- User RatingTrustPilot or Feefo User Ratings
- Transfer Type
- Coupon
- Fee
- Speed
- Regular Payments
- Mobile App
- Min Transfer Amount
WorldFirst
- 9.2/10
- Online
PhoneOne off transfers Regular transfers Forward contracts Currency options - NO FEES
- NO FEES.
- 1 - 3 Days
- Their website is responsive so it auto-scales to your screen size.
- £1000 / $1000 / €1000 / AUD$2000
XE (Formerly HiFX)
- 9.1/10
- Online OnlyOne off transfers Phone assistance available
- XE.com transaction fees are contained within the exchange rate offered.
- 1 - 5 Days
- Regular payments to PayPal registered merchants is possible.
Regular payments to family or friends PayPal accounts is not currently possible. - Their website is responsive so it auto-scales to your screen size.
- €/£/$1
WorldFirst or HiFX – does one company deserve your attention over the other? The answer to this is not simple, and can depend on multiple factors. Just remember that both companies are considerably better alternatives when compared to the big banks.
The HiFX vs. WorldFirst comparison, when taken online, shows that both companies provide high levels of customer satisfaction. While WorldFirst gets an average score of 9.1 out of 10 on Feefo, HiFX averages at 9.5 out of 10 on Trustpilot.
The different sections of this comparison bring to light similarities and differences in these companies. Once you understand these variations, you can select HiFX or WorldFirst according to your needs:
- Exchange Rates
- Fees
- Countries
- Ease of Use
- Security
- Regular Overseas Payments
- Coupons
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Many people move away from banks for their overseas fund transfer requirements mainly because of the unfavorable exchange rates they get. While there is no clear frontrunner in this section of the WorldFirst vs. HiFX comparison, both companies provide bank-beating rates consistently. To find out which company does better, compare their rates shortly before your transfer.
WorldFirst
- WorldFirst lets you check current interbank rates by using its live rate charts and graphs.
- The company mentions the exchange rate that applies to your transfer in the deal confirmation.
- It provides fee-free rate alerts.
HiFX
- Exchange rates offered by HiFX depend on live market rates.
- If you book your transfer when markets are open, the offered rate can vary until the moment you confirm your order.
- When markets are closed, the rate offered by HiFX is the rate that applied at closing of the most recent session.
- You find out the guaranteed rate before confirming your transfer.
- If you get a HiFX market order, the company processes your transfer only when the exchange rate reaches a predetermined level.
- You can get better-than-usual rates when transferring large amounts.
- HiFX provides free rate alerts.
Fund Transfer Fees
Both companies operate dedicated websites for multiple countries. Depending on the website you use, you might have to deal with fee-free thresholds or minimum transfer limits. This section of the HiFX vs. WorldFirst comparison requires your particular attention because the thresholds vary, as do the fees you need to pay.
WorldFirst
- The company does not charge any fees for personal transfers.
Sending money from Singapore or Hong Kong requires that you transfer at least SG $2,000 or HK $10,000, respectively.
Check the company’s up-to-date fee structures by visiting WorldFirst.com/uk/, WorldFirst.com/en-fr/, WorldFirst.com/au/, WorldFirst.com/en-cn/, WorldFirst.com/en-jp/, WorldFirst.com/en-hk/, or WorldFirst.com/en-sg/.
HiFX
- Using the U.S.-based website to transfer less than USD $5,000 requires that you pay a USD $5 fee.
With the UK-based website, you have to pay a £9 fee when transferring any amount below £3,000.- All fees are removed on HiFX UK money transfers.
- If you use the Australian website to transfer less than AUD $10,000, the company charges AUD $10 as fees.
- The New Zealand-based website charges NZD $12 as fees for transfers below NZD $10,000.
Destination Countries For Sending Money Overseas
Transferring funds in different currencies, to countries the world over, is possible regardless of whether you choose WorldFirst or HiFX. Both support all major currencies and most other exotic currencies. It would be unusual for your chosen currency to not be supported. If you cannot find your currency supported on the iCompareFX reviews (listed below), you should call the currency provider for clarification. There could be a good reason it is not there!
- The WorldFirst review lists out currencies and countries supported by this company.
- Check the HiFX review to view the list of currencies and countries this company supports.
Ease of Use
If you want website access in a foreign language, selecting HiFX or WorldFirst can be easy. Both companies let you register online.
WorldFirst
- WorldFirst lets you initiate the registration process over the phone.
- The company provides services for individuals, businesses, and online sellers.
- Depending on the WorldFirst website you use, access is offered in English, French, Chinese, or Japanese.
- Available payment methods depend on where you reside. The options comprise of electronic bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, CHAPS, and BACS.
- You can use WorldFirst apps for iOS and Android to simplify how you transfer funds when on-the-move.
HiFX
Security
This section of the WorldFirst vs. HiFX comparison rates both companies equally well.
Websites of both companies rely on high-level encryption to protect the information you provide online.
Both companies maintain segregated bank accounts to store client money.
Both are regulated by central bodies such as the UK’s FCA.
WorldFirst
- The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) regulate operations of WorldFirst UK Limited.
- The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates operations of WorldFirst Private Limited.
- WorldFirst Asia Limited comes under the purview of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
HiFX
- In the U.S., HiFX is registered as Continental Exchange Solutions, Inc. Regulatory bodies of different states in the U.S. have granted licenses to this company to operate as an overseas fund transfer company.
- The FCA and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulate operations of HiFX in the UK.
- The The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)) regulates operations of HiFX Australia Private Limited.
Regular Overseas Payments
Setting up scheduled transfers is easy with both companies. Keep in mind, that is not always the case with competitors.
Coupons
You can save money by using promotional offers from both companies. This section is updated with new offerings as and when they become available.
- Make use of the WorldFirst referral program to earn rewards.
- If you register with HiFX as a resident of Australia or New Zealand, you can use the company’s First Transaction for Free coupon.
Update: Coupon is no longer needed when you can enjoy a fee free services with great rates and great service.
Learn More
- Get more details on how to activate and redeem your WorldFirst free transfer promotion.
- Learn more with this HiFX Review.
- Who are the best alternatives to WorldFirst near you?
- I live in the USA.. Can I use HiFX.com in USA?
- Learn more about the HiFX offers available to you at the HiFX Voucher post.
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