Currencies Direct Currencies Direct
Price on request
- Transfer Fee: €0
- Exchange Rate Markup: 0.3%–1.5%
- Transfer Speed: 1–2 days
- Key Feature: Forward contracts
Live offers across tracked providers in Ireland — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
20 live offers compared from 20 providers. Updated daily.
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
Price on request
A money transfer service sends funds abroad, either to family and friends or for larger payments such as buying property or paying overseas invoices. Specialist providers usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees than a traditional bank, particularly for non-euro transfers. Options include app-based remittance for small amounts, foreign-exchange brokers for large transfers, and forward contracts to lock a rate for future payments.
The market is served by payment institutions and FX brokers rather than the pillar banks, accessed online or by phone. TransferGo, WorldRemit and Azimo focus on fast, low-cost remittances, while Currencies Direct, Moneycorp, Atlantic FX and Corpay specialise in larger transfers with dedicated dealers and rate-locking tools. Digital banks such as N26 also offer transfers. Within the euro area, SEPA payments are quick and cheap, so these services add most value for non-euro currencies.
Better exchange rates — specialists typically beat bank rates, especially on larger amounts.
Lower fees — transfer costs are usually far below traditional bank charges.
Rate locking — forward contracts fix a rate for future payments, useful for property purchases.
Fast delivery — many remittance services deliver funds within minutes or the same day.
Compare the total cost, combining the exchange-rate margin and any fixed fee, rather than either figure alone, since a zero-fee service may hide a poor rate. Match the provider to the amount: app-based remittance for small transfers, FX brokers for large ones. Check delivery speed, payout options in the destination country, and whether rate-locking tools suit recurring payments. Confirm the provider is regulated before sending large sums.
TransferGo, WorldRemit and Azimo are popular for everyday remittances and smaller transfers, while Currencies Direct, Moneycorp, Atlantic FX and Corpay Cross-Border serve larger, business and property-related transfers with dealer support and forward contracts. N26 offers integrated transfers within its app. The best choice depends on the amount, currency and whether you need advice or rate-locking.
Costs combine an exchange-rate margin and sometimes a fixed transfer fee, and vary by provider, amount and currency. Larger transfers usually secure tighter margins, and many providers waive fixed fees above a threshold. Because the exchange rate is where most of the cost sits, always compare the final amount received in the destination currency rather than the advertised fee alone.
Payment institutions and FX firms serving Ireland are authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland or an equivalent EU regulator, and customer funds are typically safeguarded rather than covered by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Check a provider's authorisation before sending large amounts. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission offers guidance, and the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman handles complaints.
Why not just use my bank? — Specialists usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees, especially for non-euro transfers.
How do I compare costs? — Compare the final amount received in the destination currency, which reflects both the rate and any fee.
Is a forward contract useful? — For large future payments like property, locking a rate protects you from adverse currency moves.
Giraffy tracks 5 prepaid FX and travel money cards across Currencies Direct,Azimo,TransferGo,Moneycorp,Atlantic FX providers in Ireland. Compare by the mid-market exchange rate margin and ATM withdrawal fees to find the lowest total cost.
A prepaid travel card is loaded with a specific currency (or multiple currencies) before you travel. You lock in an exchange rate at loading time, protecting against rate movements. Unlike a regular debit card, there are no overdraft risks, and many travel cards offer better exchange rates than high-street banks.
Most prepaid travel cards allow ATM withdrawals abroad, but fee structures vary — some offer a free monthly ATM allowance, others charge per withdrawal. Check the ATM fee, daily withdrawal limit, and whether your chosen card is accepted by ATM networks at your destination.
Multi-currency cards typically support 40–50 currencies, covering all major travel destinations. Lesser-used currencies may not be available — check the provider's currency list if you're travelling to an unusual destination. Some cards auto-convert at the point of sale if the local currency isn't loaded.
Yes — a prepaid card can be frozen via an app immediately if lost or stolen, protecting your remaining balance. You're not liable for fraudulent transactions in most cases. Keeping a small amount of local cash as backup is still advisable for markets where card acceptance is limited.
Key fees to check: loading fees (some charge to add funds), ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees if the card isn't used for 12+ months, and a small exchange rate margin on the mid-market rate. Some premium providers (Wise, Revolut Metal) offer fee-free loading and ATM withdrawals up to monthly limits.