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Currencies Direct
Fastest Transfer Speed
24 hours
Minimum Transfer Amount
$200
Maximum Transfer Amount
$25,000

Summary

Money transfers designed to fit your changing needs.

  • Diverse range of tools to help eliminate commission and hidden fees, including spot and forward contracts, limit orders and rate alerts.
  • No cash pickup or payments available, must pay and receive by bank account.

In this guide

  • Review
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews
  • Ask an expert

Our Verdict

A real win with Currencies Direct is that it does away with transfer fees for 90% of its transactions. And fees that are charged for the other 10% are shown upfront along with the exchange rates so there’ll be no hidden fees to worry about. To help you secure the best rates, you’ll have the use of forward contracts, limit orders and other advanced forex tools. There’s also an app to help manage your transfers.

Currencies Direct only supports around 40 currencies so it might not be able to work with all your exchange needs. And forget about this provider if your recipient doesn’t have a bank account as there are no cash pickups.

Pros

Currencies Direct has many features that make it appealing:

  • 90% of its transactions are free, and those that aren’t have terms that are clearly spelled out ahead of time.
  • All users have access to forward contracts, limit orders and similar advanced features.
  • Rate alerts can be set to notify you when the market reaches your ideal transfer rate.
  • Transparent exchange rates will clearly show you how close the rate you’ve locked in is to the wholesale rate, best rate you could get.

Cons

Currencies Direct has limitations, including:

  • Only supports 40+ global currencies, so your currency of choice may not be supported if it isn’t commonly traded.
  • Currencies Direct doesn’t offer any type of cash transactions so you must pay and receive by bank account.
  • Some US residents won’t be able to use Currencies Direct due to money transfer restrictions in their state.

Is Currencies Direct expensive?

Creating a personal account with Currencies Direct is free, and you won’t pay any account maintenance or transfer fees down the line. Occasionally you may face a third-party fee when using Currencies Direct, but this fee can sometimes be avoided by picking a different third party for your transfer.

Currencies Direct exchange rates

Currencies Direct provides live exchange rates 24/7. When you exchange funds through it, the rate will be slightly different from the mid-market rate.

Because it doesn’t charge any fees, Currencies Direct has to make its money another way. In this case, it goes a route that’s typical of online international transfer services — it takes a margin on the exchange. This means you won’t exactly get the mid-market rate, but it’s still competitive when compared against other transfer services.

Case study: Sending funds to a friend in Finland

Let’s say you’re looking to transfer money to a friend living in Finland but you’re not in a particular hurry. Using Currencies Direct, you can set up a rate alert to let you know when the interbank — or mid-market — rate hits what you’re looking for. Here’s what the process would look like:

  1. Set your target rate through Currencies Direct.
  2. You’re alerted by email or text if/when your target rate is hit.
  3. Log in to your account and start your transfer.
  4. Complete your transfer using the stronger rate you set, instead of the weaker rate the banks were offering when you first decided to send money.

Where banks may come out ahead are transfer times. Because you’re sending the money to Currencies Direct and it’s then sending the money to your recipient, it may take longer than directly wiring it from one bank to another. It may take two or more business days to make the transfer with Currencies Direct, whereas a bank wire may go through in as little as one business day.

Fees explained

Although Currencies Direct typically doesn’t charge any fees for transfers sent through its platform, your transfer may still end up costing you more than you expected. Keep in mind that:

  • Currencies Direct will notify you if it’s going to charge you a fee.
  • Your bank may charge you a fee for outgoing and incoming transfers, and receiving bank may charge your recipient to accept your transfer.

These fees can often be avoided by calling your bank ahead of time to discuss free transfer options.

Currencies Direct reviews and complaints

Currencies Direct enjoys excellent reviews on Trustpilot, with 91% of reviews giving it 5 stars. Only 2% of reviews on Trustpilot are 1 star, and Currencies Direct has responded to 88% of negative reviews it has received. Many customers leave glowing reviews about how informative the staff is, for example, “Always a fantastic service. The lady who assisted me today talked me through everything I needed to do to make a transfer. Thank you so much.”

However, some common complaints on the negative side touched on the frustration of opening an account and the frequency of which Currencies Direct contacts its customers. Many of the negative reviews on Trustpilot have responses directly from the company offering to fix the problem at hand however possible.

Currencies Direct reviews accurate as of July 17, 2023.

Trustpilot4.9 out of 5 — based on 9,223 customer reviews
iCompareFX84 out of 100 — based on staff reviews
MoneyTransfers9.2 out of 10 — based on staff reviews
Finder4 out of 5 — based on staff reviews

What types of personal transfers does Currencies Direct support?

Payments can be made to Currencies Direct in two ways:

  • Bank-to-bank transfer
  • Debit card

These payments can be made over the phone, online or if you live close to a physical branch, in person. Unfortunately Currencies Direct doesn’t accept credit card payments at this time.

How do I send money through Currencies Direct?

You can send money a variety of ways using Currencies Direct. Follow these steps to get your funds where they need to be:

  1. Register for an account online. You’ll need to supply identifying documents when you apply, including a copy of a state or federal ID — such as your passport — and bank statements.
  2. Initiate the transfer. Start the process online, over the phone or in person. You’ll agree upon the exchange rate before committing to the transfer.
  3. Fund the transfer. Use a bank transfer or debit card to pay Currencies Direct.
  4. Your funds are delivered. Typically your funds will be transferred to Currencies Direct the same day you send them. Delivery times can vary based on where you’re sending the funds and how long they take to clear with Currencies Direct.

How do I track my Currencies Direct transfer?

You can track your transfer online using the website on your desktop or mobile app on your smartphone. Log in to your account to track your transfer.

You’ll also be sent an email as soon as your funds are sent from Currencies Direct.

How does Currencies Direct compare to other services?

Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
1 - 14 of 14
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Western Union
Within minutes
From $0
Enjoy $0 fee on your first online transfer. Western Union makes money from currency exchange. Not valid on credit cards or sends to Cuba.
Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries and territories around the world.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
First online transfer is free.
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Cash App
Within minutes
From $0
With this peer-to-peer payment app make payments to your friends and family with no transfer fees within the US or from the US to the UK or EU.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Currencies Direct (business)
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Currencies Direct
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
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Find out other alternatives to Currencies Direct

Is Currencies Direct safe to use?

Currencies Direct has been in business since 1996 and is licensed and regulated in many countries around the world:

  • Canada
  • France
  • India
  • Portugal
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • USA

    In addition to these licenses, Currencies Direct maintains a Level 1 Dun & Bradstreet credit rating, the highest possible through the agency, and transferred more than £10 billion pounds in 2022.

    Does Currencies Direct have a mobile app?

    Currencies Direct app homescreen

    Yes, Currencies Direct has an app available on both the App Store and through Google Play. Through the app, you can do the following:

    • Set rate alerts. Create and monitor rate alerts to stay on top of your transfers wherever you are.
    • Send money. Create transfers and send them directly through your mobile phone.
    • Manage transfers. See a history of your transfers and track transfers currently in progress.
    • Access customer support. Find phone numbers and customer service emails if you have any issues.
    Reviews accurate as of July 17, 2023
    Google Play Store3.5 out of 5 — based on 485 customer reviews
    Apple App Store3.5 out of 5 — based on 87 customer reviews

    Bottom line

    Currencies Direct has years of experience in the international money transfer game, and with its promise to beat the banks, it’s a strong contender for getting your funds to friends and family worldwide. Before you sign up, make sure Currencies Direct services your state.

    You can also use our guide to compare international money transfer services if you find Currencies Direct doesn’t meet all your needs.

    Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

    Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
    OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
    24 hours
    $0
    Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
    Xe
    Within minutes
    $4
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
    MoneyGram
    Within minutes
    From $0
    First online transfer is free.
    MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
    Instarem
    24 hours
    From 0%
    New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
    Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
    Xe Money Transfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    CurrencyTransfer
    24 hours
    $0
    CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
    WorldRemit - 4free
    Within minutes
    From $0.99
    Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
    WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
    PayPal (business)
    Within minutes
    $0
    Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
    Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
    Within minutes
    From $8.16
    Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
    Wise (TransferWise)
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    Wise (TransferWise)
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.
    CurrencyTransfer for Business
    24 hours
    $0
    Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
    WorldRemit
    Within minutes
    From $0.99
    Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
    WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
    CurrencyFair
    24 hours
    €3
    CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
    OFX
    24 hours
    $0
    OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
    CurrencyFair
    24 hours
    €3
    CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    Remitly
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
    Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
    PayPal
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
    Xe
    Within minutes
    $3
    Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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