Wise vs Revolut 2025: Complete Comparison Guide

Platform Overview

What is Wise?

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-based fintech company founded in 2011, specialising in international money transfers and multi-currency accounts. Wise is known for transparent pricing, real exchange rates, and low fees for cross-border transactions.

Key features include:

• Multi-currency account with local bank details
• International transfers at mid-market rates
• Wise debit card for global spending
• Business accounts for companies
• API for developers and businesses

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a UK-based digital bank founded in 2015, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services including banking, investments, and cryptocurrency trading. Revolut has expanded globally and holds banking licenses in multiple countries.

Key features include:

• Full digital banking services
• Cryptocurrency trading and storage
• Stock and commodity investments
• Premium and metal card tiers
• Budgeting and analytics tools

Quick Comparison

Fees and Pricing

Wise Fees

• Account: Free to open and maintain
• Transfers: 0.35-2% depending on currency pair and payment method
• Card: Free virtual card, £7 for physical card
• ATM withdrawals: Free up to £200/month, then 1.75%
• Currency conversion: 0.35-2% (same as transfer fees)
• Receiving money: Free for most currencies

Revolut Fees

Standard (Free):

• Account: Free
• Transfers: Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5%
• Card: Free
• ATM withdrawals: Free up to £200/month, then 2%
• Weekend exchange: 0.5-1% markup

Premium (£6.99/month):

• Unlimited free transfers
• Free ATM withdrawals up to £400/month
• No weekend exchange markup
• Travel insurance included

Metal (£12.99/month):

• All Premium features
• Free ATM withdrawals up to £600/month
• Metal card with cashback
• Priority customer support

Features Comparison

Wise Features

• Multi-currency account: Hold 50+ currencies
• Local bank details: Get account details for 10+ countries
• Real exchange rates: Always use mid-market rates
• Transparent fees: See exact costs upfront
• Business tools: Mass payments, API integration
• Mobile app: iOS and Android apps
• Direct debits: Set up in multiple countries

Revolut Features

• Full banking: Current account with sort code
• Cryptocurrency: Buy, sell, and hold 80+ cryptocurrencies
• Stock trading: Commission-free stock trading
• Budgeting tools: Spending analytics and categories
• Savings vaults: Round-up savings and goals
• Travel features: Travel insurance and eSIM
• Junior accounts: Accounts for children
• Open Banking: Connect external accounts

Debit Cards

Wise Card

• Type: Mastercard debit card
• Cost: £7 one-time fee
• Spending: Spend in 170+ countries
• Conversion: Real exchange rates with low fees
• ATM: Free withdrawals up to £200/month
• Design: Simple green design
• Contactless: Yes, with mobile wallet support

Revolut Cards

Standard Card (Free):

• Mastercard or Visa
• Free virtual and physical card
• Weekend exchange markup applies
• Basic spending controls

Premium Card (£6.99/month):

• Enhanced design options
• No weekend markup
• Travel insurance included
• Priority customer support

Metal Card (£12.99/month):

• 18g stainless steel card
• 1% cashback in Europe, 0.1% worldwide
• Exclusive airport lounge access
• Concierge service

International Transfers

Wise Transfers

• Speed: Usually within 24 hours, some instant
• Fees: 0.35-2% depending on corridor
• Exchange rate: Always mid-market rate
• Transparency: See exact fees and arrival time
• Tracking: Real-time transfer tracking
• Limits: Up to £1 million per transfer
• Recipients: Send to bank accounts, mobile wallets

Revolut Transfers

• Speed: Usually instant to 1 business day
• Fees: Free up to limits, then 0.5%
• Exchange rate: Markup applied, especially weekends
• Limits: Vary by plan (£1,000-£25,000/month)
• Methods: Bank transfer, card payment
• Recipients: Other Revolut users, bank accounts
• Instant transfers: Between Revolut users

Security and Regulation

Wise Security

• Regulation: FCA regulated in UK, licensed globally
• Protection: Client funds segregated and protected
• Insurance: Up to £85,000 FSCS protection
• Security: 2FA, biometric login, card controls
• Compliance: AML and KYC procedures
• Transparency: Regular transparency reports

Revolut Security

• Banking license: Full banking license in Lithuania
• Protection: Up to €100,000 deposit guarantee
• UK regulation: FCA authorized for e-money
• Security features: 2FA, biometrics, instant notifications
• Card controls: Freeze/unfreeze, spending limits
• Fraud protection: Real-time transaction monitoring

Pros and Cons

Wise Pros

• Real mid-market exchange rates
• Transparent, low fees
• Excellent for international transfers
• Multi-currency account with local details
• Strong reputation and trust
• No monthly fees
• Great business features

Wise Cons

• Limited banking features
• No cryptocurrency or investments
• Single card design
• No budgeting tools
• Card fee (£7)
• Limited customer support hours

Revolut Pros

• Full digital banking experience
• Cryptocurrency and stock trading
• Excellent budgeting tools
• Multiple card tiers
• Instant transfers between users
• Travel features and insurance
• Junior accounts available

Revolut Cons

• Exchange rate markup
• Weekend surcharges
• Monthly fees for premium features
• Complex fee structure
• Customer service issues
• Account freezing concerns

Final Verdict

Choose Wise If:

• You prioritise low fees and real exchange rates
• International transfers are your main need
• You want transparent, predictable pricing
• You need multi-currency business features
• You prefer simplicity over features
• You don't need cryptocurrency or investments

Choose Revolut If:

• You want a full digital banking experience
• You're interested in cryptocurrency and stocks
• You need advanced budgeting tools
• You travel frequently and want premium features
• You don't mind paying for premium tiers
• You want multiple card options

Bottom Line

Both Wise and Revolut are excellent fintech services, but they serve different needs. Wise excels at international transfers with transparent pricing and real exchange rates, making it ideal for frequent international transactions. Revolut offers a comprehensive digital banking experience with investments and cryptocurrency, perfect for users wanting an all-in-one financial app.

For pure international transfers and multi-currency needs, Wise is typically the better choice. For comprehensive digital banking with investment features, Revolut takes the lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for international transfers: Wise or Revolut?

Wise is generally better for international transfers due to lower fees and better exchange rates. Wise charges 0.35-2% fees while Revolut charges 0.5% for premium users and higher rates for free users.

Does Wise or Revolut offer better exchange rates?

Wise typically offers better exchange rates as it uses the real mid-market rate with transparent fees. Revolut adds a markup to exchange rates, especially for free users and during weekends.

Which card is better for travel: Wise or Revolut?

Both are excellent for travel. Wise offers better rates for currency conversion, while Revolut provides additional features, such as budgeting tools and cryptocurrency trading. Choice depends on your priorities.

Are Wise and Revolut safe to use?

Both are regulated financial institutions. Wise is regulated by the FCA in the UK and other authorities globally. Revolut holds banking licenses in multiple countries. Both options offer deposit protection up to the applicable regulatory limits.

Can I use both Wise and Revolut together?

Yes, many users combine both services. You might use Wise for international transfers and Revolut for daily banking and investments. This gives you the best of both platforms.

Which has better customer support?

Both have room for improvement in customer support. Wise generally receives better reviews for support quality, while Revolut offers 24/7 chat support for premium users but has faced criticism for response times.