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Wise (TransferWise) Multi-Currency Account review
Get local bank account details in nine currencies, plus convert and hold 50+ currencies with Wise.
The Multi-Currency Account will be a useful account for shoppers, sole traders, travellers, or anyone else needing to bank in more than one country or currency. You will receive local bank details for nine areas including Europe, the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore. Find out what you need to know in this review to see if this account is right for you.
TransferWise has changed its name to Wise. Nothing will change if you are a current customer.
How does the Wise Multi-Currency Account work?
The Wise Multi-Currency Account (formerly the Wise Borderless Account) is a bank account that lets you hold multiple currencies, spend worldwide and transfer money at better ranks than the banks. It’s designed as a global bank to help you manage your finances in multiple currencies and countries.
You will get local bank account details including an IBAN, UK sort code, US routing number and Australian BSB so you can shop and spend like a local in multiple countries at once. You’re also able to hold and convert money in 50+ currencies and transfer money to over 70 countries. If you need access to multiple currencies for travel, to send or receive money from home or to shop online with overseas websites, this multi-currency account is a great option to consider.
Key features
Wise accounts are free to open and come with an assortment of useful features.
Local bank details. Your Multi-Currency Account is really multiple accounts in one as you will get local bank details in nine countries, including Singapore, Australia, the UK, Europe and the US.
Spend abroad. You can use your card in 200 countries, with your money being converted into the local currency using the real exchange rate.
Multiple currencies. Hold and convert 50+ currencies in your account.
Mobile payments. You can spend in Singapore and abroad using Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Low-cost foreign transfers. Wise boasts a transfer rate that is up to seven times cheaper than traditional banks. You can send money to over 70 countries.
Debit card security. Freeze and unfreeze your card if it’s lost or stolen, receive spending notifications and access PIN reminders.
Multiple language support. You can get help from Wise in a range of languages.
There is a currency conversion fee of 0.35% depending on the currency you’re transferring to
A one-off S$10 fee for your debit card
Receive two ATM withdrawals up to S$350 / 30 days a month free. Withdrawals over S$350 / 30 days per month cost 1.75% while you will need to pay SGD$1 per withdrawal if you withdraw cash more than twice in one month.
No fee to spend in currencies held on in your account
If you hold more than €15,000 you will be charged 0.4% annually.
Note you cannot withdraw from Singaporean ATMs currently.
Verdict
If you need to bank using more than one currency, the Wise Multi-Currency Account is definitely one to consider. Not only does it let you hold multiple currencies but you can essentially spend like a local in nine countries with local bank details. You can also hold up 50+ currencies in your account and transfer money to more than 70 countries.
However, there are some fees to note, including the card delivery fee of S$10 and ATM fees if you go over the limit.
The account is worth it for those that will use the international spending features, but there are other digital bank options available if this account comes with too many bells and whistles.
How to sign up for the Wise Multi-Currency Account
It only takes a few minutes to open an account with Wise online, but verifying your identity takes about two days to process. Anyone over the age of 18 and residing in Singapore can sign up for an account.
Here is how to sign up:
Click “Go to Site” from this page to be securely redirected to the Wise website
Enter your email address and password and select your country of residence, then click “Sign up”
Verify your identity using your government ID such as your NRIC, passport or driver’s licence
Add money to your account and order your card. It’s now ready to use!
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Wise was founded in 2010 and serves millions of customers a year. Wise is fully registered and accredited by many global agencies, using the following global standards to protect your money:
Follows strict rules set by regulatory agencies. In every country where Wise operates, it is registered with the appropriate regulatory agencies when necessary.
Bank-level data security. Encryption and data storage at Wise is handled in the same way as your bank.
Two-factor authentication. Protect your account with 2FA, with optional biometric locks on the Wise mobile app.
In-house 24/7 digital security team. A security team works around the clock to monitor transactions for suspicious activity and accounts for fraudulent logins.
Deposits
Add money through Wise. Go to the Balances page and click Add currency. Indicate how much you’d like to add, select a payment method and input money accordingly.
Electronic bank transfer. Send an online bank transfer from a personal bank account and drop funds directly into your Wise balance.
International wire. Wise does not accept international wires/SWIFTS from certain countries so check you are able to use this method.
Withdrawals
ATMs worldwide. Though you can withdraw up to $350 for free, you’ll still be responsible for paying any ATM fees.
Balance transfer. Send money directly to your personal bank account.
You can send cash in SGD to any individual or business in Singapore.
You’ll need their full name, bank name, and bank account number. This should be a maximum of 14 digits long.
It usually takes 0–1 working days for your money to get to Wise, depending on how you pay for your transfer. It is then converted and sent out. Conversion can take up to 2 working days.
Zyane Tan is an editor at Finder. An experienced copywriter and content creator, Zyane enjoys writing on a wide array of subjects. When she’s not busy typing away, she’s reading and musing over a pint.
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January 8, 2021
Hello,
I would like to ask whether Transferwise Borderless debit card is a virtual card or a physical card.
Thank you,