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OFX vs Wise (TransferWise)
We compare OFX and TransferWise to see which provider you should go with for your next transfer.
Both OFX and Wise will give you a better exchange rate and lower fees than your local bank – but how do they fare against each other? We’ll look into how their fees, exchange rates and transfer speeds differ to find out which one comes out on top.
The fees and rates used in this comparison are accurate as of 13 March 2023.
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Which has lower fees?
OFX
OFX charges a $15 flat fee for transfers below $10,000, above this amount the transfer fee is waived. This makes OFX better suited for larger transfers.
Wise
With Wise, fees depend on where and how you’re sending money. Transfer fees range from 0.41% to 1.5% on your transaction, plus a small flat fee of a few dollars. For example, sending $1,000 to Bangladesh will cost you $12.81, while sending $1,000 to the United States will cost you about $9.
Winner: Tie
For sending smaller transfers, Wise will often be a better option for you in terms of the fees. But if you’re making a larger transfer, OFX may end up as a better option with its no fees for transfers over $10,000. We’re calling this one a tie.
Let’s crunch the numbers: Sending $1,000 and $10,000 to the Philippines
To put this into the context of a real-world transaction, this is what two different transfers look like when sending money with Wise and OFX. Keep in mind that transferring to other currencies will have different fees involved and may take longer.
In our imaginary scenario, we’ll be using a bank transfer.
Sending $1,000 to the Philippines
| OFX | Wise | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | $15 | $10.63 |
| Exchange rate | CAD $1 = 39.12 PHP | CAD $1 = 40.10 PHP |
| Transfer speed | 3 business days | 3 business days |
| Total pesos received | 39,118 PHP | 39,678 PHP |
| Receiver gets | 560 PHP less | 560 PHP more |
Sending $10,000 to the Philippines
| OFX | Wise | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | $0 | $69.55 |
| Exchange rate | CAD $1 = 39.65 PHP | CAD $1 = 40.09 PHP |
| Transfer speed | 3 business days | 3 business days |
| Total pesos received | 396,520 PHP | 398,194 PHP |
| Receiver gets | 1674 PHP less | 1674 PHP more |
For both transfers, Wise ends up the winner. Even though OFX knocks off the fee for larger transfers, Wise’s better exchange rate still makes it a better deal for this transfer.
Which offers better exchange rates?
OFX
A typical exchange rate at OFX is about 1% to 5% above the mid-market rate. So while OFX doesn’t charge a fee for transfers over $10,000, it still makes money on this margin.
Wise
Exchange rates are where Wise shines. It’s one of the only money transfer services that offers you the mid-market rate. So if you’re sending $1,000 to the Philippines and the mid-market rate is CAD $1 = 39.70 PHP, that’s the rate you’re going to get.
Winner: Wise
There’s no denying the power of paying the mid-market rate.
Which is faster?
OFX
Most currencies will take one to two business days. However, if you’re sending money to the US, it often arrives within a day.
Wise
Depending on the currencies involved and your payment method, it could take up to four business days for your recipient to see your cash. Paying by card is by far the fastest method, with your money arriving there immediately in most cases.
Winner: OFX
Both providers can get your money there fast for certain payments or currencies, but OFX has faster transfers overall.
General features
| Payment methods | Receiving options | Minimum and maximum transfers | Transfer speeds | Currencies | Safety | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFX | Bank transfer | Bank account only | Minimum: $250 Maximum: No limit | 24 hours | 50+ currencies | Regulated by: ASIC, FCA, FINTRAC, FinCEN, C&ED, MAS, FMA |
| Wise | Bank transfer, credit card, debit card | Bank account only | Minimum: $1 Maximum: $1,000,000 | 24 hours | 50+ currencies | Regulated by: ASIC, FCA, FINTRAC, FinCEN, C&ED, KLFB, DIA, MAS |
OFX
With OFX, you go to its site, enter how much money you’re transferring and send your funds to an OFX account. OFX then converts your currency and sends it to your recipient, who collects it via bank transfer.
Wise
For Wise, you go to its site, select the currencies you are exchanging and indicate how much you want to send. After reviewing your rate and fee, you can authorize Wise to withdraw money from your bank account. They send your transfer once your money is deposited into their bank accounts.
Bottom line
When it comes to international money transfers, both OFX and Wise are forces to be reckoned with. When it comes to smaller transfers Wise is the clear winner. In comparison, OFX is better suited for large transfers as they have dedicated account managers, FX tools to hedge your currency risk and have no transfer minimum.
Looking for more options?
Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
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