Airwallex UK Customer Reviews & Expert Rating

Yes, TorFX won "Best Personal Currency Broker" in the Good Money Guide 2026 Awards and "People's Choice" Award for "Best Currency Broker" in 2025 and 2024 for having the most and best reviews from satisfied customers.

Prior to that, TorFX won "Best Currency Forward Provider" in 2023 for their 24-month forwards for people wanting to lock in current exchange rates for up to 1 year in advance.

Should you send money abroad with TorFX?

TorFX customer reviews speak for themselves, a low-cost way to transfer money internationally at a bank-beating exchange rates and expert advice on timing the process.

A good choice if you are buying a property abroad and want bank-beating exchange rates and personal service to help with the transfer.

Yes, Currencies Direct has won many awards from Good Money Guide including "best business currency broker" in 2026 and in our 2024 and 2023 awards Currencies, Direct won "best currency broker". They scored very highly in our customer survey, with very high scores in customer satisfaction and pricing.  Currencies Direct is also a well-established provider founded in 1996 and has 22 offices around the world.

Currencies Direct offer a good service for large international money transfers. They are a well-established and competitive currency broker for buying a property abroad or for international business payments at bank-beating exchange rates.

If you need to send a large amount of money abroad Currencies Direct can give you advice on the timing of a transfer and also get you bank beating exchange rates.

I've been dealing with currency brokers for nearly two decades now. Initially, when I was a prime broker doing currency conversions for institutions, but also as a currency broker myself doing conversions for people buying holiday homes. In this Currencies Direct review I give our ratings based on their nearest peers, and tell you what we think of them after testing them thoroughly. Plus highlight the key costs, facts and figures of their accounts.

A friend recently sent me a WhatsApp asking me what I thought of Currencies Direct. He even included a link to our old review, so clearly, it's time for an updated version.

Instead of long-winded musings on the currency transfer industry or AI generated SEO (or SEM, search engine manipulation as I like to call it), I thought I'd do this review as a series of FAQs about Currencies Direct to provide short and relevant answers to potential questions people who are considering using them may ask. Why you ask? Well, I've been in the currency markets for about 20 years, as both a wholesale currency prime broker and a private client currency broker and these are the questions that people generally asked...

This is pretty much how our conversion went when we discussed Currencies Direct over coffee later that afternoon.

What does Currencies Direct do?

It helps you transfer large amounts of money from one currency and country to another.

What about small amounts of money, is it only for large transfers?

You can send small amounts of money, but to be honest, Currencies Direct is more for larger foreign exchange transactions. A typical customer may be someone buying a holiday home with a couple of large currency transfers for the purchase and then a few recurring smaller transfers afterwards for bills etc.

But can I still send smaller amounts?

Yes, but if you are only sending smaller amounts, you are better off with a money transfer app.

Why is it better for large amounts then?

When you send large amounts of money abroad, you need to think about two things. What the exchange rate will be, and when to send it. Currencies Direct will give you better exchange rates than a bank, and you get more control over when you do the conversion.

How?

You get better exchange rates because the "spread" or "mark up" Currencies Direct charge is better than the banks. Sometimes by about 4%.

Huh?

If you send £100,000 with your bank, the exchange rate markup can be up to 4% so it will cost you about £4,000 in fees. With Currencies Direct, it should be around £250.

My bank told me there were no fees for sending money abroad.

Well yes, there are no fees charged to you as commission, but they are included in the spread.

Do Currencies Direct charge a fee?

They don't charge additional fees. They make their money on the exchange rate spread.

What's the spread?

The spread is the difference between where a currency broker buys the currency and where you buy the currency.

So they mark my price up rather than charge fees?

Yes, take a look at our guide on how to compare exchange rates and come back?

Ok, fine, I'm up to date. But how do I know they are going to give me the best exchange rate?

Just ask them - say verbatim "how far as a percentage will my price be from the mid-market?". They should give you an answer as a percentage. The more money you want to transfer the lower the percentage will be.

Whatever they come back with, ask for less - remember everything is negotiable.

If they can't give you a straight answer, just look for another currency broker that can.

No, I mean, how do I know this is the best time to convert money at the current exchange rate?

You don't, nobody knows where exchange rates will be in the future.

What about currency forecasts and predictions?

They have educated guesses at best. When it comes to foreign exchange it's very easy to protect yourself from losing money, but very difficult to make money from trying to predict exchange rates.

Ok, fine, but I'm buying a villa in Spain at the moment and I need to pay for it in 6 months and I think now is a good time to buy Euros. Can they help me lock in the currency exchange rate?

Yes, that's very good question and bravo for thinking of hedging your upcoming currency exposure?

What?

Sorry, yes you can buy Euros now with a currency forward contract. You can lock in the current Euro exchange rate for up to 12 months with Currencies Direct.

Great - but, there is a bit of a snag, I am selling a UK property that won't complete for a couple of month so can't afford all the Euros just yet.

That's fine, when you use a currency forward you only need to put down a small deposit on the full amount you buy. Usually around 10%.

But is my money safe with Currencies Direct?

Yes, Currencies Direct are authorised by the FCA, so they have to keep client funds separate from their money. These accounts are segregated and the money is protected if they or their bankers go bust. But unlike banks and investment accounts there is no FSCS protection.

Is it a big company then?

Yes, Currencies Direct was founded in 1996, they have over 500 employees, and processed about 550,000 payments last year, totalling £10bn. Blackstone also invested £150m in Currencies Direct.

What's Blackstone?

They are a massive private equity firm that invests in all sorts of things, they have about $10 trillion of investments.

Ok, fine. But how does Currencies Direct work?

You open an account here by requesting a quote through their website or registering online. Then they will assign someone to look after your account who will help you with the transfer.

Do I have to transfer money over the phone or can I do it online?

You can do up to £25k online, but, one of the main benefits of using a currency broker like Currencies Direct is that you get someone to actually talk to. Most people find this helpful when transferring large amounts of money abroad.

Thanks,

Pleasure.

You may also enjoy our interview with the CEO of Currencies Direct, Marc Morley-Freer.

Yes, we rate OFX as a very good currency broker as they offer discounted exchange rates, personal service for individual buying a property abroad of for businesses needing more complex services like integrated Amazon payments or currency hedging strategies.

OFX offer a great way to time and save money on large currency transfers for either foreign property purchases international moves or for business transactions.

If you have a large currency conversion coming up OFX can help you reduce costs when buying a holiday home abroad, or moving to another country. These key benefits of using a currency broker like OFX for international property purchases are:

Better exchange rates

Control over the price and time of the conversion

Personal support

OFX Offer Competitive Exchange Rates
When purchasing property abroad, exchange rates can significantly impact the overall cost, especially if you send the money from a traditional high street bank, which can charge up to 4% of the value of the foreign currency. Using a currency broker like OFX means that you can negotiate lower commissions. Whilst FX pricing may seem complicated, it’s quite simple to calculate. We’ve produced guides on ‘how to compare exchange rates‘ and how to avoid ‘honeymoon exchange rates‘, which will help you get better exchange rates when sending money abroad.
Transfer Timing & Flexibility
When you transfer money with your bank you have little or no say over when it is done or at what exchange rate is used, as the bank just provides a rate which you can either accept or not. But OFX will let you set a limit if you have a price in mind and you can also lock in an exchange rate for a future transfer (using forward contracts) or want to set up regular payments for a mortgage.
24/7 Service and Support At OFX
Again, banks are quite impersonal things, and even the new breed of digital banks like Starling and Monzo (who do provide good exchange rates) don’t offer personal services. Large currency transactions for buying property in another country can be stressful, especially when navigating different time zones and dealing with the onerous AML requirements and delays. It’s important and actually quite reassuring to have an account manager at OFX you can call for support, ensuring that you can get help whenever you need it, no matter where you are in the world.

Clear Treasury takes a holistic approach to understanding each client’s business model, risk tolerance, and operational goals, integrating technology and expertise to deliver tailored solutions. Their services cater primarily to companies with an annual FX turnover ranging from £500,000 to £30 million, helping clients manage currency volatility, hedge against adverse market shifts, and optimize cash flow in global operations.

Equals Money provides a comprehensive financial platform for businesses that need to manage international payments, employee expenses, and multi-currency accounts. The service is designed to streamline financial operations by combining foreign exchange capabilities, expense management, and payment infrastructure in one platform.

Businesses can issue physical and virtual corporate cards, pay suppliers in over 100 countries, and hold funds in more than 30 currencies. Accounts can be structured to segment spending by department, project, or team, making it easier to manage budgets and reporting. The platform also integrates with accounting systems and provides real-time transaction monitoring, making it suitable for companies with international exposure or complex spending needs.

Is Equals Money a bank?

Equals Money is not a traditional bank. Instead, it operates as an electronic money institution. This means it does not hold customer deposits in the same way a high-street bank does. Rather than lending out client funds, Equals Money keeps them safeguarded in segregated accounts.

This structure gives clients a high level of protection without the service being classified as a bank. While it performs many functions similar to business banking, including providing accounts, cards, and transfers, it is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the way a bank deposit would be.

How is Equals Money regulated?

Equals Money is fully regulated in the United Kingdom. Equals Money plc is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (firm reference number 488396) and is also registered under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for issuing electronic money.

This regulatory status ensures it meets high standards in operational controls, capital adequacy, safeguarding, and anti-money laundering procedures. In addition, its Mastercard-issued cards are governed by the relevant e-money licensing frameworks.

How do you login to Equals Money?

Logging into Equals Money is straightforward. Users can access their account by going to the Equals Money website and clicking the "sign in" link. This leads to a secure portal where users enter their credentials and, if set up, a two-factor authentication code. The platform can also be accessed via a mobile app, providing a seamless experience for managing payments, reviewing balances, and tracking expenses from anywhere.

Pricing: Transparent monthly fees and favourable FX rates. Some services have a base fee which may not suit very small businesses.

Market Access: Supports payments in over 100 countries and 30+ currencies. Strong international reach but not a full replacement for traditional banking.

Apps/Platforms: Modern and responsive web and mobile platforms with real-time controls and intuitive interface.

Customer Service: UK-based support with helpful guidance and onboarding. No 24/7 service, but daytime coverage is reliable.

Research & Analysis: Daily market reports from their head FX analyst on the latest economic news which can be sent directly to viewer/user inboxes, Plus a “Rate watch" capability where one of our dealers can contact the customer once the currency the customer requires moves to a more favourable

Safety & Regulation:  Authorised by the FCA, regulated under e-money and payment service rules, with robust safeguarding of client funds.

Yes, Indigo FX is a UK-based, FCA authorised deliverable foreign exchange specialist, supporting businesses and private clients with tailored currency risk management and international payment solutions. By combining competitive exchange rates with dedicated market expertise, they help clients reduce the cost and uncertainty associated with foreign exchange.

However, it is worth noting that, unlike banks, currency brokers do not offer FSCS protection.

Pricing: As with all currency brokers, your rates will be as good as your negotiation skills; however, they will certainly be better than the exchange rates you get from your bank for both sending to and receiving money from abroad.

Indigo FX have provided us with their mark-up percentages, which range from 1% for small international payments below £1,000 to as little as 0.1% for converting over £1m.

You can see live exchange rates in our currency comparison tool, which shows how much a provider will charge you.

Also, if you are unsure of how much you have been charged in the past, you can calculate how a currency broker's fees here.

Market Access: Indigo FX offers 60 currency pairs, including the major USD and EUR corridors. For customers wanting to lock in currency exchange rates for future purchases, forward contracts can be arranged for up to 24 months in advance.

Apps & Platforms: Clients can choose to execute trades either over the phone with one of our FX dealers or through our online payments platform, IndigoPay. Indigo FX are also developing a mobile app, which is scheduled for release in Q4 this year.

Customer Service: Indigo FX handles around 25,000 international currency payments a year, and unlike banks or money transfer apps, customers get a dedicated dealer who can help with all aspects of large money transfers, from account opening to converting and sending currency abroad.

Research & Analysis: Indigo FX provide daily market commentary to all active clients, alongside a weekly market insights newsletter. This ensures our clients are kept up to date with market movements, economic data releases and other events that may influence exchange rates.

WorldFirst's standard FX margin is capped at 0.5% for major currencies, including GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, CAD and JPY, and up to 0.75% for other currencies. New customers may qualify for an introductory 0.3% FX margin for a limited period. Higher-volume businesses with monthly turnover above £100,000 can also request individually negotiated pricing based on their requirements and transaction volumes.

How many currencies does WorldFirst offer?

WorldFirst supports local account details in more than 20 currencies, while businesses can make international payments in 100+ currencies across more than 210 countries and territories. Its World Card also offers 0% FX fees when spending in 15 major currencies. This makes WorldFirst particularly well suited to businesses that regularly receive, hold and pay money in multiple currencies.

How far forward can you book currency forwards?

WorldFirst offers forward contracts for up to 24 months, although availability depends on the currency pair and individual contract terms. Businesses can choose between fixed forwards with a single settlement date, window forwards that provide a settlement period, and flexible forwards that allow multiple drawdowns. This provides useful flexibility for importers and other businesses looking to protect future costs from exchange-rate movements.

Market access

WorldFirst has extensive international coverage, supporting payments across more than 210 countries and territories. Businesses can also access local receiving account details in more than 40 countries, allowing customers and marketplaces to make what are effectively domestic payments. WorldFirst has 32 offices worldwide, making it particularly suitable for companies with suppliers, customers or e-commerce operations spread across several international markets.

App & platform

WorldFirst's World Account brings international collections, payments and FX management into a single online platform and mobile app. Businesses can hold multiple currencies, receive payments using local account details and collect funds from 130+ marketplaces including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Etsy and Shopee. FX tools include spot and forward contracts, firm orders and rate alerts. Other useful features include World Cards, team permissions, Xero integration, APIs and real-time payment tracking.

A particular strength is WorldFirst's focus on international trade and e-commerce. Businesses can make direct payments to suppliers on 1688.com, while WorldTrade connects FX bookings with specific trade payments. WorldFirst is also backed by Ant International's global payments infrastructure, giving the platform considerable reach in Asian markets.

Customer service

WorldFirst provides support by phone, live chat and email through local teams operating across more than 20 regions and in 11+ languages. Phone and live-chat enquiries are typically answered within 60 seconds, while email responses are generally provided within 24 hours. Customers can also have access to a relationship manager who can help with FX requirements, forward contracts, firm orders, disputes and fraud concerns.

Research & analysis

WorldFirst provides useful FX information rather than the extensive research terminals offered by some specialist trading platforms. Customers can set real-time exchange-rate alerts, monitor currencies using live rate charts and receive newsletters covering market developments.

There is also educational content covering FX risk and currency markets. More personalised market insight is generally delivered through WorldFirst's relationship managers, making its service more adviser-led than research-led.