Wise
Best for Speed & Transparency
299,693 Trustpilot reviews
Wise pioneered transparent pricing by using the real mid-market exchange rate with a small, upfront fee (0.41-0.69%). Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Wise serves 16+ million customers and processes £9 billion monthly. Over 50% of transfers arrive within one hour. The multi-currency account holds 50+ currencies with local bank details in 10+, and the debit card lets you spend at the mid-market rate anywhere.
Established
2011
Customers
16M+
Monthly Volume
£9bn+
Exchange Rate
Mid-market (0% markup)
Transfer Fee
0.41-0.69%
LSE Listed
WISE
Strengths
- Real mid-market rate with zero markup
- Fastest transfers in the industry (often instant)
- Excellent app (4.7/5 App Store)
- Multi-currency account with 50+ currencies
- Fully transparent fee shown before you send
- London Stock Exchange listed — maximum financial transparency
Limitations
- Fee charged on every transfer (0.41-0.69%)
- Expensive for large transfers over £50K
- No personal account manager or phone support
- No forward contracts or hedging tools
- Credit card payments incur higher fees
Who should use Wise
Small to medium transfers under £10,000 where speed and transparency matter most. Digital-first users who want an exceptional app. Freelancers and remote workers receiving payments in multiple currencies.
Who should look elsewhere
Large property purchases (£50K+) where the percentage fee adds up — a £100K transfer costs £410-690 in fees vs. zero at Currencies Direct. Anyone who needs forward contracts, hedging, or personal phone support.