OFX Money Transfers: Everything You Need to Know

September 11th, 2025
OFX Money Transfers: Everything You Need to Know

What Is OFX and How Does It Work?

OFX is a money transfer company that helps people and businesses send money to other countries. It is a money service business that offers low fees and good, competitive exchange rates. You can trust OFX when you want to make fast and safe international payments.

OFX began in Australia in 1998. The company is under the watch of several big financial authorities. This includes the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, and the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. There are also many other groups from around the globe that look after it. OFX lets people, small businesses, and large companies use more than 50 currencies.

To get started with OFX, you first need to make an OFX account. After that, the next step is to have your identity checked. Once your account is set up and you are checked, you can begin your money transfer. You can send international money in a few different ways. You can use their website, their mobile app, or make a phone call to start your money transfer.

Is OFX Safe for International Transfers?

Yes, OFX is thought to be a safe choice. The site uses the same kind of encryption that banks use to keep your information safe. OFX follows the rules that stop fraud and money laundering in many countries. It has tools that help keep your account details safe. OFX will not save your debit card or bank account information unless it is needed for your next payment.

For more safety, OFX gives you rate alerts. The site also checks who you are each time you use it.

The company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX: OFX). This helps to give transparency. It also shows that there is regulatory oversight.

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What Are the Main Features of OFX?

1. Competitive Exchange Rates

OFX gives you better exchange rates compared to most traditional banks. They do not use high currency conversion margins like you see at many other places. Instead, they add a small extra cost on top, which is usually between 0.4% and 1.5%, based on the transfer amount.

2. No Transfer Fees Above Minimum Thresholds

OFX does not have any transfer fees for most larger transfers. In the UK, the smallest transfer amount is usually £100. If you want to send less than this minimum transfer amount, it may not be possible to do so.

3. Fast Transfer Times

Transfer times usually take about one to two business days. The exact time can change depending on the country you are sending to, the payment method you pick, and how quick the bank moves the money.

4. Smart Features

  • Rate alerts: Get a note when the market rate you want comes up. You do not have to worry about missing the rate you are waiting for.
  • Recurring transfers: Set up payments that happen again and again, like when you send money each month for school or for a pension. You can feel calm that your money will go to the right place on time.
  • Forward contracts: You have the choice to set an exchange rate before you need it, as much as 12 months in advance. With forward contracts, you will know what the rate is, no matter if the market rate goes up or down.

5. Global Reach

OFX lets you do international transfers to more than 170 countries. You can also send money in over 50 different currencies.

How Does the OFX Fee Structure Work?

OFX is known to have transparent fees. They do not have hidden charges. Here is a simple breakdown:

Transfer Amount OFX Fees Exchange Rate Margin Typical Delivery Time
£100–£1,000 No fee (UK) 1.0% – 1.5% markup 1–2 business days
£1,000–£10,000 No fee 0.6% – 1.0% markup 1–2 business days
£10,000+ No fee 0.4% – 0.7% markup 1 business day (common)

The fee structure may be different based on the place you send money to. It can also change if you choose a different payment option or use a different kind of money, like another currency. You will always see the full cost before you finish and confirm the transaction.

Can I Use a Debit or Credit Card with OFX?

OFX likes to use bank transfers as the main payment method. People in the UK often send money by faster payments or CHAPS. OFX does not allow credit cards. This helps the company keep the costs low. A debit card can be used in some places, but this payment method is not available to people in the UK right now.

Using a bank account can be the best option. You get lower fees and can have your money quicker.

Can I Use a Debit or Credit Card with OFX

What Types of Transfers Does OFX Support?

Personal Transfers

  • Buying or selling a place in another country
  • Paying for school fees or tuition in another country
  • Helping family who live in another country
  • Moving your pension money or regular income abroad

Business Transfers

  • Paying people or companies in other countries can be simple if you know the right steps.
  • Handling pay for workers in other countries helps you grow your team, no matter where they are.
  • Changing money you get from customers in other parts of the world helps you run your company better.
  • Opening a business account lets you trade with others from around the world with ease.

OFX has custom solutions for people or businesses that do large transactions. It also gives special discounts to those who send a large amount of money often. You can save when you move a big amount of money with them.

What Are Forward Contracts and How Do They Work?

A forward contract lets you lock in today’s exchange rate for a money transfer you want to make at a later date, up to 12 months from now. This is good because you know the rate early, and that can help you plan.

  • You can buy a house or land in another country.
  • A lot of people start import or export businesses.
  • It is smart to plan your budget when there are changes in currency values.

You agree that you will send a set amount of money on a date that is picked ahead of time at a set rate. This helps keep you safe from changes in the market. It also makes it easier for you to plan ahead.

How Does OFX Compare to Traditional Banks?

Feature OFX Traditional Banks
Exchange Rates Often 0.4%–1.5% markup 2.5%–5% markup
Transfer Fees £0 on most transactions £10–£30+ per transaction
Transfer Times 1–2 business days 3–5 business days
Payment Methods Bank transfer Bank transfer, card
Currencies Supported 50+ 20–30
Customer Support 24/7 global phone support Limited hours
Regulatory Compliance FCA, ASIC, FinCEN FCA, PRA

OFX is known to have low fees. It also has good exchange rates, so you get more for your money. The company puts a lot into fraud prevention. This helps keep your money safe at all times.

How Good Is the OFX Mobile App?

The mobile app works on both iOS and Android devices. It gives support for both platforms.

  • You can look at the live exchange rate as it changes.
  • Start or handle your money transfers.
  • Set up rate alerts to know when there are changes.
  • Add or take care of the people you send money to.
  • Login is safe and easy with Face ID or other biometrics.

App Ratings (as of July 2025):

  • Apple App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
  • Google Play Store: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

People say the app is good. It is easy to use. Many use it to keep track of international payments. This helps when they are out.

Are There Any Limits on OFX Transfers?

Yes, OFX does have some upper limits depending on:

  • The country you send the money from
  • The country getting the money
  • Your account type (is it a personal account or a business account)

In most cases, the maximum transfer you can do online is about £300,000. If you want to send more than that, you may have to use a dealer or a phone service.

There is a minimum transfer amount of £100 for UK users. If you need to send a transfer amount that is less than this, then OFX might not be the best option for you.

Who Regulates OFX?

OFX is a money transfer company. It has all the right licenses to do its work. The company follows rules set by important groups. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority keeps an eye on OFX. The Financial Conduct Authority says OFX is an Authorised Payment Institution.

Global compliance includes:

  • FCA (UK)
  • FinCEN (USA)
  • ASIC (Australia)
  • FMA (New Zealand)
  • MAS (Singapore)

This helps to keep people safe. It gives strong identity protection. It also makes sure that all transactions are secure.

Is OFX a Good Choice for Large Transfers?

Yes — OFX is good if you want to move larger amounts, like £10,000 or more. When you send more money, you get better rates. A lot of people like to use it for this reason.

  • Property purchases abroad
  • Business expansion
  • Bulk payments
  • Cross-border salaries

For large transfers, many people pick OFX instead of traditional banks or PayPal. This is because OFX gives lower fees. The steps are also faster, and you can see the transparent fees right from the start. So, it can be a good way for people who want to move a large amount of money and want to know what they will pay for.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using OFX for International Money Transfers in 2025?

OFX continues to be a popular choice for international money transfers in 2025 — especially for users sending larger amounts abroad. However, like all services, it has both strengths and limitations depending on your needs.

Pros of Using OFX

Advantage Description
Low fees on larger transfers OFX charges no transfer fees for most transactions over the minimum threshold of £100.
Competitive exchange rates Margins are typically 0.4%–1.5%, which is better than many traditional banks.
Ideal for large transfers Designed for sending large sums — useful for buying property, paying tuition, or funding businesses.
Global coverage Supports international money transfers to over 170 countries in 50+ currencies.
24/7 customer support Global help available via phone, email, or chat — even outside UK business hours.
Regulated and safe Overseen by major financial authorities including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.
Smart tools Offers forward contracts, rate alerts, and recurring payments.
No credit card fees Credit cards aren’t used, which prevents costly funding fees.

Cons of Using OFX

Disadvantage Description
Not ideal for small transfers Minimum transfer amount of £100; better suited for sending a large amount.
No cash pickup option OFX only supports bank-to-bank transfers — not helpful if your recipient needs physical cash.
No credit or debit card support in UK UK users must pay via bank transfer, not card — which may not suit everyone.
Exchange rates still include a markup While competitive, they’re still not the mid-market rate you see on Google or XE.
No instant transfers Most transfers take 1–2 business days, so it’s not suitable for last-minute emergencies.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using OFX for International Money Transfers in 2025

What Alternatives to OFX Should I Consider in 2025?

OFX offers competitive exchange rates and low fees. The service is a good choice if you have to send large transfers. Their support team is helpful when you send big amounts. But OFX may not be the best option for everyone. If you want to send smaller transfers, it might not work well for you. OFX does not give the choice of cash pickup or instant delivery. This means it is not as good for people who need those options.

Here are some of the top OFX alternatives if you want to send international money or use international money transfers in 2025.

Provider Best For Key Features
Wise (formerly TransferWise) Transparent pricing & mid-market rates Shows exact fees, uses the real market rate, great for small transfers
Revolut App-based transfers & currency accounts Multi-currency wallet, fast mobile app, supports debit card top-ups
CurrencyFair Peer-to-peer matching Lets users set preferred exchange rate, supports recurring payments
TorFX High-value personal and business transfers Personal dealer support, forward contracts, no transfer fees
Western Union Cash pickup and worldwide reach 500,000+ agent locations, same-day delivery, useful in rural destinations
Remitly Speed-focused transfers to developing countries Instant or same-day delivery options, good for family remittances
XE Money Transfer Well-known brand with no fees Large coverage, real-time rate alerts, strong global reputation
PayPal/Xoom Convenience and speed Send to email addresses, fast but often higher currency conversion fees

Choosing the Right Alternative

The best international money transfer provider can be different for each person. It can change based on what you need and how you send money. Some people want the lowest fees, while others look for good exchange rates. There are also people who care the most about how quick the money gets to someone in another country. It is good to look at several options before you pick the one for your money transfer needs. Everyone’s situation is not the same when sending international money, so you have to see what works best for you.

  • The transfer amount you want to send
  • If you want a cash pickup or money to go into a bank deposit
  • What matters most to you: the lowest fees, the fastest delivery, or the best exchange rate

OFX can be a good choice if you need to send a large amount of money. It works well for sending money for business, buying a home in another country, or paying a regular salary. But, if you want to send a small amount, digital wallets like Wise or apps like Revolut may be better. They often have lower fees and feel faster and easier to use.

FAQs About Using OFX for International Money Transfers

What is the minimum transfer amount with OFX?

The minimum transfer amount for UK users is £100. OFX is good if you want to send a bigger transfer amount. There is no fee if you send more than the minimum transfer amount.

How long do international transfers with OFX usually take?

Most OFX transfers get to the place you want in one or two business days. The time it takes will depend on a few things, like the country you send the money to, the currency you use, and which payment method you choose.

Does OFX offer the real exchange rate?

OFX does not use the actual market rate. It adds a small fee, which is usually from 0.4% to 1.5%. The final amount depends on the currency you pick and how much money you want to send.

Can I use a credit or debit card to send money with OFX?

OFX does not let people use a credit card for a payment method. In the UK, you have to use a bank transfer to pay. A debit card can be used in some places. But UK users do not have this payment method.

Is OFX regulated and safe to use for large amounts?

Yes. OFX is allowed to operate by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is watched by other important regulators in the world. The company uses bank-level encryption. This helps to keep your money and data safe. There are also fraud prevention systems in place. OFX always follows strict rules for identity protection.

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