WISE Detailed Review (2025)

Introduction to WISE

WISE, formerly known as TransferWise, is one of the world’s leading online money transfer platforms. Founded in 2011 by two Estonian entrepreneurs, Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus, WISE was created with a mission to make international money transfers fairer, faster, and cheaper. The company aimed to challenge traditional banks, which often charged hefty fees and offered poor exchange rates on cross-border transfers.

Since its inception, WISE has grown exponentially, boasting over 16 million customers worldwide. It facilitates over £10 billion in cross-border transactions every month and is known for its transparent pricing, mid-market exchange rates, and user-friendly digital interface. Whether you’re sending money to family overseas, paying international freelancers, or managing business finances globally, WISE provides a seamless and reliable solution.

How to Send Money with WISE

Sending money with WISE is straightforward, making it a favorite among individuals and businesses alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create an Account
   Visit WISE or download the app (available on iOS and Android) and sign up using your email or Google/Apple account.
2. Enter Transfer Details
   Select the amount, currency you’re sending from and to, and the recipient’s country.
3. Add Recipient Info
   You’ll need the recipient’s name, bank details (IBAN, account number, SWIFT code, etc.), and email address.
4. Choose Payment Method
   Pay via bank transfer, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or direct debit (varies by country).
5. Review and Confirm
   WISE displays all fees, exchange rates, and estimated arrival time. Confirm and proceed.
6. Track the Transfer
   Both you and your recipient receive real-time updates via email or app notifications.

The platform also supports batch payments for businesses, making bulk transfers easy.

Exchange Rate and Fees

One of WISE’s biggest selling points is its use of the real mid-market exchange rate—the rate you see on Google or XE. Unlike traditional banks and many other services, WISE does not add a markup to the exchange rate.

Fees

WISE charges a low, transparent fee, which typically includes:

• A fixed fee (e.g., $0.50 to $2 depending on currencies)
• A variable fee (0.35% to 1.5%) based on the amount and currency route

For example:

• Sending $1,000 to India might cost around $5.21
• Sending £500 to France could cost £1.65

You’ll always see the exact fee breakdown before confirming a transaction. There are no hidden charges.

WISE Live exchange rate for common currency pairs (updated every 5 mins)

	GBP	USD	EUR	INR	CAD	AUD	CHF	MXN	CNY
GBP	1	1.34185	1.18735	115.387	1.86041	2.08313	1.10841	25.9957	9.67125
USD	0.74524	1	0.88495	85.9913	1.38645	1.55243	0.82605	19.373	7.2074
EUR	0.84221	1.13005	1	97.1745	1.56676	1.75433	0.93351	21.8925	8.14472
INR	0.008666	0.011629	0.010291	1	0.016123	0.018053	0.009606	0.22529	0.083816
CAD	0.537517	0.721267	0.638261	62.0226	1	1.11972	0.595802	13.9731	5.19846
AUD	0.480046	0.64415	0.570019	55.3913	0.893082	1	0.5321	12.4791	4.64265
CHF	0.902197	1.21058	1.07123	104.099	1.67841	1.87935	1	23.4526	8.72514
MXN	0.038468	0.051618	0.045678	4.43872	0.071566	0.080134	0.042639	1	0.372033
CNY	0.103399	0.138746	0.122779	11.931	0.192365	0.215394	0.114611	2.68793	1

Transfer Speed

WISE is known for its fast delivery times, though actual speed depends on the currencies involved and payment method.

• 50% of transfers are delivered instantly or within an hour
• 80% of transfers are completed within 24 hours
• Bank holidays and weekends can delay delivery

Transfers funded by debit or credit cards are generally faster than bank transfers. WISE also offers instant transfers for certain currencies, making it ideal for urgent payments.

Why WISE Stands Out

WISE distinguishes itself from competitors in several key areas:

1. Transparency
   No hidden fees or exchange rate markups—everything is disclosed upfront.
2. Real Exchange Rate
   Uses mid-market rate, unlike most banks and remittance services.
3. Multi-Currency Support
   Hold, convert, and send over 40 currencies in a single account.
4. Low Fees
   Significantly cheaper than banks and competitors like PayPal or Western Union.
5. Global Reach
   Send money to over 160 countries.
6. Regulated and Safe
   WISE is licensed and regulated in multiple countries, adding credibility and trust.
7. User-Friendly App
   Intuitive mobile and web experience with real-time tracking.

Reviews and Ratings

9.1

RemitReview Score

Transparency 10

Exchange Rate 10

Transfer Fee 8.5

Transfer Speed 9.5

Supported Currencies 8

Customer Satisfaction 8.6

Visit WISE

WISE has garnered excellent reviews across major platforms:

• Trustpilot: ⭐ 4.3/5 (190,000+ reviews)
• Google Play Store: ⭐ 4.5/5 (500,000+ reviews)
• Apple App Store: ⭐ 4.6/5 (150,000+ reviews)

Common praises include:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Speed of transfers
• Low fees
• Reliable customer service

Some complaints include:

• Occasional delays due to bank processing
• ID verification process can be slow in rare cases

Which Countries Can WISE Send Money To?

WISE supports over 160 countries and 40+ currencies including:

• Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, etc.
• Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt
• Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Romania
• Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Some countries only support sending money, while others support both sending and receiving. Always check the WISE website for the most current list.

WISE Multi-Currency Account

WISE offers a multi-currency account—a game-changer for freelancers, travelers, and expats.

Features:

• Hold balances in 50+ currencies
• Convert between currencies instantly
• Receive money via local bank details in 10+ currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, CAD, SGD, HUF, TRY, RON)
• No monthly fees

It’s ideal for:

• Freelancers working with international clients
• Expats managing money across countries
• Businesses paying or receiving global invoices

WISE Debit Card

The WISE debit card (Mastercard or Visa, depending on the country) works in 175+ countries.

Key Benefits:

• Spend in multiple currencies with auto-conversion at mid-market rates
• Free ATM withdrawals up to a limit (e.g., £200/month in the UK)
• Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Secure with 2FA and instant freeze/unfreeze options

Fees:

• One-time issuance fee (~$9)
• Low conversion fee (~0.35%-1%)
• ATM fee after free limit (~1.75%)

It’s a fantastic travel card and a powerful companion for the WISE multi-currency account.

Does WISE Have a Refer-a-Friend Program?

Yes, WISE offers an attractive referral program.

How it works:

• Share your referral link with friends
• They get a fee-free transfer up to a certain amount (e.g., $500)
• You receive a cash reward (usually around $75) after 3 successful referrals

You can manage referrals in the WISE app or dashboard. WISE occasionally runs special referral campaigns with higher bonuses.

Customer Support

WISE provides multiple support options:

Help Center:

• WISE help center
• Extensive FAQ and step-by-step guides

Live Chat & Email:

• Available via the app or website (for logged-in users)
• Email: [email protected]

Phone Support:

(Note: Phone support is limited to certain regions and use cases.)

• UK: +44 203 885 0828
• US: +1 888 908 3833
• Australia: +61 2 8003 7860
• Canada: +1 647 951 5262

Customer service hours vary by region but are typically available on weekdays.

Media Coverage and Awards

WISE has received widespread recognition in the fintech space.

Awards:

• CNBC Disruptor 50 (multiple years)
• Forbes Fintech 50
• Winner of Best Money Transfer Service – Finder.com
• Finovate Europe – Best Fintech Startup

Media Mentions:

• The Guardian: “A revolution in remittances”
• TechCrunch: “Challenging the banks’ outdated cross-border systems”
• The Financial Times: Featured for transparency and innovation

WISE has also partnered with major institutions like N26, Monzo, and Xero.

Is WISE Safe?

WISE is a legally licensed financial institution, regulated in every country it operates.

Regulatory Authorities:

Security Features:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Bank-grade encryption
• Strict AML/KYC compliance
• Segregated customer funds (not used for company operations)

WISE also has a dedicated fraud team and partners with global compliance agencies to monitor suspicious activity.

Conclusion

WISE has revolutionized the world of cross-border money transfers by offering transparency, affordability, and convenience. Whether you’re an expat, freelancer, traveler, or business owner, WISE’s array of services—from fast transfers to a powerful multi-currency account and debit card—makes it a top choice.

Pros:

• Mid-market exchange rates
• Transparent, low fees
• Fast and reliable transfers
• Global coverage
• Regulated and secure

Cons:

• Not available in every country
• ATM withdrawal limits apply on debit card
• No in-person service

With its continued innovation, customer-first approach, and strong regulatory backing, WISE stands tall as one of the best international money transfer services in 2025.