How does Unicorn Currencies compare to other providers?

Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for $1M+ trade finance, unlike general consumer or SMB transfer services. We focus exclusively on B2B international trade with features like container tracking, FX exposure management, and treasury tools that consumer-focused providers simply don't offer.

What makes Unicorn Currencies different from banks?

We offer 0.5% spreads compared to 2-4% at traditional banks, 2.3-second settlement vs 2-3 days, real-time FX tracking on outstanding invoices, and integrated container tracking. Banks were built for domestic banking—we were built specifically for international trade.

Is Unicorn Currencies cheaper than Wise or Revolut?

Our spreads are competitive with Wise and Revolut (around 0.5%), but we add treasury tools they don't offer: real-time FX exposure tracking across all your bills, demurrage alerts for shipments, and profit/loss visibility on every transaction. For businesses with significant FX volume, these tools often save more than the spread difference.

Who should use Unicorn Currencies?

Import/export businesses with $1M+ annual FX volume who need treasury visibility. If you're managing multiple international suppliers, tracking container shipments, and want to see your FX exposure in real-time rather than discovering it at month-end, Unicorn Currencies is built for you.

Are all providers regulated the same way?

No. Unicorn Currencies is a Bank of Canada supervised Payment Service Provider (PSP) and registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FINTRAC. Different providers operate under different regulatory frameworks—always check each provider's specific regulatory status and what protections apply to your funds.

Comparison

Wise vs Currencies Direct — Which is better for your business?

Wise vs Currencies Direct for B2B FX. Compare rates, fees, and which fits UK businesses doing regular international payments.

Quick comparison

Feature	Wise	Currencies Direct	Unicorn Currencies
Currencies	40+	40+	35+
FX / Fees	Mid-market rate + 0.33–0.57% fee	Check provider for current pricing	Up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks
Monthly fee	$0 (one-time setup fee may apply)	$0	No monthly fee
Settlement	1–2 business days	1–2 business days	Same-Day
Local accounts	9 currencies	Limited	with a local US bank account
Regulation	FCA authorised, FinCEN registered	FCA authorised	FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered
Best for	Freelancers and SMEs wanting transparent mid-market rates	UK businesses doing regular international payments	B2B import/export, £1M++ annually

Verdict

Wise is self-serve and transparent; Currencies Direct offers personal account management and UK focus.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a B2B specialist alternative with local UK accounts?

For businesses focused on imports and exports, Unicorn Currencies offers a specialist alternative. Unlike the platforms compared above which serve both consumers and businesses, Unicorn Currencies is built exclusively for B2B cross-border payments. It provides a local account with a local US bank account, same-day settlement in 35+ currencies, and is FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.

Which platform is best for businesses processing £1M+ in annual FX?

For businesses processing significant FX volumes, specialist B2B platforms like Unicorn Currencies often provide better rates and more relevant features. Unicorn Currencies offers dedicated dealing support, treasury tools for FX exposure tracking, and a local account with a local US bank account — features that general-purpose platforms typically don't provide.

Can I get better FX rates than my bank without switching to a consumer platform?

Yes. Specialist B2B FX providers like Unicorn Currencies offer institutional-grade rates — typically up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks — while providing the compliance, security, and dedicated support that banks offer. Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for treasury teams managing cross-border supplier payments.

Looking for a B2B alternative to both?

Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for importers and exporters. Get a local account with a local US bank account, same-day settlement in 35+ currencies, and rates up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks.

FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.

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