In 2026, with global travel booming, remote work everywhere, and crypto becoming mainstream, choosing the right fintech app for international money transfers and everyday banking is crucial. Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are two giants in this space, but which one wins in the Revolut vs Wise battle?
Both offer low-cost transfers, multi-currency accounts, and debit cards, but they differ in fees, features, speed, and user experience. In this comprehensive guide – updated for 2026 trends like AI-powered budgeting and enhanced crypto support – I’ll break down everything: pros/cons, fees comparison, real-user scenarios, and more. Whether you’re an expat, traveler, freelancer, or just sending money abroad, this will help you decide.
By the end, you’ll know if Revolut’s all-in-one super app suits you better or if Wise’s transparent transfers are the way to go. Let’s dive in.
What Are Revolut and Wise? A Quick Overview
Revolut: Launched in 2015, Revolut is a UK-based fintech unicorn now serving 40+ million users worldwide. It’s more than a transfer app – it’s a full digital bank with budgeting tools, investments, crypto trading, insurance, and even lounge access. In 2026, Revolut has expanded its AI features for personalized spending insights and seamless integration with Web3 wallets.
Wise: Founded in 2011 as TransferWise, Wise focuses on borderless banking with transparent, mid-market exchange rates. It handles 10+ billion in transfers monthly for 13+ million users. Wise’s strength is simplicity: multi-currency accounts, debit cards, and business tools without the bells and whistles. In 2026, Wise has improved its API for freelancers and added more local payout options in emerging markets.
Key difference in Revolut vs Wise 2026: Revolut is a “super app” for all finances; Wise excels in pure transfers.
Revolut vs Wise: Fees and Exchange Rates Compared
Fees are where most users start in any Revolut vs Wise comparison. Both beat traditional banks, but let’s break it down with 2026 data.
Exchange Rates
- Revolut: Uses interbank rates on weekdays (up to £1,000/month free on standard plan). Weekends add 0.5-2% markup. Premium plans (from £2.99/month) offer unlimited fee-free exchanges.
- Wise: Always mid-market rate (Google’s rate) with no hidden markups – ever. Transparent fee shown upfront.
Winner: Wise for consistency; Revolut if you upgrade plans.
Transfer Fees
| Aspect | Revolut | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Small transfers (<£1,000) | Free on weekdays (limits apply) | 0.4-0.6% + fixed fee (~£0.20-£3) |
| Large transfers (£10,000+) | 0.2-2% depending on plan/currency | 0.3-0.5% (cheaper for volume) |
| Card spending abroad | Free up to limits; then 0.5% | Free with mid-market rate |
| ATM withdrawals | Free up to £200-£800/month (plan-dependent); 2% after | Free up to £200/month; 1.75% + £0.50 after |
Source: Official sites and user reports from Revolut and Wise as of January 2026.
Other Fees
- Revolut: Subscription tiers (Standard free, Plus £2.99, Premium £7.99, Metal £12.99, Ultra £45). Extra for express transfers (1-3% premium).
- Wise: No subscriptions; pay per use. Business accounts have tiered pricing.
In Revolut vs Wise fees, Wise wins for simplicity; Revolut for heavy users who benefit from premiums.
Features Face-Off: What Each Offers in 2026
Beyond basics, here’s a deep Revolut vs Wise features comparison.
Money Transfers
- Revolut: 30+ currencies, instant to other Revolut users, 1-3 days international. Supports crypto sends.
- Wise: 50+ currencies, 50% arrive in <20 min, local bank details in 10 countries (e.g., US ACH, EU IBAN).
Speed: Wise often faster for non-Revolut recipients.
Debit Cards and Banking
- Revolut: Virtual/disposable cards, joint accounts, kids’ cards. Apple/Google Pay integration.
- Wise: Physical debit card (Mastercard), balances in 40+ currencies, no overdrafts.
Investments and Crypto
- Revolut: Stocks, ETFs, commodities, crypto (buy/sell/hold 100+ coins). Staking and trading bots in 2026.
- Wise: None – focuses on transfers only.
Winner: Revolut for investors.
Additional Perks
- Revolut: Travel insurance, lounge access (premium), cashback, donations, budgeting AI.
- Wise: Business tools (invoices, payroll), API for devs, multi-user access.
Pros and Cons: Revolut vs Wise
Revolut Pros
- All-in-one app: Banking + investing + perks.
- Free premium features for light users.
- Crypto and stock integration.
- Great for travelers (lounges, insurance).
Revolut Cons
- Weekend markups and plan limits.
- Customer support can be slow (chat-only).
- Regulatory issues in some countries (e.g., not full bank in all EU).
Wise Pros
- Transparent, no-hidden-fee model.
- Faster global transfers.
- Local accounts reduce fees abroad.
- Excellent for businesses/freelancers.
Wise Cons
- No investments or extras.
- Card not as feature-rich.
- Fees on small transfers add up.
Real-User Scenarios: When to Choose Revolut or Wise
Let’s apply this to 2026 life.
- Expat sending salary home: Wise – lower fees for large amounts, local payouts.
- Traveler in Europe/Asia: Revolut – free ATM, insurance, crypto for payments.
- Freelancer invoicing clients: Wise – business tools, multi-currency holds.
- Crypto enthusiast: Revolut – built-in wallet and trading.
- Budget-conscious student: Tie – start with free Revolut, switch to Wise for transfers.
Based on reviews from Trustpilot Revolut (4.2/5) and Trustpilot Wise (4.3/5) in early 2026.
Security and Regulation in 2026
Both are safe: FCA-regulated in UK, with 2FA, fraud alerts.
- Revolut: e-money license; funds in segregated accounts (not FSCS protected in all regions).
- Wise: Full banking license in some areas; client funds ring-fenced.
No major breaches reported recently, but always enable biometrics.
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step
Signing Up for Revolut
- Download app (iOS/Android).
- Verify ID (passport/selfie).
- Add funds via bank/debit.
- Order card (free delivery).
Signing Up for Wise
- Create account online/app.
- Verify with ID/proof of address.
- Top up via bank transfer.
- Get debit card (£7 fee).
Both take 5-10 min; approval in hours.
FAQ – Revolut vs Wise 2026
Which is cheaper, Revolut or Wise?
For most transfers, Wise edges out with no markups. Revolut can be cheaper on premiums for high-volume users. Compare via their calculators.
Is Revolut better than Wise for crypto?
Yes – Revolut supports buying/selling/staking; Wise has none.
Can I use both Revolut and Wise?
Absolutely! Many do: Wise for transfers, Revolut for daily banking/investments.
Which has better customer support?
Wise: 24/7 phone/email. Revolut: App chat, faster on paid plans.
Revolut vs Wise exchange rates – who’s fairer?
Wise: Always mid-market. Revolut: Close, but watch weekends/limits.
Is Wise safer than Revolut?
Both secure, but Wise’s transparency builds more trust per reviews.
Which is best for business use in 2026?
Wise: Dedicated tools for invoices/payroll. Revolut Business is good for teams but pricier.
How do Revolut and Wise handle large transfers?
Wise: No limits, low % fees. Revolut: Up to £100k/day, but verify for compliance.
Can I get cashback with Revolut or Wise?
Revolut: Yes, up to 1% on Metal/Ultra. Wise: No.
What’s new in Revolut vs Wise for 2026?
Revolut: AI budgeting, expanded crypto. Wise: More local currencies, faster APIs.
Conclusion: Which Wins in Revolut vs Wise 2026?
If you want an all-rounder with perks, go Revolut. For pure, cheap transfers, choose Wise. Ultimately, try both free tiers – many users do.
In the evolving fintech world of 2026, both are winners over banks. What’s your experience? Comment below!
