KnightsbridgeFX suits you if:
- You are converting $2,000 or more
- You want a Canadian head office and a BBB accredited provider
- You do not need cash
Best Currency Exchange in Calgary: Compare Rates & Providers
Do you need cash in your hand?
Historical cost illustrations, not current quotes. Each figure keeps the date its price was collected.
- Yes: Canadian Union, 1.13%, no fee, $158.12 (phoned July 2, 2026).
- No: KnightsbridgeFX, bank to bank, 0.59% (rounded), no fee, $82.41 (quoted October 14, 2026).
- Your bank: $297.00 to $387.00 on the same US$10,000 (published rates, October 23, 2026).
- Airport: about $852.94 (October 8, 2026).
Lowest cost on this page, on US$10,000
KnightsbridgeFX: 0.59% markup, no fee, about $82.41 (quoted October 14, 2026).
- Next lowest: Canadian Union and Express Forex (tied), 1.13%, no fee, about $158.12 (phoned July 2, 2026).
- Big banks: $297.00 to $387.00 (published rates, October 23, 2026).
These prices were collected on different dates, shown beside each one. Cost is the markup over the Bank of Canada rate plus any fee. Confirm the rate on your amount before you exchange.
- Checked against FINTRAC and BBB
- Rates phoned July 2, 2026
- Last reviewed October 14, 2026
What you get for US$10,000 at the banks today (selling USD)
13,960.00 CAD
At the Bank of Canada rate of 1.3960, published October 30, 2026. No bank or exchange pays this rate.
What the big banks would give you, from their public rate pages on November 2, 2026, measured against the latest Bank of Canada rate
| Bank | You get | Below the BoC rate |
|---|---|---|
| National Bank | 13,647.00 CAD | 313.00 CAD |
| Desjardins | 13,608.00 CAD | 352.00 CAD |
| TD | 13,576.00 CAD | 384.00 CAD |
| RBC | 13,551.00 CAD | 409.00 CAD |
| Scotiabank | 13,452.00 CAD | 508.00 CAD |
Bank rates are taken from each bank's public rate page on the date shown and may differ for your amount or account. Confirm the rate with the provider before you exchange.
Market rate now: CAD per USD, ET. It updates every 15 minutes on business days. The markups on this page are measured against the Bank of Canada rate, not this one.
Our pick for larger bank to bank exchanges: For Calgary residents exchanging a larger amount between bank accounts, KnightsbridgeFX is our recommended starting point. You can request a quote online or by phone and compare the final amount you would receive with your bank's offer.
KnightsbridgeFX does not exchange physical cash or operate a walk-in counter. If you need foreign banknotes for travel, compare Calgary storefronts such as Canadian Union, Calforex and Prime FX. The right choice depends on your currency, amount, deadline and whether you need cash.
Many lists of Calgary currency exchanges include closed shops, bank branches, payday lenders and Bitcoin ATMs, ranked only by star average. This page starts from the public FINTRAC registry and keeps only operating Calgary currency exchanges. It compares them with the big banks and an online bank to bank service that serves the city, and scores every provider with the same method. Before you go, phone the provider and ask for the rate on your exact amount.
What it costs to buy US$10,000
Enter an amount in US dollars. The calculator prices it at the Bank of Canada daily rate, then at the markups recorded for Calgary.
Cost at the Bank of Canada daily rate$13,993.00 CAD
At the lowest storefront markup we phoned, 1.13% (Canadian Union, July 2, 2026)$14,151.12 CAD
At the KnightsbridgeFX bank to bank markup, 0.59% (quoted October 14, 2026)$14,075.41 CAD
At the median big bank markup, 2.65% (published rates, October 23, 2026)$14,364.50 CAD
Difference between the lowest storefront and the median big bank, in CAD
$213.38
Bank of Canada daily rate, October 23, 2026: 1 USD = 1.3993 CAD
Cash or online?
Cash costs more because someone has to hold it, count it and insure it. A storefront in Calgary adds about 1.13% to 1.48% to the Bank of Canada rate for US dollars (phoned July 2, 2026); the banks add 2.12% to 2.77% (published rates, October 23, 2026). The online bank to bank service on this page moves money between your accounts and adds 0.59% on the rate it quoted on October 14, 2026. On US$10,000 that is $82.41 against $158.12 at the cheapest storefront and $371.50 at the median bank. If you do not need bills in your hand, the online service on this page is the cheaper one. If you do, phone a storefront and ask for the rate on your exact amount.
TCX (Travelers), Market Mall, at 4.37%, is left out of the storefront range.
Your options at a glance
Costs on $10,000 are historical cost illustrations, not current quotes. Prices were collected on different dates, shown beside each one; get same-day quotes before you decide.
| Option | Quick summary | Cost on $10,000 USD | Suits you when | Watch for | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storefront | Walk-in counters that sell foreign cash on the spot. Each storefront sets its own rate, and it changes during the day. | $158.12 to $614.99 CADmarkup 1.13% to 4.37% plus fee, July 2, 2026 | You need cash in hand, in US dollars or another major currency. | Rates differ between storefronts. Phone first and ask for the rate on your exact amount. |
|
| Bank | Your own bank can convert money between your accounts or order foreign cash. The markup is built into the published rate. | $297.00 to $387.00 CADmarkup 2.12% to 2.77%, October 23, 2026 | You want to stay with your own bank, or the amount is small. | The markup is not shown as a fee. Compare the rate with the Bank of Canada rate. |
|
| Online bank to bank | An online service converts money from your bank account into an account in another currency. It does not hand out cash. | About $82.41 CADKnightsbridgeFX 0.59%, no fee, October 14, 2026 | You are moving a larger amount and do not need cash. | Check the minimum amount and how long the money takes to arrive. |
|
| Airport kiosk | Exchange counters at Calgary International Airport (YYC). They are handy when you are about to fly. | About $852.94 CADmarkup 6.10%, October 8, 2026 | You need a small amount of cash at the last minute. | Ask for the rate before you hand over money. |
|
Cost is the markup over the Bank of Canada rate of 1.3993 (October 23, 2026) on $10,000 USD, plus any fixed fee. Bank markups compare each bank's published rate with the Bank of Canada rate for the same date.
Need cash: Call Canadian Union, 403-568-7277, and ask for the rate on your amount.
Do not need cash: Get a quote from KnightsbridgeFX, 403-800-3025, minimum $2,000.
Which currency exchange in Calgary has the best score?
Providers are ranked by our score out of 100, not by Google rating. The score weighs rate, registration, reputation and the other factors listed further down this page. The big banks are shown for comparison but not ranked.
Bank to bank services
One online bank to bank service has been assessed for Calgary so far. Others will be added as they are checked.
| Provider | Type | Score /100 | USD markup (date) | FINTRAC number | BBB | Rating | Head office | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KnightsbridgeFXOur pick for larger bank to bank exchangesChecked October 14, 2026 | Online | 91 | 0.59%, no fee, quoted October 14, 2026 | M09819788 | A+, accredited since 2011 | 4.1 of 5, 46 reviews (Google) | Canada (Toronto) | $2,000 |
How this score was built
| ||||||||
Cash storefronts
| Rank | Provider | Type | Score /100 | USD markup (date) | FINTRAC number | BBB | Rating | Head office | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canadian UnionChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 88 | 1.13%, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M09391565 | A+, not accredited | 5.0 of 5, about 836 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 2 | Albern Coins & FXChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 88 | 1.48%, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M08070907 | A+, accredited since 1985 | 2.9 of 5, about 143 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 3 | Calforex, Chinook CentreChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 85 | 1.30%, plus $4.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M08597265 | A+, not accredited | 4.0 of 5, about 600 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 4 | Calforex, DowntownChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 84 | 1.30%, plus $4.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M08597265 | A+, not accredited | 3.6 of 5, about 300 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 5 | Prime FXChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 65 | 1.20%, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M16664851 | No BBB profile found | 4.8 of 5, about 585 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 6 | Express ForexChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 59 | 1.13%, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M23415274 | No BBB profile found | 4.7 of 5, about 90 reviews (Google) | Canada (Calgary) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
| 7 | TCX (Travelers), Market MallChecked October 8, 2026 | Storefront | 48 | 4.37%, plus $3.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026 | M20709285 | No BBB profile found | 3.6 of 5, about 152 reviews (Google) | Canada (Richmond, BC) | None published |
How this score was built
| |||||||||
Big banks, published rates
| Provider | Type | Score /100 | USD markup (date) | FINTRAC number | BBB | Rating | Head office | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National BankChecked October 8, 2026 | Bank | Not scored | 2.64%, published October 23, 2026 | Not an MSB (federally regulated bank) | A-, not accredited | Rated per branch | Canada (Montreal) | None published; limit C$2,000 a day |
| RBCChecked October 8, 2026 | Bank | Not scored | 2.12%, published October 23, 2026 | Not an MSB (federally regulated bank) | D-, not accredited | Rated per branch | Canada (Toronto) | None published; up to C$2,500 a day online |
| ScotiabankChecked October 8, 2026 | Bank | Not scored | 2.77%, published October 23, 2026 | Not an MSB (federally regulated bank) | D-, not accredited | Rated per branch | Canada (Toronto) | None published; limit C$2,000 a week |
| TDChecked October 8, 2026 | Bank | Not scored | 2.67%, published October 23, 2026 | Not an MSB (federally regulated bank) | D-, not accredited | Rated per branch | Canada (Toronto) | US$250 per online order (maximum US$1,500) |
We list only businesses registered with FINTRAC as money services businesses that deal in foreign exchange. Crypto kiosks and payday lenders are left out. Markups are the cost over the Bank of Canada rate when you buy US dollars. "No fee" means the rate is the only cost. A quoted rate usually applies to cash, so confirm the rate for other payment methods before you exchange.
USD markup snapshot
Buying US dollars, phone quotes on July 2, 2026. Lower is better. Star ratings tell you about service, not price; this is price.
Which online service converts money for Calgary clients?
This is not a walk-in counter. It serves Calgary remotely by moving money from bank account to bank account, and it suits larger amounts where you do not need bills in hand. Where a company is based matters: a service with a Canadian head office is bound by Canadian law, which makes a problem easier to resolve.
| Provider | Score /100 | Model | FINTRAC number | Head office | Reputation | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KnightsbridgeFX | 91 | Bank to bank conversion between your own accounts, no cash | M09819788 | Canada (Toronto) | Google 4.1 (46 reviews, Calgary office, checked October 28, 2026) | Converting $2,000 or more, no cash |
KnightsbridgeFX
A Canadian currency exchange that converts money between bank accounts for clients across Canada, with a Calgary office in the Altius Centre.
- Price for US$10,000
- $14,347.00 CAD (1.4347 CAD per USD), quoted October 14, 2026
- Against the Bank of Canada rate
- 1.4263 (October 14, 2026, the day of the quote): 0.59%, $84.00 on US$10,000
- Against the interbank rate
- 1.4251 (October 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET, supplied by KnightsbridgeFX): 0.67%, $96.00 on US$10,000
- Calgary office
- 500 4 Ave SW #2500 (Altius Centre), Calgary, AB T2P 2V6
- Phone
- 403-800-3025
- Google rating
- 4.1 of 5, 46 reviews
- Currencies
- 6 (CAD, USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD)
- How you pay
- Bill payment, Interac e-Transfer, wire or EFT from your own Canadian bank
- Minimum
- $2,000
- Delivery time
- Same day or next business day
- Source
- KnightsbridgeFX published FAQ pages, checked October 14, 2026
KnightsbridgeFX may not suit you if:
- You need cash over the counter
- You are converting less than $2,000
Who should choose KnightsbridgeFX?
- You are converting a larger amount, $2,000 or more, between your own bank accounts.
- You are paying for a US property: a deposit, closing funds, property tax or condo fees.
- You move money across the border regularly, such as US income, a pension or rent.
- You want to compare a written quote with your bank's offer before you convert.
Limitations
- No cash: it does not exchange banknotes and has no walk-in counter.
- Minimum amount: $2,000.
- Settlement timing: same day or next business day, so plan ahead of a deadline.
- Only one bank to bank provider has been assessed for Calgary so far.
Do not need cash: Get a quote from KnightsbridgeFX, 403-800-3025, minimum $2,000.
Need cash: Call Canadian Union, 403-568-7277, and ask for the rate on your amount.
Which Calgary storefronts sell foreign cash?
Photo: Qyd, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
Albern Coins & FX
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.48% over the Bank of Canada rate, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Years in business
- 41 years
- Services
- Cash and coins
- Our score
- 88 out of 100. BBB accredited A+ since 1985 and 41 years in business, held back by a 2.9 Google rating.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-276-8938
- Website
- albern.com
- Area
- Centre St N
- Google rating
- 2.9 of 5, about 143 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M08070907
Opening hours
- Monday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except holiday weekends)
- SundayClosed
Closed on statutory and civic holidays.
Photo: Daniel from Glasgow, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
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Calforex, Chinook Centre
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.30% over the Bank of Canada rate, plus $4.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Selling USD
- 1.80% below the Bank of Canada rate, same call
- Years in business
- 43 years (founded 1983)
- Services
- Cash and online orders
- Our score
- 85 out of 100. Calgary owned since 1983 with an A+ BBB rating, but not accredited, and a $4.50 fee on top of the rate.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-705-0295
- Area
- Chinook Centre SW
- Google rating
- 4.0 of 5, about 600 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M08597265
Opening hours
- Monday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Friday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holidays 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mall holiday hours apply.
Photo: Chris Woodrich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
Calforex, Downtown
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.30% over the Bank of Canada rate, plus $4.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Years in business
- 43 years (founded 1983)
- Services
- Cash and online orders
- Our score
- 84 out of 100. Same company, rate and fee as the Chinook branch, with a lower Google rating of 3.6.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-290-0330
- Area
- CORE, 7 Ave SW
- Google rating
- 3.6 of 5, about 300 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M08597265
Opening hours
- Monday8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Canadian Union
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.13% over the Bank of Canada rate, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Selling USD
- 1.20% below the Bank of Canada rate, same call
- Years in business
- 21 years
- Services
- Cash and money transfers
- Our score
- 88 out of 100. Tied for the lowest markup we were quoted, with no fee, a 5.0 Google rating and 21 years in business.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-568-7277
- Website
- canadianunion.ca
- Area
- Westwinds NE
- Google rating
- 5.0 of 5, about 836 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M09391565
Opening hours
Hours not confirmed. Call before you go.
Prime FX
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.20% over the Bank of Canada rate, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Selling USD
- 1.27% below the Bank of Canada rate, same call
- Years in business
- 12 years (est. 2014)
- Services
- Cash and money transfers
- Our score
- 65 out of 100. A low markup with no fee and a 4.8 Google rating, but no BBB profile and a shorter history.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-293-5455
- Website
- primeforexservices.com
- Area
- Westwinds NE
- Google rating
- 4.8 of 5, about 585 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M16664851
Opening hours
Hours not confirmed. Call before you go.
Express Forex
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 1.13% over the Bank of Canada rate, no fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Selling USD
- 1.27% below the Bank of Canada rate, same call
- Years in business
- About 3 years (FINTRAC registration September 2023)
- Services
- Cash and online orders
- Our score
- 59 out of 100. Ties for the lowest markup with no fee, but no BBB profile and about 3 years in business.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-261-6994
- Website
- expressforexservices.ca
- Address
- 1243 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
- Area
- 12 Ave SW
- Google rating
- 4.7 of 5, about 90 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M23415274
Opening hours
- Monday10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Friday10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- SundayClosed
Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
TCX (Travelers), Market Mall
Rate and score
- Buying USD
- 4.37% over the Bank of Canada rate, plus $3.50 fee, phoned July 2, 2026, spoke to counter staff
- Selling USD
- 4.80% below the Bank of Canada rate, same call
- Years in business
- 40+ years
- Services
- Cash only, in store
- Our score
- 48 out of 100. More than 40 years in business, but the highest markup we were quoted plus a $3.50 fee.
Hours and contact
Contact
- Phone
- 403-247-3999
- Area
- Market Mall NW
- Google rating
- 3.6 of 5, about 152 reviews
- FINTRAC
- M20709285
Opening hours
Hours not confirmed. Call before you go.
How do I exchange currency in Calgary?
There are three main ways to do it. Whichever you pick, bring government issued photo ID.
With a bank
- Check that your bank exchanges the currency you need, and whether you must be a client.
- Order foreign cash ahead if your branch does not keep it in stock.
- Bring government issued photo ID.
- Compare the rate you are given with the Bank of Canada rate on this page.
At a storefront
- Phone the storefront and ask for the rate on your exact amount.
- Ask whether the currency is in stock, or order it ahead.
- Bring government issued photo ID. For $3,000 or more, the storefront must verify your identity.
- Count your cash at the counter and keep the receipt.
Online, bank to bank
- Open an account and verify your identity with photo ID.
- Check the minimum amount. Some services start at $2,000.
- Book your rate, then send your money the way the service tells you to.
- The converted money arrives in the account you choose.
Four questions to ask before you hand over money
- Are you registered with FINTRAC? Every currency business in Canada must be. There is no good reason to use one that is not.
- Do you have a Better Business Bureau rating or accreditation? A BBB record means a third party can step into a dispute.
- Are you Canadian owned and operated? A Canadian company works with Canadian banks and keeps your consumer protections close to home.
- Will you lock in the rate and confirm it in writing? Get the quoted rate in writing before you send money, so the price cannot drift before you pay.
Before you exchange
Airport kiosks at YYC
Kiosks at YYC and in hotels are convenient, but use them only for a small top-up to get you into the city. The YYC counters are run by ICE. On October 8, 2026 its online order rate was 1.5108 CAD for one US dollar. That is 6.10% over the Bank of Canada rate of 1.4240 for the same day. Counter rates may differ, and fees may apply.
ATMs and dynamic currency conversion
At a card terminal or ATM abroad, always choose to be billed in the local currency. Choosing your home currency hands the conversion to the machine's operator, at a worse rate. A visitor to Calgary should choose to be charged in Canadian dollars.
Check the markup against the Bank of Canada rate
Divide the rate you are quoted by the Bank of Canada rate for the same day. Subtract 1 and multiply by 100. That is the markup in percent. The current Bank of Canada rate is at the top of this page.
Watch for "no commission" signs. No commission usually means the cost is built into the rate instead of shown as a fee, so compare the rate itself, not the fee label.
Check a provider on the FINTRAC registry
Any business that exchanges currency in Canada must register with FINTRAC as a money services business. You can check this in under a minute, for free.
- Open the FINTRAC money services business registry.
- Search by the business name, or by address if you only know the location.
- Confirm the entry is active and that foreign exchange dealing is one of its activities. Registration is a legal requirement, not an endorsement, but a dealer that does not appear at all is a reason to walk away.
Legitimate exchange happens at a registered business, not on a sidewalk, and never with a "this rate is only good for the next hour" push.
Is Calforex better than a bank?
On July 2, 2026 Calforex quoted a USD markup of 1.30% over the Bank of Canada rate. The median big bank markup from published rates on October 23, 2026 was 2.65%. On those dates Calforex was lower than the median bank. Rates change daily, so compare on the day you exchange.
Where can I get euros or pounds in Calgary?
Euros and pounds are widely stocked at the larger exchanges, and rates there are generally competitive. Smaller shops may hold less and order on request, so call ahead if you need a set amount or denomination mix. For less common currencies such as INR, PHP or MXN, the northeast exchanges that also handle money transfers, such as Canadian Union and Prime FX, often have stronger coverage.
Is Western Union a good place to exchange currency in Calgary?
Western Union agents in Calgary are remittance counters inside retailers, used to send or collect money transfers. Most do not sell foreign cash over the counter. If you need an agent, use the Western Union locator.
Is it cheaper to exchange before you travel or in Calgary?
For most major currencies, exchanging at a Calgary storefront before you leave gives you a known rate and avoids airport and hotel kiosks at your destination. Compare the rate with the Bank of Canada rate for the same day either way. Many travellers carry a small amount of local cash plus a low fee card.
When is the best time to exchange?
There is no perfect hour or day, and trying to time the market rarely pays off. Rates move every business day. The part you control is the markup, so compare providers on the same day and exchange when you need the money.
How did we score Calgary's currency exchanges?
| Factor | Weight | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBB accreditation and rating | 25 | The strongest trust signal. The BBB is a long standing third party that can step into a dispute, and keeping an A+ rating means a business has to answer complaints. A Google star average cannot do that. | BBB.org |
| FINTRAC registration | 20 | A registered money services business is meeting its legal baseline. Unregistered currency dealing is a red flag. | FINTRAC public registry |
| Rate vs Bank of Canada daily rate | 20 | The single biggest cost. A friendly counter with a poor rate still costs you money. | Same day phone check |
| Canadian head office | 10 | A provider based in Canada is bound by Canadian law and works with Canadian banks, so a problem is easier to resolve than with a service run from abroad. | Corporate records |
| Customer rating × review volume (Google or Trustpilot) | 10 | Reputation, weighted so a perfect score from three reviews cannot outrank a strong score from hundreds. | Google Business Profile or Trustpilot |
| Years in business | 10 | Longevity is a rough but real signal of reliability in cash handling. | Company records |
| Scope of services | 5 | Currencies stocked, online ordering, transfers and delivery. | Provider website |
| Total | 100 |
Sources: the FINTRAC money services business registry, BBB.org, Google Business Profiles, the Bank of Canada Valet API, each provider's published rate page, and phone calls to each storefront.
Calgary checks on this page were made between July 2, 2026 and October 14, 2026. Bank rates are from published rates on October 23, 2026.
How the recommendation is made. The pick for larger bank to bank exchanges weighs cost first (its quoted markup over the Bank of Canada rate on the day of the quote, with fees), then suitability (amount, speed, whether you need cash) and limitations. BBB accreditation and reviews count, but less than price and suitability. Cash storefronts are recommended separately for travel money.
Rankings reflect the method above and are our opinion based on sourced data, not statements of fact about any business. Details change, so confirm rates and registration before you exchange. This is general information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you need cash. For Calgary residents exchanging a larger amount between bank accounts, KnightsbridgeFX is our recommended starting point. You can request a quote online or by phone and compare the final amount you would receive with your bank's offer. KnightsbridgeFX does not exchange physical cash or operate a walk-in counter. If you need foreign banknotes for travel, compare Calgary storefronts such as Canadian Union, Calforex and Prime FX. The right choice depends on your currency, amount, deadline and whether you need cash.
For $10,000 you usually do not need cash in hand, so compare an online bank to bank service with a registered storefront and your bank. The one bank to bank service with published or quoted rates cost $82.41 (KnightsbridgeFX, October 14, 2026) on $10,000, against $297 to $387 at the big banks (published rates, October 23, 2026). The cheapest option is the one with the lowest markup over the Bank of Canada rate on the day you exchange. The options table on this page shows what each group cost on $10,000 USD, with dates.
Yes. US dollars are the most commonly handled currency at every storefront on this page, both to buy and to sell back. The rate for selling cash to them differs from the rate for buying, so ask for the rate in the direction you need.
Bring government issued photo ID. A money services business must verify your identity for a currency exchange of $3,000 or more. Many ask for ID on smaller amounts too.
The markup is the gap between the rate you are offered and the Bank of Canada daily rate. Divide the rate you are quoted by the Bank of Canada rate for the same day, subtract 1 and multiply by 100. The result is the markup in percent.
Storefront quotes are phoned and dated; the last round was July 2, 2026. Registry, BBB and rating checks are dated on each row; the last round was October 8, 2026. Bank and Bank of Canada rates update each business day after 4:30 p.m. ET.