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How to Decide the Best Day For a Currency Transfer

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Personal Finance

How to Decide the Best Day For a Currency Transfer

October 13, 20235 min read
A woman in an orange sweater smiles while looking at a smartphone screen displaying a financial app with the text "Send Money" and images of coins. She's effortlessly managing her currency transfer, sitting comfortably on a beige couch.

The best days to transfer money are early in the week, such as Monday or Tuesday, and mid-month. These periods tend to have more stable currency exchange rates because they avoid the busy times at the end of the month and on Fridays, when many individuals and businesses make their transfers. 

Timing your currency transfer during these less hectic periods can help you get more value for your money. And when you’re ready to make your next transfer, send money with Ria for a reliable and convenient experience. 

Keep reading –or check out our video below– to learn why transferring on these specific days can save you money. 


Why Early in the Week and Mid-Month? 


1. Lower Activity Means More Stability 

Exchange rates often experience higher fluctuations during busy periods, like the end of the month or Fridays, when many people pay bills or businesses settle accounts. This increased activity can cause rates to spike or drop unexpectedly. By transferring early in the week or in the middle of the month, you’re likely to avoid this volatility and lock in a more consistent rate. 

2. Avoiding Peak Transfer Times 

Peak transfer periods have higher transaction volumes, which sometimes leads to less favorable rates. Here’s when to steer clear: 

  • Fridays are especially busy because they precede the weekend, giving people a final chance to process transactions for the week. 
  • End of the Month sees many transfers as individuals and companies address monthly obligations like bills and salaries. 
  • Public Holidays or periods around them can also bring unpredictable fluctuations, especially since currency markets might temporarily close, creating a lag in rates. 

By choosing quieter times, like Mondays or mid-week, you stand a better chance of securing a steady exchange rate. 

Three American flags wave in front of a large white building with stone columns. A street sign above reads "Wall St" with directional arrows. The cityscape, evoking a sense of business district ambiance, hints at the bustling world of currency transfer and classic architectural details.


Key Factors That Affect Exchange Rates 

While timing plays a big role, understanding the factors that influence exchange rates will help you make more informed decisions: 

1. Geopolitical Events 

Global political and economic news can heavily impact currency values. For instance: 

  • A country’s currency may strengthen if it announces strong economic data or policy reforms. 
  • Uncertainty, such as during elections or conflicts, usually weakens a currency. 
    Keeping an eye on major developments can help you anticipate rate fluctuations. For example, if a government announces new laws or inflation rates rise, it could influence the exchange rate. 

2. Mid-Market Rate 

The mid-market rate is the benchmark for currency exchange. It reflects the midpoint between the buying and selling prices of two currencies. Knowing this rate helps you identify if the rate being offered by a bank or provider is fair. Tools like Ria’s currency calculator make it easy to track the mid-market rate. 

3. Time Zones and Market Hours 

Currency markets operate globally, and overlapping market hours might cause more volatility. For instance, the busiest trading occurs when London and New York markets overlap. Early in the week, trading volumes are typically lower, which helps stabilize rates compared to more active days later in the week. 

A person interacts with a smartphone displaying a digital calendar for August, filled with colored events, including currency exchange reminders. A glimpse of a computer keyboard is visible in the upper left corner of the image.


Tips to Maximize Your Currency Transfer 

To get the best deal, combine optimal timing with these additional tips: 

1. Track Exchange Rates Regularly 

Monitor exchange rates over a few days or weeks to spot patterns. Even small changes in the rate can make a big difference, especially for larger transfers. 

2. Set Alerts 

Some financial platforms allow you to set rate alerts for your preferred currency. This way, you can know immediately when rates are in your favor. 

3. Plan Remittances Ahead 

If you regularly send money abroad, plan your transfers in advance. For example, scheduling your transfer mid-month during early weekdays can help avoid last-minute end-of-month rushes. 

4. Use a Trustworthy Transfer Service 

Choose providers that offer competitive rates with transparent fees. Services like Ria’s currency calculator can help you see how much your recipient will get and help you compare offers. 

A person holds a smartphone displaying an orange screen with the white text "ria," likely accessing a currency transfer app. They are seated, with part of a laptop visible in the foreground, set against a blurred background of a window and greenery.


Send Money with Ria Money Transfer 


By taking charge of your timing, you’ll keep more of your hard-earned money—and deliver more to those who rely on it. 

At Ria Money Transfer, we offer a simple and hassle-free way to manage currency transfers. You can find your nearest location to send money on our locations page or download the Ria app to set up a money transfer within minutes. Visit our website to check our latest exchange rates and send money with Ria! 

The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.

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Devon Costantine

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