The basic steps to transfer money through Wise
To send money on Wise to a bank account, you create a Wise account, add a recipient bank account, enter the amount and currency you're sending, and confirm the transfer. Wise then converts your money at the real exchange rate (if you're sending internationally) and deposits it into the recipient's bank account. The whole process takes minutes to set up, though the actual deposit into the recipient's account can take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days depending on the destination country and bank.
You'll need a Wise account with a verified identity, a funding source (your own bank account, debit card, or credit card), and the recipient's bank details. Wise handles the currency conversion and international routing for you—you don't need to arrange anything with your own bank or the recipient's bank beforehand.
Key Takeaways
- Wise converts money at the real mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee shown before you confirm, so you know exactly what the recipient will receive.
- You fund the transfer from your own bank account, debit card, or credit card, and Wise deposits the money directly into the recipient's bank account.
- The recipient needs to provide their full bank account number, routing number (in the US), IBAN (in Europe), or equivalent banking details for their country.
- Transfers to most countries arrive within one to three business days, though some corridors (like the US to the UK) can be faster.
- Wise holds your money in real bank accounts in multiple countries, so your transfer is not held in a Wise wallet—it goes straight to the recipient's bank.
Setting up your Wise account and adding a recipient
Download the Wise app or go to wise.com and click "Send money." You'll be asked to create an account with your email, set a password, and verify your identity. Wise will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, and the reason you're sending money (personal use, business, salary, etc.). This verification usually takes a few minutes.
Once your account is verified, click "Add recipient" or "Send to a new account." Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their country, and their bank account details. For US accounts, you'll need the routing number and account number. For international transfers, Wise will ask for the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or the equivalent for that country—the app will tell you which one is needed. Double-check the recipient's details before moving forward; an incorrect account number will cause the transfer to fail or be returned.
Choosing your funding source and entering the amount
Wise lets you fund a transfer from your bank account, debit card, or credit card. Bank transfers are usually free or have a small fee; debit and credit cards typically cost more. When you enter the amount, you can choose whether to specify how much you're sending in your home currency or how much the recipient should receive in their currency. Wise shows you the exchange rate and fee immediately, so you'll see the exact amount the recipient gets before you confirm.
If you're sending internationally, Wise displays the real mid-market exchange rate—the same rate banks use with each other—plus a transparent markup that covers Wise's cost. This is usually lower than what a traditional bank charges. You can lock in the exchange rate for a set period (usually 48 hours) if you want to may provide the amount the recipient receives, though this is optional.
Confirming the transfer and tracking delivery
Review the recipient's details, the amount being sent, the amount they'll receive, and the fee. If everything is correct, confirm the transfer. Wise will ask you to authorize the payment from your chosen funding source—if you're using a bank account, you may need to verify a small deposit Wise makes to your account, or you may authorize it through your bank's app. If you're using a debit or credit card, you'll enter the card details and any security codes your card issuer requires.
Once the transfer is confirmed, Wise sends you a reference number and shows you the status in your account. You can track the transfer in real time through the Wise app or website. Most transfers arrive within one to three business days; some faster corridors (like US to UK) can arrive within hours. The recipient will see the money in their bank account, not in a Wise wallet—Wise deposits it directly.
What happens if the transfer fails or takes longer than expected
If the recipient's bank details are incorrect, Wise will usually catch the error before the transfer leaves and ask you to correct them. If a transfer does go through with wrong details, it may be returned to your Wise account within five to ten business days, and you can resend it with the correct information.
If a transfer is delayed, check the status in your Wise account first. Some banks take longer to process incoming transfers, especially on weekends or holidays. If a transfer shows as delivered but the recipient hasn't received it, ask them to check their bank account under pending transactions or contact their bank directly—sometimes money appears as a pending deposit before it fully clears. If the transfer is stuck for more than the stated timeframe, contact Wise support through the app or website with your reference number.
Fees and exchange rates on Wise transfers
Wise charges a fee for each transfer, displayed before you confirm. The fee varies by the currencies involved, the amount you're sending, and your funding method. Bank transfers from your account usually have the lowest fee; card payments cost more. There is no hidden markup on the exchange rate—Wise uses the real mid-market rate and shows you the fee as a separate line item.
For example, if you're sending US dollars to a UK bank account, Wise shows you the USD-to-GBP rate, the fee in dollars, and the exact amount in pounds the recipient will receive. You can compare this to what your own bank would charge by asking them for their exchange rate and fee for the same transfer. Wise is typically cheaper for international transfers, especially for larger amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to any bank account, or only certain banks?
Wise can send to bank accounts in over 80 countries. As long as the recipient has a regular bank account and you have their correct account number and routing information, Wise can deliver the money. Some countries have restrictions or require additional information (like a tax ID), but Wise will tell you during setup if that applies.
How long does it take for money to arrive after I send it?
Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. Some corridors are faster—US to UK transfers often arrive within hours. The timeline depends on the destination country's banking system and whether the transfer is sent on a business day. Weekends and holidays can add time.
What if I send money to the wrong person by mistake?
If you realize the error immediately after confirming, contact Wise support right away through the app. If the transfer hasn't left yet, they may be able to cancel it. If it has already been sent, you'll need to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money, or contact their bank to report the error. Wise cannot reverse a transfer once it reaches the recipient's bank.
Do I need to tell my bank I'm using Wise?
No, you don't need to notify your bank beforehand. When you fund a Wise transfer from your bank account, it appears as a regular transfer to Wise's bank account. Your bank may ask the purpose of the transfer during authorization, and you can say it's for a money transfer service. If your bank declines the transfer, contact them to ask why—some banks flag unfamiliar services the first time you use them.
Can the recipient see that the money came from Wise?
The recipient will see the money arrived from Wise (or from Wise's partner bank in their country), not directly from you. They'll see your name as the sender and can match it to the reference number Wise provided you. The money goes into their regular bank account, so they can use it immediately like any other deposit.