Wise vs bunq
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Wise | bunq |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Best for | Cheap, transparent international transfers | Digital nomads needing EU banking + multi-currency |
| Monthly fee | Free (one-time card fee in some regions) | ~€3–€18/mo (Core/Pro/Elite) |
| Exchange rate | Mid-market + transparent fee (often <0.5%) | ~0.5–1.5% by plan/currency |
| Send / receive | Low variable fee (~0.33%+) | Free SEPA on paid plans |
| Withdrawals | Free up to a monthly cap, then small fee | Limited free ATM on higher plans |
| Card | Yes — physical & virtual debit Mastercard | Yes — physical & virtual Mastercard |
| Availability | 160+ countries | 30+ EEA countries (+ UK via e-money) |
| Currencies | 40+ currencies | ~20+ currencies |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), NBB (Belgium), FinCEN (US) | De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) full EU banking licence |
| Founded | 2011 | 2012 |
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the benchmark for transparent, low-cost international transfers, using the real mid-market rate plus a small visible fee. Its multi-currency account holds 40+ currencies with local account details, making it ideal for freelancers and frequent travellers. It is an e-money provider rather than a full bank, so it lacks credit products and bank-style deposit insurance.
Pros
- Mid-market exchange rate with low transparent fees
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies
- Local account details in multiple currencies
Cons
- Not a full bank (no deposit insurance like a bank)
- ATM withdrawals free only up to a monthly cap
- No credit or overdraft features
bunq
bunq is an Amsterdam-based challenger bank with a full Dutch banking licence and €100,000 deposit protection, popular with digital nomads for its multi-currency support, sub-accounts and savings interest. Unlike some rivals it is subscription-based with no fully free everyday plan. A strong choice for EU residents wanting flexible, feature-rich banking.
Pros
- Full Dutch banking licence, €100k protection
- Multi-currency holding with fair FX
- Multiple sub-accounts & budgeting tools
Cons
- No fully free everyday plan (subscription)
- FX markup higher on lower tiers
- Mainly EEA-focused availability
The bottom line
Overall, Wise edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 4.0 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.