Trade
Basic
Futures
Futures
Hundreds of contracts settled in USDT or BTC
TradFi
Gold
Trade global traditional assets with USDT in one place
Options
Hot
Trade European-style vanilla options
Unified Account
Maximize your capital efficiency
Demo Trading
Futures Kickoff
Get prepared for your futures trading
Futures Events
Participate in events to win generous rewards
Demo Trading
Use virtual funds to experience risk-free trading
Earn
Launch
CandyDrop
Collect candies to earn airdrops
Launchpool
Quick staking, earn potential new tokens
HODLer Airdrop
Hold GT and get massive airdrops for free
Launchpad
Be early to the next big token project
Alpha Points
Trade on-chain assets and enjoy airdrop rewards!
Futures Points
Earn futures points and claim airdrop rewards
Investment
Simple Earn
Earn interests with idle tokens
Auto-Invest
Auto-invest on a regular basis
Dual Investment
Buy low and sell high to take profits from price fluctuations
Soft Staking
Earn rewards with flexible staking
Crypto Loan
0 Fees
Pledge one crypto to borrow another
Lending Center
One-stop lending hub
VIP Wealth Hub
Customized wealth management empowers your assets growth
Private Wealth Management
Customized asset management to grow your digital assets
Quant Fund
Top asset management team helps you profit without hassle
Staking
Stake cryptos to earn in PoS products
Smart Leverage
New
No forced liquidation before maturity, worry-free leveraged gains
GUSD Minting
Use USDT/USDC to mint GUSD for treasury-level yields
More
The most expensive currency in the world: Which currency will hold the highest power in 2026
There are over 180 countries in the world, each with its own currency to drive the economy and support international trade of goods and services. However, not all currencies have the same purchasing power and strength. The interesting question is: which currency in the world has the highest exchange value? In this article, we will analyze the most expensive currencies in 2026 and delve into the economic factors supporting each currency’s strength.
Factors That Make a Currency the Most Expensive: Wealth, Stability, and Trust
A high-value currency doesn’t happen by chance. Usually, the most expensive currencies come from countries with strong economies, abundant natural resources, or significant financial positions in the global economy. These factors all support higher demand and value in the market.
The Most Expensive Currencies in 2026: Examples from Oil-Rich Regions
1. Kuwaiti Dinar: The Highest Valued Currency Backed by Oil
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) ranks as the world’s most expensive currency, with an exchange rate of 1 KWD = 3.26 USD. Its strength is rooted in Kuwait’s wealth from black gold. Kuwait is a major oil producer, exporting about 3 million barrels daily, generating substantial revenue that sustains a stable economy.
The Kuwaiti Dinar was first introduced in 1960, replacing the Gulf Rupee. Initially, it was pegged to the British Pound Sterling, but later shifted to a basket of international currencies, enhancing stability.
Key Details:
2. Oil Economies and Expensive Currencies: Bahraini Dinar and Omani Rial
Bahraini Dinar: The Second Most Expensive in the Middle East
Like Kuwait, Bahrain’s economy relies heavily on oil. The Bahraini Dinar (BHD) exchanges at 1 BHD = 2.65 USD, making it the second most expensive currency globally. Its economy is supported by oil and natural gas industries, with a GDP per capita exceeding $20,000.
Introduced in 1965, the Bahraini Dinar replaced the Gulf Rupee. Originally pegged to the Pound Sterling, it has been fixed to the US dollar at 1 BHD = 2.65 USD since 2001.
Highlights:
Omani Rial: A Long-Standing Stable Currency
Oman’s wealth from oil and gas is reflected in its Rial (OMR), with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.60 USD. The Rial has been pegged to the US dollar since 1986, with only one major adjustment in history.
Oman produces about 1 million barrels of oil daily, ranking 21st globally. Its stability stems from low inflation and persistent current account surpluses, making it the third most expensive and stable currency.
Basic Info:
3. Jordanian Dinar: An Expensive Currency Not Fully Oil-Dependent
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) shows that a strong economy isn’t solely based on oil. It exchanges at 1 JOD = 1.41 USD, despite Jordan not being a major oil producer. Its economy depends on tourism, finance, and trade. GDP per capita is around $3,891 annually, lower than neighboring oil-rich countries.
Jordan maintains high international reserves—about $13.5 billion as of late 2023—indicating financial stability and investor confidence.
Details:
The World’s Most Expensive Currencies from Financial Powerhouses
4. British Pound Sterling: The Most Influential Currency
While not the highest in exchange rate, the Pound (GBP) is the most influential globally. It has an exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.33 USD. Its strength comes from the UK’s financial services and the City of London, a major global financial hub.
The Pound is one of the oldest currencies, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. The UK’s economy relies heavily on services, finance, and a thriving tech sector valued over $1 trillion, ranking third worldwide after the US and China.
Fundamentals:
5. Swiss Franc: The Safest of the Expensive Currencies
The Swiss Franc (CHF) exchanges at 1 CHF = 1.21 USD and is renowned as a safe haven currency. Switzerland maintains a gold reserve policy of at least 40%, ensuring high stability.
Historically, during World War II, Switzerland was a neutral refuge for assets worldwide. The Franc’s strength is reinforced by central bank interventions to prevent excessive appreciation.
Key Facts:
Regional Currencies: Gibraltar Pound and Cayman Islands Dollar
6. Gibraltar Pound: A High-Value Local Currency
The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) has been official since 1934, pegged 1:1 to the GBP. It trades at approximately 1 GIP = 1.29 USD. Though used locally, it reflects Gibraltar’s strong economy as a financial and online gaming hub.
Highlights:
7. Cayman Islands Dollar: An Offshore Financial Center
The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) has been in use since 1972, pegged at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD. As a major offshore financial center, it benefits from strong financial services, tourism, and investment activities, indicating economic stability.
Main Data:
The Euro: The Currency of European Integration
8. Euro: The Monetary Union of 20 Countries
Introduced in 1999 and widely used since 2002, the Euro (EUR) is the official currency of 20 Eurozone countries. It has an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.13 USD. Initially trading below the dollar, it appreciated over time, reaching a peak of 1.6 USD in 2008.
The Euro is a major global reserve asset, holding 29.31% of IMF’s SDR and 19.58% of official foreign reserves, making it the second most held international currency after the USD.
Basic Info:
Summary Table: The Most Expensive Currencies in 2026
Conclusion: The Value of a Currency Is Not Just About Exchange Rate
The most expensive currencies in 2026 range from resource-backed currencies of oil-rich nations to influential global financial currencies. However, a high exchange rate doesn’t necessarily mean a safer or more profitable investment.
When considering currencies for investment or holding, factors to evaluate include:
Expensive currencies generally fall into two categories: those supported by natural resources (e.g., Kuwaiti Dinar, Omani Rial) and those backed by financial centers and economic powerhouses (e.g., Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc). Understanding these factors helps investors make informed decisions aligned with their goals in 2026.