Free tool · runs in your browser
Currency Buffer Calculator
Rates move between the quote and the payment. Enter the amount, the move you want to survive, and the fees you expect.
A buffer is not a forecast. It is the amount you are prepared to lose on the rate without changing the plan.
Two costs hide in one transfer
The visible fee is the easy part. The harder cost is the spread between the mid-market rate and the rate you are given. A zero-fee transfer with a two percent margin is more expensive than a small fixed fee at the mid-market rate.
Compare the amount that actually lands in the destination account, not the headline fee. That single number captures both costs.
Why the timing hurts a move
Relocation payments cluster: deposit, first rent, furniture, insurance. If the currency moves against you in that window, the shortfall arrives exactly when your cash is least flexible. Holding a buffer in the destination currency, or converting earlier for fixed costs, reduces the exposure.
Frequently asked questions
How big should the buffer be?
It depends on your tolerance and the payment window. Five percent is a common planning figure for a move; volatile pairs and long windows need more.
Should I convert everything at once?
Not necessarily. Convert the fixed near-term costs early and keep the rest flexible. The calculator shows the cost of the buffer, not the optimal timing.
Is a percentage fee the same as a spread?
They both reduce the amount received, but they are quoted differently. Compare the final landed amount to see the combined effect.