Revolut vs Wise: Which is Better?
Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are two leading fintech platforms known for their international banking services. While both offer multi-currency support and international money transfers, they serve different needs.
- Revolut: A digital banking app offering multi-currency accounts, stock/crypto trading, budgeting tools, and premium banking plans.
- Wise: A specialist in international money transfers with real exchange rates, multi-currency accounts, and a focus on low-cost transactions.
Let’s compare Revolut vs Wise in terms of fees, features, and the best use cases.
1. Key Differences: Revolut vs Wise
| Feature | Revolut | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Banking License | No (E-money license) | No (E-money license) |
| FSCS Protection | No | No |
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes (30+ currencies) | Yes (40+ currencies) |
| International Transfers | Yes (Fees apply) | Yes (Cheaper, real exchange rates) |
| Crypto & Stock Trading | Yes | No |
| Business Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Card Availability | Yes (Debit card, Metal card) | Yes (Debit card) |
| ATM Withdrawals | Free up to £200/month, then 2% fee | Free up to £200/month, then fees apply |
| Overdrafts & Loans | No | No |
2. Features Breakdown
🔹 International Money Transfers
- Revolut offers competitive exchange rates but adds a markup (0.5%+) after free limits.
- Wise provides real exchange rates (mid-market rate) with transparent transfer fees, often cheaper.
🏆 Winner: Wise (for cheaper & transparent international transfers).
🔹 Multi-Currency Support
- Revolut supports 30+ currencies, allowing users to exchange and hold multiple currencies.
- Wise supports 40+ currencies, often offering better exchange rates.
🏆 Winner: Wise (for wider currency support).
🔹 Crypto & Stock Trading
- Revolut allows trading in crypto, stocks, and commodities.
- Wise does not offer any investment features.
🏆 Winner: Revolut (for trading & investments).
🔹 Business Accounts
- Both offer business accounts, but Wise is better for international payments with lower fees.
🏆 Winner: Wise (for business users with global transactions).
🔹 Card & Spending Features
- Both offer debit cards that work worldwide.
- Revolut offers premium metal cards with cashback.
🏆 Winner: Revolut (for premium card benefits).
3. Fees & Pricing
| Feature | Revolut | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Account Fee | Free (Premium & Metal plans available) | Free |
| ATM Withdrawals | Free up to £200/month, then 2% fee | Free up to £200/month, then 1.75% fee |
| Foreign Exchange | Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5% fee | Uses real exchange rate, fees from 0.35% |
| International Transfers | Markup fees apply | Real exchange rates, lower fees |
🏆 Winner: Wise (for lower and transparent fees).
4. Which One Should You Choose?
| Choose Revolut if… | Choose Wise if… |
|---|---|
| You want a multi-currency account with stock & crypto trading. | You need cheap international money transfers. |
| You need a premium banking experience (Metal, cashback, perks). | You want real exchange rates with no hidden fees. |
| You travel frequently and want ATM withdrawals, budgeting tools. | You make international business payments. |
5. Conclusion: Which is Better?
✔ For cheap international transfers → Wise is the better choice with real exchange rates and low fees.
✔ For premium banking features & trading → Revolut is better with crypto, stocks, and premium accounts.
Overall Winner? ✅ Wise for international transactions, ✅ Revolut for digital banking & trading.