Question 1

What is ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners is a Dutch currency specialist founded in 2016 by Michiel Souren. We help businesses and individuals with competitive exchange rates and lightning-fast international payments. Our goal is to make services previously only available to large multinationals accessible and affordable for SMEs and individuals.

Question 2

Where is ValutaPartners based?

Accepted Answer

Our office is located at Keizersgracht 482 in Amsterdam.

Question 3

How can I contact ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by phone: +31 (0)20 22 46 111 (also via WhatsApp), or by email: info@valutapartners.nl. We are available Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.

Question 4

Who is ValutaPartners for?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners is for both businesses and individuals who make or receive international payments. Think of importers and exporters, companies with foreign suppliers, individuals buying property abroad, or anyone who regularly needs foreign currency.

Question 5

What sets ValutaPartners apart from a bank?

Accepted Answer

Banks often charge high, hidden costs embedded in the exchange rate. At ValutaPartners, we work with a transparent, fixed margin on top of the interbank rate. You see exactly what you pay. We also offer personal guidance and direct access to the currency market — something banks typically only offer to their largest clients.

Question 6

Who is the founder of ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners was founded by Michiel Souren. With his background in banking in the City of London, he saw how banks profit from their clients on international payments. His mission: make this fairer, more transparent, and more affordable.

Question 7

How do I open an account with ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

Opening an account is free and without obligation. Contact our sales team via email or phone, specifying whether you want a business or personal account, the intended use, which currencies you need, and your expected transaction volume. After review, you will receive an onboarding link. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Question 8

Is opening an account free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, opening and maintaining an account is completely free and without obligation. ValutaPartners earns solely from the margin on exchange rates — there are no account or transaction fees.

Question 9

What is the minimum transaction amount?

Accepted Answer

For individuals, the minimum transaction amount is EUR 5,000. For business clients, there is no fixed minimum.

Question 10

What documents do I need to open an account?

Accepted Answer

For businesses: Chamber of Commerce extract, explanation of the account purpose, proof of business activities, valid ID of at least 2 directors, recent bank statements or annual accounts, proof of source of funds, and UBO information. For individuals: valid ID, proof of address (not older than 3 months), explanation of the account purpose, and proof of source of wealth.

Question 11

Which forms of identification are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Accepted: passport, driving licence, national identity card, and eID. Not accepted: visas, student cards, handwritten passports, and birth certificates.

Question 12

From which countries can I open an account?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners accepts clients from over 60 countries, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, and India.

Question 13

From which countries can I not open an account?

Accepted Answer

Accounts from the following countries are not accepted: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria.

Question 14

How long does the onboarding process take?

Accepted Answer

Completing the registration form takes approximately 10 minutes. Document verification (KYC check) may take a few business days, depending on the completeness of your submitted documentation.

Question 15

What services does ValutaPartners offer?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners offers: spot transactions (immediate currency exchange at current rates), forward contracts (lock in exchange rates for future payments), limit orders (automatic execution at a desired rate), multi-currency accounts (receive and pay in multiple currencies), and currency hedging (protection against adverse rate movements).

Question 16

What is a spot transaction?

Accepted Answer

A spot transaction is an immediate currency exchange at the current market rate. Settlement typically takes place within 2 business days. There are also options for "value today" (same day) and "value tomorrow" (next business day). You specify the currencies and amounts, receive a rate, and after approval, the payment is executed.

Question 17

What is a forward contract?

Accepted Answer

A forward contract locks in today's exchange rate for a future payment, protecting you against adverse rate movements. There are two variants: a fixed forward (fixed amount on a specific date) and a flexible forward (lock in a rate for a period during which you can make multiple partial payments/drawdowns). You can hedge up to 24 months ahead.

Question 18

What is a limit order?

Accepted Answer

A limit order sets a desired exchange rate. When the market reaches this rate — including outside business hours — your transaction is automatically executed. There are two types: take profit orders (execution at a better rate than the current one) and stop-loss orders (protection against adverse movements). Changes are only possible during business hours.

Question 19

What is the difference between a fixed and flexible forward?

Accepted Answer

A fixed forward settles a specific amount on a predetermined date. A flexible forward locks in a rate for a longer period, allowing you to make multiple partial payments at the locked rate. The flexible variant is ideal when you have multiple payment dates, such as staged payments for a property purchase.

Question 20

How quickly are payments executed?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners uses the SWIFT network and local payment methods. SEPA (EU): same day or next business day. Faster Payments (UK): typically within a few hours. ACH/Fedwire (US): 1-2 business days. EFT (Canada): 1-2 business days. Spot transactions: settlement within 2 business days, with same-day options.

Question 21

To how many countries can I make payments?

Accepted Answer

You can make payments to more than 180 countries worldwide via the SWIFT network.

Question 22

In how many currencies can I pay?

Accepted Answer

You can pay in 27 different currencies: AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, INR, JPY, KES, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, PHP, PLN, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, TRY, AED, USD, and ZAR.

Question 23

In how many currencies can I receive?

Accepted Answer

You can receive 22 different currencies on your multi-currency account via SWIFT.

Question 24

What are restricted currencies?

Accepted Answer

Some currencies are "restricted" — meaning you can only buy (not sell) them and prior permission is required. This applies to the Indian Rupee (INR), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and Philippine Peso (PHP). Maximum transaction amounts also apply.

Question 25

How are exchange rates determined?

Accepted Answer

Exchange rates are determined by supply and demand on the international currency market. Key factors include: central bank interest rate policies (ECB, Fed, Bank of England), inflation and inflation expectations, economic growth and employment figures, political stability and geopolitical developments, and trade balance and international capital flows.

Question 26

How does pricing work at ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners works with a transparent, fixed margin on top of the interbank (wholesale) rate. You see exactly what the market rate is and what our margin is. There are no hidden costs or transaction fees.

Question 27

Does ValutaPartners offer real-time exchange rates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on our website you will find real-time exchange rates via TradingView widgets for all major currency pairs. We also offer a forex cross-rate matrix, an economic calendar, and regular market analyses.

Question 28

Which currency pairs can I follow on the website?

Accepted Answer

You can follow EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, EUR/SEK, EUR/NOK, EUR/CHF, EUR/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, EUR/NZD, and many other combinations via our cross-rate matrix with 27 currencies.

Question 29

What are the costs of ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners charges no transaction fees, no account fees, and no hidden costs. We earn solely from a transparent, fixed margin added to the interbank exchange rate. This margin is always visible, so you know exactly what you pay.

Question 30

Are there costs for opening an account?

Accepted Answer

No, opening and maintaining an account is completely free.

Question 31

Are there costs for a multi-currency account?

Accepted Answer

No, a multi-currency account is included free with every account.

Question 32

Are there costs for forward contracts?

Accepted Answer

There are no transaction fees for forward contracts. However, an initial deposit (margin) of 5% of the transaction value is required as security.

Question 33

How does ValutaPartners' margin compare to banks?

Accepted Answer

Traditional banks typically charge a margin of 200+ basis points (2%+) on top of the interbank rate, often hidden within the rate. ValutaPartners and our partner ALT21 work with margins from 4 basis points (0.04%), resulting in significant savings — especially on larger transactions.

Question 34

What is currency risk?

Accepted Answer

Currency risk is the risk that you pay more (or less) than expected due to exchange rate fluctuations. This risk arises whenever you make or receive payments in a currency other than the euro. Exchange rates move 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Question 35

Why is it important to hedge currency risk?

Accepted Answer

Exchange rates are unpredictable. Nobody can say with certainty how a rate will develop. By not hedging, you are essentially speculating on the currency market. Hedging provides certainty about your costs or revenues in euros, protection of your profit margins, predictable cash flow, and peace of mind with international transactions.

Question 36

What types of currency risk exist?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types: transaction risk (the risk of rate differences between the time of agreement and payment), economic risk (the long-term effect of rate fluctuations on your competitive position), and translation risk (the risk when converting foreign assets or liabilities to euros in your accounts).

Question 37

How can I hedge currency risk at ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

You can hedge currency risk through forward contracts (lock in a rate for future payments), flexible forwards (lock a rate for a period with multiple partial payments), limit orders (set a desired rate for automatic execution), and a multi-currency account (receive foreign currency and convert at a favourable time).

Question 38

What is an initial deposit (margin)?

Accepted Answer

When entering into a flexible forward contract, an initial deposit of 5% of the transaction value is required. This amount serves as a security buffer for potential rate movements. The deposit is offset against the final settlement.

Question 39

What is a margin call?

Accepted Answer

A margin call is a request for an additional deposit when the rate has moved adversely to the point that the initial deposit is no longer sufficient. Typically, an additional 5% of the original transaction value is requested. This protects both parties against market losses.

Question 40

What are drawdowns in a flexible forward?

Accepted Answer

Drawdowns are partial payments made at the locked rate during the term of a flexible forward contract. Each drawdown reduces the outstanding amount, which also decreases the risk of a margin call.

Question 41

Is hedging also available for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hedging is certainly available for individuals. This is particularly valuable when buying property abroad, making investments in foreign currency, or receiving income in foreign currency. With a flexible forward, you can lock in the exchange rate for all future payments of a property purchase.

Question 42

How far ahead can I lock in an exchange rate?

Accepted Answer

You can lock in an exchange rate for a period of up to 24 months. The maximum notional amount is EUR 30 million.

Question 43

What is a multi-currency account?

Accepted Answer

A multi-currency account is an account on which you can receive and hold multiple currencies. You get your own IBAN number in your name through which you can receive payments in 22 currencies from around the world via SWIFT. From the same account, you can pay in 27 currencies.

Question 44

What are the benefits of a multi-currency account?

Accepted Answer

Receive 22 currencies on one account with your own IBAN, no need for separate expensive bank accounts per currency, hold foreign currency and convert at a favourable time, use local payment methods, and it's included free with every ValutaPartners account.

Question 45

Which local payment methods are available?

Accepted Answer

SEPA for payments within Europe, Faster Payments for payments in the United Kingdom, ACH/Fedwire for payments in the United States, EFT for payments in Canada, and SWIFT for worldwide payments.

Question 46

How does the multi-currency account differ for businesses and individuals?

Accepted Answer

The functionality is largely the same. Both businesses and individuals can receive in 22 currencies and pay in 27 currencies. The difference is in usage: businesses typically use the account for paying suppliers and receiving payments from clients, while individuals often use it for property transactions, investments, or receiving income from abroad.

Question 47

How do I make an international payment via ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

The process is simple: log in to the platform, specify which currencies and amounts you want to exchange, you receive a rate immediately, after approval transfer the amount to your ValutaPartners account, and the payment is executed to the beneficiary.

Question 48

Can I make same-day payments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for spot transactions there is a "value today" option (same-day delivery) and "value tomorrow" (next business day). Please note: specific cut-off times per currency apply.

Question 49

What are cut-off times?

Accepted Answer

Cut-off times are daily deadlines by which a payment must be submitted to be processed the same day. These times vary by currency. Examples: EUR, GBP, and USD at 15:30, SEK/NOK/DKK at 11:30, CZK/HUF/RON at 10:00, and MXN at 09:00.

Question 50

Can ValutaPartners execute payments on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly for individuals, we offer the possibility to have transactions executed by phone by our specialists. You call, discuss the desired transaction, and we execute it on your behalf.

Question 51

Through which network are payments processed?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed via the SWIFT network, allowing you to pay to more than 180 countries. We also use local payment networks such as SEPA, Faster Payments, ACH, Fedwire, and EFT for faster and more cost-efficient payments.

Question 52

How does ValutaPartners help with buying property abroad?

Accepted Answer

When buying property abroad, you pay in the local currency. ValutaPartners helps you lock in the exchange rate when the purchase price is known, make all future payments at a pre-agreed rate, and completely eliminate uncertainty about the final cost in euros.

Question 53

Which countries are popular for property investments via ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

Based on our experience, the following destinations are popular: Norway (holiday homes in Telemark and Hedmark), Sweden (holiday houses near water and nature), Dubai/UAE (off-plan property), and any country where payment is in a currency other than the euro.

Question 54

How does currency risk work with property in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a fixed rate of 3.67 AED per 1 USD. This means your currency risk is effectively a EUR/USD risk. Be aware: banks often use a mid-rate instead of the actual rate, bank margins are typically much higher than ValutaPartners', and bank transfers can take 3 days.

Question 55

What is a flexible forward for property purchases?

Accepted Answer

A property purchase abroad often involves multiple payment dates (deposit, construction instalments, final payment). With a flexible forward, you lock in one exchange rate for the entire transaction and make partial payments (drawdowns) at each payment date at the locked rate. This way you know exactly what you'll pay in euros — regardless of how the exchange rate moves.

Question 56

Is ValutaPartners regulated?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners works with regulated partners: Currencycloud, regulated by the FCA (UK), DNB (Netherlands), Fintrac (Canada), and FinCEN (US), and ALT21, regulated by the FCA (UK) and holding a European e-money licence via Malta.

Question 57

How safe is my money at ValutaPartners?

Accepted Answer

Your funds are held at regulated e-money institutions (ALT21 or Currencycloud). Your full balance is protected through the safeguarding regime. This is not subject to the bank deposit guarantee cap of €100,000 — your full balance is covered. Even in the event of ALT21 or Currencycloud insolvency, your funds are protected.

Question 58

What is Currencycloud?

Accepted Answer

Currencycloud is a London-based fintech company founded in 2012 that provides the technological infrastructure for ValutaPartners. Acquired by Visa in December 2021 for $962 million. Over $253 billion in transactions processed, payments to 180+ countries. Partners include Revolut, Standard Bank, Starling, and Bunq.

Question 59

What is ALT21?

Accepted Answer

ALT21 is a fintech partner of ValutaPartners with an FCA licence for FX spot, forwards, and options, and a European e-money licence via Malta. ALT21 offers access to 34+ currencies, multi-currency accounts, spot transactions, forwards, and options, with competitive margins from 4 basis points and forwards up to 24 months.

Question 60

Are my phone calls recorded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, phone calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes, in accordance with regulations.

Question 61

How does ValutaPartners handle my personal data?

Accepted Answer

ValutaPartners complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We only collect data necessary for our services: name, contact details, identification documents, financial information, and transaction data.

Question 62

With whom is my data shared?

Accepted Answer

Your data is only shared with Currencycloud and/or ALT21 for the provision of our services. No personal data is shared for marketing purposes.

Question 63

How long is my data retained?

Accepted Answer

Your data is retained for up to 5 years after the end of the business relationship, as required by anti-money laundering regulations.

Question 64

What rights do I have regarding my personal data?

Accepted Answer

Under GDPR, you have the right to access, rectification, erasure, data portability, and objection. You can request what data we hold about you, have incorrect data corrected, have data deleted when no longer necessary, request your data in a portable format, and object to certain processing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

About ValutaPartners

Opening an Account

Services & Products

Currencies & Exchange Rates

Costs & Fees

Currency Hedging

Multi-Currency Account

International Payments

Property Investments Abroad

Security & Regulation

Privacy & Data Protection

Complaints

Platform & Login

Business Services

Services for Individuals

Blog & Market Information

Onboarding & KYC

Disclaimer & Legal

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