XE Review: Rates, Fees & Safety 2026
IMT SilverBest for Currency Coverage & Brand Trust
XE Overview
XE, established in 1993, is a prominent provider of international money transfer services. Initially known as Xenon Laboratories Incorporated, XE was acquired by Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ: EEFT) in 2015 and later merged with HiFX in 2018 to unify services. XE supports transfers to over 220 countries and territories in 139 currencies, with no transfer fees, 24/7 support, and over 112 million customers globally. Annual transfer volume exceeds $115 billion, making XE one of the largest in the industry.
- No transfer fees on any transaction
- Competitive exchange rates (0.1-0.6% margin)
- World's most recognised currency brand (30+ years)
- 220+ countries and 139 currencies (widest coverage)
- Over 70 million mobile app downloads
- Owned by Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ: EEFT)
- 24/7 customer support across all channels
- Cash pickup options now available
- Verification process can be detailed and slow
- Transfer times of 24-48 hours (not the fastest)
- Exchange rate margins can vary by currency
XE Facts & Figures
| Established | 1993 |
| Headquarters | California, USA |
| Offices | USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia |
| Regulation | FCA, FINTRAC, FinCEN, ASIC, FMA |
| No. of Customers | 112 million+ |
| No. of Currencies | 100+ (139 for transfers) |
| Transfer Fees | None |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5/5 from 75,000+ Trustpilot reviews |
| Annual Volume | $115 billion |
| Minimum Transfer | $1 |
| Maximum Online Transfer | £350,000 |
| Online Platform | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes (70 million+ downloads) |
| Services Offered | Spot Transfers, Forward Contracts, Limit Orders, Regular Payments |
| Payment Methods | Bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, Wire transfer |
| Transfer Speed | 24-48 hours (typically) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 phone, email, live chat |
| Fee Transparency | No transfer fees, intermediary fees may apply |
| Average Exchange Rate Margin | Typically 0.1% to 0.6% |
| Security Measures | Two-factor authentication, encryption, segregated accounts |
| Parent Company | Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ: EEFT) |
What is XE?
XE, established in 1993, is a prominent provider of international money transfer services headquartered in California, USA. Initially known as Xenon Laboratories Incorporated, the company transitioned its focus to currency data and international money transfers, launching the XE.com domain in 1994.
In 2015, XE was acquired by Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT) and later merged with HiFX in 2018 to unify their services. XE offers international money transfers, live exchange rate tracking, historical currency data, and rate alerts. Their platform supports transfers to over 220 countries and territories in 139 currencies, with over 112 million customers and annual volume exceeding $115 billion.
How Trustworthy and Secure is XE?
XE is regulated by several financial authorities including the FCA in the UK (under HiFX Europe Limited, Reference number: 462444), FINTRAC in Canada, FinCEN and state regulators in the USA, ASIC in Australia, and FMA in New Zealand.
XE employs industry-standard security protocols including two-factor authentication, encryption standards, and segregated client accounts. Client funds are kept separate from the company's operational funds. XE's parent company Euronet Worldwide provides additional financial stability as a NASDAQ-listed corporation.
What Services and Products Does XE Offer?
XE offers spot payments, forward contracts, limit orders, and multi-currency accounts. The XE mobile app has over 70 million downloads, offering real-time exchange rates, currency conversion tools, and the ability to track payments and manage accounts on-the-go.
XE also provides rate alerts, currency-conversion calculators, historical rate charts, and tools for businesses including API integration and corporate payment solutions. Cash pickup options are now also available.
How Competitive are XE's Fees and Exchange Rates?
XE charges no transfer fees, with exchange rate margins typically ranging from 0.1% to 0.6% - among the most competitive in the industry. The platform is transparent about its rates with no hidden fees, though intermediary banks may charge their own fees.
XE is particularly competitive for medium to large transfers. Rates improve with transfer size, with the spread narrowing significantly for amounts over £50,000.
What Do Customers Say About XE?
XE has a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 75,000 reviews, making it one of the most-reviewed money transfer providers globally. Common praises include ease of use, competitive rates, and efficient customer service.
Some users have noted the verification process can be detailed, and transfer times of 24-48 hours are not the fastest. However, the majority report high levels of satisfaction.
How Easy is it to Use XE?
XE's platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. The website and mobile app both feature clean designs and straightforward navigation. Setting up an account is simple and quick, involving basic personal information and identity verification.
Making transfers is seamless - users can input transfer details, view real-time exchange rates, and confirm transactions. The platform offers tracking tools and rate alerts for informed decision-making.
How Does XE Work?
Step 1: Sign Up - Visit the XE website or download the XE mobile app. Create an account by providing basic personal information and completing verification.
Step 2: Confirm Your Rate - Log in to your XE account. Check live exchange rates and choose the currency. Confirm the rate either online or via phone with an XE representative.
Step 3: Transfer Your Funds - Provide the recipient's bank details and the transfer amount. Fund via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. XE converts and sends the funds, typically within 24-48 hours.
What Payment Options Does XE Offer?
XE accepts bank transfers (the most common method), debit/credit cards for convenience, and wire transfers for larger amounts. The minimum transfer amount is typically $1, with no maximum online limit up to £350,000 - beyond that amount, larger transfers exceeding $500,000 are possible depending on verification status.
XE occasionally offers first transfer discounts, referral programs with rewards, and seasonal promotions with reduced fees or better rates.
What Customer Support Does XE Provide?
XE provides 24/7 customer support through phone, email, live chat on the website and app, and an extensive FAQ section. Users can contact XE for immediate assistance or get real-time support through live chat.
This round-the-clock availability combined with the trusted XE brand and comprehensive currency data tools makes XE a strong all-round choice for international money transfers.
XE Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
| Region | Legal Entity | Licence | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | HiFX Europe Limited | Authorised Payment Institution Ref. No. 462444 | FCA |
| Canada | XE.com Inc. | Money Services Business | FINTRAC |
| USA | XE USA Inc. | State Money Transmitter Licenses | FinCEN and state regulators |
| Australia | HiFX Limited | AFS Licence | ASIC |
| New Zealand | HiFX Limited | Registered FSP | FMA |
XE Exchange Rate Comparison (GBP to USD)
| Transfer Amount | Exchange Rate | USD Received | Spread (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | 1.26755 | $12,675.50 | 0.97% |
| £50,000 | 1.26882 | $63,441.00 | 0.87% |
| £250,000 | 1.26883 | $317,207.50 | 0.87% |
| £350,000 | 1.26880 | $444,080.00 | 0.88% |
Rates are indicative and vary based on market conditions. The larger your transfer, the more competitive your rate.
XE Services and Features
- No-fee international transfers
- Regular payments
- Family support and tuition fees
- Cash pickup options available
- International supplier payments
- Payroll in multiple currencies
- API integration
- Corporate payment solutions
- Live exchange rate tracker
- Historical rate charts
- Currency converter
- Rate alerts and notifications
- Mobile app (70M+ downloads)
- 24/7 customer support
- Real-time transfer tracking
- Multi-currency accounts
All XE Features
XE Regulation & Safety
FCA Authorisation
XE is authorised by the FCA as an Electronic Money Institution.
Fund Segregation
Client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from operational funds.
Data Protection
Client data is protected under GDPR and data protection regulations.
AML Compliance
XE complies with Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
- FCA authorised (HiFX Europe Limited, Ref. 462444)
- Owned by Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ: EEFT)
- FINTRAC registered in Canada
- FinCEN registered with state licences in USA
- ASIC regulated in Australia
- FMA regulated in New Zealand
- Client funds held in segregated accounts
XE: Frequently Asked Questions
Is XE safe and regulated?
Yes. XE is authorised by the FCA (Reference 462444) and owned by Euronet Worldwide (NASDAQ: EEFT). They are regulated in multiple jurisdictions (FCA, FINTRAC, FinCEN, ASIC, FMA) with client funds held in segregated accounts.
Does XE charge transfer fees?
No. XE charges zero transfer fees. Revenue comes from the exchange rate margin, typically 0.1% to 0.6% depending on the transfer amount and currency pair.
How fast are XE transfers?
Most XE transfers complete within 24-48 hours. Popular corridors may be faster. Card-funded transfers can be quicker but may incur additional card charges from your bank.
How many currencies does XE support?
XE supports transfers in 139 currencies to over 220 countries and territories - one of the widest coverages in the industry. Their currency data tools cover even more currencies.
Does XE offer forward contracts?
Yes. XE now offers forward contracts and limit orders in addition to spot transfers, allowing users to lock in rates for future transfers.
What is the maximum transfer with XE?
The maximum online transfer is £350,000. For larger amounts exceeding $500,000, contact XE's team directly. Limits depend on verification status and local regulations.
How does XE compare to Wise?
Both charge no transfer fees. XE offers broader coverage (139 currencies vs 50+) and the world's most trusted brand. Wise offers the mid-market rate with a transparent fee and faster transfers. XE is better for coverage; Wise for pure cost transparency.
Does XE offer cash pickup?
Yes. XE now offers cash pickup options in addition to bank transfers, expanding their delivery options for recipients who prefer receiving cash.
Our XE Verdict
XE is a top contender in the international money transfer market, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution for transferring money across borders. While there are minor limitations, the overall benefits - including competitive rates, zero transfer fees, and excellent customer support - make XE a strong choice for international money transfers.
Based on 5 criteria
Free quote, no obligation
The IMT Score is our proprietary rating based on independent assessment across trust, service, fees, reputation, and usability. Learn about our methodology
Our ratings are based on independent assessment across 5 weighted criteria. Each criterion is scored 1-5 by our editorial team:
- Trust & Security (25%) - Regulation, fund safety, credit ratings
- Service & Products (20%) - Range of services, currencies, tools
- Fees & Exchange Rates (25%) - Cost competitiveness vs market
- Reviews & Reputation (15%) - Trustpilot, industry standing, longevity
- Ease of Use (15%) - Platform UX, onboarding, support
The IMT Score (out of 100) is derived from these criteria and verified via our Accreditation Programme.
- Global currency coverage (139 currencies)
- Brand trust and reliability
- App-based transfers
- Rate tracking and alerts
- Users wanting instant transfers
- Those who prefer face-to-face service
- Very small transfers where other services may be cheaper

Need help comparing providers?
We can share what we know about providers for your specific corridor and amount.

Written by Matt Woodley
Founder, InternationalMoneyTransfer.com | University of Auckland (Finance, Marketing, Economics, History)
Matt Woodley is the founder of InternationalMoneyTransfer.com, with degrees in Finance, Marketing, Economics, and History from the University of Auckland. Leveraging his expertise and experience in the international relocation industry, Matt has built a platform that simplifies global money transfers. His work focuses on efficiency, transparency, and making international currency accessible.
This review is based on independent research, hands-on testing of the provider's platform, and analysis of verified customer reviews. We receive compensation from some providers but this does not affect our editorial independence or scoring methodology.
Related Reading
How International Money Transfers Work
Understand SWIFT, correspondent banking, and settlement timelines.
Forward Contracts Explained
Lock in exchange rates for up to 2 years to protect against currency risk.
FCA Regulation Guide
Why regulation matters and how to check if a provider is FCA authorised.
Buying Property Abroad
Complete guide to managing currency for overseas property purchases.