The Wise Travel Debit Card offers a seamless payment solution for travelers. With this card, you can load and exchange money across 40+ currencies, providing a convenient, fee-transparent alternative for international transactions. Wise prioritizes security, allowing you to control the card through an app, view transactions instantly, and lock the card if needed.

For travelers, using Wise means having a card ready for payments anywhere without waiting for a physical card to arrive. The digital version of this card integrates with Google Pay and Apple Pay, making it easy to spend even if you’re without the physical card.

Key information about the debit card

How does the annual fee work?

The Wise Travel Debit Card stands out for its no-annual-fee policy, a significant perk for budget-conscious travelers. This approach allows users to keep expenses low without worrying about ongoing fees, unlike traditional credit cards that charge annual maintenance fees.

Wise ensures that users benefit from cost savings, focusing on a straightforward, user-friendly experience. Since there’s no annual fee, all funds can go directly toward travel expenses or currency exchanges instead of covering card fees.

How is the credit limit determined?

The Wise Travel Debit Card is a prepaid card, so the credit limit is set by the user based on the amount loaded onto the card. Instead of relying on traditional credit limits, where a bank sets the amount, users have full control and can load money in any of the supported 40+ currencies. This ensures flexibility, allowing travelers to manage their spending directly within the Wise app and top up funds when necessary.

Advantages of the debit card

• Multiple currencies: Easily load and exchange between over 40 currencies, giving travelers access to the best exchange rates on the go.
• Free cash withdrawals up to 200 EUR monthly: Withdraw up to 200 EUR from ATMs globally each month without extra fees.
• Instant exchange at mid-market rates: Users benefit from low-cost currency conversions at the real exchange rate, often saving compared to traditional banks.
• Digital payments: Immediate access to funds via Google Pay or Apple Pay even before the physical card arrives.
• Real-time balance updates: With the app, users can monitor their balance and transactions, helping them track spending and avoid overspending.
• Global accessibility: Use the Wise card in 175 countries, covering a broad range of travel destinations.

Standout advantage

One key advantage of the Wise Travel Debit Card is its real-time currency exchange at the mid-market rate, making it a highly competitive choice for international payments. Unlike many traditional banks or credit cards, Wise doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees, which can accumulate quickly for frequent travelers. Users pay only a minimal fee if their balance isn’t in the local currency, saving significantly on conversions.

Disadvantages

• ATM withdrawal limits: Free withdrawals are limited to 200 EUR per month; fees apply beyond this.
• Dependency on internet: Users need the app for real-time updates and currency exchanges, which requires internet access.
• No cash top-ups: Only digital funds can be added, so users cannot load cash directly onto the card.
• Currency exchange fee: Small fees apply if users exchange currencies not held on the card.

A standout disadvantage

A notable drawback of the Wise Travel Debit Card is the 200 EUR limit on fee-free ATM withdrawals each month. While this amount covers typical needs for many travelers, frequent cash users may find themselves paying additional fees beyond this limit. Wise does keep its fees relatively low, but travelers relying heavily on cash might consider alternatives if they expect to withdraw more frequently.

Who can apply for this card?

Applying for the Wise Travel Debit Card is simple, but there are some basic requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a registered Wise account. The card is available in many countries, but it may not be accessible in all regions, so users should confirm its availability in their specific country. A clean financial history isn’t mandatory, as there’s no credit check—this is a prepaid debit card rather than a traditional credit card, making it accessible to individuals with various credit backgrounds.

How to apply for the Wise Travel Debit Card

Applying for the Wise Travel Debit Card is easy and can be completed entirely online through the Wise platform. Users have multiple options to register, whether on the Wise website, app, or in-store (where available). Each method allows for quick, secure registration, ensuring that travelers can start using their card for payments and transactions as soon as possible.

For the website

To apply through the Wise website, users should first log in to their account or create a new one if they haven’t registered. After logging in, they can navigate to the cards section, where they’ll find the option to apply for the Travel Debit Card. The process includes a few verification steps, such as providing identification and linking a funding source, such as a bank account or another debit card, to load funds.

Once approved, Wise issues a virtual card immediately for instant use with Google Pay or Apple Pay, and a physical card will arrive by mail shortly after. The online platform is straightforward, guiding users through each step and providing a secure application process.

Through the app

Applying for the card via the Wise app follows a similar process to the website. Users simply download the app, log in, and locate the option to apply for the Travel Debit Card. The app offers a smooth, guided experience that verifies the applicant’s identity, requires linking to a payment source, and activates the digital card for immediate use.

After verification, users can instantly begin making digital payments, with the physical card following by mail. The app also supports all card management features, such as tracking transactions, locking/unlocking the card, and currency exchange, giving users full control of their funds.

At the branch

For those who prefer in-person assistance, Wise provides select in-store locations for card applications. At a Wise branch, users can go through the application process with the help of a representative, who can guide them through any questions or address specific needs related to their travel or currency requirements.

In-store applications follow the same verification steps, such as ID checks and setting up a funding source, but allow for personalized support. Once approved, users receive access to the digital card instantly, while the physical card is typically mailed to them afterward.