Wise vs Vivid
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Wise | Vivid |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Best for | Cheap, transparent international transfers | Cashback, saving and investing in one app |
| Monthly fee | Free (one-time card fee in some regions) | Standard €4.90 (waivable); Plus €6.90; Prime €9.90 |
| Exchange rate | Mid-market + transparent fee (often <0.5%) | 1% over the Visa rate on non-euro card payments |
| Send / receive | Low variable fee (~0.33%+) | Free SEPA and instant SEPA; no SWIFT |
| Withdrawals | Free up to a monthly cap, then small fee | €200 / €500 / €1,000 free a month, then 3% (min €1) |
| Card | Yes — physical & virtual debit Mastercard | Yes — Visa debit (metal on premium) |
| Availability | 160+ countries | AT, CY, FR, DE, IT, LU, NL, PT, ES, CH |
| Currencies | 40+ currencies | EUR (only supported retail currency) |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), NBB (Belgium), FinCEN (US) | Vivid Money S.A., e-money institution regulated by the CSSF (Luxembourg) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2020 |
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
Vivid
Vivid is a Berlin-founded money app combining a euro account, cashback, budgeting pockets and in-app investing in stocks, ETFs and crypto. It is feature-rich and well-designed, though Standard now costs €4.90 a month unless you keep €3,000 or spend €1,000 by card, non-euro payments cost 1%, and it is offered in a limited set of European markets by Vivid Money S.A., a Luxembourg e-money institution.
Pros
- Cashback and rewards on spending
- Invest in stocks, ETFs and crypto in-app
- Sub-accounts (pockets) for budgeting
Cons
- Standard costs €4.90 a month unless you meet the waiver
- 1% on every non-euro card payment
- Euro only: no other currencies or SWIFT
The bottom line
Overall, Wise edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 3.8 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.