ACE Money Transfer vs XE: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
ACE Money Transfer
4.3ACE Money Transfer specializes in remittances to South Asia and Africa, offering competitive rates, low fees, and fast delivery with a strong focus on the Pakistan corridor.
XE
4.4XE is a trusted name in currency exchange, offering international money transfers with competitive rates and no transfer fees for most corridors.
ACE Money Transfer and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. ACE Money Transfer, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, is best known for cash pickup and global coverage. XE, operating since 1993 from Newmarket, Canada, focuses on large transfers and business payments. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs.
In this comparison
Live comparison: ACE Money Transfer vs XE across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through ACE Money Transfer vs XE on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | ACE Money Transfer | XE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹96,516.01 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | — | €1,148.28 | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱28,767.97 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,209.54 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨174,767.92 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between ACE Money Transfer and XE
ACE Money Transfer vs XE: Feature comparison
| Feature | ACE Money Transfer | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 (Excellent) | 4.4/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | From $0 to $4.99 depending on corridor | No transfer fees |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.3% - 1.2% above mid-market | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Minutes to 2 business days | 1-4 business days |
| Supported countries | 100+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 30+ | 130+ |
| Max transfer | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FCA, FinCEN, AUSTRAC | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC |
| Founded | 2002 | 1993 |
Pros and cons
ACE Money Transfer
Pros
- Very competitive rates on Pakistan corridor
- Low fees — often free first transfer
- Cash pickup and bank deposit options
- Loyalty rewards program
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Less known outside South Asian corridors
- Exchange rate can vary by payment method
- Higher fees for credit card funding
XE
Pros
- Well-known and trusted brand
- No transfer fees for most transfers
- Supports 130+ currencies
- Rate alerts available
- Excellent currency data and tools
Cons
- Exchange rates include a markup
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer speed can be slow
When to choose ACE Money Transfer vs XE
Choose ACE Money Transfer if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Your recipient needs cash pickup instead of bank deposit
- You want zero transfer fees (From $0 to $4.99 depending on corridor)
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
Choose XE if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (XE supports up to $500,000)
- You want to lock in an exchange rate with a forward contract
- You need a business account for commercial payments
Verdict: ACE Money Transfer or XE?
Cost: Too close to call
ACE Money Transfer and XE are closely matched on cost. Across our 6 sample corridors, neither provider consistently delivers more to the recipient. The best choice depends on your specific corridor.
Faster: ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer is generally faster, with transfers arriving in Minutes to 2 business days, compared to 1-4 business days for XE.
Wider coverage: XE
XE has broader coverage with 130+ countries and 130+ currencies. XE also offers Bank Deposit.
Bottom line
Overall, XE edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, ACE Money Transfer is the better pick if you need cash pickup and global coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACE Money Transfer or XE cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows ACE Money Transfer and XE are closely matched on total cost. ACE Money Transfer charges From $0 to $4.99 depending on corridor with a 0.3% - 1.2% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while XE charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, ACE Money Transfer or XE?
ACE Money Transfer typically completes transfers in Minutes to 2 business days, while XE takes 1-4 business days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are ACE Money Transfer and XE safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. ACE Money Transfer is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, AUSTRAC and has a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating. XE is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC with a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for ACE Money Transfer vs XE?
ACE Money Transfer has a maximum transfer of $25,000 (minimum $10), while XE allows up to $500,000 (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with ACE Money Transfer or XE?
ACE Money Transfer offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. XE offers Bank Deposit. ACE Money Transfer supports cash pickup, which is useful when recipients don't have a bank account.
Should I use ACE Money Transfer or XE to send money internationally?
For most users, XE offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, ACE Money Transfer is the better choice if you need cash pickup and global coverage. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Mobile Wallet.