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Wise In Depth Review

Wise is a global money account built for cheap, fast, and transparent international transfers. With powerful multi-currency features, fee-free foreign spending, and market-leading exchange rates, Wise is ideal for travellers, freelancers, expats, and anyone who moves money across borders.

Multi-CurrencyLow FX FeesGreat for Travel

Overview & Approach

Wise is designed as a global financial platform focused on making international banking cheaper, faster, and more transparent. Unlike traditional banks that often mark up exchange rates, Wise uses the mid-market rate with small upfront fees, creating one of the fairest and most cost-effective solutions for cross-border payments.

The Wise Account allows users to hold, convert, and spend money in multiple currencies with fee-free foreign spending and local account details in regions like the UK, EU, US, and Australia. Wise prioritises clarity and low-cost international transfers over traditional banking products.

With its transparent pricing model, global usability, and smooth multi-currency features, Wise is an industry leader for people who earn, spend, send, or manage money internationally.

Trust & Customer Ratings

Wise is authorised and regulated in the UK, EU, and numerous financial jurisdictions worldwide. While Wise is not a traditional bank in the UK, customer funds are safeguarded under e-money regulations in secure accounts with established financial institutions.

Security is a core priority, with advanced fraud detection, biometric login, and strict regulatory oversight across multiple countries. Transparency is central to Wise’s brand, with all fees clearly displayed upfront and no hidden FX mark-ups.

Wise’s customer ratings are consistently high thanks to its reliability, low fees, and excellent international capabilities. Users particularly appreciate the fast transfers, accurate exchange rates, and intuitive mobile experience.

4.3 / 5

(Trustpilot)

Trust Score

FSCS Protection

No — safeguarded, not FSCS

App Store

Apple App Store

4.7 / 5

Google Play

Google Play

4.8 / 5

Sign-up Time

~5 minutes

Digital & App Features

Wise’s app is built around multi-currency banking, enabling users to hold, convert, and transfer money in dozens of currencies at the real exchange rate. The interface is clean, professional, and designed for clarity when moving money internationally.

Users can access local bank details in multiple countries, use virtual cards for secure online spending, and receive instant notifications for transactions. The app also provides spending breakdowns, conversion previews, and advanced tools for freelancers and international workers.

Compared to traditional banks, Wise excels in transparency and low-cost global finance, making it the ideal companion for remote workers, travellers, and anyone navigating multiple currencies.

Hold & convert 40+ currencies

Fee-free foreign spending

Bank details for the UK, EU, US & more

Low-cost international transfers

Virtual cards & strong card controls

Multi-currency balance tracking

Spending insights & analytics

Apple Pay & Google Pay support

Account Types & Fees

Wise offers a flexible global money account with no monthly fees, low-cost transfers, and access to local banking details in multiple regions. Users can send money abroad using the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent fee.

Foreign card spending is fee-free, while ATM withdrawals are free up to certain limits depending on location. Wise’s account is not designed as a full UK current account, but it excels for international money management and travel.

Wise also offers business accounts with invoicing tools, multi-currency payroll features, and virtual cards—popular among freelancers and online creators working globally.

Account Types

  • Wise Personal Account
  • Wise Business Account
  • Multi-Currency Account
  • Virtual Cards
  • Local Account Details (varies by region)

Detailed Fees

Fee TypeApplies ToCost & Conditions
Monthly Account FeeWise Account£0 (no subscription fees for the multi-currency account)
Savings FeesHolding Money in Account£0 (free to hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account)
Card Fees (Initial Issue)Wise Multi-Currency Card£9 for the physical card. Digital card is free.
ATM WithdrawalsWise Multi-Currency Card2 free withdrawals (up to £100/month). After that, £1.50 per withdrawal + 2% on amounts over £100/month.
Foreign Spending FeesWise Multi-Currency Card£0 (no foreign transaction fees. You only pay a conversion fee when spending a currency you don't hold.)
Currency ConversionConverting Money in AccountSmall transparent fee from 0.57% (varies by currency, uses the mid-market rate)
International TransfersSending MoneyLow fee from 0.57%. Uses the real mid-market exchange rate. Fees vary by currency and amount.
OverdraftAll AccountsNot offered (Wise is an electronic money service, not a bank, and does not provide credit facilities.)

App Experience

Wise provides a clean, professional, and reliable app experience centred around multi-currency management. Navigation is simple, with clear tools for converting money, reviewing fees, and sending funds internationally.

Performance is consistently fast, and users benefit from real-time notifications, biometric security, and detailed transaction history. Wise’s interface balances simplicity with advanced global finance tools, making it suitable for both everyday users and international workers.

The app’s transparency, speed, and polished design make Wise one of the best financial apps available for global money movement.

Pros & Cons

Wise is one of the strongest platforms for global money management. Here are its key advantages and limitations:

Pros

  • Excellent for international transfers
  • Multi-currency accounts with local details
  • Low fees & mid-market FX rates
  • Fee-free foreign card spending
  • Strong, professional app experience
  • Ideal for travellers & remote workers
  • No monthly fees or hidden charges

Cons

  • Not a full UK bank account
  • Not FSCS protected
  • No overdraft or credit products
  • ATM fees apply beyond monthly limits
  • Fewer budgeting features than Monzo or Starling

Wise Features Overview

About Wise

  • Wise specialises in cheap, transparent global banking.
  • Ideal for people who move, travel, or work internationally.
  • Designed around multi-currency control and low FX fees.

Savings & Pots

  • Savings features vary by region.
  • Some markets offer interest-bearing balances.
  • Primary focus is currency management, not savings.

Loans & Overdrafts

  • Wise does not offer loans, overdrafts, or credit products.
  • Platform is centred on payments, cards, and multi-currency tools.

Who Is Wise Best For?

  • Frequent travellers
  • Expats & digital nomads
  • Freelancers paid in foreign currencies
  • People sending money abroad regularly
  • Users wanting low-cost global money tools

Card & Spending

  • Wise debit card with £0 foreign spending fees.
  • Virtual cards for secure online spending.
  • Strong global reliability when travelling.

Budgeting & Money Tools

  • Basic spending insights available.
  • Not as in-depth as Monzo or Starling.
  • Designed more for currency flexibility than budgeting.

International & Travel

  • One of the best cards for travel globally.
  • Use local currencies worldwide at low fees.
  • Supports 40+ currencies with real-time conversion.

App & Usability

  • Modern, intuitive design.
  • Clear fee breakdowns before every transfer.
  • Fast navigation & smooth performance.
  • Highly trusted for international finance.

Final Verdict

Wise is the best option on the market for cheap, transparent international transfers and multi-currency banking. With fee-free foreign spending, powerful global features, and a polished app, it’s ideal for travellers, expats, and anyone who earns or spends money internationally.

While Wise is not a full UK bank account and lacks products such as overdrafts or savings pots, its strengths lie in its global flexibility and low-cost currency management. For users who value international finance tools above traditional banking features, Wise is unmatched.

Financial Information Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may not always reflect the latest fees, rates, or terms offered by each bank. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up-to-date, you should always check the bank’s official website or app before applying for an account. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice.

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