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Wise card review: Characteristics, pros & cons
Check out the information and reviews of the Wise card and find out if it is the best option to manage your money digitally while traveling.
If you go by a Wise card review, you’ll see that it’s a leading digital banking service for frequent travelers or people who manage multiple income streams in different currencies. As its slogan says, it helps you save while you receive, send, and spend your money.
At Holafly, we’ve created a guide with all the information you need about the Wise card—its features, benefits, drawbacks, step-by-step instructions, and real user reviews—so you can decide if it’s worth signing up and using Wise for your next trip.
What is Wise?
Wise, originally called TransferWise, is a fintech company established in 2011 that offers cost-effective and transparent international transfers by using the real exchange rate.
Based in the UK, the company has grown to offer a wide range of financial services, including multi-currency accounts and debit cards, all designed to make life easier for individuals and businesses operating globally.
Wise’s innovative approach has made it a leading financial solution. In Spain, it ranks third among the top-rated digital banking apps on Google Play, according to Statista.
Wise is licensed in multiple regions and operates under strict financial regulations, ensuring security, trust, and savings for its users.
Where in the world can I use Wise?
Wise has locations in more than 160 countries and these are just some of the destinations where you can enjoy its services:
- North America: United States, Canada, Mexico.
- Europe: Spain, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, among others.
- Asia: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
- South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia.
- Africa: South Africa, Egypt, Kenya.
Wise also allows you to manage your money in more than 40 currencies. Here are some of them:
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound (GBP)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Swedish Krona (SEK)
Other less common currencies such as Polish Zloty (PLN), Norwegian Krone (NOK) and Singapore Dollar (SGD) are also supported.
What card does Wise offer for travelers?
The Wise card is a debit card connected to your multi-currency account, created to give travelers more flexibility and savings. It allows you to spend in over 40 currencies at the real exchange rate, without needing to convert your money in advance.
| Wise physical card | Wise virtual card |
| A Mastercard debit card that is linked to your Wise multi-currency account. This card allows you to spend in over 40 currencies, withdraw money from ATMs and make purchases at physical and online merchants worldwide, with very competitive conversion rates (using the actual exchange rate). You can also make payments without additional fees as long as you have funds in the currency of the transaction. | Similar to the physical card, the virtual card allows you to make secure online payments. Useful for those who prefer not to carry a physical card with them or to protect against fraud, as you can easily lock it after each use. The virtual card can be used to make purchases at online merchants and can be added to digital wallets such as Google Pay or Apple Pay. |
Both options are available through the Wise app, and you can apply for them on the same platform quickly and easily.
Wise card features
Looking at Wise card reviews, it’s clear that its features set it apart from other options on the market. Take a look yourself to see if it’s the right card for you:
- Access to more than 40 currencies: Users can hold balances in different currencies and spend directly in the local currency without any extra fees, as long as they have funds available in that currency.
- Automatic and economical conversion: If there’s no balance in the local currency, the card will automatically convert from another balance at the real exchange rate, with a small fee.
- No hidden fees: Wise stands out for its transparency. There are no subscription or monthly fees, and all charges are clearly displayed before each transaction.
- Digital wallet compatibility: You can add the card to Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay for added convenience.
- Advanced security: Includes features such as freezing and unfreezing the card from the app in case of loss or theft.
- Global support: Works in almost all countries, although with some region-specific restrictions.
Wise card rates and fees
One of the highlights of the Wise card reviews is its clear and specific fees for all customers:
- Cost of issuance of the physical card: About 7 euros ($8) for shipping costs (or equivalent in local currency).
- ATM withdrawals: The first 200 euros ($216) (or two withdrawals) each month are free. After that, a fee of 1.75% plus a fixed charge of 0.50 euros ($0.54) applies. For instance, if you withdraw 250 euros ($270), you’d pay 1.75% on the 50 euros ($55) over the limit, which is 0.88 euros ($0,95), plus the fixed fee. So, the total cost for this withdrawal would be 1.38 euros ($1,50).
- Currency conversion: The card uses the actual exchange rate, applying a fee ranging from 0.35% to 2%, depending on the currency.
- Payments in the same currency: Free of charge as long as the available balance in that currency is used.
- Additional charges: Some transactions, like funding balances with a credit card, may come with additional fees depending on the currency and payment method.
Wise’s transparency with fees is one of the reasons it receives positive reviews, as it helps avoid the unpleasant surprises often found with traditional banks or other cards.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Advantages and disadvantages of the Wise card
Wise offers an innovative banking solution for travelers and people managing multiple currencies. Like any service, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore some of these based on feedback from Wise card users:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Offers transactions in more than 40 currencies with transparent exchange rates. | Monthly commission-free ATM withdrawal limit: only up to 200 euros ($216) or two transactions. |
| The card works with the average market exchange rate, which is more favorable for the user. | It charges a fee of around 7 euros ($8) for issuing and sending the physical card. |
| International transfers are fast and up to eight times cheaper than at banks. | Not available in all countries. |
| Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as having a secure virtual card option. | Does not allow cash advances or credit functions. |
| No maintenance fees and fully digital processes. | Customer service limited to specific hours. |
How to apply for the Wise card?
Applying for the Wise card is simple and you can do it all on their website or by downloading the app on Google Play. Here is a step by step explanation:
- Create a Wise account: Register on their website or app. You’ll need to provide your name, email address and set up a password.
- Verify your identity: Wise will ask for documents such as a passport or national ID, as well as proof of address.
- Request your card: Once your account is verified, go to the “Card” section and place your order. You’ll need to pay a one-time fee for issuing and shipping the physical card. If you opt for the virtual card, a smaller fee may apply instead.
- Activate your card: The virtual card will be ready to use right away in the app, and you can link it to other digital wallets if you prefer. Once your physical card arrives, just activate it in the app, set up a PIN, and it will be good to go for in-store purchases, online, or ATM withdrawals.
Are there other alternatives to the Wise card?
Wise is a solid choice for travelers, but to be honest, there are many other digital banking options available that you might want to check out if you’re not sure this one meets your specific needs.
N26
A German mobile bank that offers a Mastercard debit card with no fees for international payments and limited free withdrawals within the Eurozone. It also provides advanced financial management tools.
Vivid
Vivid is a fintech company that combines a bank account and a debit card with cashback rewards. It also offers an innovative approach to managing investments and cryptocurrencies.
Wizink
Wizink focuses on credit cards with cashback and flexible financing options. While it might not be the best choice for travelers, it’s a great option for those looking for credit lines.
Did you know that a poor connection can delay transfers or payments? If you’re traveling and managing your money digitally, don’t waste time hunting for Wi-Fi. Get your Holafly eSIM and stay connected in over 200 destinations while managing your money!
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
