The Wise Debit Card: Your Passport to Local Spending

Linked directly to your Wise multi-currency account, this card lets you access your money in over 50 different currencies, all from a single piece of plastic (or a digital one!).

So, what makes the Wise card so special? Let’s break down its key features and benefits, which set it miles apart from traditional bank cards.

Key Benefits of the Wise Card

1. Spend with the Real Exchange Rate

This is arguably the biggest selling point.

Unlike most banks and travel money cards that add a hidden markup to the exchange rate, the Wise card uses the mid-market exchange rate.

This is the fairest rate you can find, the same one you see on Google or Reuters.

You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying, and this transparency can save you a significant amount of money over time, especially on larger purchases.

2. No Foreign Transaction Fees

When you use a traditional bank card abroad, you’re often hit with foreign transaction fees that can be anywhere from 2% to 5% of the transaction amount.

With the Wise card, these fees are a thing of the past.

If you have the local currency in your account, there is no fee to spend it.

The money is simply deducted from the corresponding currency balance.

If you don’t have the local currency, Wise automatically converts it from the currency with the lowest conversion fee, at the real exchange rate, for a small and transparent charge.

3. Free ATM Withdrawals (with a limit)

Need cash? The Wise card allows you to withdraw cash from millions of ATMs worldwide. You get two free withdrawals per month, up to a certain amount (this limit varies by country of issue, so it’s worth checking).

After that, there’s a small fee for each withdrawal or for withdrawing a larger amount.

This is still a huge benefit compared to many banks that charge a flat fee plus a percentage for every single international ATM withdrawal.

4. The Power of the Multi-Currency Account

The Wise card is nothing without its multi-currency account.

This account allows you to hold and manage money in over 50 currencies.

You can convert your money at any time when the exchange rate is favorable, and then use your card to spend that currency as if you were a local.

For example, you can convert your BRL to EUR when the rate is good and then use your Wise card on a trip to Europe without any further conversions or fees.

5. Virtual Cards for Added Security

Wise also offers virtual debit cards that you can generate instantly in the app.

You can use these virtual cards for online shopping, subscriptions, or for any purchase where you don’t want to use your physical card details.

You can have up to three virtual cards at a time and freeze or delete them after a purchase, providing an extra layer of security against online fraud. This is a crucial feature for anyone concerned about digital security.

Wise vs. Traditional Bank Cards: A Clear Winner

When you compare the Wise card to a traditional bank card, the differences are stark.

• Exchange Rates: Banks use a marked-up rate; Wise uses the real, mid-market rate.

• Fees: Banks charge high foreign transaction fees and often hidden fees for currency conversion. Wise charges a single, low, and transparent conversion fee only when necessary.

• Convenience: With a Wise card, you can hold multiple currencies in one place. A traditional bank card is tied to your home currency, leading to expensive conversions every time you use it abroad.

• Security: Wise’s app allows you to instantly freeze or unfreeze your card and offers virtual cards for secure online spending. Most bank apps have limited or no such features.

In short, the Wise card is designed for the modern, global citizen. It’s for the traveler, the freelancer, the student abroad, anyone who needs a smarter way to handle money internationally without the hassle and cost of traditional banking.

How to Get Your Wise Card

Getting a Wise card is a simple and straightforward process:

1. Open a Wise Account: Create a free multi-currency account online or through the Wise app.

2. Order the Card: Follow the steps in the app to order your physical debit card. There might be a small one-time fee to cover the cost of production and delivery.

3. Activate and Use: Once your card arrives, activate it in the app and you’re ready to start spending and saving, anywhere in the world!

With the Wise card in your wallet, you can say goodbye to hidden fees and bad exchange rates, and hello to a truly borderless financial experience.