Convert British Pounds to US Dollars with live, accurate exchange rates. Our AI-powered system provides real-time GBP to USD conversion rates updated every 5 minutes.
The GBP to USD exchange rate, also known as "Cable" in forex markets, represents how many US Dollars you can get for one British Pound. This is one of the oldest and most actively traded currency pairs in the world, with a daily trading volume exceeding $400 billion. The nickname "Cable" originated from the transatlantic telegraph cable that connected London and New York in the 1800s for currency trading.
Converting British Pounds to US Dollars serves numerous purposes in today's global economy. UK businesses importing American goods require USD for transactions, while American tourists visiting Britain need GBP. International investors frequently convert between these currencies when accessing different markets or hedging against currency risk in their portfolios.
The GBP/USD pair shows the highest activity during the London-New York trading session overlap (8 AM - 12 PM EST), when both markets are open simultaneously. This period typically offers the tightest spreads and most competitive exchange rates. Avoid converting during major economic announcements when volatility spikes and spreads widen significantly.
The GBP/USD pair has a rich history dating back to the Bretton Woods system. The British Pound was once the world's primary reserve currency before being overtaken by the US Dollar. The pair reached its modern-era high of 2.1161 in 1980 and its low of 1.0520 in 1985. Brexit has added new volatility to this historic pair, with significant movements around referendum dates and negotiation milestones.