Why We're NOT Competing With OFX
OFX is excellent for property buyers and occasional FX transfers.
We're specialists for importers/exporters with $1M+ annual FX volume who need treasury technology.
Same corridor coverage. Different architecture. Unicorn gives you treasury tools OFX doesn't.
Different Markets, Different Solutions
Use OFX If You:
- Buying property overseas (one-time transactions)
- Making personal remittances
- Occasional business transfers
- Under $1M annual FX volume
- Comfortable with phone-based service
- Don't need technology integration
- One-off currency needs
OFX is solid for property buyers and occasional FX needs. They've been doing phone-based FX since 1998. If you don't need treasury technology or logistics integration, they're a reasonable choice.
Use Unicorn Currencies If You:
- Import or export physical goods
- $1M+ annual FX volume
- Need real-time FX P/L tracking on bills
- Deal with containers and logistics
- Want self-service treasury platform
- Need API for automation
- Require same-day settlement (not days)
- Want FREE container tracking and demurrage alerts
We're specialists, not generalists. Built exclusively for importers/exporters with ongoing trade operations. Real-time treasury intelligence OFX doesn't offer: FX P/L tracking, container monitoring, API automation, same-day settlement.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OFX | Unicorn Currencies |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Phone-based broker | Self-service technology platform |
| Real-Time FX P/L on Bills | Not available | Unique feature - upload bills, see exposure |
| Container Tracking | Not offered | FREE - save £5k-10k on demurrage |
| How to Book FX | Phone call to dealer | Self-service platform or API |
| FX Rate Locks | Quoted rate, must decide instantly | 15-second lock window |
| Settlement Speed | 1-2 days (SWIFT) | Same-Day |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, FinCEN | FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered |
| FX Spread | 0.5-1% (opaque, varies by call) | 0.5% (transparent, fixed) |
| API Access | Not available | Full treasury API |
| Invoicing Platform | Not available | Create & send invoices with auto banking details |
| Multi-User Access | Limited | Unlimited team members with roles |
| Transparency | Opaque (rate depends on dealer) | Transparent pricing, live rates |
| Support Hours | Business hours only | 24/7 platform access |
Why Businesses Switch From OFX to Unicorn Currencies
Real-Time Visibility vs Phone Calls
OFX requires calling a dealer for every rate quote. We show you live rates 24/7. Upload supplier bills, see real-time P/L as markets move. Make decisions with data, not phone tag.
Self-service beats waiting on hold.
OFX Doesn't Track Logistics
If you're importing goods, OFX only handles FX. We integrate logistics: FREE container tracking, 48-72h demurrage alerts, save £5k-10k annually. Treasury + Logistics in one platform.
OFX is just FX. We're the full trade stack.
10x Faster Settlement
OFX uses SWIFT (1-2 days). Unicorn Currencies: same-day settlement. Pay suppliers instantly, improve cash flow, strengthen relationships. Speed matters in global trade.
Same-Day vs 1-2 days.
API Automation vs Manual Calls
OFX has no API - every transaction requires human intervention. We have full API: automate FX, integrate with Xero/QuickBooks/Sage, build custom workflows. Technology > phone calls.
Automation saves time and errors.
Why We're NOT Like OFX—Or Consumer Apps
OFX: Occasional Phone-Based FX
Market: Property buyers, personal remittances, occasional business transfers.
Service Model: Phone-based broker. Call for each transaction, get quoted rate, execute.
Technology: Minimal platform. Founded 1998, phone-first approach maintained.
Best For: One-time purchases, occasional needs, phone-comfortable users.
Unicorn: Ongoing Trade Treasury
Market: Importers/exporters with $1M+ annual FX, ongoing operations, container shipments.
Service Model: Self-service treasury platform. Real-time data, automation, API integration.
Technology: 2025 cloud platform. Real-time FX P/L tracking, container monitoring, same-day settlement, full API.
Best For: Ongoing trade operations requiring treasury intelligence OFX doesn't build.
We're not competing with OFX for property buyers. We're specialists for import/export businesses. OFX does phone-based FX. We do treasury technology for trade operations: upload bills → track real-time P/L → FREE container monitoring → same-day settlement → API automation. Different markets, different tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Unicorn Currencies compare to OFX?
Unicorn Currencies is built specifically for trade finance with comprehensive treasury tools, while OFX focuses on pure money transfer services. We offer real-time FX tracking on supplier bills, container tracking integration, and demurrage alerts - features designed for import/export businesses with ongoing trade operations. OFX is better suited for occasional transfers and property purchases.
What about exchange rates at Unicorn Currencies vs OFX?
Unicorn Currencies offers a transparent 0.5% spread with 15-second rate locks, giving you time to confirm before executing. Our pricing is completely transparent with no hidden fees. OFX rates vary by dealer and transaction, typically ranging from 0.5-1% with less transparency on the final cost.
Is Unicorn Currencies faster than OFX for transfers?
Yes, significantly faster. Unicorn Currencies offers same-day settlement for pre-funded transfers. OFX uses traditional SWIFT rails which typically take 1-2 business days. For businesses needing to pay suppliers quickly, this speed difference can improve cash flow and strengthen supplier relationships.
Do you offer forward contracts like OFX?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers forward contracts for hedging FX exposure on future payments. This allows import/export businesses to lock in exchange rates for upcoming supplier payments, protecting against currency volatility. Combined with our real-time FX P/L tracking on bills, you get complete visibility into your currency exposure.
Who should choose Unicorn Currencies over OFX?
Import/export businesses with $1M+ annual FX volume who need treasury visibility, not just currency conversion. If you deal with supplier bills, container shipments, and ongoing trade operations, Unicorn Currencies provides the treasury technology you need: real-time FX P/L tracking, FREE container monitoring, same-day settlement, and API automation. For occasional transfers or property purchases, OFX remains a solid choice.
What Only Unicorn Offers
- ✓Bank of Canada–supervised PSP with FINTRAC registration (MSB: C100000159) — not just a fintech licence
- ✓2.3-second settlement within our network — not "same day" or "next day"
- ✓FREE real-time container tracking with demurrage alerts — no other FX provider includes logistics visibility
- ✓Real-time FX P&L on every supplier bill — treasury-grade exposure tracking, not just a rate feed
- ✓Built exclusively for $1M+ annual FX — we don't dilute our platform for retail or small business
Verify our regulatory status: How We're Regulated.
See Unicorn in Action
$1M+ FX? Get Specialist Treasury Tools
Real-time FX P/L tracking + FREE container monitoring + Same-Day settlement + API automation
Local account with a local US bank account. FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.
Unicorn Currencies works exclusively with businesses doing $1M+ annual FX volume.
Under $1M? OFX is a solid choice for your needs.