Sending money internationally in 2026? Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are the two most popular fintech platforms for cross-border payments. But which one actually saves you more? Banks often hide fees in exchange rate markups, while both Revolut and Wise promise transparency. However, their pricing models differ significantly.
In this comprehensive comparison, we put Revolut and Wise head-to-head. We analyze real exchange rates, fee structures, transfer speeds, account limits, business features, and hidden costs. Whether you're a freelancer receiving payments from abroad, a digital nomad, or a business owner, this guide will help you choose the right platform—and potentially save hundreds of dollars per year.
➡️ Read next (recommended)
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Revolut vs Wise: Platform Overview
- 2. Fee Structure: Transfer Fees & Exchange Rate Markups
- 3. Real Cost Test: Sending $1,000, €5,000 & £10,000
- 4. Transfer Speed: How Fast Does Money Arrive?
- 5. Account Limits: Free vs Premium Plans
- 6. Business Features for Freelancers & Companies
- 7. User Experience & Mobile Apps
- 8. Security & Regulation: Is Your Money Safe?
- 9. Which Is Better for You? (Decision Flowchart)
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
Revolut vs Wise: Platform Overview
Both Revolut and Wise are fintech disruptors that offer multi-currency accounts and low-cost international transfers. However, their origins and core focus differ.
📌 Quick Snapshot
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Founded in 2011, focused on transparent, low-cost international transfers using the real exchange rate. Now offers multi-currency accounts, debit cards, and business accounts.
- Revolut: Founded in 2015, started as a prepaid card with cheap currency exchange. Expanded into a full financial super-app offering banking, trading, crypto, and insurance.
Wise: The Transparent Transfer Specialist
Mid-Market RateWise's core proposition is simple: you pay a small, transparent fee and get the real mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google). No hidden markups. Wise holds regulatory licenses in multiple countries and is publicly traded, adding a layer of trust.
Revolut: The All-in-One Financial Super-App
Tiered PricingRevolut offers a broader suite of financial services. For international transfers, it uses a tiered model: free users get a certain allowance of fee-free exchanges per month (e.g., €1,000), after which a markup or fee applies. Premium and Metal plans have higher limits and better rates.
Fee Structure: Transfer Fees & Exchange Rate Markups
Understanding the fee structure is crucial. Both platforms advertise "low fees," but the actual cost depends on how they make money.
Wise Fee Model
Wise uses a two-part fee: a fixed transfer fee (varies by currency pair) plus a variable percentage fee (typically 0.3% to 1% of the amount). The exchange rate used is the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google). Wise is transparent about both parts, showing you the total cost before you confirm.
Revolut Fee Model
Revolut's fee depends on your plan and the amount you exchange per month:
- Standard (Free): Up to €1,000 (or equivalent) per month exchanged at the interbank rate with no markup. After that, a 1% markup applies on weekdays. On weekends, a 1% markup may apply even within the allowance.
- Plus/Premium/Metal: Higher allowances (e.g., €3,000 for Premium, unlimited for Metal) and lower weekend markups.
Additionally, Revolut applies a 1% fee on transfers that require SWIFT (i.e., sending to a bank account in a currency not supported by Revolut's local network).
| Feature | Wise | Revolut (Standard) | Revolut (Premium/Metal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market Winner | Mid-market up to limit, then markup | Mid-market up to higher limit |
| Transfer Fee | Fixed + variable (0.3–1%) | Free within allowance, then 1% markup | Free within higher allowance |
| Weekend Markup | No (rate fluctuates with market) | Yes, up to 1% extra | Lower markup |
| SWIFT Fee | Not applicable (uses local rails) | 1% (min €0.5, max €20) for SWIFT | 1% (min €0.5, max €20) |
| Transparency | Fully transparent upfront | Can be confusing with allowances | Clear with plan limits |
Real Cost Test: Sending $1,000, €5,000 & £10,000
We simulated sending three amounts from the US to Europe to see the actual cost difference.
💰 Live Fee Calculator
Here's a breakdown of our tests using actual pricing data (February 2026):
| Scenario | Wise Total Cost | Revolut Standard | Revolut Premium | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send $1,000 USD → EUR | $5.83 (0.58%) | $0 (within allowance) + weekend? $10.10 | $0 | Revolut (if within allowance) otherwise Wise |
| Send €5,000 EUR → GBP | €23.50 (0.47%) | €0 (Premium) / €50 (Standard if over limit) | €0 | Revolut Premium / Wise for Standard |
| Send £10,000 GBP → USD | £47.20 (0.47%) | £100 (1% after allowance) or £0 (Metal) | £0 (Metal) | Revolut Metal / Wise |
🔍 Key Insight
If you transfer less than €1,000 per month on weekdays, Revolut Standard can be cheaper (zero fee). For larger or frequent transfers, Wise often wins because its fees scale predictably and there's no allowance limit.
Transfer Speed: How Fast Does Money Arrive?
Both platforms claim fast transfers, but actual speed depends on currency pairs, time of day, and banking partners.
Wise Transfer Times
Wise uses local bank networks to move money quickly. Most transfers arrive within 1–2 working days. Some currency pairs (like GBP to EUR) can arrive in seconds using their "Fast" network. Wise provides an estimated delivery time upfront.
Revolut Transfer Times
Revolut transfers between Revolut accounts are instant. To external bank accounts, they typically take 1–2 business days. However, some currencies may be slower if they require SWIFT. Revolut's app shows an estimated arrival date.
Verdict: Both are comparable; Wise has an edge for same-currency transfers (e.g., EUR to EUR) which can be near-instant.
Account Limits: Free vs Premium Plans
Both platforms offer free accounts, but with limitations. If you move large amounts regularly, a paid plan might be worth it.
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Free Exchange Allowance | ATM Withdrawals | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (no tiers) | $0 | No allowance, per-transfer fee | 2 free withdrawals up to $200/mo, then $1.50 | Regular international transfers |
| Revolut Standard | $0 | €1,000/mo (or equivalent) | €200/mo or 5 withdrawals | Occasional transfers, spending abroad |
| Revolut Premium | $9.99/mo | €3,000/mo | €400/mo | Regular travelers, moderate transfer volume |
| Revolut Metal | $16.99/mo | Unlimited | €800/mo | High-volume transfers, luxury perks |
📊 Which Plan Pays Off?
If you transfer more than €3,000 per month, Revolut Metal can be cheaper than Wise's fees, especially if you also use the other benefits (cashback, lounge access). For most individuals, Wise's simple pay-as-you-go is more cost-effective.
Business Features for Freelancers & Companies
Both Revolut and Wise offer business accounts tailored to freelancers, SMEs, and even large enterprises.
Wise Business
Transparent & Global- One-time fee to open (varies by region, often $0).
- Same low fees as personal accounts.
- Multi-currency balances with local account details (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc.).
- Integrations with Xero, QuickBooks.
- Batch payments and API access.
Revolut Business
All-in-One Finance- Free and paid plans (starting at $0 with limits).
- Local account details in multiple currencies (higher-tier plans).
- Expense management, team cards, and accounting integrations.
- Crypto and commodity trading for businesses.
- Higher fees for SWIFT transfers and over-limit exchanges.
Verdict: For freelancers who just need to receive and send international payments, Wise Business is simpler and cheaper. For companies that want a full banking stack with cards, expenses, and treasury features, Revolut Business offers more tools.
User Experience & Mobile Apps
Both apps are highly rated, but they have different strengths.
- Wise: Clean, focused interface. Easy to navigate, clear fee breakdown. The web platform is equally intuitive.
- Revolut: Packed with features: budgeting, crypto, stocks, insurance. Can feel cluttered if you only want transfers. But the transfer flow is straightforward once you find it.
Security & Regulation: Is Your Money Safe?
🔒 Both are regulated
- Wise: Authorized by the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, and other regulators globally. Funds are held in separate safeguarding accounts (not used for lending).
- Revolut: Holds an EU banking license (Lithuania) and is regulated in the UK by the FCA. In the US, it has state licenses. Revolut also offers deposit protection (up to €100,000 in Europe).
Both use 2FA, biometric login, and transaction monitoring. Revolut's banking license means your cash up to €100,000 is protected in Europe; Wise safeguards funds but does not provide deposit insurance.
Which Is Better for You? (Decision Flowchart)
To help you decide, follow this simple logic:
- You send less than €1,000/month and want a simple, free option: Revolut Standard (on weekdays) works well.
- You send €1,000–€3,000/month: Wise is usually cheaper because its fee is a small percentage without allowances.
- You send more than €3,000/month or need unlimited exchanges: Revolut Metal can be cost-effective if you also use the other perks.
- You need to hold multiple currencies long-term: Both do this well, but Wise's account details are more widely available (e.g., ACH in the US).
- You want an all-in-one finance app: Revolut is the clear winner.
- You prioritize transparency and predictable fees: Wise is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
For transfers under €1,000 per month, Revolut Standard can be cheaper (free). For larger amounts, Wise is usually cheaper because its fees scale linearly without monthly allowances. Always compare using the in-app calculators.
Both use the mid-market rate for exchanges within allowances. Revolut may add a weekend markup. Wise always uses the mid-market rate regardless of the day. So Wise has a slight edge for weekend transfers.
Yes, Revolut is regulated and offers passported deposit protection in Europe (up to €100,000). However, it's a financial technology company, not a traditional bank in all regions. For very large sums, consider spreading across multiple accounts.
Yes, both have dedicated business accounts with features like multi-currency accounts, team cards, and accounting integrations. Wise Business is simpler and cheaper for straightforward international payments. Revolut Business offers more features like expense management and corporate cards.
Wise has no monthly exchange limits but transfer limits vary by verification level (up to millions). Revolut has monthly exchange allowances based on plan: Standard €1,000, Premium €3,000, Metal unlimited. Both have daily ATM and spending limits.
Revolut is often preferred for travel because of its budgeting features, travel insurance (paid plans), and free ATM withdrawals up to a limit. Wise is simpler and has clear fees, but its card is not available in all countries yet.
Final Verdict: Revolut vs Wise in 2026
There's no single winner—it depends on your use case. Wise wins for transparency, simplicity, and predictable low-cost transfers, especially for larger amounts. Revolut shines for all-in-one financial management, frequent travelers, and if you can stay within its monthly allowances.
We recommend opening both accounts (they're free) and testing with small transfers. Use Wise for one-off large transfers and Revolut for day-to-day spending and small exchanges. Both are far cheaper than traditional banks.
🚀 Ready to save on international transfers?
Sign up for Wise or Revolut using our links to get a fee-free transfer on your first transaction (where available). Check their latest promotions in your region.