Regency FX vs Wise: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Regency FX
4.6Regency FX is a UK-based foreign exchange specialist offering bank-beating exchange rates with a dedicated account-management approach. FCA-authorised payment institution suited for larger personal and business transfers.
Wise
4.7Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers transparent, low-cost international money transfers using the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups.
Regency FX and Wise are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Regency FX, founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, UK, is best known for large transfers and business payments. Wise, operating since 2011 from London, UK, focuses on transparent, low-cost 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. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, Regency FX delivers ₹626.91 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Regency FX vs Wise across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Regency FX vs Wise on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Regency FX | Wise | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | ₹95,682.42 | ₹95,055.51 | Regency FX (+₹626.91) |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,154.55 | €1,150.07 | Regency FX (+€4.48) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱30,735.51 | — | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$17,173.04 | MX$17,041.32 | Regency FX (+MX$131.72) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨188,379.38 | — | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | ₦269,534.53 | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Regency FX and Wise
Regency FX vs Wise: Feature comparison
| Feature | Regency FX | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 (Excellent) | 4.7/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | No transfer fees | Variable fee from 0.41% |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.3% - 0.9% above mid-market | 0% (mid-market rate) |
| Transfer speed | Same day to 2 business days | Instant to 2 days |
| Supported countries | 60+ | 80+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | No limit | $1,000,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Apple Pay |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Wise Account |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC |
| Founded | 2013 | 2011 |
Pros and cons
Regency FX
Pros
- Dedicated account managers for every client
- No transfer fees
- Bank-beating rates on larger transfers
- Forward contracts and limit orders available
- FCA-authorised payment institution (FRN 671508)
Cons
- Higher minimum suited to larger transfers
- No card or mobile-wallet funding
- Account onboarding required before first transfer
Wise
Pros
- Uses real mid-market exchange rate
- Transparent fee structure shown upfront
- Multi-currency account available
- Fast transfers to many countries
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
Cons
- Credit card payments have higher fees
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer limits may apply for new accounts
When to choose Regency FX vs Wise
Choose Regency FX if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need to transfer large sums (Regency FX has no upper limit)
- You want to lock in an exchange rate with a forward contract
Choose Wise if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need a multi-currency account to hold and convert balances
- You need wider country coverage (80+ vs 60+ countries)
Verdict: Regency FX or Wise?
Cost winner: Regency FX
Regency FX wins on cost in 3 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on USD → INR ($1,000), the recipient gets ₹626.91 more with Regency FX. Regency FX achieves this through transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate.
Faster: Wise
Wise is generally faster, with transfers arriving in Instant to 2 days, compared to Same day to 2 business days for Regency FX.
Wider coverage: Wise
Wise has broader coverage with 80+ countries and 50+ currencies. Wise also offers Bank Deposit, Wise Account.
Bottom line
Overall, Wise edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, Regency FX is the better pick if you need large transfers and business payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Regency FX or Wise cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, Regency FX is generally cheaper across most corridors. Regency FX charges No transfer fees with a 0.3% - 0.9% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Wise charges Variable fee from 0.41% with a 0% (mid-market rate) markup. For example, on a $1,000 USD → INR transfer, Regency FX delivers ₹626.91 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, Regency FX or Wise?
Regency FX typically completes transfers in Same day to 2 business days, while Wise takes Instant to 2 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 Regency FX and Wise safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Regency FX is regulated by FCA and has a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating. Wise is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC with a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for Regency FX vs Wise?
Regency FX has a maximum transfer of no published upper limit (minimum $1000), while Wise allows up to $1,000,000 (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 Regency FX or Wise?
Regency FX offers Bank Deposit. Wise offers Bank Deposit, Wise Account. Neither provider offers cash pickup — both deliver to bank accounts only.
Should I use Regency FX or Wise to send money internationally?
For most users, Wise offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, Regency FX is the better choice if you need large transfers and business payments. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Wise Account.