How RateCompass Works
Transparent, unbiased comparison in 4 simple steps
Enter your transfer details
Tell us how much you want to send and between which currencies. Choose from 20+ major and emerging market currencies.
We fetch live mid-market rates
Our system pulls real-time exchange rates directly from Exchangerate.host every 60 seconds — the same impartial rate you see on Google Finance.
We calculate all-in costs
Every provider's fee and exchange rate markup is applied to calculate the exact amount your recipient will receive. No hidden costs.
You pick the best deal
Providers are ranked by how much your recipient gets. The highest number wins. Transfer directly through the provider's own platform.
Why the mid-market rate matters
The mid-market rate is the "true" exchange rate — the midpoint between what buyers and sellers are willing to pay. Every basis point a provider moves away from this rate goes into their pocket. On a $10,000 transfer with a 2% markup, that's $200 taken silently.
Rate anatomy: USD → EUR
Rate data sourced from Exchangerate.host — updated every 60 seconds from global forex markets.
Real example: $1,000 USD → EUR
How provider markups and fees impact what your recipient receives
Frequently asked questions
The mid-market rate (also called the interbank rate or spot rate) is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies on the global currency market. It's the "real" exchange rate you see on Google or Reuters. Most providers add a markup on top of this rate — that's how they make money even when they advertise "no fees."
Ready to find the best rate?
Use our comparison tool to see which provider gives your recipient the most.
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