Wise vs Revolut
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Best for | Cheap, transparent international transfers | Travel spending and an all-in-one app |
| Monthly fee | Free (one-time card fee in some regions) | Free to ~$16.99/mo (Standard→Metal) |
| Exchange rate | Mid-market + transparent fee (often <0.5%) | Mid-market weekdays; ~1% weekend on Standard |
| Send / receive | Low variable fee (~0.33%+) | Free between Revolut users |
| Withdrawals | Free up to a monthly cap, then small fee | Free up to a monthly limit, then ~2% |
| Card | Yes — physical & virtual debit Mastercard | Yes — virtual & physical debit; Metal on premium |
| Availability | 160+ countries | 40+ markets; cards usable in 160+ countries |
| Currencies | 40+ currencies | 30+ in-app (spend in 120+) |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), NBB (Belgium), FinCEN (US) | Bank of Lithuania (ECB), UK banking licence, FCA |
| Founded | 2011 | 2015 |
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
Revolut
Revolut is a feature-packed money super-app combining multi-currency accounts, travel-friendly cards, crypto, stocks and budgeting in one place. Free plans offer mid-market FX on weekdays with monthly limits, while paid tiers remove weekend surcharges and add perks. Its breadth is unmatched, though support quality and weekend FX fees are common gripes.
Pros
- Mid-market FX on weekdays with generous free limits
- Budgeting, crypto, stocks, savings in one app
- Strong travel and multi-currency card
Cons
- Weekend FX surcharge and limits on free plans
- Best features locked behind paid tiers
- Support is chat-only and can be slow
The bottom line
Overall, Wise edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 4.4 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.