Escrow.com is the long-established international escrow service - a solid choice for cross-border deals. But it's built around US dollars and international wire transfers. If your deal is in New Zealand, the details matter: currency, funding, fees, and where you turn when something goes wrong.
| Feature | wlbr | Escrow.com |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | NZD end to end - no conversion, no FX fees. | USD-based; NZ users face currency conversion on the way in and out. |
| How payments are funded | Directly from the buyer's NZ bank via open banking, approved in their banking app. | International wire transfer or card, which can mean bank fees and delays. |
| Fees | Flat 2%, shown before anyone pays. | Tiered percentage fees depending on amount and payment method (check their current schedule). |
| Track record | Newer, NZ-focused service. | Decades of international escrow history and very high transaction volumes. |
| Payout | Straight to a New Zealand bank account, typically same or next business day. | International wire - often several days plus receiving-bank fees. |
| Disputes | NZ-based team with an internal 5-day resolution target, backed by the FSCL dispute resolution scheme. | Handled through their international process under US terms. |
| Regulatory footing | Registered NZ Financial Service Provider (FSP1012829). | US-licensed escrow agent. |
| Best for | NZ services, tradies, deposits, marketplace deals, invoices - everyday local transactions. | Cross-border deals, domain names, high-value international goods. |
If you're buying a domain name from someone overseas, Escrow.com is a reasonable pick. If you're paying for work, services, or goods inside New Zealand, a local escrow service wins on every practical measure: NZD, open banking funding, local dispute resolution, and payouts that land fast in your NZ bank account.
Where the money sits
Bank to trust to bank - never anywhere else
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