The UK's Best Companies for Large International Money Transfers

Overview

Exchange rates

They are less competitive than Wise in terms of the exchange rate, as their markup is often above 1.5% (meaning they add 1.5% on top of the "real" exchange rate).

Also, they don't charge any fees for transfers. So the slightly increased exchange rate is partially offset by this.

Overall though, it is not the best option for smaller transfers.

Supported currencies

Regency FX supports 35 currencies in total, including core currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. INR as an example is not supported by Regency FX, so there are some limitations to having fewer currency options.

Ease of use

RegencyFX is a great service if you're thinking about making a big transfer, like:

• Buying property in another country

• Receiving an inheritance from abroad

• Moving your savings after retiring abroad

Each customer gets their own account manager. The account manager offers expert guidance for complex and high-value transactions.

This level of attention ensures that every big transfer is handled carefully and precisely. It takes into account any specific requirements or concerns.

Regency FX also has a user-friendly online platform that makes managing large transfers quite simple.

You can track your transactions in real time. You also have the flexibility to make transfers at any time of day or night. However, an account manager isn’t always going to be available if you make a transfer at an obscure time.

Other features

Offering large transfers means Regency FX can also cater to things like forward contracts, limit orders and stop orders.

Overview

Exchange rates

Exchange rates start from 0.7% for the most commonly supported transfer routes. And, they don't charge any fees.

Most transfers are completed within 3 working days.

Depending on where you send money, your account manager will be able to give a better estimate here.

Supported currencies

Currencies Direct supports 40 currencies in 120 countries, so a nice selection. These areas are great for people buying property, emigrating, or making international investments.

Ease of use

Whilst Currencies Direct is a managed service, they do offer a little more flexibility than the likes of Regency FX.

The company has an app and online portal for managing transactions. You can also call them and make transfers over the phone if this offers peace of mind.

The company has a nice balance between online and hands-on management.

Other features

Customers in Europe can make the most of a multi-currency card. This is attached to a wallet, although you do pay 2% to convert a currency before spending.

As with XE, you also get rate alerts and expert insights (these come from your account manager).

I’ve found that their information is helpful and would recommend it to anybody interested in the foreign exchange market.

Overview

Exchange rates

XE’s exchange rate isn’t as competitive as Wise's.

They bill this as ‘the XE Exchange rate’ which is around 1 - 1.3% depending on the currencies you’re sending to and from. So for every $100 sent, expect to pay about $1.

The increased cost is however offset if you need to move funds quickly.

Supported currencies

XE supports 65 currencies, compared to the 70 of Wise. So not a huge difference. These currencies cover 170 countries around the world.

Ease of use

Like most online money transfer organizations, XE is also packaged in an app.

The app is intuitive and has some nice features like currency conversion. Adding and withdrawing funds is pretty simple as well.

Whilst we list XE as an online provider, there is an option to get support for managed services.

Other features

XE offers some additional l features that I like. These are currency monitors for up to 10 currencies and historical currency charts. You can set up measures for these to send you alerts or notifications. They also offer a business account option where you can set up batch payments, manage payroll and more.

Overview

Exchange rates

Average exchange rates for Key Currency start from about 1.5% in most cases, but there is no fee attached to this.

As a managed service it is also possible for you to negotiate a better rate with your account manager as well as lock in rates with forward contracts.

For bigger purchases, this option can make a huge difference. On a $100,000 transfer - getting the rate from 1.5% to 1% could save you $500.

Supported currencies

Currency support is where Key Currency is a little weaker compared to other managed services. They offer 19 currencies in total (just under half the amount supported by Regency FX).

This being said, they make the list in particular for their support of the euro.

Ease of use

Key Currency does not have an app, but you do get a login portal.

Most of the work you will carry out with Key Currency will be over the phone or email as well.

So whilst it’s very hands-on, which is great for large transactions, you might find it’s a little slow if you want to send quickly (if speed is your priority, I'd consider using XE for your transfer).

Other features

Features for Key Currency include a point of contact and forward contracts.

A point of note as well, is that Key Currency operates with the Community Federal Savings Bank in the USA. This is the same partner bank as with Wise and Revolut. It’s also registered in 39 states through FinCEN.

Overview

Exchange rates

Exchange rates are very competitive for a managed service, starting from 1.3% (0.2% cheaper than Key Currency and RegencyFX). There are also no fees to pay on transfers, so all in all a decent option.

For mass and business payments, where OFX shines, these rates allow for a level of financial planning.

Currencies Supported

Total currencies supported on OFX is about 50 across 190 countries - so most eventualities are covered.

Ease of use

OFX has an online portal and an app. The app is very user-friendly and has many features, like uploading documents, which are well-built. It also houses a currency converter, and tracker for any money sent.

Other features

The other OFX features that put them on our top 10 companies list are; mass payments and business options. Our business section covers this in a lot more detail.