Methodology
How SEARateGuide produces estimates and recommendation tags.
SEARateGuide comparison pages show scenario-based estimates of received amount, fees, FX impact, payout methods, and payout time for a given corridor and send amount. We use a reference FX rate and simplified assumptions to make route trade-offs visible; real checkout quotes can differ by payment method, amount tier, compliance checks, and timing. Always verify the final quote and limits on the provider’s official checkout before sending.
Last updated: 2026-05-06
What we compare
For a given corridor (from/to) and amount, we compare providers using a consistent set of assumptions: fee, FX markup/spread, and estimated payout time.
Estimated received amount
We estimate the received amount using a simple model: (send amount − fee) × effective rate, where effective rate is based on a reference FX rate adjusted by a spread/markup assumption.
Recommendation tags
Tags like “Lowest cost”, “Fastest”, and “Highest payout” are assigned by ranking providers under the same scenario inputs.
Why results can differ
Actual provider quotes can change based on payout method, amount tiers, identity verification, local bank/wallet availability, promotions, and compliance checks. Always verify the final quote on the provider’s checkout page.
Reference rate update timing
On compare pages, the reference FX rate is fetched live at page load (and may refresh when you run a new comparison). Scenario inputs such as fees, FX markup/spread assumptions, and payout-time assumptions may be updated periodically and may not match a provider’s real-time quote.
Estimate error and rounding
Estimates can differ from checkout due to provider pricing tiers, payment method fees, rounding rules, local clearing windows, and compliance checks. If two routes are close, treat rankings and tags as directional rather than exact.
Example calculation
Example: If you send 1,000 units, fee is 5 units, and the modeled effective rate is 0.72, then estimated received amount is (1000 − 5) × 0.72 = 716.4 (before any rounding rules shown on page).