KOHO vs XE: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
KOHO
3.8KOHO is a Canadian fintech offering a spending account with international money transfers powered by Wise. Competitive FX rates for Canadian users.
XE
4.4XE is a trusted name in currency exchange, offering international money transfers with competitive rates and no transfer fees for most corridors.
KOHO and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. KOHO, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is best known for transparent, low-cost transfers. 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: KOHO vs XE across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through KOHO vs XE on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | KOHO | XE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹96,033.71 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | — | €1,146.94 | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱28,827.34 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,191.59 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨174,170.74 | 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 KOHO and XE
KOHO vs XE: Feature comparison
| Feature | KOHO | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 (Good) | 4.4/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | $1.50 per international transfer | No transfer fees |
| Exchange rate markup | 0% - 0.5% (Wise rates) | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | 1-3 business days | 1-4 business days |
| Supported countries | 50+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 40+ | 130+ |
| Max transfer | $10,000 | $500,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer (Interac) | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FINTRAC | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC |
| Founded | 2014 | 1993 |
Pros and cons
KOHO
Pros
- Wise-powered exchange rates (near mid-market)
- Integrated spending account
- Cashback on purchases
Cons
- Canada only (send from CAD)
- Transfer limits lower than dedicated services
- Fewer delivery options than Wise directly
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 KOHO vs XE
Choose KOHO if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- KOHO's strengths (Bank Deposit) match your needs
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
- You need wider country coverage (130+ vs 50+ countries)
Verdict: KOHO or XE?
Cost: Too close to call
KOHO 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.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. KOHO typically delivers in 1-3 business days, while XE takes 1-4 business days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
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, KOHO is the better pick if you need transparent, low-cost transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is KOHO or XE cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows KOHO and XE are closely matched on total cost. KOHO charges $1.50 per international transfer with a 0% - 0.5% (Wise rates) 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, KOHO or XE?
KOHO typically completes transfers in 1-3 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 KOHO and XE safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. KOHO is regulated by FINTRAC and has a 3.8/5 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 KOHO vs XE?
KOHO has a maximum transfer of $10,000 (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.
Should I use KOHO 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, KOHO is the better choice if you need transparent, low-cost transfers. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Bank Deposit.