Foreign Exchange Currency Converter

Exchange rates quoted in the media are interbank exchange rates, which are used by banks and other interbank participants to buy and sell currencies in the wholesale market. The interbank rate quoted in the media is typically for a minimum amount of US$5,000,000.

Usually, when a client completes a transaction it is for an amount smaller than US$5,000,000 and as a result, a retail rate is applied. This rate includes a spread added to the interbank rate to account for market movement between when the client transaction is completed and when smaller client amounts can be accumulated and traded on the interbank market.

Exchange rates applied to cash transactions include shipping and handling charges, making the exchange rate for cash less favorable than the non-cash rate. Non-cash rates are applied to paper instruments such as cheques and drafts. Non-cash rates are also applied to incoming and outgoing wire payments and other electronic transactions. These instruments do not require physical storage or movement, and incur less time and cost for processing than cash transactions. Therefore a more favorable rate is applied to non-cash instruments.

It is often more beneficial to convert your Canadian dollars to the local currency of your travel destination before you leave Canada. Many banks, foreign exchange kiosks and hotels in other countries charge commission or service charges in addition to exchange rates that are often higher than those in Canada when converting your Canadian dollars to their local currency.