Wise App Review

  • Our Rating: 4 / 5

Updated 05-16-2023

Version 8.10.4
Google Play Downloads 21,561,145
Developer Wise, formerly TransferWise
Screenshot From Our Wise Review

Overview

If you are looking for a reliable and feature-packed finance app to help you manage your money, then Wise for Android is definitely worth checking out. With more than 10 million installs, Wise is a popular choice for people who want to send and receive money internationally, convert currencies, and monitor their spending on the go.

Features

1. International Money Transfer

One of the standout features of Wise is its ability to transfer money between different currencies at very competitive rates. You can send money to friends and family abroad, pay bills in different countries, or receive payments from clients around the world. Wise uses a peer-to-peer system that bypasses traditional banking methods, which means that you can avoid hefty hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

2. Currency Exchange

In addition to international transfers, Wise also lets you buy and sell currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, which is the fairest rate you can get. You can choose from over 50 currencies and make the exchange using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. The exchange fees are transparent and much lower than what you would typically pay at a bank or currency exchange bureau.

3. Debit Card

With the Wise debit card, you can spend money abroad in over 200 countries without paying any foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees up to a certain limit. You can also use the card to make online purchases in different currencies and track your spending with real-time notifications. The card is linked to your Wise account and you can control it from within the app.

4. Borderless Account

The Wise borderless account is a multi-currency account that lets you hold, send, and receive money in up to 40 currencies. You can easily switch between currencies, get local bank details in different countries, and receive payments like a local. The account is free to open and maintain, and you can manage it from within the app or on the web.

Pros

1. Low Fees

Wise prides itself on offering transparent and low fees for all its services. You can see exactly how much you will pay before confirming a transaction, and you can compare the Wise fees with other providers to make an informed decision. Many users report saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to using their bank or other money transfer companies.

2. User-Friendly Interface

The Wise app is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even if you are not familiar with finance or technology. The interface is clean, colorful, and informative, with helpful tips and explanations for each feature. You can navigate the app with ease and find what you need in a matter of seconds.

3. Fast Transactions

Unlike traditional banks, which can take several working days to process an international payment, Wise transfers usually take just a few hours or even minutes, depending on the currencies and countries involved. You can track the progress of your transfer in real-time and receive instant notifications when the money has been sent or received.

Cons

1. Limited Currency Coverage

Although Wise supports over 50 currencies, there are still some exotic or niche currencies that are not available. If you need to deal with a currency that is not supported by Wise, you may have to look for alternative solutions.

2. Quota Limits

Wise has some limits on the amount of money you can transfer, exchange, or withdraw per transaction, per day, or per year, depending on the currencies and countries involved. If you need to send or receive large sums of money, you may have to split the transaction into several smaller ones.

Comparison to Similar Apps

Wise is not the only finance app that offers international money transfer and currency exchange. Other popular options include TransferWise, PayPal, Revolut, and Xoom. However, Wise stands out for its competitive rates, transparent fees, and user-friendly interface. Unlike PayPal, which has higher fees and a more complex fee structure, Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate with a fixed fee. Unlike Revolut, which has some hidden fees and poor customer support, Wise is upfront about its fees and has a responsive customer support team. Unlike Xoom, which has a limited choice of countries and currencies, Wise covers more than 70 countries and 50 currencies. And unlike TransferWise, which is a close competitor in terms of fees and features, Wise has a more modern and user-friendly app interface.

Tips for Using the App

1. Verify Your Identity

Before you can use all the services of Wise, you need to verify your identity by submitting a government-issued ID document and a selfie. This process usually takes a few minutes, but it may take longer if your document is not clear or your face does not match. Make sure to have a good lighting and a stable connection when you take the selfie.

2. Choose the Right Payment Method

When you make a transaction on Wise, you can choose between different payment methods, such as debit card, credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, so make sure to compare them before making a decision. For example, debit card payments are fast and free up to a certain limit, but they may be subject to daily or monthly restrictions. Bank transfers are slower but may be cheaper for larger amounts.

3. Monitor Your Rates

The exchange rates on Wise are updated in real-time and can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as market conditions, volume, and time of day. You can set up rate alerts or limit orders to get notified when the rates reach a specific level or automatically trigger a transaction. This can help you save money and take advantage of favorable rates.

Conclusion

If you need to send or receive money internationally, exchange currencies, or manage your spending abroad, then Wise for Android is a top-notch choice. With its low fees, transparent rates, and user-friendly interface, Wise makes it easy and affordable to handle your finances from your phone. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a freelancer, a business owner, or a student, you can benefit from the convenience and security of using Wise. By using Wise, you can say goodbye to hidden fees, poor exchange rates, and stressful transactions, and hello to more money in your pocket and more peace of mind. We definitely recommend using Wise, especially if you have had bad experiences with other finance apps or providers.