XE vs ACE Money Transfer: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
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
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 and ACE Money Transfer are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. XE, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Newmarket, Canada, is best known for large transfers and business payments. ACE Money Transfer, operating since 2002 from Manchester, UK, focuses on cash pickup and global coverage. 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: XE vs ACE Money Transfer across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through XE vs ACE Money Transfer on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | XE | ACE Money Transfer | 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 XE and ACE Money Transfer
XE vs ACE Money Transfer: Feature comparison
| Feature | XE | ACE Money Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 (Excellent) | 4.3/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | No transfer fees | From $0 to $4.99 depending on corridor |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market | 0.3% - 1.2% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | 1-4 business days | Minutes to 2 business days |
| Supported countries | 130+ | 100+ |
| Supported currencies | 130+ | 30+ |
| Max transfer | $500,000 | $25,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet |
| Regulators | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC | FCA, FinCEN, AUSTRAC |
| Founded | 1993 | 2002 |
Pros and cons
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
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
When to choose XE vs ACE Money Transfer
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
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
Verdict: XE or ACE Money Transfer?
Cost: Too close to call
XE and ACE Money Transfer 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 XE or ACE Money Transfer cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows XE and ACE Money Transfer are closely matched on total cost. XE charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while ACE Money Transfer charges From $0 to $4.99 depending on corridor with a 0.3% - 1.2% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, XE or ACE Money Transfer?
XE typically completes transfers in 1-4 business days, while ACE Money Transfer takes Minutes to 2 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 XE and ACE Money Transfer safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. XE is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC and has a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating. ACE Money Transfer is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, AUSTRAC with a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for XE vs ACE Money Transfer?
XE has a maximum transfer of $500,000 (minimum $1), while ACE Money Transfer allows up to $25,000 (minimum $10). 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 XE or ACE Money Transfer?
XE offers Bank Deposit. ACE Money Transfer offers Bank Deposit, Cash Pickup, Mobile Wallet. ACE Money Transfer supports cash pickup for recipients without bank access.
Should I use XE or ACE Money Transfer 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.