How Transferwise Card Works for International Travel

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Making a Payment With a Debit Card
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The TransferWise Card is a game-changer for international travel. It allows you to hold up to 40 foreign currencies in your account, making it easy to manage your money abroad.

With the TransferWise Card, you can withdraw cash from ATMs, make online purchases, and even pay bills in multiple currencies. This is especially helpful when you're traveling to multiple destinations and need to deal with different currencies.

One of the best things about the TransferWise Card is that it doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees, which can save you a significant amount of money on your transactions.

Multi-Currency Account

You can add money to your Wise account by opening the app, choosing the currency, and specifying the amount you want to add. This will allow you to pay with your card.

To add money, you can use different payment methods such as bank transfer or card. This makes it easy to top up your account.

Making a Payment With a Debit Card
Credit: pexels.com, Making a Payment With a Debit Card

For cards issued in Brazil, you may have a secondary card number that Wise will automatically use to help your card payments go through. This can be a convenient feature.

Your Wise Multi-Currency Card is linked to your Wise Account and can make budgeting for international spending and travel easier. There's no interest to pay, no cash advance charges, and no penalty fees.

You can top up your Wise Account with the funds you expect to spend when you're away, and then convert to the currencies you need within Wise. This can save you money on fees.

All transactions are debited from your Wise account, usually pretty much instantly. This means you can keep track of your spending in real-time.

Using Your Card Abroad

Using your TransferWise card abroad is a breeze. You'll need to activate it and set a PIN before traveling, which can only be done in the US.

To activate your card, simply log into the TransferWise online platform or app and enter the 6-digit code on the back of your card. This security step ensures the card is in your hands.

Isometric image of online money transfer via mobile phones on light background \
Credit: pexels.com, Isometric image of online money transfer via mobile phones on light background \

Once activated, you can use your card to spend in person and make cash withdrawals. You can also use mobile wallets like Apple Pay for mobile payments and tap and pay anywhere contactless payments are supported internationally.

You can top up your TransferWise account with funds for your trip and convert them to the currencies you need within the platform. Alternatively, the card's auto-convert feature will switch your balance to the required currency instantly, with the lowest possible fees.

All transactions are debited from your TransferWise account, usually instantly. You can also use the app to freeze and unfreeze your card whenever needed.

Here's a breakdown of the fees you'll pay when using the TransferWise card abroad:

Keep an eye on your transactions with instant notifications in the TransferWise app.

Managing Your Account

Managing your Wise Multi-Currency Card account is a breeze, thanks to the Wise app. You can keep an eye on everything with instant transaction notifications.

You can top up your Wise Account on the go using your phone in just a few taps, which is super convenient if your plans change. This way, you'll always have the funds you need for your international spending and travel.

Add Funds to Account

Laptop and smartphone with Mastercard logo, illustrating online shopping and digital payments.
Credit: pexels.com, Laptop and smartphone with Mastercard logo, illustrating online shopping and digital payments.

Adding funds to your account is a straightforward process. To start, you'll need to open the Wise app and choose the currency you want to add money to.

You can then select how much you'd like to add, and choose a payment method such as bank transfer or card. Just be aware that for cards issued in Brazil, a secondary card number may be used to help your card payments go through.

View Your Details

You can view your card details on the app or website at any time. This includes your card number, expiry date, and CVV for non-US issued cards.

For non-US issued cards, you can see your card details on the app or website, while for US issued cards, you'll need to activate your card first.

US issued cards, specifically Wise Multi-Currency Cards, allow you to set your own PIN when you activate your card.

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Ordering and Delivery

You can order a physical Wise card or a digital card.

Close Up Photo of Person Holding a Black Card
Credit: pexels.com, Close Up Photo of Person Holding a Black Card

A small fee may be charged for the physical card, and you'll need to add money to your balance.

We'll verify your account and personal details, such as your name and address, before shipping the new card to you.

Standard delivery is via local post, but there's no tracking number available unless you speed up your card order.

You can order up to 3 digital cards at any one time for a more secure spending experience.

Card Usage and Fees

Using your TransferWise card internationally is a breeze. You can use it in 170+ countries around the world for cash withdrawals and in-person spending.

You won't have to worry about converting money before traveling because TransferWise will automatically convert the amount for you. They'll take it from whichever available balance has the cheapest conversion fee.

Some countries have restrictions on using the TransferWise card, including Afghanistan, Belarus, and 17 others. If you're planning to travel to one of these countries, be sure to check the TransferWise website for the most up-to-date information.

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Multi-Currency Account International Fees

Master Card Debit Card
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Using a multi-currency account like Wise can save you a lot of money on international fees. You'll pay a fee of 9 USD for your first Wise Multi-Currency Card, and 5 USD for a card replacement, unless your card is expiring.

The good news is that you won't pay any fees for spending a currency you already hold in your account. If you're traveling to a country where you don't have the local currency in your account, Wise will automatically convert the amount for you from the available balance with the cheapest conversion fee.

If you need to make a cash withdrawal at an ATM, the first two withdrawals of less than 100 USD total are free. After that, you'll pay a fee of 1.50 USD per withdrawal, plus 2% for withdrawing more than 100 USD total.

Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect to pay when using your Wise Multi-Currency Card internationally:

Keep in mind that the fees and terms may change, so it's always best to check the Wise website for the most up-to-date information before you travel.

US Card Usage After Move

A Person Holding a Black Envelope with Money
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If you're moving to or from the US, you'll need a new Wise Multi-Currency card to meet the country's requirements.

You can't keep using your old card in the US because card licenses are specific to different countries and regions.

The US is not included in the EEA + Switzerland region, so you'll need a new card.

You can order a new Wise Multi-Currency card to meet the US requirements, and it'll work just like your old one did in your previous location.

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International Travel

If you're planning to use your TransferWise card abroad, you'll need to activate it first. This can only be done in the US, so get it sorted as soon as your card arrives.

To activate your card, simply log into Wise online or in the app, and enter the 6 digit code that's on the back of your card. This security step proves that the card is in the hands of the account holder.

Once it's activated, you can use your card to spend in person and make cash withdrawals abroad. You can also use it with a mobile wallet like Apple Pay for mobile payments.

Japan and Other Countries

Person Holding Debit Card
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If your Wise card was issued in Japan, you'll need to follow specific steps to activate it.

For cards issued after March 27, 2023, you can activate it by using the 6-digit PIN provided with your card. To do this, go to your Wise account, select Card, and then Activate Now. Next, enter the 6-digit code on the letter your card came attached to.

If your card was issued before March 27, 2023, you'll need to use an ATM from one of the following providers: Aeon, E-net, or Daily Yamazaki. Make sure to select "international cards" if prompted by the ATM, and enter your 4-digit PIN to activate your card.

You can use any of these three ATM providers: Aeon, E-net, or Daily Yamazaki.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans get a Wise card?

Yes, Americans can get a Wise card, which can be ordered from the US for international transactions. Order now to enjoy competitive exchange rates and global access.

Does TransferWise have a debit card?

Yes, TransferWise offers a linked international debit card for spending and cash withdrawals in 170+ countries. You can order one with a low, one-time fee, if you have an account with Wise.

What are the benefits of the Wise card?

The Wise card offers significant cost savings for international spending, ATM withdrawals, and money transfers, with no setup fees, monthly fees, or minimum balance requirements. Enjoy up to 5x cheaper spending abroad and more with Wise.

Alfred Blanda

Senior Writer

Alfred Blanda has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of banking information, offering readers clear, concise, and comprehensive insights into the financial sector. His articles are known for their depth and clarity, making complex financial concepts accessible to a wide audience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for educating, Blanda continues to be a trusted voice in financial journalism.

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