Wise Debit Card Review [2024]
Wise launched in 2011 with a mission to challenge the banks and make transacting internationally cheaper, faster, and easier – with no hidden charges or sneaky exchange rate hikes. Wise offers a range of products including instant low fee international payments, multi-currency accounts, and Wise international debit cards for easy spending and withdrawals around the world.
This Wise debit card review covers all you need to know about the Wise card features, benefits, fees, exchange rates and more.
Quick summary: Wise card review
There’s an in-depth Wise debit card review coming up – first let’s look at the key features, pros and cons of the Wise debit card.
Wise card features
| Card features | Great for: |
|---|---|
| Currency coverage | Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account |
| International travel | Spend in 150+ countries, make withdrawals at 2.3 million ATMs around the world |
| Exchange rates | Convert currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees |
| Foreign transaction fee | No foreign transaction fee – Spend any currency you hold in the account for free when you have enough balance |
| Spend currencies you don’t hold | Auto convert feature makes sure you always pay the lowest possible fee when spending currencies you don’t hold in your account |
| Easy to use | View and manage your account in the Wise app |
| Safe spending | Freeze and unfreeze your card instantly with just a phone. Check your currency balances in the app – and get instant transaction notifications for security |
| Regulated | Wise is authorized to operate in most US states – in the other states, Wise operates through its partnership with Community Federal Savings Bank |
Pros and cons of Wise card
| Pros of the Wise Debit Card | Cons of the Wise Debit Card |
|---|---|
| ✅ No ongoing card charges to pay – it’s also free to spend any currency you hold in your account ✅ Auto convert function to cut costs even if you don’t have the currency you need ✅ 2 free ATM withdrawals, to the value of 100 USD per month, with low fees after that ✅ Not a credit card – no risk of interest charges creeping in ✅ As a global company, Wise is US authorized and overseen by authorities all over the world | ❌ One time 9 USD fee to get your card in the first place ❌ Some ATM fees apply when you make 3 or more withdrawals, and when you withdraw more than 100 USD/month ❌ Daily and monthly limits based on spend category ❌ Top up account online or in app only – no cash or cheque options ❌ Card delivery can take 14 to 21 business days |
Overall, the Wise card is ideal for anyone who wants a flexible and convenient way to manage their money across multiple currencies, with a low cost debit card for payments and withdrawals. You’ll be able to open and manage your account with just your phone, set up instant transaction notifications for security, and hold, send, spend and exchange 40+ currencies easily.
Who is the Wise debit card for?
The Wise debit card is available in the US linked to a Wise multi-currency account, which means it can be a great way for lots of people to manage their money conveniently – and cut transaction costs at the same time. The Wise debit card is great for:
- Travelers looking to make contactless or mobile payments
- Anyone on vacation who wants to withdraw cash cheaply from local ATMs
- People who love to shop online with international retailers
- Anyone who wants a low cost, secure account with an easy to use linked debit card
Can I get a Wise debit card in the US?
Yes. You can get a Wise debit card for personal or business use in the US.
To get your Wise card you’ll need to register for a Wise account online and get verified by uploading some ID documents. You can then order your Wise card for a low, one time fee. We’ll cover the process in detail later – but the good news is that you don’t even need to leave home to get started.
Wise card benefits: Is the Wise card good?
The Wise debit card can be a great way to make spending in foreign currencies cheaper and more convenient. Here are some benefits of the Wise card:
- Wise debit card is an efficient and cheap way to spend money overseas
- Wise offers the mid market rate at the time you convert from one currency to another
- You’ll pay no foreign transaction fees, and the conversions costs can be as low as 0.35%
- Manage your card, review transactions and set up alerts to keep on top of your money from your phone
Can I use the Wise card abroad?
The Wise card has been optimized to make your life easier and cheaper when traveling abroad.
Set up an account and order your Wise card from the US – or any of the other countries supported by Wise – for a low, one time fee, and get easy access to multi-currency spending and withdrawals in 150+ countries.
Once you have your card, activate it, and then you can add money in USD and either convert to the currency you need in advance or at the point of payment. If you’re leaving your money in dollars to convert later, your card will automatically make the exchange for you in the way that incurs the lowest possible fee.
We’ll look at how you can use your Wise card to make life easier and cheaper in more detail in just a moment.
Wise card benefits for international travel
Here’s what you can do with your Wise travel card overseas:
- Add money in dollars, and convert to the currency you need in advance to lock in the exchange rate and set your travel budget
- Leave your money in dollars – or any other supported currency – if you’d prefer and let the card’s auto convert tool exchange for you when needed
- Make cash withdrawals and make payments in 40+ currencies, in 150+ countries
- View and manage your card and account with just your phone
Learn more: How to use Wise card abroad
How does the Wise card compare?
The Wise debit card is a popular choice among travelers and people who spend regularly in foreign currencies. As well as the Wise card you can use for spending and withdrawals in 150+ countries, your Wise account is flexible enough to let you hold 40+ currencies and get paid conveniently in 10 currencies, and offers international payments to 160+ countries.
The Wise card isn’t the only popular debit card for people living an international lifestyle here in the US. Let’s look at a few more, including digital providers Revolut and Chime, and bank Capital One. Here’s a side by side comparison on some important features.
| Feature | Wise | Revolut | Chime | Capital One 360 Checking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available to eligible personal and business customers in a broad range of countries | Available to eligible personal and business customers in a broad range of countries | Eligible US based customers | Eligible US based customers |
| Supported currencies | 40+ currencies | 25+ currencies | USD | USD |
| Fee to get a card | 9 USD | No fee – delivery charge may apply | No fee | No fee |
| Ongoing account fees | None | 0 USD – 16.99/month depending on account type | None | None |
| International ATM withdrawal fees | 2 withdrawals to 100 USD in value free every month 1.5 USD + 2% after that | Varies by account type – a 2% charge applies once and no fee withdrawal allowance is exhausted | 2.50 USD | None |
| Exchange rates | Mid-market rate | Mid-market rate to plan limits, fair usage fees of 0.5% apply after that | Visa rate | Mastercard rate |
| Foreign transaction fee | No foreign transaction fees – currency conversion fee from 0.35% applies | None | None | None |
*Fee information correct at time of research – 7th May, 2024
What is a Wise card?
The Wise card is a debit card – not a credit card – that works linked to a Wise multi-currency account.
It’s great for spending online and in person, and making cash withdrawals at home and abroad – and best of all, you’ll get currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate whenever you choose to spend in a foreign currency.
How does the Wise card work?
The Wise international debit card is linked to a Wise multi-currency account, which lets you hold, exchange, receive and send payments in 40+ currencies. Order a linked Wise debit card to make it easier to spend and make cash withdrawals from your Wise account balance, all over the world.
It’s free to spend currencies you hold enough of in your account. And if you don’t have the currency you need in your account, the Wise debit card can automatically convert the amount for you from whichever available currency account has the cheapest conversion fee.
That means that there’s no need to worry about converting money before traveling, because you’ll always know you’re getting the best available deal every time.
Let’s look at an example: You’ve taken a trip to France for work, and you’ve chosen to use your Wise debit card for spending and withdrawals to cut your costs while you’re there. In your Wise account you have a balance in euros, plus balances in US dollars and British pounds.
The first payments and withdrawals you make will be deducted from your euro balance. However, if you need to spend more than you have in euros, you can still pay as usual, and the card will deduct the funds from either your USD or GBP balance, depending on which comes with a lower fee. No hassle – and you can trust you’ll always get the best available deal.
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Is a Wise card credit or debit card? | The Wise card is not a credit card. It’s a debit card which is linked to your Wise multi-currency account. That means you can spend all over the world with no worries about blowing your budget or hitting unexpected credit fees. |
| Is a Wise card free? | There’s a one time 9 USD fee to get your Wise debit card. There are no ongoing monthly or annual fees after that. |
| Can I use my Wise card abroad? | Yes. You can use your Wise card for spending and making withdrawals in over 150 countries around the world. |
Is the Wise card safe to use?
Yes. The Wise card is safe to use. As a company, Wise is covered by regulatory bodies all over the world. That means that no matter what currencies you hold on your Wise debit card, you know your money is kept safely and in accordance with global laws and best practices.
Wise accounts have a range of security features including thorough verification processes, 2 factor authentication and a 24/7 fraud prevention protocol. Additionally, Wise debit cards can be frozen instantly in the Wise app if you’re concerned about security, with real time transaction notifications and the option to check your balance and account history in a glance in the app.
Wise debit card fees
Here’s a rundown of all the Wise fees you can expect to meet when ordering and using your Wise multi-currency debit card:
| Service | Wise debit card fee |
|---|---|
| One time card order fee | 9 USD |
| Order a new card | 5 USD |
| Replace an expiring card | Free – Wise will remind you when you need a new card for convenience |
| Spend currencies you hold in your account | Free |
| Spend in currencies you don’t have in your account | Wise will auto convert the balance you have to the currency you need, using the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest available fees |
| First 2 ATM withdrawals a month, up to the value of 100 USD | Free |
| Additional withdrawals, over the value of 100 USD/month | 1.5 USD per withdrawal + 2% of the withdrawal value |
*Fee information correct at time of research – 7th May, 2024
Wise card exchange rates
Wise was created with a mission to make currency conversion cheaper and more transparent. When you convert currencies with Wise you’ll get the mid-market rate with no hidden markup – whether you are spending with your Wise debit card, converting currencies within your Wise account, or sending an international payment.
This is different to banks and most other international card providers. Typically, the exchange rates you get from other providers will include a markup which is added onto the exchange rate used. That’s an extra fee, but it’s hard to spot and pushes up the prices you pay without you necessarily knowing it.
To avoid this tricky fee, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and splits out the full costs of currency conversion for transparency. You’ll be able to see the full fees you pay when you switch currencies within your account – and if you use the card’s auto convert feature, you can be sure the transaction will be processed with the lowest fee possible.
Check exchange rate here: Wise exchange rate
Wise card fees for spending and withdrawals abroad
Here are the Wise card fees for international use:
| Service | Wise debit card fee |
|---|---|
| Spend currencies you hold in your account | Free |
| Spend in currencies you don’t have in your account | Wise will auto convert the balance you have to the currency you need, using the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest available fees |
| First 2 ATM withdrawals a month, up to the value of 100 USD | Free |
| Additional withdrawals, over the value of 100 USD/month | 1.5 USD per withdrawal + 2% of the withdrawal value |
*Fee information correct at time of research – 7th May, 2024
How to use your Wise debit card
Once you’ve ordered your Wise debit card you can add a balance, convert currencies, spend locally and internationally, and make cash withdrawals at home and abroad. Let’s look at how to get and activate your Wise card, how to add money, manage your card, and order a new one if you ever need to.
How to get your Wise card
Here’s how to get your Wise debit card in just a few simple steps:
- Open a Wise account online in just a few minutes
- Top up your Wise account in the currency of your choice
- Order your Wise card for a one time 9 USD fee
- Complete the verification step, uploading an image of your ID document and entering your SSN
- Your physical card will arrive in the post – delivery can take 14 to 21 working days
If you don’t already have a Wise multi-currency account it’s good to know you can register in just a few minutes using your email address, Facebook, Apple or Google ID.
How long does it take to get the Wise card?
Your Wise card will be delivered in 14 – 21 business days once you’ve ordered it and completed the required verification check.
How to activate your Wise card
Once your physical card arrives in the post you’ll need to activate it. This is done simply by making taking the following steps:
- Log into to your Wise account
- If you’re on the website, go to Debit card. If you’re on the app, go to Account, then click the card icon at the top of the screen
- Enter the 6-digit code that’s on the card below your name
How to find your Wise card PIN
Wise US customers holding a Wise card issued on the Mastercard network will be able to set a personal PIN when activating the Wise card. That means you can’t check your PIN in the Wise app. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, you’ll need to order a new card. As long as you remember your PIN you can change it easily in the Wise app. Here’s how:
- Log into your account online or in the Wise app
- On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
- Click on Change PIN
- Type the desired PIN number twice and you’re good to go.
You’ll only be able to change your PIN while you’re in the US.
If you’re a Wise US customer and have a Wise card issued on the Visa network, you can view your existing Wise PIN on the Wise app, and if you don’t like it you can also set a new one at an ATM.
How to top up your Wise card
Your Wise debit card is linked to your Wise multi-currency account. To add funds to your Wise account you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Log into your Wise account online or in the Wise app
- Select the currency balance you want to top up
- Tap Add
- Confirm the currency you want to pay with
- Enter the amount you want to top up and select a payment method
- Check everything over, confirm and follow the prompts to complete the payment
How to freeze and unfreeze your Wise card
If you’re concerned about the security of your card, or if you’re not planning on using it for a while you can freeze it in the Wise app or online. Then simply unfreeze next time you’re ready to use it. Here’s what to do:
- Log into your account online or in the Wise app
- On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
- Click on Freeze card
How to replace or cancel your Wise card
If you’ve lost your card, or if it’s been damaged, you can order a new one easily. You can also cancel and replace your card if it’s been stolen. Here’s what to do:
- Log into your account online or in the Wise app
- On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
- Select the reason you need to replace your card
Is the Wise card contactless?
Yes. The Wise international debit card is contactless for convenient spending. It’s worth noting that older versions of the Wise debit card may not have contactless functionality – but any cards issued since December 2019 will have this option.
What currencies does the Wise card support?
Wise account holders can hold 40+ currencies, and spend in 150+ countries with the Wise card. The Wise card supports most major and global currencies, and can be used globally in a broad range of countries.
There are some countries where your US issued Wise card for business or personal use can not be used. Usually this is as a result of international sanctions or practical limitations. Full details are available online on the Wise website.
Get a full list of currencies here.
Is the Wise card Visa or Mastercard?
Wise issues cards on both Visa and Mastercard networks. You can’t select which network your card is issued on – but the good news is that both Visa and Mastercard are extremely broadly accepted globally.
Where can I use my Wise card?
Use your Wise card to spend and withdraw in 150+ countries globally. You’ll need to check the network your Wise card is issued on – Visa or Mastercard – and look out for the logo which will be displayed prominently on payment terminals and ATMs.
How to withdraw money with the Wise card
Once you’ve received your Wise card and set your personal Wise PIN for security, you’re ready to start making withdrawals from ATMs at home and abroad. You’ll need to look out for ATMs that support Visa or MasterCard, and bear in mind that you’ll be charged a fee if you make 3 or more withdrawals in a month, or if the combined value of your withdrawals exceeds the currency equivalent of 100 USD.
Here are a few tips to help when you’re making cash withdrawals with the Wise card:
- When abroad, always elect to pay in the local currency wherever you are – not in USD
- Don’t write down or give out your card PIN
- Freeze your card right away if you spot a withdrawal on your account that you don’t recognize
- Be wary of security around ATMs, as these are common targets for petty thieves
Wise digital card
The Wise virtual card is available in the US for personal customers, but not for business customers at the time of writing. You can open a Wise digital card to use with mobile wallets like Apple Pay.
Simply add your virtual card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, to make contactless payments in stores and buy things online. You can have up to 3 virtual cards at any one time which can make it easier to manage your budget by assigning different spending types to different cards.
Wise virtual cards have different card details to your physical card, and can be frozen instantly whenever you’re not using them – offering a handy added layer of security. You’ll be able to start using your Wise digital card as soon as you order your physical card, with no need to wait for the physical card to be delivered.
Wise card limits
Wise card limits vary based on the type of transaction. Your card limit is set to a default automatically, and you can then adjust it, up to the maximum level allowed for that transaction type, within the Wise app.
Here’s a rundown of the standard Wise personal debit card limits by transaction type:
| Transaction type | Single transaction limit | Daily limit | Monthly limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip and PIN and mobile wallet | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 2,000 USD | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 2,000 USD | Default: 5,000 USD Maximum: 15,000 USD |
| ATM withdrawal | Default: 250 USD Maximum: 1,000 USD | Default: 250 USD Maximum: 1,000 USD | Default: 1,500 USD Maximum: 6,000 USD |
| Contactless | Default: 200 USD Maximum: 400 USD | Default: 500 USD Maximum: 1,000 USD | Default: 1,500 USD Maximum: 4,000 USD |
| Magnetic stripe | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 1,500 USD | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 1,500 USD | Default: 1,500 USD Maximum: 6,000 USD |
| Online purchase | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 2,000 USD | Default: 1,000 USD Maximum: 2,000 USD | Default: 1,500 USD Maximum: 6,000 USD |
Learn more: Wise limits
Wise debit card for business
If you have a Wise Business account you may also be able to benefit from Wise business debit cards and expense cards.
Business customers can order a Wise card for themselves, and expense cards for team members who need easy ways to organize international business spending and expenses. Just as with Wise personal customers, Wise Business card holders get the mid-market exchange rate when converting from one currency to another, with low fees from 0.35%, as well as some fee free ATM withdrawals every month.
Wise Business account holders also get some extras to save time and make it easier to track and manage international spending. For example, account administrators can set and adjust card spending limits and track transactions centrally, making expense claims easier for everyone.
Where is the Wise card available?
If you have a Wise account and are a resident of any of the following countries and regions, you can apply for a Wise debit card: the US, the EU and EEA, the UK, Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil.
What can you do with the Wise debit card?
Use your Wise card for making payments in person and in online stores in foreign currencies, to withdraw money abroad conveniently. You can also use your Wise account to receive payments easily from 30+ countries, hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and send money with Wise to people and businesses in 160+ countries.
What should you do if your Wise card gets lost or stolen?
If you’re unlucky enough to have your Wise card stolen – or if it’s misplaced – you’ll want to freeze it right away. This can be easily done in the Wise app or online:
- Log into your account online or in the Wise app
- On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
- Click on Freeze card
If you’ve spotted an unauthorized transaction on your account you’ll need to log in to Wise online or in the Wise app, and submit a report. The Wise team can then support your next steps, depending on what’s happened.
If you’re a frequent traveler, these guides might be helpful to get the best out of your Wise card:
Conclusion: Is the Wise card worth it?
The Wise debit card can make life easier – and help you save money – if you travel often, shop with international ecommerce stores, or want to be able to manage your money and spending across currencies more flexibly.
Wise currency exchange always uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup and no hidden fees – and with the Wise debit card’s smart auto convert feature you don’t even need to switch currencies before you travel. Leave the Wise card to switch to the currencies you need, when you need them, with the lowest possible fee every time.
Wise international debit card FAQs
How can I add money to my Wise card?
The Wise debit card is linked to a Wise multi-currency account. To use your Wise card you’ll need to top up your Wise account with USD – or another eligible currency of your choice. Adding funds is easy and can be done online or in the Wise app.
How can I get a Wise debit card?
To get a Wise debit card you’ll need to register an account with Wise online or in the Wise app and upload an image of some ID for verification. You’ll then be able to order your card quickly online or in the app for a one time fee of 9 USD.
How can I activate my Wise debit card?
Once your Wise debit card has arrived you can activate it, by logging into your Wise account and entering the activation code which appears on your card.
