Unicorn Currencies vs Traditional Banks
(HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds)
Why businesses moving $1M+ annually in FX are switching from banks to save 83% on costs.
Real-time treasury visibility • 2.3s settlement • FREE container tracking
The Bottom Line for $1M+ FX Businesses
On $5M annual FX volume, you save $101,250 vs banks. On $10M, you save $210,000+.
Traditional Banks (HSBC, Barclays, NatWest)
- 2-4% FX spread on every transaction
- £25-40 per international payment
- 2-3 days for settlements
- No real-time FX exposure visibility
- No container tracking (not offered)
- 24-48h manual compliance screening
- Rates expire instantly (no locks)
- Relationship manager for £10M+ only
Example: $500k Transaction
Cost: £12,540 (2.5% spread + £40 fee)
Unicorn Currencies ($1M+ Only)
- 0.5% FX spread (83% cheaper)
- £5 per international payment
- 2.3s wallet-to-wallet settlement
- Real-time P/L tracking on bills
- FREE container tracking (saves £5k-10k/year)
- 0.14s automated compliance screening
- 15-second rate locks
- Direct CFO access to our team
Example: $500k Transaction
Cost: £2,505 (0.5% spread + £5 fee)
You save: £10,035 per transaction
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Banks | Unicorn Currencies |
|---|---|---|
| FX Spread | 2-4% | 0.5% (83% cheaper) |
| Payment Fee | £25-40 | £5 (80-88% cheaper) |
| Settlement Speed | 2-3 days | 2.3s (within system) |
| Real-Time FX Exposure | Not available | Live P/L on bills |
| Container Tracking | Not offered | FREE (saves £5k-10k/year) |
| FX Rate Locks | Instant expiry | 15-second lock window |
| Compliance Screening | 24-48 hours (manual) | 0.14 seconds (automated) |
| Multi-Currency Wallets | Limited (2-3 currencies) | 20+ currencies |
| Invoicing Platform | Not available | Built-in with auto banking details |
| API Access | Enterprise only (expensive) | Included for all customers |
| Dedicated Support | Phone menus, long wait times | Direct email & chat support |
| Regulation | Banking license | Bank of Canada PSP |
Why Import/Export Businesses Switch From Banks
Real-Time FX Exposure Visibility
Banks show you FX rates. We show you what those rates mean for YOUR business. Upload supplier bills, see live P/L in red/green. Know exactly what waiting costs you.
Banks don't have this. It's our unique feature.
83% Lower Costs
0.5% FX spread vs 2-4% at banks. £5 payment fee vs £25-40. On £100k monthly: save £2,570/month = £30,840 annually. On £1M monthly: save £25,700/month = £308k annually.
Most customers save 5-6 figures annually.
FREE Container Tracking
Banks don't offer logistics tracking. We include it FREE. Track all shipments, get 48-72h demurrage alerts, save £5k-10k annually avoiding penalties.
Logistics platforms charge £2k-5k for this.
10-50x Faster Settlements
Wallet-to-wallet within Unicorn Currencies: 2.3 seconds average. Banks: 2-3 days. Pay suppliers instantly, improve cash flow, strengthen relationships.
Speed matters in global trade.
Why We're Not Like Banks—Or Consumer Apps
Banks serve everyone. We exclusively serve importers/exporters with $1M+ annual FX volume. Here's what that means for you:
Specialist vs Generalist
Banks handle mortgages, credit cards, consumer accounts, and corporate FX as an afterthought. We ONLY do treasury for high-volume trade businesses. Your CFO gets specialist expertise, not generic relationship managers juggling 200 products.
Why it matters: Features built for YOUR operations, not retail banking priorities.
Built for Speed, Not Bureaucracy
Banks have 2-3 day settlement because they're running on 1970s SWIFT infrastructure. We built modern wallet-to-wallet rails: 2.3s average settlement. No “processing”, no “batch windows”, no excuses. Your supplier gets paid instantly.
Why it matters: Zero container delays, stronger supplier relationships, better cash flow.
Real-Time Visibility Banks Don't Offer
Banks show you last month's statements. We show you live FX P/L across every supplier bill right now. Upload a $500k invoice PDF, watch real-time rate movement, lock when you see a good rate. Banks cannot do this. They do not have the technology.
Why it matters: Proactive FX management vs reactive “pay whatever rate it is today.”
Not Right for You?
If you are doing under $1M annual FX or need retail banking services (mortgages, loans, business accounts), stick with banks. We are specialists in high-volume FX operations. That is ALL we do. For everything else, banks are better.
Looking for consumer-friendly apps? Try Wise or Revolut. Under $1M FX volume? Wise Business is excellent. We're niche specialists for $1M+ importers/exporters only.
Ready to Save $100k-$500k Annually?
For importers/exporters with $1M+ annual FX volume. See your exact savings.
Minimum: $1M annual FX volume • 3-week deployment • No long-term contracts