10 Strongest Currencies in the World Today, and the USD is Not in Top 5

When most people think of powerful currencies, the US dollar is likely the first that comes to mind. It’s the dominant player in global trade, the reserve currency for most central banks, and the benchmark for exchange rates worldwide. 

But when we zoom in on value per unit, the picture shifts dramatically. According to Forbes, the world’s strongest currencies aren’t always the most popular or widely used. Instead, they’re measured by how many units of each currency you get for one US dollar.

And surprisingly, the US dollar doesn’t even crack the top five. Here’s a look at the strongest currencies on the planet right now and why they hold so much value.

Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

Exchange Rate: 1 KWD = 3.25 USD

Kuwait’s dinar holds the crown as the world’s most valuable currency. Despite being a small Gulf nation, Kuwait’s immense oil wealth, coupled with a tightly managed currency policy, helps the dinar maintain its strong footing. The government keeps a firm peg and supports it with a stable economy built around petroleum exports and conservative financial practices.

Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Exchange Rate: 1 BHD = 2.65 USD

Next on the list is the Bahraini dinar. Bahrain’s economy leans heavily on oil, but it also benefits from an active financial services sector. The dinar is pegged to the US dollar, giving it added resilience in global markets. Its value also reflects Bahrain’s long-standing role as a financial hub in the Gulf region.

Omani Rial (OMR)

Exchange Rate: 1 OMR = 2.60 USD

Oman’s currency is another powerhouse in the Middle East. The Omani rial has maintained a high exchange rate for years, thanks to a blend of oil revenues, government control, and relative political stability. Like its neighbours, Oman pegs its currency to the dollar, but its domestic economic discipline keeps the rial steady.

Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Exchange Rate: 1 JOD = 1.41 USD

What makes Jordan’s dinar remarkable is that it ranks among the strongest despite Jordan lacking the oil resources of its Gulf peers. The currency’s strength lies in decades of careful financial management, a fixed peg to the dollar, and strong confidence in the country’s monetary institutions.

British Pound Sterling (GBP)

Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 1.34 USD

The pound sterling is one of the world’s oldest currencies still in use and consistently one of the strongest. The UK’s global financial clout, stable political system, and London’s status as a key financial center keep the pound competitive. It also enjoys widespread trust in international markets.

Gibraltar Pound (GIP)

Exchange Rate: 1 GIP = 1.34 USD (pegged to GBP)

Though used in the small British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar pound holds the same value as the British pound. It’s pegged at par and is used interchangeably with GBP. Gibraltar’s close financial and regulatory alignment with the UK helps reinforce this currency’s stability.

Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

Exchange Rate: 1 KYD = 1.20 USD

The Cayman Islands may be best known as an offshore banking destination, but its currency is no lightweight. Backed by strict regulatory standards and a thriving financial services industry, the Cayman Islands dollar holds firm against the US dollar due to its peg and prudent economic policy.

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Exchange Rate: 1 CHF = 1.22 USD

Switzerland’s franc is often seen as a safe haven currency, especially during global economic uncertainty. The country’s neutrality, low inflation, and world-renowned banking sector help keep the franc strong and trusted by both governments and investors.

Euro (EUR)

Exchange Rate: 1 EUR = 1.13 USD

The euro represents 20 European countries and is second only to the dollar in global use. It may not have the highest exchange rate, but the euro’s strength lies in the collective economic power of the Eurozone. From Germany to France and Italy, the euro reflects a large and influential bloc.

US Dollar (USD)

Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1.00 USD

While it sits at the bottom of this top 10 list in terms of exchange rate, the US dollar remains the most dominant currency in the world. It underpins global trade, serves as the standard for most commodity pricing, and is held in reserves by nearly every central bank. The dollar’s strength isn’t just about value—it’s about influence.