OFX vs Scotiabank: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
OFX
4.2OFX is a global money transfer service specializing in large transfers for individuals and businesses, offering competitive rates with no transfer fees.
Scotiabank
3.4Scotiabank offers international money transfers for Canadian account holders. Strong Caribbean and Latin American presence but expensive for regular transfers.
OFX and Scotiabank are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. OFX, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is best known for large transfers and business payments. Scotiabank, operating since 1832 from Toronto, Canada, focuses on international money transfers. 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: OFX vs Scotiabank across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through OFX vs Scotiabank on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | OFX | Scotiabank | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹92,235.96 | — | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,124.05 | — | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱28,690.50 | — | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,772.01 | — | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨181,034.32 | — | 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 OFX and Scotiabank
OFX vs Scotiabank: Feature comparison
| Feature | OFX | Scotiabank |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 (Good) | 3.4/5 (Fair) |
| Fee structure | No transfer fees | CAD $15-$30 per wire transfer |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market | 2% - 3% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | 1-3 business days | 2-5 business days |
| Supported countries | 190+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 55+ | 30+ |
| Max transfer | No limit | $50,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | ASIC, FCA, FinCEN | OSFI (Canada), FINTRAC |
| Founded | 1998 | 1832 |
Pros and cons
OFX
Pros
- No transfer fees on any amount
- Competitive rates for large transfers
- 24/7 customer support
- Forward contracts available
- Business solutions
Cons
- Higher minimum transfer ($100+)
- Only bank transfer payments accepted
- Rates less competitive for small amounts
Scotiabank
Pros
- Strong in Caribbean & Latin America
- Send from existing Scotiabank account
- Scotia Globe & Mail partnership for FX
Cons
- High wire fees (CAD $15-$30)
- Exchange rate markup 2-3%
- Slower than fintech providers
When to choose OFX vs Scotiabank
Choose OFX if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need to transfer large sums (OFX has no upper limit)
- 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 (190+ vs 130+ countries)
Choose Scotiabank if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Scotiabank's strengths (Bank Deposit) match your needs
Verdict: OFX or Scotiabank?
Cost: Too close to call
OFX and Scotiabank 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. OFX typically delivers in 1-3 business days, while Scotiabank takes 2-5 business days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: OFX
OFX has broader coverage with 190+ countries and 55+ currencies. OFX also offers Bank Deposit.
Bottom line
Overall, OFX edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, Scotiabank is the better pick if you need international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is OFX or Scotiabank cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows OFX and Scotiabank are closely matched on total cost. OFX charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Scotiabank charges CAD $15-$30 per wire transfer with a 2% - 3% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, OFX or Scotiabank?
OFX typically completes transfers in 1-3 business days, while Scotiabank takes 2-5 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 OFX and Scotiabank safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. OFX is regulated by ASIC, FCA, FinCEN and has a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating. Scotiabank is regulated by OSFI (Canada), FINTRAC with a 3.4/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for OFX vs Scotiabank?
OFX has a maximum transfer of no published upper limit (minimum $100), while Scotiabank allows up to $50,000 (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 OFX or Scotiabank to send money internationally?
For most users, OFX offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, Scotiabank is the better choice if you need international money transfers. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Bank Deposit.