Wise Review

Wise is probably one of the international money transfer apps that digital nomads won’t stop talking about – for good reason. You may already find thousands of user Wise reviews online saying it’s sleek, transparent, and one of the most budget-friendly ways to send and receive money globally.

However, let’s be real. With newer platforms like Ogvio stepping in with more flexibility, faster transfers, and even crypto support, does Wise actually live up to the hype?

If that’s what you’re wondering, that’s exactly what my Wise review is all about. I’ll help you figure out whether this platform still deserves a spot on your home screen or if you’d be better off with other options.

Wise Review: Quick Overview

Before you get to see everything in the full Wise review, here’s a quick overview of what the platform brings to the table:

Table: Wise overview

Wise focuses on clarity and control. You always know what you’re paying, how much your recipient gets, and when it’ll arrive. It’s perfect if you’re managing money across borders, especially when the platform lets you hold, spend, and convert 40+ currencies in one place.

Who is Wise For?

Around since 2011, Wise has built a money transfer system that’s transparent, modern, and easy to use. It shows you exactly what you’ll pay, and its website and app are both clean and intuitive.

Based on how it’s designed, I’d say Wise is best for:

• Digital-first users. Wise’s platforms are smooth and modern. Everything is also transparent, from sign-up to transfer tracking, with minimal intricacies. You’ll see real-time rates and transparent fees even before signing up.
• Frequent travelers. Digital nomads, travel content creators, or anyone traveling abroad frequently will benefit a lot from Wise’s multi-currency account and debit card. No need to pay crazy foreign exchange markups or juggle multiple bank accounts.
• People who often make large transfers. Once your total transfers or conversions hit $25,000 (or the equivalent in your local currency) within a calendar month, the Wise price will be automatically lowered because of a discounted rate.

Wise fits perfectly into your lifestyle if you’d rather tap than queue or like everything to be clear and upfront from the start. I think this platform would be particularly suitable if you’re freelancing for clients overseas, relocating to a new country, or constantly hopping borders.

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Wise Alternatives

Wise can be a strong option if you want to send money online internationally or make transactions in multiple currencies as you travel a lot. However, if your recipient wants crypto transfers or to get the money in cash, I guess you should check these Wise alternatives:

• Ogvio. If you’re after instant transfers and social-style money sending, Ogvio might catch your eye. It’s designed to make sending money feel as easy as sending a DM, whether you send in fiat or cryptocurrencies.
• Western Union. Does your recipient prefer cash pickups? Then, Western Union is one of the most reliable options. It’s available in 200+ countries and territories via its 600,000+ agents.
• Revolut. Think of Revolut as Wise’s more extra cousin. It has everything Wise does (multi-currency accounts and global transfers) but adds more and comes with paid plans. You get access to crypto trading, stock investing, savings vaults, and premium perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Check this side-by-side comparison of these alternatives:

	OGVIO	REVOLUT	WESTERN UNION
Overall Score	9.8	9.1	8.9
Transaction Fees	Free	Up to $10/transfer	Varies
Pricing Model	Per-transaction	Plan + per-transaction	Per-transaction
Value For Money
Verdict	A global money transfer service with an additional volatile currency rate pegging to USD and EUR feature.	An all-in-one finance app that makes global spending and investing effortless.	A global service trusted for decades for sending money digitally or in person, though often pricier than newer alternatives.
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: Comparison of Ogvio, Western Union, and Revolut

Wise keeps things simple and transparent, but if you need something extra, like instant crypto transfers within your money transfer platform or in-person cash pickups, Ogvio, Western Union, and Revolut are worth checking out.

📚 Read More: Best International Money Transfer Services

Advantages

If you’ve browsed through today’s most popular money transfer apps, there’s a good chance Wise came up somewhere near the top – and honestly, it deserves the spot due to these reasons:

• Transparent fees;
• Fair exchange rates;
• Multi-currency accounts;
• A smooth user experience.

Since its launch in 2011, Wise has redefined what “fair” looks like in cross-border payments. Before you even hit “send”, you’ll see all Wise fees laid out clearly. The platform uses the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google), which often makes transfers cheaper and more predictable than with banks.

Wise also offers one of the most flexible multi-currency accounts available. You can hold, convert, and use 40+ currencies – and even get your own local bank details in countries like the US, UK, or Australia. People working and getting paid by multiple international clients may find this feature very helpful.

I think the major win is its interface. Both the app and website feel minimal and easy to navigate. You can see your transfer progress in real time, organize multiple currencies, or lock your Wise debit card instantly if something feels off.

Speaking of the debit card, it can be a lifesaver for travelers. You can spend like a local wherever you go, and Wise automatically converts your money at the best available rate. Every purchase sends you an instant notification, so you’re always in control.

Overall, Wise feels like it was made for the “I do everything from my phone” generation. It’s simple to use and transparent.

Limitations

Wise may nail the basics of ease of use and transparency. However, there are some limitations that may make you pause from using this platform:

• Coverage isn’t 100% global;
• No-cash policy;
• Extra verification for large transfers.

Although Wise supports users in 160+ countries, not every region has full access to all its features. Some can even only receive money, not send it. For example, users in certain parts of Asia or Africa may find that Wise doesn’t yet support outbound transfers, debit cards, and money management features.

Also, Wise is fully digital, meaning you can’t send or receive cash or walk into an agent location like you can with Western Union. That’s fine for tech-savvy users, but not ideal if your recipient prefers cash or lives somewhere with limited banking access.

Large transfer users may also face some restrictions. Yes, Wise offers special rates once you send over $25,000 a month, but some high-value transactions require extra verification, which can slow you down.

If your money comes from selling a property, for example, the team may request a letter from a solicitor, auditor, or regulated accountant. Meanwhile, users who get a salary may need to upload the most recent payslips.

Finally, Wise can be a great choice for online-first money transfers, but if your lifestyle leans more toward in-person help, cash pickups, or multi-asset management, you may need to pair it with another platform.

Coverage

Launched in 2011 with the vision of making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simple, Wise claims that the platform is now trusted by around 15.6 million active users across 160+ countries.

While the platform is technically “available” in more than 160 countries and territories, not all of them support outbound transfers, meaning several regions may be receive-only. In fact, when I tested sending money to Italy, I found that Wise only allows transfers from about 56 sending regions.

Features also vary a lot by country. For example, US users can send funds, hold multiple currencies, convert money, and use the debit card, while users in Indonesia may not get full access to cards or payment-management features.

	WISE
Supported Countries	US Canada Germany +160 more
Supported Languages	EN DE FR +15 more
Supported Fiat Currencies	USD CAD EUR +40 more
Supported Cryptocurrencies	Fiat-only
	Visit site Read review

Table: Wise coverage

Still, is Wise safe enough to operate in multiple countries? Generally, yes. Wise is licensed and regulated by local authorities in the countries where it operates. For instance, it’s authorised by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the US, and holds licences across multiple jurisdictions.

For US users, specifically, Wise provides FDIC pass-through insurance for money held in its interest-bearing accounts. How is that possible? It’s because it partners with trusted FDIC-insured institutions to safeguard your funds even though Wise isn’t a bank.

This means that if you’ve opted in to the Wise Interest feature, your eligible balances are insured for up to $250,000 through Wise’s Program Bank – just like if your money were sitting directly in that bank. However, coverage details can vary, and terms may change, so it’s important to review the Program Agreement for the latest list of participating banks and limitations.

Security

Is Wise safe? The simple answer is yes. Besides being licensed by legit financial authorities around the world, it has strong security layers on both the app and website to keep your money and info safe.

When you first sign up, you’ll need to verify your ID and set a strong password to prove you’re a real person (not a scammer or bot). After that, your account is protected with two-factor authentication (2FA), so even if someone somehow gets your password, they still can’t log in without a code sent to your phone or email.

I noticed the app even auto-logs you out after about a few minutes of inactivity. It automatically ends your session and invalidates your login token or cookie.^[1] This prevents someone else (let's say, if they grab your phone or use your open browser) from continuing your session and accessing your personal or financial data.

Wise also offers full control over what you share. For example, contact sync is off by default, and you can toggle it on if you want. Behind the scenes, Wise runs regular security scans and audits to catch anything shady before it happens.

If you’re using the Wise card, you’ll get instant spending alerts – so if something suspicious pops up, you’ll know right away. You can also freeze or block your card instantly in the app if it’s ever lost or stolen, then report it to Wise.

User Experience

There are more than a million user Wise app reviews across the App Store and Google Play, gathering over 4.7-star ratings. Honestly, that says a lot about the platform. It’s modern, intuitive, and powerful for managing money all in one place.

So, how does Wise work inside the app? Well, you can:

If you navigate to the Recipients tab, you can see all your saved contacts in case you want to repeat the transaction sometime in the future. Wise also lets you earn rewards when friends join Wise using your unique code.

Besides the extensive features, I really like how the experience feels localized. For instance, those sending money to a friend in India can just enter their UPI ID instead of full bank details. Such localization features show that Wise adapts to different markets, making it more relevant for users worldwide.

One thing worth highlighting in this Wise app review is that the app doesn’t automatically refresh when your phone locks or when you leave it for a couple of minutes. It may sound small, but it’s convenient, especially compared to Western Union, where users often complain about having to re-enter the same info or refill forms after short inactivity.

That said, the onboarding flow could be improved a bit. Wise asks for a bunch of personal details upfront (name, address, verification, etc.), but there’s no visible progress bar. So, at first, I honestly had no clue how long the setup would take, which can be confusing for first-timers who want to get started fast.

📚 Read More: The Best Money Transfer Apps

Fees, Exchange Rates, and Limits

What is Wise's pricing structure? The platform doesn’t use a fixed fee system, but, generally, the variable percentage fee for major currency conversions starts around 0.33%. Then, it can go up or down depending on two things:

• The amount you send. Wise’s fee is calculated as a small percentage of the total transfer.
• Your payment method. Wise supports several options, such as bank transfers and card payments, and each comes with slightly different fees depending on your country.

Thankfully, you’ll always be able to see a complete breakdown of the Wise fees and how much your recipient will get before confirming the payment.

When it comes to the exchange rate, Wise uses the real, mid-market rate. Since there’s no hidden markup, your recipient typically gets more money. For some currencies, Wise even lets you lock in the rate when setting up your transfer, as long as the payment reaches Wise within the stated timeframe.

	WISE
Deposit Fees	Bank - free Card - varies SWIFT - varies
Withdrawal Fees	ATM - 2 free/mo < $200; then 1.75% Bank - varies
Other Fees	Using stocks - 0.6%/yr Using Wise Interest - 0.26%/yr
Card Maintenance Fees	Free
Fee Transparency
Markup
	Visit site Read review

Table: Wise pricing

If you’re sending large amounts with Wise, you can get a special discounted rate automatically. Wise applies this lower fee once your total transfers or currency conversions exceed 25,000 USD (or the equivalent in your local currency) within a calendar month.

Receiving money is generally free, though sometimes a sender’s bank might charge a fee before the funds reach Wise. Domestic transfers are free for most currencies, except for USD wire transfers, which come with a small receiving fee. However, ACH payments (or direct deposits) in USD are free to receive.

Additionally, there are sending limits that depend on the currency, destination, and payment method you’re using. You can find the exact limits for your country or currency on Wise’s Help Center for up-to-date details.

📚 Read More: The Cheapest Way to Send Money Internationally

Wise Business

This offer from Wise is built for companies that operate internationally or want to. The account provides what you get in the personal version and more.

You can send and receive money in dozens of currencies, hold a balance in 40+ currencies, and create local account details (like the US routing numbers or EU IBANs) so clients around the world can pay you like you’re local.

How does Wise work for this business account? You can perform batch payments (up to 1,000 contacts in one click), get volume discounts once you hit certain transfer thresholds, and manage team spending via multi-currency debit cards with custom permissions.

Security and reliability are taken seriously, too. Besides being licensed, your business funds are held with top-tier banks and liquid assets. It also comes with 24/7 support and built-in controls, like approving team member spending, freezing cards, and viewing multiple currencies in one dashboard.

How to Use Wise

After reading the Wise review, are you sure you want to use this platform? If the answer is yes, I dedicated this section to show you how to create a Wise account and use it to send money online. Based on my experience, using this money transfer app isn’t complicated.

How to Create a Wise Account

Getting started with Wise only takes a few minutes. You can either sign up through the official website or download the Wise app on your phone. Here’s exactly how I did it step by step on my Android phone:

You’re all set! Once the setup is complete, you can immediately choose which country you’d like to send money to and start your first transfer. If you just want to explore the app first, click the [X] in the top-left corner to go to the main dashboard.

How to Send Money With Wise

There are a few ways to send money using Wise - you can create a transfer from a bill, use a Wishtag, or send via email or phone number. But in this guide, I’ll show you the "standard" process for sending money by entering bank details.

This is the standard process using bank details, but you can make things faster by depositing funds into your Wise account in advance or using a Wishtag to avoid entering long bank details of your recipient.

Comparison to Other Money Transfer Services

It’s easy to jump straight into using the platform after reading this Wise review. Honestly, it's okay if you decide to use Wise, as this app is a solid choice for most people. However, it’s not the only option out there. Depending on your needs, some alternatives may actually fit better.

Wise VS Ogvio

Both Wise and Ogvio are all about making global money transfers faster, easier, and cheaper. So, what is Wise's difference from Ogvio? In terms of reputation and trust, Wise is the OG here. It’s been around for years, supports 160+ countries and territories, and is licensed by multiple authorities.

Meanwhile, Ogvio is the new kid on the block, built for people who want to send money like sending a DM – no bank details, just a username. The big flex is that it promises to send money to and from 160+ countries, which means even wider reach than what Wise offers in terms of supported sending regions.

Ogvio and Wise keep the fees transparent, with no hidden markups, so you always know how much you’re paying. Ogvio’s strength, though, is all about speed. Transfers are designed to land in seconds, with little to no fees, depending on your country and method. Basically, if you’ve ever panicked, “Can I send money right now?”, Ogvio’s goal is to make that a yes every time.

	OGVIO	WISE
Mobile App	Coming soon	Android/iOS
App UX
Customer Support	Email	Phone - 24/7 Email
Analytics & Reporting	Spend analytics Export CSV Earnings analytics	Statements CSV/PDF Receipts PDF API reporting
Interest / Investment / Savings Options	1 Crypto trading 2 Staking	1 Wise Interest 2 Stocks
Extra Features	1 Username functionality 2 No freezes 3 Referral program	1 Mid-market exchange rate
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: Wise and Ogvio user experience

Feature-wise, Wise has remittance-focused tools: multi-currency accounts, local bank details, and a debit card that works worldwide. Ogvio, meanwhile, focuses on sleek design, social-style usability, and built-in crypto support (although it plans to launch a card, too).

Unlike Wise’s broad multi-currency model, your funds are held in the world’s most stable currencies (EUR and USD) with Ogvio. This setup helps you preserve value and minimize exposure to volatility.^[2]

All in all, if you look for a licensed platform with a feature similar to a bank, Wise can be a good option. However, if you want instant transfer, modern UX, and crypto support, keep an eye on Ogvio.

Wise VS Western Union

Wise and Western Union represent two generations of money transfers. Western Union, founded in 1851, built its reputation on cash pickups and agent-based transfers, which are still its biggest strength today. Wise, on the other hand, is a digital-first service.

In terms of speed, Wise is usually faster for online transfers, while Western Union wins in locations where banking access is limited. With over 600,000 physical agent locations and presence in 200+ countries and territories, the latter’s reach is unmatched.

	WISE	WESTERN UNION
Supported Countries	US Canada Germany +160 more	Africa Australia Algeria +197 more
Supported Languages	EN DE FR +15 more	EN FR DE +27 more
Supported Fiat Currencies	USD CAD EUR +40 more	HKD CHF CNY +127 more
Supported Cryptocurrencies	Fiat-only	Fiat-only
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: Wise and Western Union coverage

However, if I’m being honest, the Western Union app doesn’t feel convenient enough for today’s needs. Sure, it works because you can send money or track transfers easily, but the experience is clunky. The design looks straight out of the early 2010s, with boxy menus and outdated icons.

Pricing may also be another drawback. Western Union often adds exchange rate markups and has higher, inconsistent fees depending on the country and payment type. On the other hand, Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees upfront.

In short, Wise is better for digital-first users who look for clarity, low fees, and speed. Western Union, however, is a good choice for those who prefer in-person assistance or need to send cash.

Wise VS Revolut

Wise and Revolut both offer multi-currency accounts, cards, and user-friendly international transfers. However, their focus differs a lot. Wise is built primarily for cross-border money movement, while Revolut expanded into a full financial app with budgeting tools, crypto trading, and stock investments.

In terms of transparency, Wise still leads. It always shows the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups, while Revolut may add a small weekend surcharge or limits depending on your plan (Standard, Plus, Premium, or Metal).

	WISE	REVOLUT
Deposit Fees	Bank - free Card - varies SWIFT - varies	Card - up to 1.7% Bank - free
Withdrawal Fees	ATM - 2 free/mo < $200; then 1.75% Bank - varies	ATM - up to 2%
Other Fees	Using stocks - 0.6%/yr Using Wise Interest - 0.26%/yr	Unspecified
Card Maintenance Fees	Free	Standard - free Plus - $3.99/mo Premium - $7.99/mo Metal - $14.99/mo Ultra - $45/mo
Fee Transparency
Markup
	Visit site Read review	Visit site Read review

Table: Wise and Revolut pricing

Revolut, however, offers more lifestyle perks – you can easily split bills, earn cashback, trade crypto, and access spending analytics. Yes, you can upload your bill on the Wise app and create Jars, too, but Revolut’s sleek interface and premium plan benefits make it feel a bit more “luxurious”.

To sum up, Wise is the better choice for pure international money transfers and transparent rates. Revolut is ideal if you want an all-in-one finance app that combines payments, investing, and banking tools in one place.

Conclusions

From this Wise review, I think you now notice that the platform can be a good option for people who live globally – the ones who value ease of use and transparency. It comes with fair exchange rates and user-friendly interfaces.

Still, it’s not for everyone. If your recipient prefers cash picks or you need extra features like crypto management, you may find other options better.

Scientific References

1. Calzavara S., Jonker H., Krumnow B., Rabitti A.: 'Measuring Web Session Security at Scale';

2. Chikwira C., Jahed M.I.: 'Analysis of Exchange Rate Stability on the Economic Growth Process of a Developing Country: The Case of South Africa from 2000 to 2023'.

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