April 2026 Central Bank Calendar: ECB, Fed Minutes, RBA & BoC Rate Decisions
Four major central bank events in April 2026 could move GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and CAD exchange rates. Here's when decisions land and how they affect your international transfers.
April 2026 brings several central bank decisions that could move the exchange rates on your international transfers. After a busy March (see our guide to how central bank decisions affect your transfers), April continues with the ECB, Fed minutes, RBA, and Bank of Canada all on the calendar.
April 2026 Central Bank Schedule
| Date | Central Bank | Event | Currencies Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2 | Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) | Rate decision + statement | AUD — affects AUD/INR, AUD/PHP, AUD/NZD |
| April 9 | US Federal Reserve | March meeting minutes release | USD — affects all USD pairs |
| April 16 | Bank of Canada (BoC) | Rate decision + Monetary Policy Report | CAD — affects CAD/INR, CAD/PHP, CAD/PKR |
| April 17 | European Central Bank (ECB) | Rate decision + press conference | EUR — affects EUR/GBP, EUR/INR, EUR/USD |
What to watch for each decision
RBA (April 2) — AUD Senders
The RBA cut rates in February 2026 and held in March. Markets are pricing in a ~40% chance of another cut in April. If the RBA cuts, the Australian dollar will likely weaken — meaning Australian senders to India, Philippines, and the UK will get fewer rupees/pesos/pounds per dollar. If you're planning a large AUD transfer, consider sending before April 2.
Corridors to watch: AUD to INR, AUD to PHP
Fed Minutes (April 9) — USD Senders
The Fed held rates at 3.5% in March. The April 9 minutes release will reveal the internal debate — how many members favoured cuts, and what economic conditions they see as triggers. Hawkish minutes (fewer members wanting cuts) would strengthen the dollar; dovish minutes would weaken it.
Corridors to watch: USD to INR, USD to MXN, USD to PHP
Bank of Canada (April 16) — CAD Senders
The BoC has been cutting rates through late 2025 and early 2026. The April meeting comes with the quarterly Monetary Policy Report, which includes updated GDP and inflation forecasts. A pause would strengthen CAD; another cut would weaken it.
Corridors to watch: CAD to INR, CAD to PHP
ECB (April 17) — EUR Senders
The ECB is the most likely to cut rates in April, with markets pricing in a ~65% probability. European inflation has been falling faster than expected. A cut would weaken the euro against GBP and USD — bad for European senders but good for anyone sending to Europe. The press conference language matters as much as the decision itself.
Corridors to watch: GBP to EUR, EUR to INR, EUR to USD rate
How to protect your transfer
The same strategies apply every time central banks meet:
- Send before the decision if you want certainty. Lock in today's rate.
- Wait 24–48 hours after if you can be flexible. Initial volatility settles quickly.
- Set a rate alert with Wise, Xe, or Revolut at your target rate. If post-decision volatility pushes rates in your favour, you'll be notified instantly.
- For large transfers ($5,000+), consider OFX forward contracts to lock in rates for up to 12 months.
For a deeper explanation of how interest rates move currencies, read our guide to central bank decisions and transfer costs. Understanding how exchange rate markups work helps you spot providers widening spreads during volatile periods. Our comparison tool shows live rates from 50+ providers.