Wise vs Instarem Singapore: 2026
Wise and Instarem both help Singapore customers move money across borders, but they suit slightly different jobs.
To compare Wise vs Instarem fairly, look at the fee, exchange rate, final amount received, card charges, and any extra features you need. This guide covers all you need to know.
Wise Vs Instarem: side by side
Here is a quick view of the main differences before we get into the detail.
Feature | Wise | Instarem |
|---|---|---|
Personal transfer reach | 160+ countries and regions | 60+ countries from Singapore |
Account or wallet | Hold 40+ currencies | Amaze wallet holds up to 11 currencies |
Cards | Wise card for personal and business | Amaze card for personal use; business card features also marketed |
Funding methods | PayNow, bank transfer, debit card, Wise balance | PayNow, linked bank account, bank transfer, debit card, credit card |
Published SGD transfer limits | Up to 2 million SGD, 16,000 SGD by card | PayNow/linked account 200,000 SGD, bank transfer no stated limit, card 20,000 SGD |
Business extras | Batch payments, team controls, software integrations | Payouts, receiving, business cards |
Wise vs Instarem: which is cheaper for international transfers?
One thing worth knowing is that a provider can look cheaper on the fee line, but still cost more overall if the exchange rate is weaker. Compare the live quote every time, especially if you are no longer a new customer.
Here are a few examples, sending different amounts from SGD to USD as an example:
Send amount | Recipient gets with Instarem | Recipient gets with Wise | Cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|
1,000 SGD | 780.29 USD | 780.32 USD | Wise |
10,000 SGD | 7,808.42 USD | 7,813.55 USD | Wise |
50,000 SGD | 39,042.08 USD | 39,087.97 USD | Wise |
*Details correct at time of research - 19 August 2026
In this example, Wise was cheaper every time, although the differences in smaller exchanged amounts were pretty tiny. Compare the exchange rate and total costs of each before you make a payment.
The important bits
Both Wise and Instarem are great providers which can suit a variety of customer needs. To help you pick which may be best for your unique situation, here’s a summary of some important factors to consider:
Area | Wise | Instarem |
|---|---|---|
Exchange rate | Mid-market rate, fee shown separately | Full quote upfront, rate may include markup |
Transfer fees | Variable by route and funding method | Variable by route, promos can apply |
Speed | No fee to 100 SGD/month, then 1.75% | May be in real time or may take several days, depending on the destination |
Cards | Broader multi-currency card setup | Rewards-led travel card setup |
Business use | Better for batch payments and admin tools | Better for payment-first business use |
May suit | Broader all-round money management | Simpler transfer-first use |
*Details correct at time of research - 19 August 2026
Wise pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Pros and cons
Wise | Instarem |
|---|---|
✅ Hold 40+ currencies and send to 160+ countries and regions | ✅ Personal transfers from Singapore to 60+ countries |
✅ Mid-market exchange rate with clearer fee split | ✅ First-transfer promotions can improve a quote |
✅ Stronger business tools | ✅ Amaze rewards and linked-card setup can suit travellers |
❌ Fees still apply on transfers, cards and some ATM use | ❌ Wallet and currency support are narrower |
The verdict: Which is better, Wise or Instarem?
There is no single winner - it depends on the features you prefer.
Wise is usually the stronger choice if you want a multi-currency account, broader account features, or business tools in the same place. Instarem can make more sense if you mainly want to send money overseas, want to try the Instarem Amaze card, or can use a first-transfer promotion.
Choose Wise if:
- you want a multi-currency account as well as transfers
- you need business batch payments, team cards, or accounting software integration
- you prefer seeing the fee separately from the mid-market exchange rate
Choose Instarem if:
- you mostly care about one-off or occasional cross-border payments
- you want the Instarem Amaze card and reward features
- a live quote shows the new-customer fee waiver improves your total result
If you want to compare a live Singapore quote from Wise, you can do that here: Wise.
About Wise and Instarem
Wise launched in 2011 and now offers personal and business tools for sending, holding, spending and receiving across currencies.
Instarem launched in Singapore in 2014 and is now part of Nium, with a consumer focus on transfers and Amaze, plus business payments and cards.
How do they work?
To use Wise or Instarem you’ll need to create an account, and provide some ID for verification. This is an important security requirement to keep your account and money safe.
Once you have created an account and been verified, you can start to transact. Using both Wise and Instarem is easy, and can be done with a phone or laptop. If you need to send money you can enter the value and currency to transfer, and follow the on screen prompts. You’ll also be able to use your app to order a card if you want one and view updates and transactions relating to your account.
Wise vs Instarem fees
Different providers have their own approach to fees, which can make it tricky to compare services. To give a flavour of the fees you may pay for different transaction types, here’s a summary of some key fees from Wise vs Instarem:
Service | Wise | Instarem |
|---|---|---|
Open an account | Personal accounts have no fee to open, business setup fee 99 SGD | No sign-up fee shown |
Order a card | 8.50 SGD personal | Amaze issuance free, replacement or delivery fee may apply |
Spend in foreign currency | No fee if you hold the currency, otherwise conversion fee applies | Amaze wallet FX spend fee free; linked-card FX spend can include up to 2.1% spread |
Local SGD card spend | No extra local card fee | 1% (min 0.50 SGD) when Amaze is linked to a card |
Overseas ATM withdrawals | First 100 SGD per month with no fee, then 1.75% | 2% |
Send money overseas | Variable by route, from around 0.19% | Variable by route, promos on some first transfers |
Receive money | Local account details in select currencies; some fixed wire/SWIFT fees | Personal account not positioned as a receiving account |
Wise Vs Instarem exchange rates
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and then adds its fee separately. That makes it easier to see what you are paying for the conversion itself and what you are paying for the service.
Instarem shows the full quote upfront, which is useful, but the FX cost is not split out in quite the same way. In practice, that means you should compare the final recipient amount, not just the fee shown on screen.
Wise Vs Instarem: which is faster?
Both providers can be quick, but route and funding method matter a lot. Wise says many transfers are instant and most arrive within 24 hours, while Instarem says many transfers are instant or same day on supported routes.
If speed matters, check the delivery estimate on the live quote page before you pay.
**The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.
Wise vs Instarem international transfer limits
If you are sending a larger amount, this matters more than the headline fee. Limits can change based on how you fund the transfer.
With Wise limits, you can send up to 2 million SGD per transfer, or 16,000 SGD if you pay by card.
Instarem limits depend on the way you want to pay. Usually you’ll find the following limits:
PayNow or linked bank account: 200,000 SGD per day
Bank transfer: No sending limit
Debit or credit card: 20,000 SGD
Sending large amount transfers
Wise is more transparent for larger transfers because it publishes volume discounts once your monthly transfer volume goes above the equivalent of 20,000 GBP. That can matter for repeat business payments or larger personal transfers.
From your bank you can send up to 2 million SGD per transfer - lower limits apply to some other payment methods.
Wise also offers volume discounts on fees. If you send more than the currency equivalent of 20,000 GBP (about 33,000 SGD) a month you could get an automatic discount of up to 0.17%. There’s no need to pre-arrange the fee. Here’s how the Wise high value payment discounts break down:
| Payment volume (GBP) | Discount |
|---|---|
| Under 20,000/month | 0 |
| 20,000 – 300,000/month | 0.1% |
| 300,000 – 500,000/month | 0.15% |
| 500,000 – 1million/month | 0.16% |
| 1 million+/month | 0.17% |
Interested in low cost international transfers from Wise? Save even more with this exclusive Wise coupon code for Exiap readers: Click here to activate your Wise free transfer.
Instarem high amount transfers
Instarem can also handle larger bank-funded transfers, but its public pricing is less detailed for larger volumes. If you are moving a high amount, get a live quote from both before sending.
Wise vs Instarem: Payment methods
You’ll need to use a bank account or card to add money to your account or to fund payments with both providers. Here’s how you can do that.
Wise Singapore customers can pay with:
PayNow
Bank Transfer
Debit Card
Existing Wise balance
Instarem Singapore customers can pay with:
PayNow
Bank Transfer
Debit Card
Credit Card
If you want to compare a live transfer quote from Wise, use the Singapore page here: Wise.
Wise vs Instarem card: Where can you use them?
You can use the Wise card in 150+ countries. The card is on either the Visa or Mastercard network which are both very widely accepted. The Wise card is linked to the Wise account and is designed for overseas spending, conversions, and cash withdrawals.
Instarem's Amaze setup includes physical and virtual cards, and it can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Wise vs Instarem business
Both Wise and Instarem offer business services for Singapore customers. You can send and receive payments, and there are no ongoing fees. However, the options available do vary a little.
| Wise Business | Instarem Business |
|---|---|
|
|
Wise offers all the perks personal customers get, like 40+ supported currencies, and transparent cost debit or expense cards, plus business friendly extras. Wise can look stronger if you need batch payments, team controls, or Xero and QuickBooks workflows.
Instarem Business focuses on paying in 160+ countries, receiving in major currencies, and using business cards, including virtual cards. If you mainly need payment execution and card controls, Instarem may be enough, but for a bigger range of features you may prefer Wise.
If you want to compare Wise Business directly, use this page: Wise Business.
Ease of use
Creating an account: Both Wise and Instarem accounts can be opened online or using the provider’s app.
Making a transfer: Both Wise and Instarem international payments can be made online or in the company app.
Ways to send money: Wise transfers can be funded by bank transfer, PayNow, Wise Balance, or debit card. Instarem lets you pay using PayNow, Bank Transfer, Debit Card and Credit Card
Languages: Wise and Instarem both offer multi-lingual support online, using the app, and by phone
Minimum & maximum amounts: Wise limits for payments funded from bank accounts is 2 million SGD/transfer. Instarem has no limit when you pay with a bank transfer
Supported currencies
Wise supports holding 40+ currencies and receiving with account details in 20 currencies. It is the broader option if you want one account for everyday cross-border payments.
Instarem's Amaze wallet supports 11 currencies, while Instarem Singapore personal transfers reach 60+ countries. That makes Instarem solid for travel and transfers, but not as broad as Wise for ongoing multi-currency management.
Are they safe to send money with?
Both providers use identity checks, transaction monitoring, and in-app account controls. Both are considered to be safe and credible options for cross-border payments.
Wise has industry level security features built into the app, including manual and automatic anti-fraud tools. To safeguard customer funds, when you hold a balance with Wise it is set aside from Wise’s own operating capital in a top tier bank, so you know your money is safe and accessible at all times.
Instarem is part of Nium which is a huge global payment provider, and keeps customer funds safe in cooperation with regulated financial institutions and tier 1 banks worldwide. Instarem also has security measures in its app, and essay access to help if you need it.
Are they regulated in Singapore?
Wise is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Major Payment Institution, and also has a Capital Market Services Licence for Dealing in Capital Market Products.
Instarem Singapore is operated by Nium and its subsidiaries globally. In Singapore, Nium is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Major Payment Institution.
Wise vs Instarem customer service
Get in touch with Wise through an in app chat, 24/7. If you need to speak to a specific team due to the type of question you have, you’ll be connected or passed the details for contacting the best person to support you.
With Instarem you can open and in app chat or raise a customer service ticket and wait for a call back.
Conclusion: Comparing Wise and Instarem
Wise is the broader option for people who want to send, hold, receive and spend across currencies, and it is also the clearer business choice for batch payments and admin tools.
Instarem remains competitive for transfer-first users, especially if a live quote includes a new-customer fee waiver or if the Instarem Amaze card suits the way you travel.
If neither feels quite right, our Wise vs Revolut in Singapore comparison covers another popular option for multi-currency cards and transfers.