2026 review of international payment providers across eight destinations, Amaiz found its service was closely competitive in many markets. - In a like-for-like comparison with one leading provider, recipients in Egypt received approximately 3.5% more through Amaiz when the sender's total cost was kept the same. - In the same comparison, recipients in Sri Lanka received approximately 0.4% more through Amaiz. - On an equivalent €200 spend, recipients would receive about €7 more in Egypt and €1 more in Sri Lanka. - Exchange rates and competitor pricing change continually, so the best-value option depends on the amount, destination and payment method.

Between the lines: - Amaiz is trying to win business from companies that use the same provider for every overseas payment, even when that route is not the cheapest. - The pricing pitch focuses on the recipient's net amount, not just the sender's headline fee. - The company is positioning local transfers as easier to track as well as more cost-effective for routine payments. - The review results are illustrative, not a guarantee of savings in every market.

What's next: - The service is available to approved Amaiz customers with a euro account. - Access is subject to onboarding, country restrictions, compliance checks and route availability. - Amaiz says it can consider applications from founders who are not UK residents but operate a UK company, subject to eligibility and verification requirements. - Existing customers can check the exact exchange rate, charges and recipient amount before confirming a payment. - Businesses can also use Amaiz's online calculator at Amaiz's payment calculator to check indicative costs and available destinations.

The bottom line: - Amaiz is betting that faster local rails and clearer upfront pricing will make international payments less expensive and less frustrating for small businesses.