You are about to travel and someone has told you to get either a Wise card or a Revolut card. Maybe both. You have looked at the comparison sites and they all seem written by people who have never used either card outside a major city.
This is the guide from someone who has used both across multiple countries. The answer is not the same for every traveller — and the difference in fees between getting this right and wrong is measurable.
💳 The Short Answer
Wise is better for straightforward spending and sending money abroad. Revolut is better for people who travel constantly and want a full banking experience. For most travellers taking 2–4 trips a year, Wise wins on fees. For frequent travellers or digital nomads, Revolut Premium pays for itself. Here is exactly why.
How Each Card Actually Works
Wise — Built for Honest Currency Exchange
Wise was built around one idea: the real exchange rate with a small transparent fee instead of a marked-up rate with hidden charges. When you spend abroad on your Wise card, you get the mid-market exchange rate — the same rate you see on Google — with a small conversion fee of 0.35–2% depending on the currency. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No surprises.
You can hold money in 40+ currencies simultaneously and convert between them whenever the rate suits you. The physical card is free in most countries and the app shows every transaction in real time.
Revolut — Built for Frequent Travellers
Revolut started as a travel card and has grown into a full digital bank. The free plan gives you fee-free currency exchange up to a monthly limit at the interbank rate on weekdays — but adds a 1% markup on weekends when currency markets are closed. Paid plans (Plus £3.99/mo, Premium £9.99/mo, Metal £15.99/mo) remove exchange limits, add higher ATM limits, travel insurance, and lounge access.
Fee Comparison — What You Actually Pay
| Fee | Wise | Revolut Free | Revolut Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | None | None | £9.99/month |
| Exchange rate | Mid-market always | Interbank (weekdays) | Interbank (weekdays) |
| Weekend markup | 0.35–0.5% extra | 1% markup | 0.5% markup |
| Conversion fee | 0.35–2% per currency | Free up to £1,000/mo | Free unlimited |
| ATM withdrawals | Free up to £200/mo | Free up to £200/mo | Free up to £400/mo |
| International transfers | ✅ Best rates | OK for small amounts | OK for small amounts |
Real Scenarios — Which Card Wins
Wise wins. No monthly fee, transparent conversion, free ATM up to £200. Total fees on £2,000: approximately £7–14 depending on currency.
Revolut Premium wins. At £9.99/month, unlimited fee-free exchanges and higher ATM allowance pay for themselves within the first week of a long trip.
Wise wins decisively. Sending £500 to a euro account via Wise costs approximately £2–3. Via a high street bank: £15–30. Revolut is not as strong for international transfers.
Plan carefully with both. Pre-load your Wise account in the local currency on a weekday when rates are live. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to maximise free ATM allowances.
Which Should You Get?
| You Are... | Get This |
|---|---|
| Taking 1–4 holidays per year | Wise — lower total cost, no monthly fee |
| Travelling every month or living abroad | Revolut Premium — pays for itself at volume |
| Sending money internationally regularly | Wise — built for this, unbeatable fees |
| Want travel insurance included | Revolut Premium or Metal |
| First time getting a travel card | Wise — simpler, no confusing plan tiers |
| Want both (smart move) | Get both — both are free at basic level |
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💳❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Wise is better for most travellers taking 2–4 trips a year — no monthly fee, transparent mid-market rates. Revolut Premium suits frequent travellers spending heavily every month where £9.99/month is offset by unlimited fee-free exchanges and travel insurance.
Wise charges 0.35–2% conversion fee depending on currency. No monthly fee and no exchange rate markup — you always get the mid-market rate. ATM withdrawals are free up to £200 per month, then 1.75% after that.
Revolut free plan gives fee-free exchange up to £1,000/month on weekdays, then a fair usage fee. On weekends, a 1% markup applies. ATM withdrawals free up to £200/month. Paid plans remove or raise these limits.
Wise is significantly better for international transfers — built specifically for this. Sending £500 to a euro account via Wise costs approximately £2–3. Via a high street bank: £15–30.
Yes — and this is the recommended approach. Both are free at basic level. Use Wise as primary for spending and transfers, Revolut free as backup. Two fee-efficient cards with full redundancy abroad.
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✅ Final Verdict
The honest answer: get both — Wise as your primary card for spending and transfers, Revolut free as backup. Total cost: £0. Upgrade Revolut to Premium only if you travel more than once a month. Check live rates before every trip with our free Currency Converter. 💳