If you’re tired of clunky expense processes or juggling multiple tools to manage business spending, Wallester Business offers a refreshingly streamlined alternative. With both virtual and physical cards, real-time tracking, and built-in automation, it’s designed to give finance teams tighter control, without the usual admin overhead.
In this review, I’ll break down Wallester Business’s standout features, pricing structure, and security credentials, with a clear verdict on who it’s best suited for.
Let’s see whether Wallester Business deserves a place in your finance stack.
- Should You Use Wallester Business?
- Wallester Business At A Glance
- What Is Wallester?
- Who Should Use Wallester Business?
- Wallester Business Features
- Types of Wallester Business Cards
- Wallester Business Pros & Cons
- How Much Does Wallester Business Cost?
- How Safe Is Wallester?
- How Easy is Wallester Business to Use?
- Wallester Customer Reviews
- Wallester Business Eligibility Criteria
- How To Apply For A Wallester Business Card
- Alternatives to Wallester Business
- Wallester FAQs
Should You Use Wallester Business?
If you’re a UK startup or small business looking for a straightforward way to manage expenses without paying a monthly fee, Wallester Business is genuinely hard to beat. You get 300 virtual cards, unlimited physical ones, and real-time spend tracking, all on a free plan. For lean teams juggling budgets across clients, projects, or departments, it’s fast, flexible, and gets the job done.
Where it falls short, at least for non-technical teams, is in complexity. Wallester Business doesn’t offer native no-code approval flows or smart automations in the style of Pleo or Payhawk. Instead, it provides a developer-friendly toolkit: APIs, webhooks, spend controls, and MCC whitelisting for those able to customise. If you’re a lean startup, that might be enough. But for larger teams wanting out-of-the-box policy enforcement or layered approval chains, the platform may still feel underpowered.
While Wallester is regulated in the EU, it’s not FCA-authorised in the UK, which won’t matter to everyone but could be a sticking point for some finance leads.
In short, Wallester Business is a solid choice if you need a lightweight, low-friction expense solution.
Wallester Business At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Startups, SMEs, and businesses with simple expense management needs |
| Not Ideal For | Larger businesses or those needing advanced automation and approval workflows |
| Card Types | 300+ Virtual Cards, Unlimited Physical Cards |
| Card Issuance | Instant Virtual Card Issuance |
| Transaction Tracking | Real-Time Tracking and Spend Management |
| Integration | Xero, QuickBooks, and other accounting tools |
| Foreign Exchange Fee | 2% for transactions outside the Eurozone |
| Regulation | Not FCA authorised in the UK |
| Support | Email and Chat Support |
| Pricing | Free for card issuance, charges apply for transactions |
What Is Wallester?
Wallester is an Estonian financial technology company that provides businesses with infrastructure to issue corporate Visa cards and manage expenses. Founded in 2016 by Sergei Astafjev and Dmitri Logvinenko, the company is licensed by the Estonian Financial Supervisory Authority and operates across the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom.
Wallester offers two core services: Wallester Business, a corporate expense management platform for startups and SMEs, and Wallester White-Label, a card-issuing solution for banks, fintechs, and enterprises looking to launch branded financial products.
The company serves clients in sectors including retail, e-commerce, financial services, travel, and insurance, and supports both physical and virtual card issuance through its cloud-based API infrastructure.
Who Should Use Wallester Business?
Wallester Business isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform, and that’s actually one of its strengths. Based on what it offers (and what it doesn’t), here’s a clear breakdown of who I think it’s best suited to, and who might want to look elsewhere:
Wallester Business is a great fit if you’re a…
- UK startup or SME looking to cut costs: You get 300 free virtual and unlimited physical cards—no monthly fee. That’s ideal if you’re watching your spending.
- Business that manages multiple budgets or projects: You can issue separate cards for each client, team, or campaign, track spending in real time, and set card-level limits to avoid overspend. This is especially useful for sectors like e-commerce, media buying, marketing, travel, or concierge services, where issuing large volumes of virtual cards helps streamline spend tracking and unlock operational efficiency.
- Company looking to build or customise its own finance tools: Wallester’s API allows you to create branded card programmes, integrate payments into your systems, or tailor workflows to fit your business model.
- Business with EU/UK-based operations: Wallester Business is best for companies that spend mainly in Euros or GBP. It’s based in the EEA and fully supports UK businesses.
- Company needing fast card deployment for staff: Virtual cards are issued instantly, and physical cards can be added to mobile wallets like Apple Pay. It’s great for remote teams or freelancers.
Wallester Business probably isn’t right if you…
- Need deep expense automation or approval workflows: The core features are solid but don’t match the advanced automation tools you’d find on platforms like Payhawk or Pleo.
- Operate globally with heavy non-Euro spending: The 2.00% FX markup can eat into your margins. If you spend a lot outside the Eurozone, it gets expensive quickly.
- Rely heavily on fast, consistent customer support: I’ve seen mixed reviews here. Some users report delays or unhelpful responses, especially on the free plan.
- Work in a high-risk industry (e.g. crypto, gambling): There’s a vague “Industry Fee” for certain sectors. Wallester doesn’t publish the details, so you’d need to check before signing up.
Wallester Business Features
Wallester Business packs in a wide range of features, especially considering how generous the free tier is. Here’s a breakdown of the tools UK business owners will actually use, and where I think it shines (or doesn’t):
- 300 free virtual Visa debit cards – Instantly issue cards for staff, teams, or projects, included in the free tier.
- Unlimited physical cards – No limit on how many you can order, though delivery fees apply.
- Real-time spend controls – Set daily or monthly card limits, block merchant categories, or disable ATM withdrawals.
- Live transaction monitoring – See spending as it happens — ideal for fast-moving or remote teams.
- Receipt capture with OCR – Upload receipts via the app; text is automatically scanned to speed up reconciliation.
- Multi-currency support—You can use and hold balances in GBP, EUR, USD, and more (note: 2% FX fee on non-base currency transactions).
- Mobile wallet compatibility – Cards work with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- Basic reporting and analytics – Exportable reports, category tracking, and budget overviews — good enough for most SMEs.
- Invoice and document storage – Attach and store invoices or documents alongside transactions.
- Accounting integrations – Direct links to Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite make bookkeeping easier.
- REST API access – Ideal to build your own card tools, white-label products, or embed finance features.
- User permissions and team roles – Define who can issue cards, adjust limits, or access spending data.
- Web dashboard (admin view) – Issue cards, set rules, track spend, and manage users all from one clean interface.
- Mobile app (employee view) – Employees can view card balances, get instant notifications, and upload receipts.
Types of Wallester Business Cards
Wallester Business offers a flexible card system that suits everything from daily team expenses to premium business travel. Whether you’re issuing cards to employees, managing ad spend, or streamlining payroll, there’s a setup that fits.
Here’s a breakdown of the different card types and how they might work for your business:
💳 Virtual Business Cards (Instant-Issue)
What they are: Instantly generated Visa debit cards for online use.
Best for: Remote teams, ad campaigns, freelancer payments, or online spending.
Why it works: Cards can be issued in seconds, with custom limits and instant deactivation — ideal for managing marketing budgets or client-specific spend.
💳 Physical Business Cards
What they are: Real, contactless-enabled Visa cards delivered by post.
Best for: Staff who travel, meet clients, or make in-person purchases.
Why it works: The digital version is available immediately via Apple Pay or Google Pay, making it fast to onboard new employees.
💼 Expense Cards
What they are: Virtual or physical cards issued to staff for day-to-day business spending.
Best for: Travel, subscriptions, office costs, or ad hoc team expenses.
Why it works: Each card has individual limits and real-time tracking, making it easy to control spend and eliminate reimbursements.
🏦 Payroll Cards
What they are: Prepaid cards used to pay employees, freelancers, or affiliates.
Best for: Businesses that want to simplify payroll without using bank transfers.
Why it works: Supports real-time payouts across departments or projects, making batch payments faster and easier to manage.
✨ Platinum Business Cards
What they are: Premium Visa cards with added perks for frequent travellers and executives.
Best for: Business owners or senior staff who travel often or entertain clients.
Why it works: Comes with airport lounge access, hotel benefits, and exclusive partner rewards — a good fit for teams that want flexible, polished corporate cards without needing a credit line.
| Card Type | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Cards | Online spend, remote teams | Instant issuance, real-time limits |
| Physical Cards | In-person purchases, team travel | Contactless, mobile wallet-ready |
| Expense Cards | Staff spending | Receipt uploads, live tracking |
| Payroll Cards | Paying employees/freelancers | Real-time payouts, batch payment tracking |
| Platinum Cards | Business owners, frequent travellers | Travel perks, lifestyle benefits, exclusive deals |
Wallester Business Pros & Cons
- Generous free plan (300 virtual, unlimited physical cards)
- Instant virtual card issuance
- Real-time spend control and monitoring
- Flexible API for custom solutions
- Supports GBP, EUR, USD and more
- Apple Pay / Google Pay ready
- Useful payroll card programme
- PCI DSS Level 1 + 3D Secure 2.0
- No commission on EUR payments
- 2.00% FX fee on non-base currency spend
- Limited no-code automation or native approval flows
- Developer setup needed for advanced controls
- No direct FCA regulation in the UK
- Industry fee” applies to some high-risk sectors (crypto, gambling), but criteria are not public
- Paid plans mainly increase card volumes rather than unlocking additional features
How Much Does Wallester Business Cost?
Wallester Business’s standout feature is its free forever plan, which has no monthly fees, minimum balance, or hidden costs for core features. I think that’s a game-changer for startups and lean teams that want powerful spending tools without the price tag.
Wallester earns through partnerships with Visa and other providers, which allows it to offer a lifetime-free corporate expense solution. That means no account fees, no user caps, and no commission on EUR payments—you only pay for extra usage or premium features.
| Feature | Free | Premium | Platinum | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | £0 | Approx. £169.95 | Approx. £859.95 | Custom pricing |
| Virtual Cards Included | 300 | 3,000 | 18,000 | Custom |
| Extra Virtual Card Fee | £0.30/mo | £0.18/mo | £0.09/mo | Custom |
| Physical Cards | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Users | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| API Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Premium Perks | ❌ | ❌ | Travel, rewards | Custom |
| BIN Options (shared/exclusive) | Available at extra cost | Available at extra cost | Available at extra cost | ✅ |
| Onboarding Support | Basic | Enhanced | Priority | Custom |
| Sign Up | Get Free | Get Premium | Get Platinum | Get Enterprise |
Other Costs To Know About
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| FX markup | 2.00% above Visa rate |
| ATM withdrawal (UK/EU) | 2% (min £2.00) |
| ATM withdrawal (international) | £2.00 + 2.00% |
| Account top-up (bank transfer) | £15.00 for GBP transfers, free for EUR |
| Top-up (card) | 1.20% |
| Physical card delivery | £5.00 (standard), £17.00 (express) |
| Dispute processing | £18.00 |
| Account closure | £25.00 |
How Safe Is Wallester?
While Wallester isn’t FCA-authorised in the UK, it is licensed by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority and legally operates in the UK under EU passporting rules. It’s built to meet high standards from a compliance and infrastructure perspective.
I think the security setup for UK businesses is solid, especially for managing staff spend, card issuance, and corporate expenses at scale. If you require direct FCA oversight or need full safeguarding like a traditional bank, you’ll want to factor that into your decision.
- PCI DSS Level 1 Certification: This is the highest security standard for handling cardholder data, used by major banks and card issuers.
- 3d Secure 2.0: Strong customer authentication for online purchases, reducing fraud and unauthorised transactions.
- Real-time notifications: Receive alerts the moment a card is used. This is great for monitoring team spending and spotting unusual activity quickly.
- Card controls and custom limits: Freeze cards instantly, block merchant types, set spending caps by day or month — all directly from the dashboard.
- Encrypted infrastructure: All payment data and transactions are encrypted to prevent data breaches or unauthorised access.
- Device-level security: Mobile app access is protected by biometric login (fingerprint or Face ID), plus two-factor authentication.
- Tokenisation: Sensitive card data is replaced with unique tokens, making mobile and online payments safer.
- Issuer licensed by the Estonian FSA: Wallester is a fully licensed payment institution in the EU and follows strict regulatory controls.
How Easy is Wallester Business to Use?
Wallester Business is very easy to use, especially if you want quick, flexible control over team spending. You can issue cards instantly, track real-time transactions, and manage everything from a clean web dashboard or mobile app. For most SMEs, I think the learning curve is minimal.
If you’ve used tools like Revolut or Tide before, Wallester Business will feel familiar, but with more emphasis on card management and less on full banking features.
How Quick’s the Setup?
Wallester Business makes onboarding quick and straightforward. You don’t need a large turnover or complex paperwork; just create an account, verify your business, and you’re in. Most UK companies can start issuing cards and managing expenses within a day.
There’s no minimum balance or setup fees, and you don’t need to speak to a salesperson unless you want to. That’s a breath of fresh air compared to traditional banks.
What’s the Wallester Business Backend User Experience Like?
From the Wallester Business dashboard, you can:
- Instantly issue virtual or physical cards
- Assign them to team members or departments.
- Set individual spending limits.
- Monitor card usage in real time.
- Freeze or block cards in one click
It’s intuitive and built for non-technical users. You don’t need finance training to start; everything is clearly laid out.
How Good is the Mobile App?
The Wallester app mirrors the functionality of the desktop dashboard, making it just as useful for admins as it is for employees. Admins can issue virtual or physical cards, adjust spending limits, freeze cards, and monitor transactions in real time.
Employees, on the other hand, can view their balance, receive instant spend notifications, upload receipts, and use their cards via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
The fact that all of this is available on mobile makes it ideal for remote teams, freelancers, or businesses with field-based staff who need expense management on the move.
Wallester Business’s Rest API (Developer-Friendly But Not Developer-Dependent)
Wallester also offers an open REST API for businesses that want to build custom workflows, card products, or embedded finance tools. But if you’re not technical? No worries. The core platform does everything you need without touching code.
Customer Support
| Feature | Free Plan | Premium / Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding assistance | Yes | Priority access |
| Live chat support | Included | Faster replies |
| Help docs & guides | Full access | Tailoured help |
| API documentation | Open access | Full developer suite |
Wallester Customer Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Total Reviews: 143
Source: Trustpilot
Wallester Business currently holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on over 140 reviews. Most users praise the platform’s reliability, smooth onboarding, and flexibility in issuing and managing virtual cards. Many users highlight the platform’s support for crypto-related businesses and praise the app’s overall functionality.
The customer support team also receives consistent positive feedback, with some clients noting that they were helped directly via WhatsApp or other preferred channels.
That said, a few users have reported delays during identity checks and mixed experiences with support responsiveness. There are also occasional complaints around the 3DS process and account verification complexity.
Common complaints include:
- A complex 3DS verification process
- A €200/month fee to bypass verification
- Occasional delays in the KYC process
- Inconsistent customer support
- Reports of account terminations and refund issues
Apple App Store Rating: 3.3 out of 5
Total Reviews: 3
Source: Apple App Store
Feedback on the mobile app is more mixed, with concerns about stability and overall performance.
Wallester Business Eligibility Criteria
Wallester Business is surprisingly accessible, and that’s one of the things I like most about it. Unlike some providers that ask for big turnover or lengthy approval processes, Wallester keeps things simple. You’re likely eligible if you’re a registered business in the UK (even a sole trader).
Who Can Apply
- UK-registered businesses: Limited companies (Ltd), partnerships, and sole traders can all apply. You don’t need to be based in the EU to use Wallester; it’s fully available to UK entities.
- Individual entrepreneurs: Freelancers and solo business owners can open an account. There’s no requirement to have employees or a large team.
- Startups and low-turnover businesses: No minimum revenue is required unless you are applying for the Wallester Business Platinum Card, which requires a half-yearly turnover of more than €10,000. This makes Wallester especially appealing to early-stage founders who need a proper expense system without high entry barriers.
- Companies with remote or global teams: As long as the company is registered in a supported country (like the UK), your cardholders can be based anywhere, which is helpful if you work with international freelancers or remote staff.
Who Might Not Qualify (or Face Extra Checks)
- High-risk industries: Wallester charges an “Industry Fee” for some sectors (e.g. crypto, gambling, adult services). The list isn’t public, so I’d recommend checking directly with them if you’re unsure.
- Unregistered businesses or individuals: You’ll need a legally registered business to apply, no personal accounts or informal setups allowed.
- Companies in unsupported countries: While UK businesses are eligible, some non-EU jurisdictions may not be accepted. If you operate internationally, it’s worth confirming.
How To Apply For A Wallester Business Card
Applying for Wallester Business is refreshingly straightforward, especially if you’re used to long bank forms and paperwork. Whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing team, the whole process can take as little as a day if your documents are ready.
Here’s exactly how to apply:
Step 1: Create a Free Account
- Visit the Wallester Business website and click “Create Free Account”.
- You’ll need to enter some basic details:
- Company name
- Country of registration (UK is fully supported)
- Business email and phone number
- Password to set up your login
💡 There’s no fee to create an account, and no minimum balance required, a massive plus for lean UK businesses.
Step 2: Verify Your Business
Once your account is created, you’ll need to complete verification. This includes:
| Verification Step | What’s Required |
|---|---|
| Business registration | UK company number or proof of sole trader status |
| Director ID | Valid photo ID (e.g. passport or driving licence) |
| Proof of activity | A website, invoices, or a short description of your operations |
| Contact details | Verified email and mobile number for security and notifications |
💬 From what I’ve seen, Wallester’s KYC process is much quicker than traditional banks. Most UK users are approved within 24–48 hours.
Step 3: Top Up Your Wallet (Optional)
You don’t need to add funds right away, but when you’re ready to issue cards, you’ll top up your business wallet via:
| Top-Up Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bank transfer | £15.00 |
| Credit/debit card | 1.20% |
Step 4: Start Issuing Cards
Once verified and funded, you can issue cards directly from your dashboard.
- Virtual cards are created instantly.
- Physical cards can be ordered with standard (£5) or express (£17) delivery.
- Assign cards to team members, set limits, and link them to mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
You can issue up to 300 virtual and unlimited physical cards for free. If you need more, you can upgrade later, but there’s no pressure.
Alternatives to Wallester Business
| Feature | Wallester | Soldo | Equals Money | Tide | Revolut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Unlimited cards | Mid-sized teams | International business payments | Freelancers and small businesses | All-in-one finance platform |
| Card Types | Virtual & physical prepaid Visa cards | Prepaid Mastercard (physical & virtual) | Prepaid Mastercard (physical & virtual) | Business Mastercard (physical) | Physical & virtual Mastercard |
| Number of Cards | From unlimited physical cards & 300 virtual cards | From 20 physical & virtual cards | From 20 physical cards & 200 virtual cards | Up to 50 cards (depending on tier) | Up to 200 virtual cards and 3 physical cards |
| FX Fees | 0% – 2% | 1%–2.5% | 0%–1.5% | 0.5%–1.5% | 0%–2% |
| Monthly Fees | From free | From £21+ VAT | From £25 + VAT | From free | From free |
| Card Issuance Fee | None (on most plans) | Included in paid plans | £10 per card (varies) | Included in plans | Free–£49 per card |
| FCA Regulated | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Learn More | Visit Wallester | Visit Soldo | Visit Equals Money | Visit Tide | Visit Revolut |
Final Thoughts
Wallester Business stands out for its simplicity, scalability, and low cost, especially for UK startups and SMEs looking to avoid the complexity and fees of traditional business banking. Its generous free tier, instant virtual cards, and unlimited physical cards make it a practical option for teams that need fast, flexible expense management.
While it doesn’t offer native no-code approval workflows or automation tools like Pleo or Payhawk, it does provide a developer-friendly API, granular spend controls, and support for multi-currency accounts. For technically minded teams, that flexibility can be a strength.
Just be aware of the 2 percent FX fee on transactions made outside your held currency balances, and the fact that businesses in certain higher-risk sectors may face restrictions or extra fees.
If you’re a UK-based company with straightforward expense needs, or operating in sectors like ecommerce, travel, or media buying, Wallester Business offers one of the most compelling value propositions in its class, all without monthly fees or per-user charges.
Wallester FAQs
How many virtual cards can you have on Wallester Business?
On the Wallester Business free plan, you can issue up to 300 virtual cards at no cost. If you need more, you can upgrade to a Premium plan (3,000 cards included) or a Platinum plan (18,000 cards included). You can also add extra cards individually, starting from £0.30/month per card on the free tier. I think this makes it a highly scalable option for UK businesses that need lots of cards without upfront costs.
Who owns Wallester?
Wallester is a privately held fintech company based in Estonia. The Estonian Financial Supervision Authority licenses it and legally operates across Europe, including the UK. While ownership details aren’t widely publicised, the company was founded by a team with backgrounds in finance, technology, and digital banking.
Is Wallester a bank?
No, Wallester isn’t a bank — it’s a licensed payment institution regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority. That means it can issue cards, process payments, and offer financial services, but it doesn’t hold deposits like a traditional bank, and the UK’s FSCS doesn’t protect your funds. I’d say it’s closer to a tech-driven payments platform, built for speed and flexibility, not banking in the old-school sense.
Is Wallester legit?
Yes, Wallester is a legitimate and regulated financial services provider. The Estonian Financial Supervision Authority licenses it and operates legally in the UK. The platform is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, uses 3D Secure 2.0, and partners directly with Visa — all of which signal strong compliance and security standards.
Is Wallester available for UK businesses?
Yes, Wallester is fully available to UK businesses. Although it’s based in Estonia, it operates legally in the UK under EU cross-border licensing rules. UK-registered companies — limited companies, sole traders, and startups — can open a Wallester Business account and access all its features, including virtual and physical corporate cards. I think it’s an excellent option for UK businesses that want a flexible, modern alternative to traditional banks.
Does Wallester offer credit cards or just prepaid cards?
Wallester primarily offers prepaid and debit-style Visa cards, not traditional credit cards. These cards are pre-funded, meaning you can only spend what you’ve topped up in your business account. That gives you more control and helps avoid overspending, which is especially useful for teams or project-based budgets. If you’re looking for a revolving credit facility, Wallester wouldn’t be the right fit, but I think their prepaid setup suits most SMEs managing day-to-day expenses.
Can startups and sole traders use Wallester, or is it only for larger businesses?
Yes, startups and sole traders can use Wallester — it’s not just for large businesses. There’s no minimum turnover requirement; even individual entrepreneurs can open an account. I think this makes it especially appealing for early-stage founders or freelancers who want a professional way to manage expenses without dealing with traditional banks or hefty fees.
