Best Currency Brokers Compared & Reviewed

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Currencies Direct is our starting point for a large overseas transfer with dedicated support. OFX suits you if you want to manage payments online and have someone available by phone around the clock. Regency FX and Key Currency are also worth getting a quote from before you commit.

Below, we compare brokers available to US customers, explain how your money is protected, and show what to check before sending dollars abroad.

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Currency brokers are useful when you want help with a large transfer, such as buying property abroad or moving your savings overseas.

These are the companies I'd start with.

  • Currencies Direct

  • OFX

  • Regency FX

  • Key Currency

All currency brokers listed on this page are FCA-regulated and many will offer access to online portals, currency risk options (such as forward contracts or limit orders), and all will have a dedicated account manager.

Who should be using a currency broker

Before diving deeper into the exchange brokers, here’s a quick overview of who will benefit from using a currency broker.

Use a currency broker if you…

Find an alternative if you…

  • Need to send large amounts of money from the US

  • Want to deal with a real human over the phone

  • Need to avoid currency fluctuation risks

  • Want someone to take care of your transfer needs

  • Need to make small recurring transfers

  • Want to make and manage the transfer yourself

  • Want to store and spend currencies abroad

Are currency brokers safe to use in the US?

An established broker with the appropriate US payment arrangements can be a safe way to send money abroad, including large transfers.

An unfamiliar name doesn't automatically mean less protection than a well-known transfer app.

What matters is the company handling your payment and the rules it operates under.

Check the legal business named in your agreement. Some brokers use their own US money transmitter licenses, while others provide payments through a licensed partner or a bank.

Currencies Direct, for example, uses its own licenses in some states and Cross River Bank sponsorship in others.

FinCEN registration alone isn't a guarantee of safety.

It isn't a government endorsement or a substitute for checking the applicable state license or bank arrangement.

FDIC insurance doesn't cover the failure of a nonbank broker.

A company using an FDIC-insured bank doesn't automatically make every transfer insured.

For covered personal transfers, federal rules require information about the exchange rate and fees, and provide cancellation and error-resolution rights.

These protections can apply to transfers through banks and nonbank companies..

The best currency brokers for US customers

The account manager and the quote you receive is the most important thing to look at.

I suggest contacting 2-3 brokers with the same amount, then compare the total cost and how clearly they explain the process.

Then grab a quote from Wise (they do discounts on large transfers) and your bank.

This gives you some leverage to go back and try to negotiate a smaller margin, they will almost always agree to match or even do it better.

Regency FX
8.5
Regency FX Read review
Exchange Rate Markup
0.2% - 1.5%
Transfer Speed
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Supported
40

"Regency's UK-based account management team has vast experience. Get support on all kinds of transfers, from overseas property transactions to business payments & more."

Currencies Direct
8.9
Currencies Direct Read review
Exchange Rate Markup
0.2% - 2%
Transfer Speed
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Supported

"Currencies Direct have over 30 years of global money transfer expertise. Award winning service with a TrustPilot rating of 4.9. Lock-in rates for the future or trade 24/7 on web or mobile."

OFX
8.5
Exchange Rate Markup
0.4% - 1.5%
Transfer Speed
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Supported
50

"OFX have been helping individuals and businesses send money for over 25 years. Transfer in 50+ currencies to 170+ countries, with 24/7 phone access to currency experts."

Key Currency
8.6
Key Currency Read review
Exchange Rate Markup
0.2% - 2%
Transfer Speed
Minutes - 3 days
Currencies Supported
20

"Key Currency offers a personal service with a dedicated account manager. There are no transfer limits or fees which is perfect for larger send amounts."

Exclusive deals

To be completely transparent, we earn commission when you click through to the broker from our site.

However, because currency brokers set their own exchange rates, we are able to offer you exclusive exchange rates on first transfer.

This is why if you read multiple different articles online, you will likely see different exchange rates offered.

We aim to give you the best possible exchange rates with currency brokers on first transfers compared to everyone else.

Regency FX
Best at planning a transfer

Regency FX

Margin

0.2% - 0.27%

Transfer fee

$0

Currencies

50+

Minimum transfer

$2,000

Currency risk tools

Forward contracts, limit orders

Forward contract length

12 months

Money protection

Safeguarding

Regency FX suits you if you'd rather talk through the payment than manage everything yourself.

Its account-manager service covers one-off transfers and regular payments, with online access arranged through the team.

That can be useful when a move abroad involves several payments on different dates.

Explain which payments are fixed, which dates could change, and whether you need the recipient to receive an exact amount.

For US customers, payment services are provided by Visa Global Services Inc.

Check the agreement you're offered so you know which company is handling the payment.

I'd suggest using Regency FX for the account-manager approach.

If you prefer to manage transfers online after opening your account, OFX may be a better fit, or Currencies Direct for the app.

In terms of costs, they charge no fees but add work on a margin instead (percentage on top of the interbank-rate).

Here's how much you'd get on $100,000 transfer abroad:

Destination

FX markup

Receive amount (after fees)

$100,000 to Spain

0.20%

87,615.42 EUR

$100,000 to the UK

0.20%

75,317.96 GBP

$100,000 to Canada

0.20%

141,212.01 CAD

Read review
Currencies Direct
Best for large transfers on the app

Currencies Direct

Margin

0.2% - 0.5%

Transfer fee

$0

Currencies

48

Minimum transfer

~$13.50 (equivalent to £10)

Currency risk tools

Forward contracts, market orders

Forward contract length

24 months

Money protection

Safeguarding

Currencies Direct combines an account manager with online and app access.

I'd start here if you're buying property abroad and want someone to help organize the currency transfer around the purchase.

It serves customers across all 50 states, although the company providing your payment service depends on where you live.

That gives it a clear US offering, rather than simply the ability to exchange dollars.

You can discuss the amount and timing with your account manager, then use online access for supported transactions.

Its service also includes options for targeting or securing an exchange rate, subject to the terms available to you.

The main limitation is pricing transparency before you get a quote.

No transfer fee doesn't mean no conversion cost, because the exchange rate includes a margin.

Here's how much you'd get on $100,000 transfer abroad:

Destination

FX markup

Receive amount (after fees)

$100,000 to Spain

0.49%

87,360 EUR

$100,000 to the UK

0.50%

75,090 GBP

$100,000 to Canada

0.56%

140,700 CAD

Read review
OFX
Best online portal to manage transfers

OFX

Margin

0.5% - 0.65%

Transfer fee

$0

Currencies

54+

Minimum transfer

$150

Currency risk tools

Spot contracts, forward contracts, FX options

Forward contract length

12 months

Money protection

Safeguarding

OFX is useful if you want to arrange transfers online without losing access to phone support.

Its US personal service combines website and app access with a team available around the clock.

You can fund a transfer from your US bank using a domestic wire, ACH credit or ACH debit.

The distinction matters when you have a deadline.

OFX says personal ACH debit funding can take three to four business days to reach it, before the onward payment.

I'd give OFX a close look if you need support outside normal office hours or expect to make more transfers after the first one.

But don't read a delivery estimate as the time from clicking “send” at your US bank.

Confirm when OFX will have cleared funds and when the recipient should receive them.

OFX doesn't charge a transfer fee, but its customer exchange rate includes a margin and third-party banks may charge separately.

Here's how much you'd get on $100,000 transfer abroad:

Destination

FX markup

Receive amount (after fees)

$100,000 to Spain

0.50%

87,352.04 EUR

$100,000 to the UK

0.50%

75,091.56 GBP

$100,000 to Canada

0.50%

140,787.52 CAD

Read review
Key Currency
Best for over the phone transfers

Key Currency

Key Currency is another option if you'd prefer an account manager to walk you through the transfer over the phone.

Margin

0.15% - 0.25%

Transfer fee

$0

Currencies

37+

Minimum transfer

No minimum

Currency risk tools

Forward contracts, spot contracts, limit orders

Forward contract length

12 months

Money protection

Safeguarding

Its process centers on discussing your requirements, agreeing a quote and then sending the funds.

It is especially good at USD to GBP transfers, particularly if you want to discuss the payment directly with a UK-based team.

For US customers, payment services are provided by Visa Global Services Inc.

I would say their personal approach works best for those who want to handle transfers over the phone with a real expert on the line.

In terms of costs, they charge no fees but add work on a margin instead (percentage on top of the interbank-rate).

Here's how much you'd get on $100,000 transfer abroad:

Destination

FX markup

Receive amount (after fees)

$100,000 to Spain

0.15%

87,659.31 EUR

$100,000 to the UK

0.15%

75,355.7 GBP

$100,000 to Canada

0.15%

141,282.76 CAD

Read review

Currency brokers vs banks and transfer apps

A currency broker helps you exchange and transfer money, usually with an account manager you can contact directly.

That extra help can be useful when the amount is large or the payment needs to fit around a property purchase.

Here's how we'd choose between the options.

Option

When it makes sense

Currency broker

You want help arranging a large or planned overseas payment.

Transfer app

You want to check a price and arrange the payment yourself.

Your bank

You want to use an existing account and its quote is competitive.

Wise is a useful benchmark because it shows its conversion fee separately and uses the mid-market exchange rate.

Compare its final recipient amount with the broker's quote for the same dollar outlay.

Do not wouldn't assume a broker always beats your bank.

Get a quote from both, including your bank's cost to fund the broker, before deciding.

How much does a currency broker cost?

The exchange rate is often the biggest cost on a large transfer.

A broker can charge no separate transfer fee and still earn money through the difference between its customer rate and the mid-market rate.

Ask for the total amount you'll pay and the amount the recipient is expected to receive.

Include any fee your US bank charges to send the funds, along with possible receiving-bank charges.

Compare a broker with Wise

Here are examples of sending $25,000 and $100,000 from the US to bank accounts in different countries:

AmountAmount
Last updated at 09/26/2026
USD CAD
Mid Market Rate $1 = $1.415$1 = $1.415
Transfer Amount $25,000$100,000
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
OFX
4
Currencies Direct
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
OFX
4
Currencies Direct
Key Currency
$0.00
1.4121
0.20
$35,303.00
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
1.4114
0.25
$35,285.32
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
1.4079
0.50
$35,196.88
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
1.4070
0.56
$35,175.00
Minutes - 24 hours
Key Currency
$0.00
1.4128
0.15
$141,282.76
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
1.4121
0.20
$141,212.01
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
1.4079
0.50
$140,787.52
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
1.4070
0.56
$140,700.00
Minutes - 24 hours
USD EUR
Mid Market Rate $1 = €0.8779$1 = €0.8779
Transfer Amount $25,000$100,000
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
Currencies Direct
4
OFX
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
Currencies Direct
4
OFX
Key Currency
$0.00
0.8762
0.20
€21,903.85
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
0.8757
0.25
€21,892.88
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
0.8736
0.49
€21,840.00
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
0.8735
0.50
€21,838.01
Minutes - 24 hours
Key Currency
$0.00
0.8766
0.15
€87,659.31
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
0.8762
0.20
€87,615.42
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
0.8736
0.49
€87,360.00
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
0.8735
0.50
€87,352.04
Minutes - 24 hours
USD GBP
Mid Market Rate $1 = £0.7547$1 = £0.7547
Transfer Amount $25,000$100,000
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
OFX
4
Currencies Direct
1
Key Currency
2
Regency FX
3
OFX
4
Currencies Direct
Key Currency
$0.00
0.7532
0.20
£18,829.49
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
0.7528
0.25
£18,820.06
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
0.7509
0.50
£18,772.89
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
0.7509
0.50
£18,772.50
Minutes - 24 hours
Key Currency
$0.00
0.7536
0.15
£75,355.70
Minutes - 3 days
Regency FX
$0.00
0.7532
0.20
£75,317.96
Minutes - 24 hours
OFX
$0.00
0.7509
0.50
£75,091.56
Minutes - 24 hours
Currencies Direct
$0.00
0.7509
0.50
£75,090.00
Minutes - 24 hours

Fees and rates update weekly. We get exclusive rates from currency brokers, so amounts may be different to other websites.

How to arrange a large international transfer

Opening an account, completing checks and getting funds to the broker can take longer than the currency conversion itself.

Get comparable quotes

Give each broker the same dollar amount, destination currency and payment deadline. Ask how long the quote remains available.

Complete verification

Have your ID ready and ask which documents are needed to explain the source of the money. A property sale, inheritance or accumulated savings may need different evidence.

Confirm the recipient's instructions

Check the account name and bank details directly with the recipient. For a property purchase, confirm which account must receive the money and in which currency.

Choose how to fund it

Check whether your broker accepts ACH or a domestic wire. Confirm your bank's transfer limit, fee and cutoff time before booking.

Allow time for delivery

Ask for an arrival estimate that includes funding and checks, then keep the confirmation and payment reference until the recipient confirms receipt.

If the broker requests documents, ask exactly what they need and provide complete copies.

Transfer companies can need evidence showing your name, the amount and where the funds came from.

Should you lock in an exchange rate?

A forward contract fixes a rate for a future exchange, which can help you budget for a known payment.

Availability and terms depend on the broker and the agreement offered to you.

The limitation is the commitment. You won't benefit if the market later moves in your favor, and you may need to provide a deposit or additional funds.

Canceling can create a cost. Ask how a delayed property closing would affect the contract before booking one.

A bit more about currency brokers

Is there a minimum amount for using a currency broker?

Each company sets its own minimum. OFX currently lists a $150 minimum, although the value of personal support is usually clearer on a larger or more involved payment.

You don't have to send $25,000 to request a broker quote.

Why hasn't my transfer arrived yet?

The broker may still be waiting for cleared funds or completing checks.

Receiving-bank processing and holidays can also affect delivery.

Ask which stage the payment has reached and whether anything is needed from you.

For a covered consumer transfer, you generally have 180 days from the disclosed availability date to report an error.

Contact the company as soon as you notice a problem.

Can I cancel after booking?

For covered personal remittances, you generally have 30 minutes after payment to cancel without charge, provided the money hasn't already been deposited or collected.

Business payments and forward contracts need separate checks against the applicable agreement, so don't assume the same cancellation terms apply.

Compare options for your amount and destination below, then confirm a quote and delivery date with the company you choose.

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Our methodology and why you can trust us

We compare brokers around what matters when sending a large payment from the US, including the help available before you book and how you fund the transfer.

Our selection considers US customer availability and the companies handling payments, alongside account features and costs.

We check product details against official US pages and agreements, and use customer discussions to identify practical questions worth answering.

The comparison examples show rates and fees for the stated amounts and destination, while the reviews explain where each service is useful.

You can read more about how we review money transfer companies.

Help & FAQ

Get answers to the most common questions asked when sending money abroad. Covers costs, fees and the best way to compare.

FAQs

Contributors

Artiom Pucinskij
Author

Artiom Pucinskij

Financial Content Strategist
With 6+ years of hands-on experience in international money transfer services, Artiom has tested and analyzed dozens of companies, services, and apps firsthand. He has worked on content and product at MoneyTransfers.com since 2019, with a focus on FX rates, transfer apps & companies, and comparison tools. His work has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Decrypt, PoundSterling, and more.