If you have ever looked up how much one euro is worth in another currency, you have probably come across something called the mid market exchange rate. It might sound complicated, but it is simply the middle point between the buying and selling prices of a currency.

Banks and traders constantly buy and sell money across global markets. The rate at which they buy is slightly different from the rate at which they sell. The mid market rate is the halfway point between those two numbers. It shows the most accurate value of one currency compared to another before anyone adds fees or profit margins.

Why people talk about the mid market rate

The mid market rate is often used as a reference because it represents a fair, neutral exchange rate. It is the number you will usually see when you search for a currency conversion on Google or a finance website.

The catch is that most people never get to use that rate in real life. When you exchange money through a traditional bank, the rate you receive is often less favorable. The difference might seem small, but it adds up over time, especially if you travel frequently, shop internationally, or make regular transfers abroad.

What bunq actually uses

At bunq, we do not rely on the European Central Bank rate or the mid market rate. Instead, we use the real Mastercard exchange rate at the exact moment you make your transaction, with a small 0.5% adjustment* to account for normal currency fluctuations.

This means your exchange reflects the most recent market data available. You see the live rate as it happens, without hidden markups or inflated spreads. What you see is what you get, and every cent is accounted for.

If you spend abroad, bunq automatically converts your euros at the real Mastercard exchange rate, updated in real time, with a 0.5% adjustment*. You can also hold multiple currencies in your account, such as euros, pounds, or dollars. When you pay in a country that uses one of those currencies, bunq simply takes the money directly from that balance. No conversion, no surprises.

Always transparent

Every transaction shows the rate used and the exact amount exchanged. You can see this instantly in the app. There is no waiting for a statement or trying to figure out where your money went. It is clear, instant, and easy to understand.

Transparency is at the heart of how bunq handles your money. You do not need to know how global currency markets move to feel confident. You just see the rate, approve the payment, and know that you are getting a fair deal.

Why this matters

The rate you get makes a real difference to your money. Even small markups can quietly eat into your balance, especially when you travel or shop online. By using the Mastercard exchange rate at the time of your transaction, bunq ensures that your money keeps its value wherever you go.

Our approach is simple. We stay fully digital, remove unnecessary middlemen, and keep everything transparent. You get a clear, real-time view of how your money moves across currencies.

The takeaway

The mid market exchange rate is a useful benchmark, but bunq focuses on what really matters: giving you the real Mastercard exchange rate, updated in real time, with a 0.5% adjustment* to keep your money stable when markets move. No hidden markups. No complicated formulas. Just your money, converted fairly and instantly, wherever life takes you.

*ZeroFX is automatically active for all bunq users. bunq Free users can make payments abroad up to €1,000 per year, while bunq Core, Pro, and Elite users enjoy unlimited foreign payments.