Currencies Direct Review 9.5

Company Information

Currencies Direct offers fast, fee-free international currency transfer services for individuals, businesses and online sellers.
They were established in 1996 and have helped more than 325,000 customers move money overseas with excellent exchange rates, tailored transfer solutions and exceptional customer service. All customers are assigned a personal account manager – a currency expert who takes the time to understand their requirements, provide invaluable insights and help them make their money go further.

With Currencies Direct you have the option to transfer over the phone with your account manager or move money and check live rates 24/7 online and through their app. Currencies Direct have over 20 offices across four continents and have won multiple awards over the years, including the 2018 MoneyAge Money Transfer Provider of the Year award.

 They’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), adhere to strict compliance procedures and have an ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trustpilot.
Whether you need to move a large lump sum or make smaller, more regular transfers, Currencies Direct can help.

How Currencies Direct works?

1. Register

You can create a free, no obligation account in minutes online or over the phone.

2. Agree your currency amount and exchange rate

You can do this either online, over the phone or via the app.

3. Make a payment to Currencies Direct

Send your funds to Currencies Direct by debit card or bank transfer – they’ll do the rest. 

Some Background

Currencies Direct is one of the Europe’s most established currency providers and has grown substantially over the years.
It’s now part of a group which transfers more than £7.5 billion in international payments per year and employs over 500 currency experts.

With offices in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, South Africa and North America, Currencies Direct are able to support customers from across the globe.
They have also developed market-leading online services to ensure customers have access to flexible, reliable, convenient currency transfer services anytime, anywhere.

Is Currencies Direct Safe and Reliable?

Currencies Direct provide a secure, cost-effective and dependable service on transfers of all sizes.
Regulatory information
The company is fully regulated in the jurisdictions where it operates.
They have an in-house compliance team and follow stringent compliance procedures.
Customer funds are also kept in segregated accounts – keeping them separate from the company’s finances. 
*Currencies Direct’s bank providers don’t monitor the funds they place on safeguarding accounts or how they operate those accounts. It is Currencies Direct’s responsibility to segregate funds.
Level 1
Currencies Direct have the highest possible credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet – meaning they have the lowest level of risk
UK
They’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FCA Firm Reference number is 900669). This means that they undergo the highest level of regulation to ensure their practises are to the best standard in terms of safety and security.
Spain
Authorised by the Bank of Spain to operate as a Foreign Branch of an European Community Electronic Money Institution with registration number 6711.
USA
Currencies Direct is registered at federal level with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury, as a Money Services Business. In addition Currencies Direct Inc. is licensed as a Money Transmitter in various US states. For further information regarding their state money transmitter licenses visit their website.
Canada
Currencies Direct (Canada) Inc/ Devices Directes (Canada) Inc is registered with the Financial Transactions and Report Centre of Canada (Registration No. M08690900) to operate a money services business in Canada. Currencies Direct (Canada) Inc./ Devices Directes (Canada) Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Currencies Direct Limited, a company authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom as a e-money service provider.
South Africa
All their foreign exchange transactions are processed through an Authorised Dealer Bank in South Africa in strict accordance with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Exchange Control Rules and Regulations. Currencies Direct is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP – 43493) regulated by the Financial Services Board (FSB) and a Primary Accountable Institution registered with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, under reference number AI/120106/00001.

Why Use Currencies Direct?

Currencies Direct will help you save time and money on your currency transfers with excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees and expert insight. 

Transfer on your terms 

With Currencies Direct you can talk through your options with a currency expert or move money on the go in a couple of taps. 

Trusted by 325,000 people 

Currencies Direct are a well-established company and have worked with more than 325,000 people since 1996. 

Transfer speed  

Currencies Direct will typically send your money to your recipient account within 24-48 hours, but this can vary depending on the currencies and countries involved.

Flexible services

Every currency transfer is different, so Currencies Direct offer a range of services which can be tailored to suit any requirement. 

Spot contracts – Send money instantly at the current exchange rate. 

Forward contract – Fix the current exchange rate ahead of making a transfer. 

Limit orders – Set the rate you want to achieve and your payment will occur automatically as soon as the market moves to that level. 

Regular transfers – Save hassle and automate your recurrent transfers. 

Rate alerts – Set a target exchange rate and get notified by text and email if the market moves to that level.  

Customer support

You can access customer support over the phone, by email, through social media and through the ‘Live chat’ function in their online service.

Bottom Line

If you need to move money abroad to pay for an international property purchase, fund an emigration, send funds to loved ones or move a pension overseas, Currencies Direct can offer you a simple, secure service and excellent exchange rates.