What is the mid-market exchange rate?

The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies on the global currency markets, without any markup added. It's the rate you see quoted on Google, XE, and this calculator.

Why is my bank's exchange rate different from the rate I see online?

Banks and card networks typically add a markup on top of the mid-market rate, often ranging from about 1% to 5% depending on the provider, method, and currency pair. That markup is how they make money on the conversion.

Is this currency converter accurate for large business transactions?

This calculator uses publicly sourced reference rates for informational purposes and is not an executable trading or settlement rate. For large or business transactions, confirm the actual rate with your bank or currency provider before proceeding.

How often do exchange rates update?

The rates used here are refreshed roughly once a day from public reference sources. For split-second trading rates, a dedicated forex platform is more appropriate.

What's the best way to get a good exchange rate for travel?

Generally, avoid airport currency kiosks and dynamic currency conversion (being charged in your home currency abroad), compare card foreign transaction fees before you travel, and use this calculator to check the mid-market rate as a benchmark against what you're being offered.

Does this tool charge a fee to convert currency?

No. This calculator is free and for informational purposes only — it doesn't move money or charge any fee. It simply shows you the current reference exchange rate.

Currency Converter – Live Exchange Rates for 150+ Currencies (Free)

💱 Currency Converter

Amount

From

Popular Pairs

USD → EUR USD → GBP GBP → USD EUR → USD USD → AUD USD → JPY USD → INR USD → CAD

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Enter an amount and click Convert

The live mid-market exchange rate and converted amount will appear here.

Fetching live rate…

How It Works

Mid-Market Rate vs. What You're Actually Charged

The number this calculator shows is the "mid-market" rate — the real, unmarked-up exchange rate used between banks. It's rarely the rate you'll actually get.

Conversion Formula

Converted Amount = Amount × Exchange Rate

The exchange rate is the number of units of the "To" currency you get for one unit of the "From" currency.

Worked Example: $100 USD to EUR

Look up the current mid-market rate, e.g. 1 USD = 0.92 EUR.

Multiply: $100 × 0.92 = €92.00 at the mid-market rate.

⚠️ A bank or card charging a 3% markup would actually give you closer to €89.24 — the difference is the provider's margin, not a change in the "real" rate.

Rates shown are publicly sourced reference rates, refreshed roughly daily, for informational purposes only. They are not an executable trading, brokerage, or settlement rate. This is not financial advice — confirm the actual rate with your bank, card issuer, or currency provider before any transaction.

Practical Guide

How to Avoid Losing Money on Currency Conversion

Watch for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

When paying by card abroad, you're sometimes asked "pay in USD or local currency?" Choosing your home currency (DCC) usually applies a worse, marked-up rate set by the merchant's bank. Choosing the local currency and letting your own card network convert it is generally cheaper.

Airport Kiosks Are Rarely Competitive

Currency exchange counters at airports typically apply some of the largest markups, often well above what a bank, card, or dedicated transfer service would charge, in exchange for convenience.

Compare Foreign Transaction Fees Before You Travel

Many cards charge a separate foreign transaction fee (commonly 1-3%) on top of the exchange rate itself. Checking this before a trip can matter more than chasing a slightly better rate.

Use the Mid-Market Rate as Your Benchmark

Whatever rate you're offered — by a bank, a currency counter, or a transfer app — compare it against the mid-market rate shown above to see the real cost of the markup.

FAQ

Currency Converter — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about exchange rates, fees, and getting the best value when converting currency.