TransferGo vs XE: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
TransferGo
4.4TransferGo specializes in fast, low-cost transfers between Europe and key global corridors. Popular with expats and migrant workers.
XE
4.4XE is a trusted name in currency exchange, offering international money transfers with competitive rates and no transfer fees for most corridors.
TransferGo and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. TransferGo, founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, UK, is best known for fast, small remittances. 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. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a £500 GBP → PKR transfer, TransferGo delivers ₨2719.24 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: TransferGo vs XE across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through TransferGo vs XE on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | TransferGo | XE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹94,946.16 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,153.52 | €1,135.68 | TransferGo (+€17.84) |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱28,468.02 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,021.80 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨176,920.00 | ₨174,200.76 | TransferGo (+₨2719.24) |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between TransferGo and XE
TransferGo vs XE: Feature comparison
| Feature | TransferGo | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 (Excellent) | 4.4/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | £0.99 - £2.99 per transfer | No transfer fees |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.3% - 1.5% above mid-market | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | 30 minutes to 3 days | 1-4 business days |
| Supported countries | 70+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 50+ | 130+ |
| Max transfer | $50,000 | $500,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FCA, Bank of Lithuania | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC |
| Founded | 2012 | 1993 |
Pros and cons
TransferGo
Pros
- Very competitive European corridor rates
- Fast delivery (often same day)
- Simple, clean app experience
Cons
- Fewer destination countries than Wise/Remitly
- No cash pickup option
- Not available in the US
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 TransferGo vs XE
Choose TransferGo if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Speed is your top priority — transfers can arrive in minutes
- TransferGo'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 70+ countries)
Verdict: TransferGo or XE?
Cost winner: TransferGo
TransferGo wins on cost in 2 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €17.84 more with TransferGo. TransferGo achieves this through transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate.
Faster: TransferGo
TransferGo is generally faster, with transfers arriving in 30 minutes to 3 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, TransferGo edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, XE is the better pick if you need large transfers and business payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is TransferGo or XE cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, TransferGo is generally cheaper across most corridors. TransferGo charges £0.99 - £2.99 per transfer with a 0.3% - 1.5% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while XE charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market markup. For example, on a £1,000 GBP → EUR transfer, TransferGo delivers €17.84 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, TransferGo or XE?
TransferGo typically completes transfers in 30 minutes to 3 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 TransferGo and XE safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. TransferGo is regulated by FCA, Bank of Lithuania and has a 4.4/5 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 TransferGo vs XE?
TransferGo has a maximum transfer of $50,000 (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 TransferGo or XE to send money internationally?
For most users, TransferGo offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, XE 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 Bank Deposit.