Wise Debit Card vs Revolut Card: A Comprehensive Comparison
As global travel, remote work, and multi-currency spending rise, digital financial services like Wise and Revolut have become popular alternatives to traditional bank cards. Both offer multi-currency accounts with debit cards that work abroad, but they differ in pricing, features, and suitability depending on how you use them. This article compares key aspects to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Overview: Core Differences
Wise focuses on low-cost international money movement with transparent currency conversion and multi-currency support. Its card is a simple, no-monthly-fee companion to its multi-currency account.
Revolut started as a budget travel card but has become a broader “neobank,” offering tiered accounts, investment products, crypto, insurance and travel perks in addition to its card services.
2. Currency Conversion & Exchange Rates
Wise
Uses mid-market (real) exchange rates with small, transparent conversion fees when you spend in a currency you don’t hold.
No hidden markups — what you see is what you pay.
Revolut
Also uses mid-market rates within plan limits during weekdays.
On the free Standard plan, spending beyond the monthly free currency exchange allowance can incur a “fair usage” fee, and weekend conversions may have extra charges.
Premium plans reduce or eliminate some fees.
Verdict: Wise generally offers more consistent currency costs with fewer conditional charges, while Revolut can be cheaper if your use stays within plan allowances or you upgrade to a premium tier.
3. ATM Withdrawals
Feature
Revolut Card (Standard)
Free ATM withdrawals
Up to £200 / ~€200 per month (2 withdrawals)
Up to £200 / ~€200 (up to 5 withdrawals)
Fee after limit
~1.75% + fixed amount per withdrawal
~2% fee beyond allowances
Paid plan limits
N/A
Higher free limits with Premium/Metal
Verdict: Revolut’s free withdrawal limits are more generous on the Standard plan, but premium plans add even more value. Wise is still competitive and predictable for occasional ATM use.
4. Account Pricing & Card Costs
Wise
No monthly account fee.
One-off card order fee (e.g., ~$9/£7).
No annual card fee.
Revolut
Free Standard account, but tiered paid plans (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra) with monthly fees.
Some plans include travel perks (lounge access, insurance) and higher withdrawal thresholds.
Verdict: Wise is simpler and cheaper if you want just the card. Revolut’s premium plans cost extra but add lifestyle and travel benefits.
5. Multi-Currency Support
Wise: Supports holding and spending in 40+ currencies.
Revolut: Supports around 25–30+ currencies depending on region and plan.
Verdict: Wise supports a broader range of currencies, which can be useful for travel to niche destinations or managing unusual currency pairs.
6. Additional Features & Perks
Revolut
Offers investment features, cryptocurrency trading, and savings “vaults.”
Premium plans include travel insurance, purchase protection, airport lounge access and higher spending limits.
Multiple card types and personalization options.
Wise
Focuses on core financial features: multi-currency management, transparent transfers, and fair spending.
Virtual cards available for online spending.
Verdict: Revolut’s extras may appeal if you want more than just a travel card — like travel insurance or investing — but they come with added complexity and fees. Wise remains straightforward and focused on currency and transfers.
7. Best Use Cases
Choose Wise if you want:
Predictable costs and true mid-market exchange rates.
A simple, no-monthly-fee card for international spending.
Broad multi-currency support.
Choose Revolut if you want:
A broader digital bank with travel perks and extras.
Higher free ATM and exchange allowances with premium plans.
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