Your bank is still likely to charge you the most for an international transfer, as much as x8 more than certain specialist companies.
The banks are going to give you a poor exchange rate while at the same time, charging you a transfer fee.
In comparison, a specialist money transfer company will do the opposite.
For most use cases, they are the best way to transfer money across border.
You’ll get a much better rate of exchange, with, normally, no fees.
And to top it off, you'll get a better service. Especially if you plan on moving significant sums of money.
In this article, I’ll give you our top 10 international money transfer companies with their pros and cons.
I’ll also talk about their safety, regulation, rates, features, and what to look out for in a money transfer company.
Quick Look: My Top 10 Money Transfer Companies
Money transfer services come in various forms, sizes, and approaches.
The overwhelming majority offer online transfers, with only a few that don’t.
By online transfer, I mean that you can book a trade online through their website or app.
Some offer a premium service, but fewer than half do.
By premium service, I mean you’re assigned a private dealer or account manager to guide you through the process.
Online transfers are more suitable for small transfers, and private dealers can be useful for large transfers.
What is a money transfer company?
Money transfer companies provide a more cost-effective way to transfer money internationally.
While they offer the same level of safety and security as a bank, their rates are better and fees are less.
There’s a few different types of money transfer companies:
- Remittance company
- Money transfer app
- Currency broker
Remittance companies, like Western Union and Moneygram, are best for ultra-small payments.
I’m talking between £100 and £500, for paying bills or sending money to family.
This is because their rates and fees are high in comparison to the other types.
However, they offer more transfer options and destinations.
Money transfer apps are great for transfers between £500 - £5000.
Their rates are good and fees low, but there’s one caveat.
You download an app, sign up, and do all the work yourself. There’s no one to speak to.
When transferring large amounts, I always like to have someone there to help me.
That’s where currency brokers come in.
For any transfers over £5000, companies like Key Currency and Currencies Direct are best.
This could be for property purchases or sales, or repatriating inheritance.
You’ll get a great rate, and impeccable service. Just call them whenever you want and get the help you need.
When you’re transferring that big of an amount, it’s reassuring to know that you aren’t alone in the process.
You won’t get the same treatment with other types of companies.
Why you should use a specialist money transfer company (and not your bank)
To put it simply, there are no reasons as to why you should use your bank for international transfers.
They might be more familiar, and have that perceived “safety”, but it’ll still cost you loads more.
Most money transfer companies are also a very safe and secure option to send money overseas.
This is all to do with FCA regulation.
All banks are regulated, and so are most money transfer companies.
If they aren’t FCA regulated, avoid them (more about this below).
Understanding how each company is regulated informs us of their obligations to keep your money safe.
As banks lend your money, they hold a full banking licence and must participate under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
This fully insures your money up to £85k, but not a penny more.
Money transfer companies do something different.
All of your money that a company holds is “safeguarded”.
Essentially, your money is held in separate, protected accounts.
These accounts cannot be used by the money transfer company for any purpose, and your money can only be moved according to your instructions.
If the company goes into administration, client funds get first priority over all other creditors and there’s no limit on the amount you can get back.
Who is the largest money transfer provider?
In terms of company size and value, PayPal is the largest money transfer company.
Followed by Western Union and Moneygram.
However, I wouldn’t recommend these companies to you.
You’ll get some of the worst rates on the market, paired with a not-so-good service.
Out of the companies I would recommend, Wise is the largest.
Their revenue was over £1.1bn for FY2024.
What to look for in a money transfer company
When choosing your provider, you should look out for a couple of things.
Then, you can compare each one and rank them to your needs accordingly.
Security
As I said before, most companies will be regulated by the FCA or their countries' equivalent.
But, you still need to check.
If you go with a company that isn’t regulated, there’s no recourse if any issues arise.
Just take a look at the bottom of their website.
There should be a line about their regulation.
If not, dig a little deeper or contact them and ask.
You can always search the FCA register yourself to be doubly sure.
Cost
You need to find out how much a transfer would cost compared to other money transfer providers.
There are two main costs:
- Exchange rates
- Transfer fees
The better the rate, the less it’s going to cost you.
So, you’ll want to find the provider with the best rate.
But, don’t forget about fees too.
For example, Wise offers the best rates on the market, but their fees can sometimes put them behind other providers.
If you’re looking for providers with no fees, we’ve found that Key Currency is the best.
Availability
When I say availability, I mean transfer options and available destinations.
If a company cannot send money to your destination country, then obviously they aren’t suitable.
You might also need a certain type of transfer, for example cash or airtime.
In this case, only a select few can help, like Remitly or WorldRemit.
For vanilla transfers like Euros or Dollars to common countries, most providers will be able to assist.
How important is it to compare providers?
In short, very.
Every provider is different.
They will all have different costs, speeds, services and availability.
It mostly depends on the currencies you are exchanging and the countries you are sending from or to.
Your chosen payment method may also have an effect.
By comparing providers, you’ll not only find the cheapest one, but also the one that suits your needs the most.
I would have a sit-down and shortlist a few companies to compare before making your decision.
Top 10 International Money Transfer Companies
Here is my top 10, complete with some helpful knowledge and pros & cons.
1. Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct was founded in 1996 out of London.
They were the first non-bank money transfer provider in Europe.
As of 2024, they have a team of more than 800 people in 10 offices worldwide, covering nearly every continent.
IS CURRENCIES DIRECT SAFE?
Currencies Direct is authorised and regulated in multiple countries.
This includes the UK, Spain, USA, Canada and South Africa.
They also have over 11k customer reviews on Trustpilot.
I’d consider them to be very safe.
CURRENCIES DIRECT RATES & FEES
Currencies Direct’s spread is typically between 0.5% and 1%, but can reach well under that if you have a large enough inquiry.
This means that for every £10000 you transfer, they make about £50 profit.
To put it into perspective, most big UK banks set their margin between 3-4%.
So, you’re making big savings.
Currencies Direct doesn’t charge any fees, either.
Banks charge £10 to £30, typically, in the UK.
CURRENCIES DIRECT AVAILABILITY
Alongside the usuals like forward contracts and limit orders, Currencies Direct offer a few other things, too:
- Mobile app
- Batch payments (business clients)
- Risk management solutions (business clients)
- Options (business clients)
- Multi-currency accounts (business clients)
If you’re a business owner, these features can help you hedge your currency exposure.
IS CURRENCIES DIRECT FOR ME?
Currencies Direct can help you with all transfers of any size.
However, their large team of personal account managers make them a great option for large volume transfers.
They’ll be there every step of the way to make sure your money gets from A to B safely.
They offer some great features for business clients, too.
With a leading online money transfer platform, and an app, Currencies Direct are the most well-rounded money transfer company option for the majority of our readers.
2. Key Currency
Key Currency, founded in 2016, is a high-volume currency broker based in Cornwall, UK.
They provide an old-fashioned, service-orientated brokerage service, conducting all of their business via telephone and email.
By operating out of Cornwall, they save a huge amount of money on business expenses and wages compared to their London counterparts.
This allows them to pass the savings onto their customers in the form of better rates.
They are mostly targeting UK and European customers (and not American or Australian customers).
IS KEY CURRENCY SAFE?
Yes, Key Currency is safe.
They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Not only that, but they have over 1,900 customer reviews on Trustpilot.
KEY CURRENCY RATES & FEES
Key Currency offers tight spreads with a no fee policy.
For large transfers, you probably won’t get a better deal elsewhere.
For transfers of £200k and up, I’ve worked out their spread to be around 0.2%.
Compared to most banks, this is thousands upon thousands of savings.
KEY CURRENCY AVAILABILITY
Key Currency offers standard trading options like forward contracts and limit orders.
Most destination countries are available to send to.
However, there is a lack of African currencies available.
IS KEY CURRENCY FOR ME?
If you have a large transfer to perform, then yes.
Key Currency’s rates and level of service is tailored for high-volume transfers.
This could be for an international property sale or purchase, or repatriation of inheritance.
However, if your transfer is small, you might be better suited for a money transfer app.
3. TorFX
TorFX was founded in 2004 in Penzance, Cornwall.
As one of the leading money transfer companies, they focus on providing the best possible service for their clients.
In 2011, TorFX was acquired by the same company that owns Currencies Direct.
IS TORFX SAFE?
TorFX is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Being regulated provides the highest level of protection and safety for customers.
What’s more, they’ve been safely handling client money for 20 years.
They also have over 7.9k customer reviews on Trustpilot.
TORFX RATES & FEES
TorFX’s spread is usually between 1-2%, getting lower with large volumes.
With most banks charging 2.5-4%, there’s great savings to be made.
TorFX does not charge transfer fees.
TORFX AVAILABILITY
Although being 20 years old, TorFX still offers the basics.
This includes forward contracts, limit orders and stop losses.
However, they do have a simple mobile app which you can use for smaller transfers.
IS TORFX FOR ME?
TorFX is a high-volume currency broker.
They have over 100 personal account managers.
While you can use them for small transfers, I recommend using them for international property sales and purchases.
You’ll get a good rate of exchange and great service.
4. Moneycorp
Moneycorp was founded in 1979 and is one of the oldest money transfer companies in the UK.
They are headquartered in London and have offices across the globe, including the USA, Ireland, Spain, France, and Romania.
IS MONEYCORP SAFE?
Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.
They are also regulated in other countries they operate in, ensuring a high level of safety and security for customers.
With over 14,000 reviews on Trustpilot and Feefo, Moneycorp maintains a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
MONEYCORP RATES & FEES
Moneycorp offers competitive exchange rates that are almost always bank-beating.
It also charges no transfer fee of any sorts.
For businesses, one of its main clientele, it can - depending on volumes - go as low as a 0.2% spread.
For private customers, the margins will likely be higher, but still among the best you can find with a broker.
There are a lot of variables in play so it is easiest to simply approach them and ask for a quote.
MONEYCORP AVAILABILITY
Moneycorp provides a range of services including forward contracts, limit orders, and spot contracts.
This is for private and business clients alike.
They have more capabilities in this space than any other broker.
For corporations, they also offer more advanced solutions in the fx risk management space.
IS MONEYCORP FOR ME?
Moneycorp is suitable for both personal and business transfers, especially if you are looking for a well-established company with a solid reputation.
They are not the best or cheapest when it comes to smaller private transfers.
But, they are excellent when it comes to large transfers, hedging or business payments.
If you value customer service and require assistance with your transfers, Moneycorp’s team of personal account managers can provide the support you need and have done so professionally since 1979.
5. XE
XE is an app-based money transfer company and currency conversion tool.
They were founded by two friends out of a basement in Canada, in 1993.
XE was acquired in 2015 by Euronet, a Nasdaq company, for $380 million.
IS XE SAFE?
Xe is one of the world's best known currency brands.
It is regulated by the FCA, as well as a host of other large regulators in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe.
It has been running successfully since 1993 as a website.
It is owned by Euronet, a Nasdaq company.
XE RATES & FEES
XE's spread is usually between 1-2% for smaller volumes.
For high value transfers, or large requirements on an annual basis, you’re referred to a private account manager for a tailored quote.
XE AVAILABILITY
XE offers the full suite of currency tools, for privates, small businesses and corporations.
It offers all types of currency contracts, like Forward and Swaps, a complete app, and a full trading system.
Moreover, the XE API is world renowned and many businesses use it in direct integration with their own system.s
IS XE FOR ME?
XE is not your run-of-the-mill currency broker.
It is an interesting and unique cross between a currency broker (previously known as HiFX), and the XE brand - a very well known currency website and app.
6. OFX
OFX is an Australian currency broker.
They are publicly traded on the Australian Stock Exchange, completing their IPO in 2013.
They’re one of the biggest brokers in the industry, transacting over £40 billion annually.
OFX has an incredible online trading system alongside bespoke service, making them a unique combination of the "new and the old" of the money transfers world.
IS OFX SAFE?
OFX is regulated in the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia.
It boasts excellent customer reviews consistently over the past 20 years.
OFX RATES & FEES
OFX charges no fees.
OFX's margins are normally at around 1% for smaller transfers.
For larger transfers, OFX has dedicated dealers who can offer better spreads than mentioned.
OFX AVAILABILITY
OFX has an online trading system, and an app, but they are a little slower and less smooth than some of their competitors.
For businesses, OFX offers a multi-currency account with local bank accounts, hedging tools, and a high level of guidance.
IS OFX FOR ME?
OFX is particularly good for businesses who can take advantage of the multi-currency function, hedging and guidance.
For other customers, it is a solid choice - whether for large or small transfers.
The multi-currency account solution also synchronises with a number of online marketplaces around the world, making them an ideal partner for ecommerce sellers.
7. Wise
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise), is an online and mobile money transfer app.
They’re known in the industry for being one of the cheapest providers.
They IPO’d on the London Stock Exchange in 2021, being the first of its kind to do so.
This took Wise’s market value to over £11 billion.
IS WISE SAFE?
Being a publicly traded company, Wise is very safe.
They’re also fully regulated in 14 countries, with approximately 10m users.
Over 230k customers have left reviews on Trustpilot.
WISE RATES & FEES
Wise is one of the cheapest options for transferring money abroad.
This is shown in their prices, only charging 0.33% for GBPEUR transfers at the time of writing.
Technically, they offer interbank rates with the 0.41% being the fee.
Technically, they offer interbank rates with the 0.33% being the fee.
So if you transferred £1000, you’ll be charged roughly £3.30.
WISE AVAILABILITY
Wise offers a multi-currency account and a debit card to pair.
I’ve personally used this feature and I must say, it is brilliant for travelling.
You can top up any currency at any time, using only one card for all currencies.
Wise will know which currency to debit based on where you are in the world.
However, they don’t offer trading options like forwards or limit orders.
IS WISE FOR ME?
If you’re sending money to friends and family, then yes.
If you’re travelling or going on holiday and want your currency on a debit card, then also yes.
If your transfer is large, you’ll want someone to speak to to make sure it goes through without any problems.
Wise do not offer that possibility.
So, for larger transfers, use a currency broker instead.
8. WorldRemit
WorldRemit is a digital cross-border remittance and currency conversion app.
They specialise in small, frequent payments through less common corridors, such as Africa and Asia.
IS WORLDREMIT SAFE?
WorldRemit is a safe platform for money transfers.
They are fully regulated in multiple countries and follow strict financial regulations.
Over 87,000 customers have reviewed them on Trustpilot, but their rating isn’t as good as the companies I’ve ranked higher.
WORLDREMIT RATES & FEES
WorldRemit offers competitive rates, though they won’t be the cheapest.
Their fees and exchange rates vary depending on the destination and the payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, etc).
WORLDREMIT AVAILABILITY
You can send over 130 currencies with WorldRemit.
They also offer a range of payout options, including cash pickups, bank deposits, mobile airtime top-ups, and mobile money.
Unlike some other platforms, WorldRemit is particularly strong in regions like Africa and Asia, making it a great option if you're sending money to these areas.
However, WorldRemit doesn’t offer advanced currency trading features like forwards or limit orders.
IS WORLDREMIT FOR ME?
If you have family abroad or are working overseas, WorldRemit could be for you.
WorldRemit is suitable for small-to-medium-sized transfers, especially to emerging markets.
However, for large transfers, you might want a more personalised service.
9. Remitly
Remitly is an online remittance app based in the United States.
Similar to WorldRemit, they specialise in small payments to exotic countries.
IS REMITLY SAFE?
Remitly is a trusted name in international money transfers.
They’re publicly traded and one of the most popular finance apps on the US version of the app store.
Their app has been downloaded millions of times and they have received over 60,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
REMITLY RATES & FEES
As an introductory offer, you’ll receive no fees on your first two transfers.
After that, a fee of £1.99 applies to most standard transfers, with slightly higher fees for express transfers.
Remitly applies a margin usually somewhere between 1% to 2.5% to the exchange rate, so it's not always the cheapest option, but remains cost-effective for exotic currencies.
REMITLY AVAILABILITY
A number of payout options are available and it’s a great choice for users sending money to regions like Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
However, Remitly doesn’t offer multi-currency accounts or currency trading features like some other platforms.
IS REMITLY FOR ME?
If you’re an expat or just need to send money home, Remitly could be for you.
If you’re travelling or going on holiday and want your currency on a debit card, then no.
If your transfer is large, then also no. You'll want someone to speak to so you can ensure a smooth transaction.
10. Western Union
Western Union is the oldest money transfer company in the world, dating all the way back to 1851.
They’re best known for providing remittance services to almost anywhere in the world through their huge network of global agents.
IS WESTERN UNION SAFE?
Western Union is one of the most established and secure money transfer services in the world.
With over 150 years of experience, itt is fully regulated in numerous countries.
You can find over 100,000 reviews of Western Union on Trustpilot.
WESTERN UNION RATES & FEES
Western Union’s fees and rates can vary significantly depending on factors such as destination, amount, and payment method.
When you’re arranging a cash collection and also paying in cash, it can get quite expensive.
You’ll get bank-beating rates for online bank transfers.
Users mention higher fees compared to other providers in their online reviews.
WESTERN UNION AVAILABILITY
Nowadays, Western Union actually has a complete money transfer solution that allows bank transfers, cash pickup, paying international bills and airtime top up.
With that said, it’s their scale and ability to handle exotic currencies which remains their USP.
IS WESTERN UNION FOR ME?
A typical customer might be a migrant who needs to transfer money to their home country or somebody looking to support a relative overseas.
If you’re sending money to a very remote destination, Western Union might be your only option.
If you're transferring large sums and want low fees and the best exchange rates, it’s worth considering other providers.
Extra Read: Atlantic Money
Atlantic Money is a new mobile-only money transfer app.
They launched in March 2022, with the aim to disrupt the money transfer industry.
With other providers like Wise and Revolut offering very cheap transfers, Atlantic Money is looking to one-up them even more.
They’re doing this by offering their customers the mid-market rate, with a fixed £3 fee.
IS ATLANTIC MONEY SAFE?
Atlantic Money is authorised and regulated by the FCA as a payment institution.
Any company regulated by the FCA is safe to use.
Atlantic Money has been audited, examined and scrutinised to see exactly how their systems work and how they keep their customers safe.
They’ve then been given the green-tick to say that they’re a safe company.
ATLANTIC MONEY RATES & FEES
Atlantic Money provides the mid-market exchange rate for all transfers.
It’s the best possible rate you can get at any given time.
They don’t make any money by applying a margin or spread onto the rate, unlike most other companies.
Atlantic Money charges £3 for every transfer, to any currency and of any size.
ATLANTIC MONEY AVAILABILITY
Atlantic Money currently only provides money transfers via their iOS and Android apps.
They don’t provide any additional features like forward contracts, limit orders and stop losses.
They also do not have a web platform. It’s all done via your phone.
Atlantic Money currently only provides 10 currencies.
IS ATLANTIC MONEY FOR ME?
Atlantic Money can perform transfers of up to £1m.
However, I’d only recommend using them for smaller transfers.
Their customer service is only provided via text message.
WIth larger transfers, you'll need a 1-on-1 account manager to give that comfort and peace of mind.
Most currency brokers come with an account manager.
Summary
In this article, I’ve given you some helpful advice on why to use a money transfer company, and how to choose one.
Then, I’ve given you my top 10 money transfer companies.
In short:
- Using your bank will most likely cost you significantly more
- When choosing a money transfer provider, look for security, cost and availability
- Comparing providers will ultimately save you time and money
- Currencies Direct is the best overall because of its exemplary service and experience
- Moneycorp is the best for business
- Key Currency is another excellent choice for transfers of £5k and up
- Wise is best for smaller transfers online (£5k or less)
- Most of the best companies are UK-based
- Small brokers are geared towards mostly UK nationality customers
- The largest money transfer companies of the bunch (Currencies Direct, Moneycorp, Xe) can serve customers from almost anywhere in the world
- Often, a lack of providers will drive you to choose more expensive providers with better reach (Western Union)
Just below, you can get a quote from the leading money transfer services and compare their rates.
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