What does Currencies Direct do?
Currencies Direct are a traditional currency broker and offer phone and online international currency transfers. Currencies Direct was established in 1996 and accept clients from all over the world. They offer over 30 currencies and you can convert and send as little as £100 with no maximum online or over the phone with one of their dealers. Currencies Direct have local offices in the UK, Spain, Portugal India, UAE, South Africa and America.
How much does Currencies Direct cost?
As with most currency brokers Currencies Direct does not publish its pricing online. However, if you are doing a large foreign exchange transaction you should not be expected to pay over 0.5% from the mid-market price. Anything more than that would be too expensive for Currencies Direct. For smaller transactions expect to pay up to 1%. For guidance on currency transfer pricing read our guide on how to compare currency quotes. One thing to be mindful of though is that as pricing is not fixed or published you should get in writing what your exchange rate mark up will be.
Are Currencies Direct a good currency broker?
Good Money Guide rates Currencies Direct as a five-star currency broker as they are well established and have offices around the global. As Currencies Direct operate a traditional "account executive" based service customers can convert and transfer funds online as well as having the option to talk to a real person for advice and help.
Currencies Direct Interview
Currencies Direct Marc Morley-Freer on being Global Head of Personal Clients
What do clients think of Currencies Direct?
The below data is taken from the average weighted scores of over 500 currency transfer clients who completed our Good Money Guide Awards survey in which currency brokers asked their clients to rank their services against peers.
Currencies Direct 2020 Review Client Satisfaction Levels
Currencies Direct User Reviews
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Good, efficient service
Used CurrenciesDirect for many years as an overseas home owner.. they have got better as time as move on & would definitely recommend them.
Excellent speedy service, good rates and great security. One of the best!
Used currencies direct for many years, always excellent service. Since it improved the rate for smaller transfers its the best in the market. The wallet system is so useful for taking advantage of increases in rates. Well done to the team and thanks for making it easy to use.
I'm happy with the service
Thank you Currencies Direct for doing such a great job of looking after my clients.
Jade was very helpful explaining the procedure prior to my transaction.
I have used Currencies Direct for some years to move currency from UK to Spain and from Spain to South Africa and UK. It is a great service, easy to use and the customer service is excellent.
A pleasure to deal with🤗
Excellent service, easy app... saved me tonnes when moving to Spain. Thanks CD!
Compare Currencies Direct To Other Currency Brokers
If you’re struggling to decide on the best company to service your foreign exchange or money transfer requirements, make sure you read our thorough comparison between Currencies Direct and World First.
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct was formed in 1996 and is now one of the older foreign exchange companies operating in Europe, serving more than 150,000 individuals and commercial clients in the last two decades.
World First
Founded in 2004, World First booked £43m in their first year of trading and have not looked back since. This year, the World First team have served 48,000 new customers and offer tailored foreign exchange solutions for each client.
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
Customers can exchange money in up to 63 different currencies in total – ranging from the most popular currency such as the US Dollar, Euro and Pound through to currencies for more remote parts of the world including the Mauritian Rupee, Thai Baht and Botswanan Pula.
World First
World First offers an impressive spread of 121 currencies available for exchange, with the ability to make payments online 24/7.
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
• $100 (US)
• £100 (UK)
• €100 (EU)
World First
• $1,000(US)
• £1,000 (UK)
• €1,000 (EU)
Can you convert and send funds online, phone or email?
Currencies Direct
Foreign exchange and money transfers can be placed by Currencies Direct customers using their dedicated online platform, via email or via telephone.
World First
World First customers have access to their award-winning online platform to trade funds, as well as the ability to arrange transactions via email and telephone.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct has grown considerably since opening its Spanish offices in 1996. It now operates with a global contingent of offices in the UK, Portugal, France, Spain, China, India, the USA and South Africa.
World First
World First’s global expansion has seen it open offices in the following countries: the UK, USA, The Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• FinCEN (USA)
World First
• Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (Canada)
• FinCEN (USA)
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• Customs and Excise Department (Hong Kong)
• ASIC (Australia)
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct customers benefit from a no-fee policy on all deals.
World First
UK-based World First customers do not have to pay a penny, regardless of transfer size.
There is a $10 fee on transfers of less than $10,000 in the USA.
World First offers a guarantee to UK clients to beat any quote from any other foreign exchange company.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct’s TrustPilot page features almost 1,500 (1,446) customer reviews and boasts an ‘Excellent’ 9.1/10 trust score.
World First
At the time of writing, World First has more than 5,000 reviews on its Feefo customer page, providing 'Excellent' (98%) customer service.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
• 2016 - Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
• 2010 - Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
World First
• 2016 – Times HSB International Track 200 (7th Place)
• 2016 – Queen’s Award for Enterprise
• 2013 – Customer Experience Awards
• 2011 – UK National Business Award
• 2011 – Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100
With a wealth of foreign exchange and money transfer firms in operation, it can be difficult to choose between them. Read our complete comparison between Currencies Direct and UKForex:
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct have been in existence for more than two decades, founded in 1996. They are now one of the oldest European foreign exchange companies in the marketplace, serving more than 150,000 private and corporate clients.
UKForex
Following its opening in 2005, UKForex has expanded rapidly to become one of the leading global money transfer and foreign exchange companies.
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct offers 63 currencies for exchange from all four corners of the world – from Fiji and Mauritius, to Canada and Mexico.
UKForex
UKForex is owned by the OzForex Group (OFX) and benefits from its impressive infrastructure and licensing, allowing it to offer up to 155 currencies for exchange.
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
• $100 (US)
• £100 (UK)
• €100 (EU)
UKForex
• $100 (US)
• £100 (UK)
• €100 (EU)
Can you convert and send funds online, phone or email?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct customers have three ways to make their currency exchange or money transfers: via the dedicated Currencies Direct online platform, via email or by telephone.
UKForex
UKForex offers its customers the ability to exchange foreign currency in three ways: via its online trading platform, via email or by telephone.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
To cater for its now global operation, Currencies Direct has offices in: UK, USA, Portugal, France, Spain, India, China and South Africa.
UKForex
UKForex is based in London and is the UK arm of OFX, which has offices elsewhere in Hong Kong, San Francisco, Auckland, Sydney and Toronto.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• FinCen (USA)
UKForex
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• FinCen (USA)
• Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (Canada)
• ASIC (Australia)
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
There is a no-fee policy in place for Currencies Direct clients on all types of deals.
UKForex
UKForex does not charge any wire fees to its customers.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
With a TrustPilot page featuring around 1,500 customer reviews, Currencies Direct has an ‘Excellent’ 9.1/10 trust score.
UKForex
The UKForex TrustPilot page has over 500 customer reviews and, at the time of writing, boasts an ‘Excellent’ 9.1/10 trust score.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
• 2016 - Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
• 2010 - Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
UKForex
• 2011-2005 – Deloitte awards in consecutive years (Fast 50, Fast 500 Asia Pacific)
• 2006 – UK Trade & Investment International Business Awards Finalist
• 2005 – BRW Fast 100
If you’re finding it hard to make a decision between the wide array of foreign exchange and money transfer firms available, make sure you read our thorough review and comparison between Currencies Direct and FairFX.
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Established more than two decades ago, Currencies Direct has been in operation since 1996 and is now one of Europe’s oldest foreign exchange and money transfer corporations, providing services to more than 150,000 private individuals and commercial clients.
FairFX
FairFX has only been in operation for a decade (2007) but has fast become one of the leading choices for international payments across the UK and beyond.
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
63 currencies are available for exchange to Currencies Direct, from mainstream currencies such as the Euro, US Dollar and Pound to more ‘exotic’ currencies including Botswanan Pula and the Mauritian Rupee.
FairFX
FairFX customers can choose from up to 41 currencies to exchange via its cloud-based peer-to-peer payments platform.
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
• $100 (US)
• £100 (UK)
• €100 (EU)
FairFX
• £500 (UK)
Can you convert and send funds online, phone or email?
Currencies Direct
There are three options for Currencies Direct customers to place their currency exchange or money transfer order: via the online platform engineered specifically for Currencies Direct customers, via email or by telephone.
FairFX
FairFX developed a cloud-based P2P payments platform to enable clients to make low-cost currency payments in a range of currencies and countries within a single tool. It also takes foreign exchange and money transfer orders via telephone.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
As it is now very much a global business, Currencies Direct operates out of the following countries: UK, Spain, France, Portugal, USA, India, South Africa and China.
FairFX
FairFX is a UK-based company in the City of London.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• FinCEN (USA)
FairFX
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
All Currencies Direct clients benefit from a no-fee policy on every deal.
FairFX
FairFX clients are not charged any fees on money transfers. FairFX prepaid card holders are charged £9.95 per issue.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
The Currencies Direct TrustPilot page has received up to 1,500 customer reviews to date and is currently operating with an ‘Excellent’ 9.1/10 trust score.
FairFX
At the time of writing, FairFX has received well over 4,000 customer reviews and feedback and is operating with an ‘Excellent’ 9.2/10 trust score.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
• 2016 - Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
• 2010 - Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
FairFX
• 2016 – Most Trusted Prepaid Card Provider (Moneywise Customer Service Awards)
• 2015 – Best Foreign Exchange/Travel Money Retailer (British Travel Awards)
• 2015 – Best USD Travel Prepaid Card (Prepaid365 Awards)
• 2015 – Best Currency Exchange Service (ADVFN International Financial Awards)
• 2014 – Money Transfer Innovation Award (Moneynet Awards)
When were they established?
Both companies have been around for a while, with Currencies Direct being established in 1996 and HiFX coming into being in 1998.
Currencies offered
HiFX converts between 142 different currencies around the world, while Currencies Direct offers conversions between approximately 60 currencies.
Minimum transfer
No minimum transfer amount is specified by Currencies Direct, although a maximum of £15,000 can be sent using their online service. HiFX have a minimum transfer amount of £50.
Can you convert and send funds online, phone or email?
Currencies Direct allows customers to transfer and convert currencies online, on the phone or via their mobile app. HiFX offers online and mobile app transfers.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct has 12 offices around the world. Locations include Spain, Portugal, France, Cape Town, Mumbai, China, the USA and the UK. HiFX has offices in the UK, New Zealand and San Francisco.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and by the relevant authorities in France, South Africa and the USA. HiFX are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and by the relevant authorities in New Zealand and Australia.
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct don't charge fees for 90% of the transactions that they process. They do however charge a fee for online sellers that is the equivalent of 1-2% of the transaction value if the currency is being converted, or a small fixed fee if no conversion takes place.
HiFX do not charge a transaction fee for transfers worth more than £3,000, but they charge a fixed fee of £9 for transfers under that amount.
Positive or negative online reviews
Both companies have many positive online reviews from their customers.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct have been finalists in both the National Business Awards and the Fast Growth Business Awards.
If you're trying to decide how to transfer money overseas, take a look at our overview of these two popular brokerages: Currencies Direct and TorFX.
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct has been in business since 1996 and it's one of the largest, and oldest, financial exchange specialists in Europe.
- The company promises bank-beating exchange rates for more than 60 currencies.
- It doesn't charge any transfer fees.
- Payments under £15,000 can be made online or over the phone, but transfers of more than £15,000 can only be dealt with by phone.
- Currencies Direct has so far helped more than 200,000 customers and in 2017, it expects to make £2.5bn worth of transactions.
- It has 16 offices spread across the UK, the US, South Africa, India, Spain, France and Portugal.
- The firm is authorised by the FCA and subscribes to the Bank of England code for Non-Investment Products (NIPS).
- It has an 'excellent' 9.1 rating on Trustpilot, which is based on 1,444 online reviews.
TorFX
TorFX is an award-winning currency broker that promises better rates than banks.
- It deals in more than 60 currencies and doesn't charge transfer fees.
- Customers can make transfers over the phone and online; the minimum payment is £100. Transfers of more than £15,000 are phone only.
- Each year, the firm handles more than £3bn worth of international payments and foreign exchange. To date, it has worked with more than 50,000 private clients and handled more than 4,000 corporate accounts.
- In 2017, TorFX won the Moneyfacts Consumer award for International Money Transfer Provider – for the second year running. It was also the overall winner of the Moneyfacts 2017 customer service award.
- The company has offices in the UK, US, mainland Europe, South Africa and Australia.
- It's authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and licensed by HM Revenue & Customs.
- Based on 2,024 customer reviews, TorFX has an 'excellent' 9.5 rating on Trustpilot.
Stuck choosing the best specialist for your foreign exchange or money transfer requirements? Read on for your thorough comparison between the services offered by Currencies Direct and TransferWise:
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Established for more than 20 years, Currencies Direct has helped more than 150,000 personal and corporate customers with money transfers and foreign exchange since their foundation in 1996.
TransferWise
Relatively new kids on the block, TransferWise were established in 2011 by founders, Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Kaarmann, who sought to remove the hidden cost of currency exchange. Today, TransferWise is moving more than £500m globally every single month for its customers.
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
Customers can choose from 63 currencies for their foreign exchange or money transfer requirements, ranging from mainstream currencies, such as Euros and Dollars, to currencies in far-flung destinations such as Mauritius, Fiji and the United Arab Emirates.
TransferWise
TransferWise can send and receive 19 different currencies: Euro, Pounds, US Dollars, Australian Dollar, Swiss Franc, Canadian Dollar, Polish Zloty, Swedish Krona, Norwegian Krone, Danish Krone, Hungarian Forint, Czech Koruna, Bulgarian Lev, Romanian Leu, New Zealand Dollar, Japanese Yen, Brazilian Real, Singapore Dollar, Croatian Kuna.
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
- £100 (UK)
- €100 (EU)
- $100 (US)
TransferWise
- £1 (UK)
- $1 (USA, Canada & Australia)
Can you convert and send funds online, by phone or email?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct customers have three different options when looking to exchange currency or transfer money:
- Via their dedicated online platform
- Email
- Telephone
TransferWise
Currency trading is offered to TransferWise customers in the following formats:
- Dedicated online platform
- Via the TransferWise mobile app
- Online chat functionality
- Email
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
The company’s worldwide expansion has led to the creation of offices in the following locations:
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- France
- China
- India
- South Africa
- USA
TransferWise
Offices are based in the UK, Estonia, Ukraine, Hungary, the USA, Australia and Japan.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
In the UK, the company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and FinCen oversees its operations in the United States of America.
TransferWise
In the UK, TransferWise is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct benefit from a no-fees policy anywhere in the world.
TransferWise
Customers only pay a fee of £2 for money transfers below £400.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct boasts a 9.1/10 “Excellent” score on its Trustpilot page, with 1,446 clients providing feedback at the time of writing.
TransferWise
The most popular customer review page for TransferWise is its Trustpilot page, which has more than 35,000 reviews at the time of writing, resulting in an “Excellent” score of 9.5/10.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
- 2016 – Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
- 2010 – Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
TransferWise
- 2015 – WEF Tech Pioneer
- 2015 – Entrepreneur of the Year UK (EY)
- 2014 – Boldness in Business Award (Financial Times)
- 2013 – Best European Startup (Europas European Tech Startup Awards)
Unsure which foreign exchange or money transfer specialist will cater for your requirements best? Read our detailed comparison between Currencies Direct and Money Corp:
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Founded in 1996, Currencies Direct is one of the older foreign exchange companies, boasting more than 150,000 corporate and private customers during the last two decades.
Money Corp
Money Corp is one of the fastest-growing foreign exchange companies in the UK and has been providing currency and payment services for over 35 years. Today, it processes millions of customer transactions to more than 150 countries.
Who gives best currency exchange Moneycorp or foreign Currencies Direct?
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
63 currencies in total - ranging from mainstream currency (USD and EU) through to currencies it labels as 'exotic' such as Mauritian Rupee, Singapore Dollar and Botswanan Pula.
Money Corp
Money Corp offers an outstanding spread of currencies available for exchange, with currencies for up to 90 different countries available.
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
• $100 (US)
• £100 (UK)
• €100 (EU)
Money Corp
• $50 (US)
• £50 (UK)
• €50 (EU)
Can you convert and send funds online, phone or email?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct customers have the capability of exchanging currency via three different channels:
• A dedicated online platform for Currencies Direct customers only
• Email
• Telephone
Money Corp
Money Corp customers have the option of using the secure Money Corp online platform or telephone to complete their currency exchange or money transfers.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
As one of the oldest foreign exchange specialists in Europe, Currencies Direct now operates globally with offices in Spain, the UK, Portugal, France, India, China, South Africa and the USA.
Money Corp
In order to serve it's global client base, Money Corp has offices in the UK, Ireland, France, the United States and two offices in Spain.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• FinCen (USA)
Money Corp
• Financial Conduct Authority (UK)
• HM Revenue and Customs (UK)
• Full Banking License (Gibraltar)
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
A strictly no-fee policy is operated to all Currencies Direct customers worldwide.
Money Corp
Money transfer fees start from £5 for 2-4 day transfers, rising to £9 for 0-2 day express transfers.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
Presently, Currencies Direct has almost 1,500 (1,446) valid customer reviews on its TrustPilot page, resulting in an 'Excellent' 9.1/10 trust score.
Money Corp
At the time of writing, Money Corp boasts almost 5,000 reviews on its Feefo customer page, providing 'Excellent' (97%) customer service.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
• 2016 - Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
• 2010 - Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
Money Corp
• 2015/16 - Top 3 Overall Rating (Money Transfer Comparison)
• 2015 - Travel Money Provider of the Year (Consumer MoneyFacts)
• 2011 - Best Financial Services Provider (OPP Awards)
If you're looking for the right foreign exchange or money transfer specialist for your specific needs, take a look at our detailed comparison of Currencies Direct and Currency Solutions:
When were they established?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct have been around for more than two decades. Formed in 1996, they have since assisted more than 150,000 corporate and personal clients with their foreign exchange requirements.
Currency Solutions
Currency Solutions are a relatively newer business on the block, arriving in 2003 after the internet boom, founded by three friends focusing on service, not just the rates on offer.
Currencies offered
Currencies Direct
Mainstream currencies such as Dollars, Pounds and Euros are readily available, as well as more 'exotic' currency, from UAE Dirham and Fijian Dollar to the Mexican Peso and Thai Baht, totalling 63 currencies.
Currency Solutions
Currency Solutions list the following currencies that they can support the transfer of around the world: Brazilian Real (BRL), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Norwegian Krone (NOK), South African Rand (ZAR), US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Czech koruna (CZK), Israeli shekel (ILS), Hungarian forint (HUF), Danish krone (DKK), Polish Zloty (PLN), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian dollar (CAD), Hong Kong dollar (HKD) and Japanese yen (JPY).
Minimum transfer
Currencies Direct
- £100 (UK)
- €100 (EU)
- $100 (US)
Currency Solutions
- £1,000 (Individual clients)
- £10,000 (Commercial clients)
Can you convert and send funds online, by phone or email?
Currencies Direct
Customers are given the flexibility of trading their currency using either the dedicated online platform, via written request in an email or by telephone.
Currency Solutions
Customers can purchase currency using their dedicated online platform or via their client support team by telephone.
Where do they have offices?
Currencies Direct
The business has grown globally, with offices around the world in Spain, the UK, France, Portugal, USA, China, South Africa and India.
Currency Solutions
Offices based in the UK (London) and Cyprus.
Who are they regulated by?
Currencies Direct
In the UK, the company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and FinCen for its US operations.
Currency Solutions
Regulated solely in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
What are their fees?
Currencies Direct
Currencies Direct operates a strictly no-fees policy worldwide.
Currency Solutions
Customers pay no upfront fees to use the Currency Solutions service.
Positive or negative online reviews
Currencies Direct
At the time of writing, Currencies Direct has 1,446 customer reviews on its Trustpilot page, receiving a 9.1/10 "Excellent" Trust score.
Currency Solutions
Currency Solutions has a mightily impressive 9.9/10 average score on its Trustpilot page, setting the bar extremely high by achieving the levels of service the company set out to deliver.
Have they won any awards?
Currencies Direct
- 2016 - Money Transfer Provider of the Year (MoneyAge Magazine)
- 2010 - Highest Possible Credit Rating (Dun & Bradstreet)
Currency Solutions
- Rated Best in "Money" Category (Trustpilot)
- Service Excellence Award (MoneyTransferComparison)
