Wise Review – The Borderless Money Transfer Service

In this Wise review, you'll find more information about its features, pricing, pros and cons and why you should consider using it.
9.5/10 (Expert Score)
Product is rated as #1 in category Money Transfer
9.5Expert Score
Most trusted and used Money Transfer Service

Wise is a forward-thinking worldwide money transfer service that has been called the “Robin Hood” of the business. They specialize in making bank transfers more cheap than conventional banks by charging minimal, transparent transfer costs and exchanging money at real mid-market rates.

Customer support
9
Value for money
10
Ease of use
9.5
Features
9.5
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Small exchange fees
  • Fast transactions
  • Multicurrencies
  • Debit card
Cons
  • Only Mastercard Debit

The Wise borderless account (formerly known as the Wise multicurrency account) enables you to deposit money in 19 different currencies: USD, AUD, CAD, CZK, EUR, HRK, JPY, NZD, RON, SGD, BGN, CHF, DKK, GBP, HUF, NOK, PLN, SEK, and TRV. You won’t be able to store Brazilian real (BRL) in your Wise account, but you may add other currencies and pay with BRL.

Multi-currency accounts that are wise may store money in over 50 different currencies. When converting these currencies, you must utilize real-time exchange rates. There are no setup costs or monthly payments to be concerned about.

Read further to learn more about Wise, in our review we will detail its features, pros and cons with our rating, and a conclusion about why you should use it.

Click on “open” if you want to see exactly what we will talk about in the rest of this article.

Quick Overview

What is Wise?

Wise is a startup that started in 2011. It was once known as TransferWise and is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Inside this Wise review, I’ll show you everything you receive when you create an account, including all prices and fees, features, and pros and drawbacks.

When you open a Wise account, you’ll be able to spend, transfer, or receive money in a variety of nations across the globe. Your Wise debit card may be used to make purchases both online and also in physical shops in any nation, and the Wise account can be used to transfer money in a variety of currencies and countries.

The company’s main emphasis is on providing low-cost money transfer services. Customers may transfer money across bank accounts in other countries. They provide low-cost financial transactions and are constantly expanding their offerings.

Wise specifications

FeaturesMoney Transfer
Best suited forIndividuals, Freelancers, Small businesses, Mid size businesses
Website languagesMultilingual
Website URLVisit official website
Support linkSupport page
Live chatNo
Company addressWise (TransferWise Ltd), 6th Floor of The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ.
Year founded2011

Pricing

Wise pricing: How much does Wise cost?

Wise will charge conversion costs ranging from 0.24 to 3.69 percent on automated conversions. These costs are updated on a regular basis on Wise’s website, so you may refer to them for more information.

Pricing rangeFrom 0.24 to 3.69 percent on automated conversions
Pricing typesOne-time payment / Quote based
Free planYes
Free trialNo
Money back guaranteeNo
Pricing page linkSee plans

Wise pricing plans

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You may create a free Wise account at any moment. Wise uses mid-market currency conversion rates at all times. Transfer costs apply to any transfers made outside of Wise. Fee amounts are determined by the nation you’re in at the moment, the currency being transferred, and the currency that the recipient will receive. All of their little costs are clearly stated. Before you complete the transaction, you will be given information on the transfer fees. When you pay for goods with a currency that you’ve had in your online account, there are no costs using the card. If there isn’t enough of a specific currency in your account to pay for a transaction, Wise will charge conversion costs ranging from 0.24 to 3.69 percent on automated conversions. These costs are updated on a regular basis on Wise’s website, so you may refer to them for more information. At ATMs, you may make two free withdrawals each month for up to £200 (or cash equivalent). After then, depending on the nation wherever your Wise debit card was issued, you will be charged a fee. In most cases, the charge is approximately 1.75 percent. If you make over than two ATM transactions in a month, you will be charged an extra 50p/withdrawal fee. To discover more about their fees for multi-currency accounts, go to their fee section. Wise provides a fixed exchange rate. This implies that a certain exchange rate is assured for a specific length of time. From 2 to 72 hours, exchange rates are assured. The length of time the exchange rate is ensured depends on the kind of money being transferred. When your transfer is complete, they will inform you of the length of time your particular rate will be assured. If the money comes after the guarantee period has ended, they will apply the live rate. Wise can notify you when the currency rate hits a certain threshold that you set. You may also receive a daily email with the currency exchange rate. Depending on how much money you transfer, Wise always utilizes the current exchange rate and also has extremely clear costs. If you send greater amounts of money on a regular basis, you may be eligible for a monthly discounted rate. There is a 0.4 percent yearly charge for having greater sums of EUR in your account. Because of negative interest in the Eurozone, the charge was increased. Keeping Euros in their customers’ accounts costs Wise money. Personal accounts may hold up to 15,000 EUR in them without incurring any fees. Clients with business accounts may have up to 70 000€ in the accounts for free. Individual and corporate accounts may store money in different currencies, such as EUR, without incurring any fees.

Features

Wise features: What can you do with it?

Knowing what a Money Transfer provider can do is the most important thing. Find out in this Wise review which features you will get.

Wise’s success has been aided by its clear offerings and cheap costs. Their borderless account functionality is useful for those who require local bank data from different countries.

You may utilize the following features once you create your Wise multiple multi-currency account:

  • Account balances in 56 various currencies from across the world.
  • Currencies may be exchanged quickly and for a minimal cost.
  • Turkish lira, Hungarian forint, New Zealand dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Romanian leu, Singapore dollars, Australian dollars, Euros, and US dollars are among the currencies that may be received as bank balances with account information.
  • Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, and US dollars may all be used to set up direct debits.
  • The Wise debit card is now available in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Europe.
  • You may use the card to make purchases in any currency. Transaction fees are very low.

Electronic money accounts are used by all Wise multi-currency accounts. They vary from traditional bank accounts in the following ways:

  • Overdrafts and loans are not permitted.
  • There is no way to earn interest.
  • The bank accounts supplied are just used as a “address” for electronic money accounts. Even though the bank information are unique, these aren’t genuine bank accounts. You may still receive money via your electronic account, just as you would with a conventional bank account.
  • The Financial Services Compensation Scheme protects and safeguards money, but it does not guarantee it.

Because customers aren’t charged excessive foreign exchange costs or exchange rates, Wise has retained a loyal client base. To send, receive, and transform money in various currencies, you just need one account.

Their costs are the lowest you’ll find, and they always utilize the current exchange rate. You may use your Wise payment card to purchase goods using funds from your Wise wallet, pay for purchases online, and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Wise availability

Wise availability

Wise is accessible in over 230 countries, including United States and a number of Asian nations. However, there are certain countries where it is unavailable.

Afghanistan, Congo Republic, Crimea (sub-territory), Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of South Sudan, State of Libya, Sudan, Chad, Sevastopol (city), Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic, United States Territories, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, North Korea, United States Territories, United States Territories, United States Territories, United States Territories, United States Territories.

The Wise card is accessible to individuals and companies in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, the European Economic Area, and the United States. There’s a few exclusions, so be sure you check the number of countries that qualify.

Wise Borderless Account

The time it takes to execute a money transfer varies depending on the currency and country. In most cases, transactions are completed within 2 business days. However, the majority of transfers take less than 2 days.

The recipient bank’s transfer speed has an impact on the transfer time. The payment methods that are permitted in the country from where you are transferring money may have an effect on the payment processing time.

Some techniques are slower, while others are quicker. Bank transfers usually take longer, while card payments are frequently processed in seconds. After you’ve set the transfer, you’ll be able to see how long it’ll take.

Read the list of places where you may transfer money with Wise. The sending limitations are determined by the currencies being exchanged and the payment type utilized. Additional information on the different currency limits may be found in the official site’s currencies page. Wise will notify you if you try to transfer money over a certain limit.

Transferring money between Wise accounts using bank information is completely free. If you attempt to transfer money to banks that aren’t part of Wise’s network, you’ll be charged a set fee.

A conversion charge will be applied to transactions in which funds are changed into other currencies. The exact cost will be stated on the price page.

You may save and exchange money in 56 different currencies on your account. It simply takes a few seconds to open a new currency account. Then using funds in your multi-currency account, you may send money to over 70 countries.

Getting Money

In terms of receiving money, your Wise account works similarly to a traditional bank account. Simply provide the individual initiating the transfer with your account bank details in the currency you want to receive.

Wise sending money pricing
Wise transfer pricing

Despite the fact that you can store and exchange money in 56 different currencies, you can only get local banking details in ten of them. To get money, you may share these information with others.

Hungarian forints, British pounds, Singapore dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Polish zloty, Euros, Turkish lira, Romanian leu (only for EEU and Switzerland residents), and US dollars (this option isn’t available in all countries) are among the currencies for which bank details are available.

Wise multicurrency account

Wise multicurrency account

You may also get bank information for the following currencies: AUD, EUR, GBP, USD, HUF, NZD, CAD, TRY, RON (only for EEA and Switzerland citizens), and SGD. New users will not be given PLN bank account information until changes are made. Those that already have PLN bank account numbers may continue to utilize them.

Wise account money may be transferred to a bank account at any time. A set charge as well as a conversion fee will be imposed to money transfers to another currency.

The highest amount of money you may withdraw for free is determined on the location of your card. The Wise app may be used to keep track of such limitations and establish them. The following are the restrictions:

Wise Cards

Two free monthly withdrawals of up to 200 EUR/GBP are available on cards issued in the United Kingdom or Europe. After that, any withdrawals above 200 GBP/EUR are subject to a 1.75 percent fee. Also there is a 50p charge each withdrawal after the first two free withdrawals.

Wise debit card pricing

Wise cards issued in New Zealand, Australia, or Singapore may make two 350 NZD/AUD/SGD withdrawals each month. After that, there is a cost of 1.50 SGD/NZD/AUD + 1.75 percent.
Withdrawals of up to $100 USD per month are allowed on US-issued cards. After that, all withdrawals above $100 are subject to a 1.50 USD + 2% fee.

If you use a different currency, the total will be in the currency in which your card was issued.
Wise debit cards are accepted wherever debit cards are accepted. You may also use your card to pay for goods bought online. To confirm or verify transactions, you may use the Wise application, SMS, or text message.

Wise card is compatible with 3D Secure (3DS) online payment, which would be a security precaution required by certain websites. In such cases, verification is required before payments may be completed. Your card may also be used to make cash withdrawals from ATMs.

The first and only Wise card choice for now is MasterCard. When paying by credit card, you may use any currency in your account balance to make transactions. The card has no transaction fees and there are no conversion costs.

The Wise card is available to residents of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Singapore.

On the Wise website or app, you may change your card spending restrictions. Virtual cards are also available from Wise. To obtain a virtual card, you must first set up an account and then place an order for a real card. You may now handle up to 3 virtual cards at the same time. If necessary, you may update or remove these card information right away.

You will have to pay a charge to get a new Wise debit card if you need to change it. A Wise card costs 5 GBP to order, and a replacement card costs 3 GBP. Different card limitations apply based on the country in which the card was granted.

Wise Business Accounts

Wise Business Accounts

Setting up a Wise private account takes just a few minutes. However, there are a few extra verification procedures when creating a business account. There is no cost to establish a business account with Wise. You may use real-time exchange rates to send and receive money. It may be used to purchase goods, pay bills, and keep track of employee salaries.

Business accounts are beneficial to a wide range of businesses, from freelancers or entrepreneurs to large enterprises. Personal transfers may be made in any nation where Wise is legally permitted to operate. Certain types of company transfers may be subject to restrictions or limitations. For further information, go to the section on company transfer limitations.

You may use your business debit card to pay for business costs or to make purchases at online and physical retail outlets. A unique Wise business account may be created for each firm you manage.

You must pay a modest setup charge in order to get your own bank details. It is a one-time fee. After you’ve paid this charge, you’ll be able to receive money from a variety of nations. The cost is usually between 16 and 21 GBP. You’ll get your bank details after the verification process is completed. This money will be refunded if Wise is unable to validate your business.

Conversions between other currencies are also subject to a modest charge. When you transfer money in a currency that you don’t have that in your online account, you’ll be charged a fee. The actual exchange rate is always utilized when converting money.

Other Services

The company’s main focus is on low-cost currency transactions between Wise accounts and bank accounts. Their mobile app is compatible with iPhones and Android phones. The software allows you to transfer money, check transactions, set restrictions, and more.

You may keep track of the progress of each transfer and, if required, cancel it. Wise’s app takes little time to transfer and receive money.

Jars are a one-of-a-kind service that Wise provides to its clients. Money is stored separate from the Wise account balances in jars. The money in a jar can’t be spent or used to pay direct debits using your debit card.

This feature is often used in order to save money. These money may be used to purchase large-ticket goods, travel or vacation, or just put aside for a stormy day. They may also be put aside to pay for extra expenditures or bills, or to transfer money in another currency.

Conclusion

Wise review: Why you should use it?

The transfer costs charged by Wise are quite cheap. Their online calculator can assist you in determining the costs associated with each transaction. They usually take a tiny percentage of the total transfer amount and then add a set fee on top of that. Their fees differ based on where you want to transfer money.

The basic mid-market exchange rate is always used, every time, the current best exchange rate would be utilized.

Transfers may take many hours or as little as a few seconds. The exact duration depends mostly on currencies and nations you’re transferring money to, how and when you spend, and whether or not you need to prove your identity. It takes about 2 business days in most instances.

Apple and Android users may download the Mobile App. The app makes managing your Debit card, your Borderless account, and your money transfers a breeze. It’s easy to use and has a lot of useful features.

Many frequently asked issues should be answered in Wise’s extensive help sections and detailed tutorials. If you have any queries or concerns, you may contact them via phone, email, or live chat.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Wise Review – The Borderless Money Transfer Service
Wise Review – The Borderless Money Transfer Service

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