Dynamic currency conversion calculator
Card machine abroad asking "pay in pounds or local currency?" See what each choice costs, how much mark-up is hidden in the offer, and which one is cheaper. Free, no sign-up, nothing leaves your browser.
Enter today's mid-market rate and the amount shown on the machine; the starting numbers are only an example. Paying in the local currency is worked out at the mid-market rate, which is close to, but not always exactly, the rate your card uses.
The machine's rate: 1 EUR = 0.9000 GBP, against 0.8500 mid-market.
What DCC is
Dynamic currency conversion is when a card machine, cash point or checkout abroad offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local one. If you accept, the conversion happens at the merchant provider's rate rather than your card issuer's rate, and that rate usually includes a margin on top of the mid-market rate.
Which option to pick
When asked, picking the local currency usually works out cheaper. Check your card's own foreign transaction fee before you travel, since some cards add one, and compare the amount you're offered with the mid-market rate if you're unsure.
Launch your own multi-currency money app
Give your customers GBP, EUR and USD accounts and currency exchange under your own brand, powered by licensed partners, so they can hold and swap currencies in one app.