Wise Card Review in Singapore - 2024

Wise launched in 2011 with a mission to challenge the banks and make transacting internationally cheaper, faster, and easier.

With the Wise card Singapore - which is available for personal and business customers - you can hold 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries and get the mid-market rate when you need to exchange from one to another.

This Wise card review covers all you need to know about the Wise card fees, features, availability and more.

Quick summary

There’s an in-depth Wise card review coming up - first let's look at the key features, pros and cons of the Wise debit card for personal or business users.

Wise card features

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account

• Spend in 150+ countries, withdraw at 2.3 million ATMs

• Convert currencies in your account with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees

• Virtual cards available instantly

• View and manage your account in the Wise app

• Freeze and unfreeze your physical card and virtual cards instantly

• Wise is MAS regulated and overseen by authorities all over the world

The Wise travel card is a great option for anyone who needs to spend or make cash withdrawals in foreign currencies. Personal and business cards are available, with no ongoing fees and easy ways to hold and exchange 40+ currencies. Convert in advance or let the card do it for you when you pay, for business or leisure travel, expats living abroad, international students and more.

Who is the Wise debit card for?

The Wise debit card is available in Singapore for both personal and business customers, which means it can be a great way for lots of people to manage their money conveniently - and cut transaction costs at the same time. The Wise debit card is great for:

• Travellers looking to make contactless or mobile payments

• Anyone on holiday who wants to withdraw cash cheaply from local ATMs

• People who love to shop online with international retailers

• Anyone who wants a low cost, secure account with both virtual and physical cards

• Entrepreneurs who need to spend in foreign currencies

• Business owners who want to offer international debit cards to team members to manage spending and expenses

Can I get the Wise debit card in Singapore?

Yes. You can order the Wise debit card in Singapore once you have registered and verified your Wise account. We’ll look more closely at how that works a little later.

Is the Wise card a good option?

Wise is intent on revolutionising the way people and businesses transact internationally, to make it cheaper, faster and more convenient compared to banks. The Wise card has some helpful features including:

• Easy ways to spend in person, on the move, and online

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in advance or at the point of payment

• Some free ATM withdrawals every month

• Exchange money with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees.

How to use your Wise card

You can use your Wise debit card to spend and make withdrawals around the world. You’ll be able to view and manage your account with just your phone, and tap to pay contactlessly in 150+ countries. Here’s a bit more detail about how the Wise travel card works for Singapore customers.

How to get your Wise card

To get a Wise card you’ll first need a verified Wise Account. Opening a Wise account can be done with a phone or laptop, and either Singpass or your ID and a proof of address.

Then, once you have a live Wise account you can order a Wise card most conveniently on the Wise app

Here’s how to request a card through the Wise app:

1. Log into your Wise account on the Wise app

2. Tap the Cards tab

3. Tap the Order card option

4. Follow the prompts to confirm your address and pay the card order fee

Order your card

How to activate your Wise card in Singapore

Once you have your Wise card you’ll need to activate the contactless feature by making a Chip and PIN purchase, or using the card in an ATM.

You can’t make a cash withdrawal in Singapore, but you can still activate your card’s contactless function by making a purchase, or by using it to make an ATM balance enquiry instead.

How to find your Wise card pin

Your Wise PIN is available by logging into Wise using 2 factor authentication. Log into the app and then navigate to the Cards tab. Here you’ll be able to tap to see the card details including the PIN you need.

How to top up your Wise card

Your Wise debit card is linked to your Wise multi-currency account. To add funds to your Wise account you’ll need to take the following steps:

• Log into your Wise account online or in the Wise app

• Select the currency balance you want to top up

• Tap Add

• Confirm the currency you want to pay with

• Enter the amount you want to top up and select a payment method

• Check everything over, confirm and follow the prompts to complete the payment

You can also add money to your Wise account directly from your online banking service using your local bank details for eligible currencies. In Singapore, that means you can top up easily with local details in:

• British pounds

• Euros

• US dollars

• Australian dollars

• Singapore dollars

• New Zealand dollars

• Canadian dollars

• Hungarian forint

• Turkish lira

Log into your Wise account to see the local bank details for your preferred currency and use these to transfer money directly from your bank account in that currency.

How to freeze and unfreeze your Wise card

You can freeze or unfreeze your Wise card online or in the Wise app:

1. Open the Wise app or log into your account online

2. Tap on Card

3. Select Freeze card

When you’re ready to use your card again, follow the same steps and select Unfreeze card.

How to replace or cancel your Wise card

On the app:

1. Go to Card tab

2. Tap on Replace Card

3. Choose the reason why are you replacing your card

4. Tap on Replacement Card

If your card has been lost or stolen it’ll be cancelled right away. If your card is damaged but can still be used, you’ll be able to continue to use it and it’ll be cancelled when you activate your new card.

How to replace or delete a digital card

The easiest way to replace a digital card is on the Wise app:

1. Go to Card tab

2. Slide to the digital card you want to replace

3. Select Replace card

You can get new card details up to 3 times a day. When you generate a new set of card details, your old ones will stop working.

How to withdraw money with the Wise card

You’ll need to first find an ATM which supports Visa or MasterCard, and then you can make an ATM withdrawal with your Wise card by following these steps:

1. Insert your card and select the option to make a withdrawal

2. Enter the amount you want to withdraw

3. Enter your PIN for security

4. Your money will be dispensed and your card will be returned

To make sure you make the most of your money when withdrawing with Wise:

• Always pay in the local currency to avoid extra charges

• Keep an eye on the ATM screen to see if the ATM operator will add any of their own fees

• Check your remaining fee free ATM withdrawal allowance in the Wise app easily so you’ll know whether you need to pay and charges

Wise fees

Here’s a look at the Wise card fees for Singapore:

All information correct at the time of writing - 13th March 2024

Wise exchange rate

Wise was created with a mission to make currency conversion cheaper and more transparent. Every time you switch currencies with Wise you’ll get the mid-market rate with no hidden markup - when you spend with your Wise debit card, convert currencies within your Wise account, or send an international payment.

This is different to banks and most other international card providers. Typically, the exchange rates you get from other providers will include a markup which is added onto the exchange rate used. That’s an extra fee, but it’s hard to spot and pushes up the prices you pay without you necessarily knowing it. To avoid this tricky fee, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and splits out the full costs of currency conversion for transparency. You’ll be able to see the full fees you pay when you switch currencies within your account - and if you use the card’s auto convert feature, you can be sure the transaction will be processed with the lowest fee possible.

What is a Wise debit card?

The Wise card is a debit card - not a credit card - that’s linked to a Wise multi-currency account. It’s great for spending and making cash withdrawals, online, at home and abroad - and best of all, you’ll get currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate whenever you choose to spend in a foreign currency.

• Make payments and withdrawals in 150+ countries

• Use 2.3 million ATMs for withdrawals, all around the world

• Top up in the currency you prefer and check your account balances at a glance in the app

• Switch currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees

• Spend any currency you hold in the account for free

• Auto convert feature makes sure you always pay the lowest possible fee when spending currencies you don’t hold in your account

• Instant transaction notifications for security

• Get instant access to virtual cards

• Freeze and unfreeze your card whenever you need to

• Debit card - making it easier to manage your budget without running up debts or incurring credit charges

Wise digital card

The Wise virtual card - also known as the Wise digital card - allows you to make payments online and in stores with your phone. Simply add your virtual card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, to make contactless payments in stores and buy things online. You can have up to 3 virtual cards at any one time which can make it easier to manage your budget by assigning different spending types to different cards.

Wise virtual cards have different card details to your physical card, and can be frozen instantly whenever you’re not using them - offering a handy added layer of security. You’ll be able to start using your Wise digital card as soon as you order your physical card, with no need to wait for the physical card to be delivered.

How to request and activate your Wise virtual card 

You can get a Wise virtual card once you have ordered your Wise physical card.

Here’s how to request a virtual card through the Wise app:

1. Create a Wise account

2. Log into your Wise account on the Wise app

3. Tap the Cards tab

4. Tap the Order card option to order your physical Wise card

5. Follow the prompts to confirm your address and pay the card order fee

6. Tap the Virtual cards option to generate your digital Wise card

Can I use the Wise travel card abroad?

The Wise card is specifically created to make your life easier when travelling abroad. All you’ll need to do is open your Wise account before you travel, with your local ID and proof of address for verification, then order a linked international Wise card for a low, one time fee, for spending and cash withdrawals in 150+ countries.

When you spend with your Wise card, the balance needed is deducted from your Wise account. If you have the right currency for the country you’re in, the funds are simply taken from that balance with no fee to pay. If you don’t have the currency you need where you are, the card can automatically convert your balance from the currency that incurs the lowest available fees, using the mid-market exchange rate.

Here’s what you can do with your Wise card:

• Make contactless payments in person while you’re away

• Add your card to a wallet like Apple Pay for mobile spending

• Make cash withdrawals at ATMs globally

• Spend online in foreign currencies

How does the Wise card compare to other popular cards?

The Wise debit card is a popular choice among travellers and people who spend regularly in foreign currencies, thanks to low fees and easy international use. However, it’s not the only card option out there. Here’s a head to head review of Wise vs a couple of other good providers in Singapore:

Wise card fees for spending abroad

It’s free to spend a currency you hold in your Wise account, including any supported foreign currencies. If you don’t have the currency you need the card can convert for you with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.43%.

Wise card vs other banks and providers

Let’s look at how the Wise travel card works vs other banks and providers, when it comes to spending overseas.

How does the Wise debit card work?

The Wise international debit card is linked to a Wise multi-currency account, which lets you hold, exchange and send payments in 40+ currencies. Order a linked Wise debit card to make it easier to spend and make cash withdrawals from your Wise account balance, all over the world.

It’s always free to spend currencies you hold in your account. And if you don’t have the currency you need in your account, the Wise debit card can automatically convert the amount for you from whichever available currency account has the cheapest conversion fee. That means that there’s no need to worry about converting money before travelling, because you’ll always know you’re getting the best available deal every time.

What can you do with the Wise debit card?

The Wise debit card could be a good match for many different customer needs. If you’re a frequent traveller, the Wise card is handy because you can reuse it time and time again, with 40+ supported currencies and no ongoing fees. If you live abroad it’s a useful way to manage your money across various currencies. And if you shop online with international retailers you can use your Wise card to avoid foreign transaction charges and keep down your overall costs.

Make international purchases in person and online

Add a balance to your Wise card in SGD and use it to spend in 150+ countries globally, both in person and online. There’s no foreign transaction fee to pay and currency conversion starts from just 0.43% - plus the card is contactless for easy payments and can be added to wallets like Apple Pay for mobile transactions, too.

Make ATM withdrawals abroad

Use your physical Wise card to make a Wise card ATM withdrawal overseas, and get up to 350 SGD of withdrawals free monthly, with low fees after that. That means there’s no need to arrange your travel money ahead of a trip - just make secure and convenient withdrawals on arrival to save time and hassle at a money changer.

Travel to different countries with the same card

The Wise card supports holding a balance in 40+ currencies and can be used to spend in 150+ countries. There are no ongoing fees and no account dormant fees, so you can get your card and then use it freely every time you travel, while only paying for the services you want and use.

Lock in an exchange rate before you travel

Hold any of 40+ currencies in your Wise account, allowing you to convert when you spot a good exchange rate, and set travel budgets ahead of time. This feature can also make saving and budgeting for an international trip or purchase far easier as you’ll be able to exchange to the currency you need whenever you want, and instantly see the balance you have for spending.

Wise card limits

When you get your Wise card, there are default monthly ATM and spending limits set. There’s a monthly limit, which is set to the same as your daily limit initially - but you can change this in the app easily if you’d prefer to.

The default Wise Singapore ATM limit is as follows:

If you want to change your limits - for example, to set a lower daily limit for ATM use - you can do so in the Wise app:

1. Open the app and go to the Card tab - tap Limits

2. Choose the limit you’d like to change -  ATM withdrawals - and tap on Change your spending limits

3. Enter your chosen limits and tap Save

You’ll be able to withdraw up to 350 SGD a month, in 2 withdrawals, with no Wise fee.

Wise card for business

If you have a Singapore registered business you can also order a Wise debit or expense card for yourself, or for team members. You’ll get the same great features that personal customers get, including mid-market rate currency conversion, as well as business friendly extras.

Wise business accounts come with multi-user access (MUA) which means you’ll be able to assign roles to your team members to let them access the tools they need to do their jobs, without needing to share sensitive company information. Anyone in your team assigned an employee or admin role within the Wise account will be eligible for a Wise business debit card, which they can use to spend and make cash withdrawals all around the world.

Like the Wise personal international debit card, the Wise business card offers currency exchange which uses the mid-market exchange rate, and it’s always free to spend currencies you hold in your account. If you don’t have the currency you need, just allow the card’s auto convert feature to work its magic, and switch currencies from whichever balance incurs the lowest fee.

One important difference between the Wise business debit card and the Wise debit card for personal users, is the way spending limits work. You’ll be able to add multiple team members to your Wise business debit card, and each team member’s spending adds up towards the daily and monthly limits on the card. Team members will be able to see their own personal spending limits, and card holders with admin rights can see the total spending per transaction type across all issued cards.

Where is the Wise card available?

If you have a Wise account and are a resident of any of the following countries and regions, you can apply for a Wise debit card:

• The EU and EEA

• The UK

• British Overseas Territories and UK Crown Dependencies

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• Japan

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Brazil

What currencies does the Wise debit card support?

You can use your Wise card for spending in 150+ countries. Within your Wise account you can hold 40+ major currencies, and you can easily top up in SGD or any of around 20 supported currencies for topping up. If someone else needs to send you a payment you’ll also get local bank details for 9 popular currencies including SGD, AUD, USD, CAD, GBP and EUR.

Is Wise card safe to use?

Yes, the Wise card is safe to use. As a company, Wise is MAS regulated, and covered by regulatory bodies all over the world. That means that no matter what currencies you hold on your Wise debit card, you know your money is kept safely and in accordance with global laws and best practices.

Wise accounts have a range of security features including thorough verification processes, 2 factor authentication and a 24/7 fraud prevention protocol. Additionally, Wise debit cards can be frozen instantly in the Wise app if you’re concerned about security, with real time transaction notifications and the option to check your balance and account history in a glance in the app.

What should you do if your Wise card gets lost or stolen?

Here’s what to do if your Wise card is stolen or you think it’s been used fraudulently:

• Block or freeze your Wise card using the Wise app

• Order a new card if you need to, which can be done in the app

• Log into your Wise account online or in the app and use the chat function to report the problem if you think your card was used fraudulently - the Wise team can help you figure out the next steps

Conclusion: is the Wise card worth it? / legit?

The Wise debit card can make life easier - and help you save money - if you travel often, shop with international ecommerce stores, or have a business and want to issue your team with international debit cards to manage spending.

Wise currency exchange always uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and no hidden fees - and with the Wise debit card’s smart auto convert feature you don’t even need to switch currencies before you travel. Leave the Wise card to switch to the currencies you need, when you need them, with the lowest possible fee every time.