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Review: Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange
Exchange money or send transfers overseas with Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange.
Quick verdict
Good for
- Transparent rates
- Zero fees
- Foreign exchange
- Buyback program
Not so great for
- Cash pick-up
- Fast service
- Canada-wide retail locations
- One-off transfers (less than 4 per year)
See our full list of pros and cons below.
Learn more about:
VBCE exchange rates and fees
Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange (VBCE) offers foreign exchange and online money transfers. Transfers are fee-free and you can get a sense of exchange rates by visiting the company’s website. The service is relatively competitive with other foreign exchange specialists but can be more expensive than some dedicated online money transfer services.
Available currencies
Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange allows you to send money to over 70 countries from your bank account. You can send most major currencies, including:
- USD US dollar
- GBP British pound
- EUR Euro
- AUD Australian dollar
- CNY Chinese yuan
- RUB Russian ruble
- CHF Swiss franc
- INR Indian rupee
What types of transfers can you make with VBCE?
You can make both personal and business transfers through the company’s handy online platform, but it doesn’t appear to have forex options like forward contracts or limit orders, which would allow you to lock in a favourable exchange rate for the future. You’re also only able to send money if you plan to make at least four transfers annually.
You can send funds directly to your recipient’s bank account so long as you know their banking information, including bank name, account number and SWIFT or IBAN code.
How long does a transfer with VBCE take?
Transfer times can vary based on what currency you’re sending. Typically, it takes around 1-3 business days for your transfer to arrive.
What payment methods does VBCE accept?
You can pay for your money transfer with cash, debit card (for Canadian banks only), or bank drafts payable to VBCE.
Transfers typically take
1-3 business days
Is VBCE safe to use?
- Security and regulation: Physical and electronic security measures in place.
- Established: 1989
How does Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange make money?
Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange makes its money by charging a spread on the exchange rate. Transfers are fee-free and exchange rates should be listed on the company website. For the most part, rates are competitive with other foreign exchange specialists but you could end up paying more for transfers than with a dedicated online money transfer service.
How to register an account
You can register for a money transfer account online or by visiting one of their three kiosks in Vancouver. To register online, you’ll need to provide your personal and banking details. Once you’re all set up, you’ll be able to send transfers through their online platform.
What is Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange?
Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange is primarily a foreign currency exchange, but also offers online personal and business money transfers. It operates three locations in Vancouver.
In a nutshell
Pros
- Transparent rates. You can find rates for online money transfers and foreign exchange on the company’s website.
- Zero fees. You won’t need to pay extra fees on top of your transfer.
- Foreign exchange. There are over 100 currencies available for exchange.
- Buyback guarantee. VBCE will buy back any foreign currency that you don’t end up using.
Cons
- Poor exchange rates. You’ll pay a larger margin on the exchange rate than with a specialist money transfer service.
- Takes longer. It can take up to three business days for your recipient to receive their funds.
- Limited in-store locations. There are only three locations in Vancouver, but VBCE can service clients from across Canada with its online transfer platform.
- Minimum of four transfers per year. You can only open an account if you agree to make at least four transfers annually.
How does VBCE compare to other providers?
Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange is just one among many banks and specialist companies offering international money transfers.
Our table below lets you compare services you can use to send money abroad. Compare fees, exchange rates and discounts from different money transfer services, and when you have made your choice, click Go to site.
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