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TransferWise is a global financial technology company that allows individuals and businesses to send and receive money across borders without being ripped off by banks.
It was founded in 2011 by Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus, two Estonian entrepreneurs who were frustrated with the high fees and poor exchange rates charged by traditional banks.
TransferWise uses the real exchange rate and a low, transparent fee to help customers save money on international money transfers.
The company's service is popular among expats, freelancers, and small businesses, who often need to send money abroad for work or personal reasons.
What is TransferWise
TransferWise is a financial service that offers a range of products to help people and businesses manage their money across borders.
Wise is not a bank, but it provides accounts through Wise Account for customers to hold their money while sending, receiving, and spending.
Customers can opt-in to earn interest on their account, and gain FDIC insurance on up to $250,000 of their deposit, thanks to Wise's partnership with banks.
Wise Business allows businesses to perform cross-border money transfers.
The company partners with BlackRock for its interest-bearing accounts, which is a significant development as of 2023.
Wise Platform is a platform that enables banks and businesses to offer their customers fast, cheap, and transparent ways to manage their money across borders.
Pros of
TransferWise, or Wise, has a lot to offer. One of the biggest advantages is that it's remarkably simple to use, with a seamless user experience that makes transferring money a breeze.
The Wise app is fingerprint supported, so you don't need to type a password every time you use it. This makes it quick and easy to get started.
Wise takes pride in offering a transparent and competitive service, with exchange rates that are 13x cheaper than traditional exchange services. This is no accident – they're committed to providing a great experience.
Here are some of the key benefits of using Wise:
- Fingerprint supported app for easy access
- Seamless user experience with a short learning curve
- Competitive and transparent exchange rates
- Guaranteed exchange rate with no hidden fees
- Support for over 50 different currencies
Wise also offers a range of other benefits, including the ability to hold a "bank account" in different countries and receive payments like a local in 10 currencies.
Using TransferWise
Using TransferWise is a breeze, as you can send and receive money in over 50 currencies with just a few taps. You can even use the Wise debit card to make contactless payments, just like you would with any other bank card.
The Wise mobile app is just as convenient as the website, and it's available on both Apple and Google Play stores. You can use it to track and manage your transfers, and even send money using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
With Wise, you can hold multiple currencies in one account, including British pounds, euros, and Australian dollars. You can convert between currencies automatically, and even receive money from around the world with a unique account detail for each currency.
How to Work – Step by Step Guide
To send and receive money through Wise, you simply need to create an account and verify it.
You can then fill out the recipient details, including their name and local bank details, to where the money will go.
The recipient doesn't need to create a Wise account to receive the money, but only a local bank account.
Wise assigns users a unique ID code that holds the bank name, address, and other details of the person.
You can transfer money to one of your accounts, someone else, a company, etc, as long as it is available.
To process the money transfer, you need to pay for the money needed to be sent along with the fees computed at the total.
You can pay through debit and/or credit cards or from your local bank to Wise's bank account in your area.
Some countries also offer different payment options, and you can check them once you process the transfer.
You just need to provide your bank account details in your local currency to the sender, who will pay.
Wise has a calculator available on their website that allows you to see how much the exchange rate and fees are.
You simply have to type in how much are you going to send and in what currency you want to send it.
The calculator will show Wise fees and the exchange rate based on Google even though you don’t have an account yet.
This feature allows you to see the transparent money transfer process of Wise, so you know if you’re saving a lot.
Wise is a non-bank service provider, which means that your account is a digital account or wallet.
However, Wise operates under the same regulations normal banks follow, making it safe.
Debit Card
Using a debit card with TransferWise allows for quick and easy international money transfers.
Debit card fees are more expensive than bank fees but cheaper than credit card fees.
You can make a debit card payment to send and receive money quickly, but be aware that it has higher fees compared to other payment methods.
For instance, debit card payments are the fastest option, with the recipient getting the money instantly.
However, this method may not be ideal for those who want to pay less in fees, as it comes with a higher cost.
If you're not in a hurry, you can opt for an ACH payment, which is cheaper but takes a little longer.
Typically, an ACH payment takes around two days for TransferWise to receive your money and another two days for the money to get into the recipient's account.
This method is a good alternative to the more expensive credit card and debit card transfers, and some users even report that their ACH payments have gone through in as little as one business day.
Wise charges 1.25% from debit cards, which is a fee to consider when making a debit card payment.
However, this fee is still cheaper than credit card fees, which can be as high as 3.8% for personal accounts and 4.33% for business accounts.
So, if you're looking for a quick and relatively affordable way to send and receive money internationally, a debit card with TransferWise might be a good option.
Credit Card
If you're a Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro card holder, you can pay for your TransferWise transfer using your credit card.
Using a credit card is a fast option, but it comes with higher fees. I've seen some users opt for this method because it gets the money to the recipient instantly.
Credit card payments are processed faster than bank transfers, but you should be aware that they're more expensive. In my experience, the extra cost is worth it if you need the money to arrive quickly.
Some users avoid credit card payments due to the higher fees, but it's worth considering if you need the money to arrive instantly.
Is Safe?
Is Wise safe to use? Absolutely. Wise has been offering reliable services worldwide for nearly 10 years, and users praise it for its ease of use and secure transactions.
Wise follows regulations set by different organizations for all the countries where they provide their service, keeping your money and information protected. These organizations create rules to protect your money and keep Wise transparent.
Wise has top-of-the-line security measures in place, including bank-level data encryption and storage. This means your information is secured using the same practices as your bank.
Wise has its own 24/7 digital security team that constantly monitors transactions to ward off fraud and other sketchy activity. This team keeps your transactions secured.
You can rest assured that your money and information are always safe when using Wise, thanks to its strict operating standards and adherence to regulatory agencies.
Here are some of the key security features of Wise:
- Bank-level data encryption and storage
- In-house 24/7 digital security team
- Two-factor authentication
- Biometric locks for extra security (if using the mobile app)
- Adherence to regulatory agencies
Wise also uses a "safeguarding" technique, which means all the money in your accounts is kept separate from any of Wise's business accounts. This ensures your money would still be completely safe in your account even if Wise has financial troubles.
Cost vs Value
Wise is notably cheaper than your bank and even other services like PayPal. It's upfront about what it charges, meaning you'll never be surprised by hidden fees.
The fee for a credit card payment is somewhat high, but it's typical of online transfer services. It's a small price considering how quickly the recipient gets the money.
Wise charges anywhere from 0.5%–1% to cover the cost of its services. This is a straightforward fee that's easy to understand.
Other service providers and banks have hidden fees that they add when you transfer internationally. They often compromise the currency conversion to do so.
Wise uses the fair exchange rate with their low fixed rate, which you can see with their Wise Fee Calculator. This means you get a good deal on your exchange rate.
Paying by debit card, wire transfer, or bank account ACH can save you money on fees compared to paying by credit card. It's worth exploring your options to find the best value.
Payment Options
You've got several options to send money through TransferWise, including credit card, debit card, wire transfer, and bank account ACH.
A credit card payment in USD charges a 3.66% fee, making it one of the pricier options.
Debit card payments and wire transfers are slightly cheaper, with fees of 1.24% and 0.53% respectively.
Bank account ACH is the most affordable option, with a fee of just 0.35%.
It's worth choosing the payment method that best fits your needs, whether that's speed or cost.
Customer Support
TransferWise's customer support is top-notch. They have a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which means you're unlikely to run into problems.
You'll be hard-pressed to find reports of payment problems or other bugs. This is a testament to their efficient system.
If you do encounter an issue, don't worry - TransferWise has one of the best customer service teams out there. They're responsive and genuinely willing to help.
You can reach out to them via phone call or email, and you'll be talking to a real human, not a frustrated automated chat. This makes a huge difference in getting your issue resolved quickly.
You can also find helpful guides and FAQs on the website, which can help you troubleshoot or find answers to common questions. TransferWise's customer service team is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Comparison and Alternatives
If you're considering using Wise, it's essential to understand how it compares to other options. Revolut, for instance, has different transfer fees depending on the type of payment and account.
To give you a better idea, Wise makes its profit through added fees, which vary depending on the currency pairing. You can use their pricing tool to calculate fees prior to making a transfer.
When comparing Wise to other services, it's a good idea to check competitor rates. For example, PayPal and Western Union offer international transfer services, and most banks do too. You can find a list of money transfer companies and rates on websites like finder.com.
If you're still unsure, take a look at user ratings. Wise has a strong reputation, with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, 4.72/5 on Smart Money People, and 8.8/10 on Monito.
Revolut vs Cheapest Option
Revolut's transfer fees can be complex, but it's clear that Wise offers a more transparent pricing model. Wise makes its profit through added fees, which vary depending on the currency pairing, but at least customers are always given the exact, mid-market rate.
If you're looking for the cheapest option, you'll need to consider the types of transactions and volume of payments you'll be making. Revolut's fees differ by user, account, and payment type, which makes it harder to compare directly to Wise.
To give you a better idea, here are some examples of fees you might encounter on each platform:
Ultimately, the cheapest option will depend on your specific needs and the types of transactions you'll be making.
Competitors
Competitors are worth checking out if you're looking for alternative options for making international transfers. You can compare rates with services like WesternUnion and most banks, which also offer international transfer services.
Paypal is another option to consider. If you're having trouble finding information on your bank's website, don't hesitate to give them a call to ask about their rates.
For a comprehensive list of money transfer companies and their rates, check out https://www.finder.com/uk/international-money-transfers.
Different companies have varying rates, ID checks, setup times, transfer speeds, foreign exchange calculations, and extra fees that can impact your total cost.
When Not the Best Fit
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If you plan on transferring larger amounts, Wise might not be the best fit due to its percentage-based fees which add up quickly.
Wise charges different fees for each currency, so it's essential to check the total fees before making a payment.
Transferring more than £4,000 at once will rack up higher fees, but sending more than £100,000 in a month can earn you a "monthly volume discount".
If you need to send a large amount urgently, Wise might not be the best option as it can take longer due to additional ID checks and processing time.
Before making your first transfer, you'll need to get your ID checked by Wise, which can delay your first transfer.
Keep in mind that Wise only allows electronic transfers, so your recipient must have a bank account and cannot collect cash.
Choosing TransferWise
Wise, the digital banking company, is a great choice for international money transfers. It's headquartered in the United Kingdom and has been around since 2011.
Wise has a vision of making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simpler than a traditional bank. This is achieved through their low-cost, multi-currency accounts that help businesses manage money across the globe.
With Wise, you can hold balances in over 50 local currencies and use the Wise debit card to shop and spend anywhere abroad. This makes it a convenient option for those who need to manage multiple currencies.
Wise has over a million users who trust them with managing their money, including personal and business accounts.
Efficient AI Assistant
Choosing TransferWise can be a game-changer for those who send and receive money internationally.
The platform has very few administrative costs, which is a major advantage.
One-time fees for setting up account details in certain currencies are $31, a small price to pay for the convenience.
Debit and credit card fees range from 0.15% to 2%, which is relatively low compared to traditional banks.
TransferWise aims to provide a better way for individuals and businesses to move money without extra large fees.
Their exchange rate transparency is a key feature, allowing users to see the rates via Google, Yahoo, and XE.
This transparency is a big plus, giving users a clear understanding of the costs involved.
Two friends, the founders of TransferWise, realized how much banks charge transfer fees for salaries, and created a solution to this problem.
Why Choose?
Choosing TransferWise can be a great decision for those looking for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to manage their finances.
TransferWise has a proven track record of helping millions of businesses manage money across the globe.
Their low-cost, multi-currency accounts make it easy to hold balances in over 50 local currencies.
With TransferWise, you can save on bank fees and time, making it a great option for businesses and individuals alike.
Their transparent fees allow clients to entrust transactions with them, knowing they can save more.
TransferWise has over a million users who trust them with managing money, including both personal and business accounts.
Their partners and investors are legit and leading institutions, giving you peace of mind.
By choosing TransferWise, you can hold more than 50 currencies for free and use them internationally with the cheapest fees.
This makes it an ideal solution for businesses and individuals who need to manage multiple currencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TransferWise legal in the USA?
Yes, TransferWise is a licensed money transmitter in the US, operating under the supervision of regulatory authorities in multiple states. Learn more about our licenses and regulatory compliance.
Is TransferWise the same as PayPal?
No, TransferWise is not the same as PayPal, although both offer international money transfers. TransferWise specializes in currency exchange, while PayPal is widely accepted online.
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