If you’re looking for a multi-currency debit card that offers competitive exchange rates, low fees, and seamless spending abroad, you’ve probably come across two major contenders: the Wise Card and the Revolut Card.
Both offer digital wallets, multi-currency accounts, and excellent travel features—but which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Uses the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google). Charges a small fee for currency conversion (typically 0.35%-2%). No markup on weekend transactions. No subscription required—pay only for what you use.
Offers free exchange at the interbank rate for up to £1,000 per month. After the £1,000 limit, a 1% fee applies.
Weekend transactions have a 1% markup. Currency exchange is only free on weekdays.
Winner: Wise – If you exchange more than £1,000 a month or travel on weekends, Wise is more transparent and cost-effective.
Hold and convert money in 40+ currencies.
Top up via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.
Exchange currencies in advance and lock in rates.
Hold money in 30+ currencies. Top up via bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or Apple Pay/Google Pay. Cannot pre-exchange and lock in rates.
Winner: Wise – More currencies and the ability to lock in exchange rates.
Free ATM withdrawals up to £200 per month, then a 1.75% fee. No extra charges for spending in different currencies—just the small conversion fee.
Free ATM withdrawals up to £200 per month, then a 2% fee. No fees for card payments abroad if you stay within the £1,000 monthly exchange limit.
Winner: Draw – Both have a £200 free ATM withdrawal limit, but Wise charges a lower fee (1.75%) compared to Revolut (2%). Revolut offers free spending up to £1,000 per month but adds a weekend markup.
Highly rated app with clear breakdowns of fees and real-time tracking.
Instant top-ups via debit/credit card. Works with Apple Pay & Google Pay.
App-first experience with advanced budgeting tools.
Features like spending analytics & vaults for saving money. Works with Apple Pay & Google Pay.
Winner: Revolut – Better for those who want budgeting tools and extra features.
Strong security features, including two-factor authentication.
No 24/7 support—live chat available during business hours.
Advanced security features, including virtual cards for extra protection. In-app support, but free users may experience slow response times.
Winner: Draw – Both offer solid security, but customer service can be hit-and-miss.
Simple and transparent, with no extra perks.
Business-friendly with invoicing and account integrations.
Perks like cashback & rewards (only for premium users).
Travel insurance available (but at an extra cost).
Winner: Revolut – More perks, though many require an upgrade to a paid plan.
| Feature | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Best Exchange Rate | Yes (real exchange rate) |
Yes, but only up to £1,000/month |
| Currency Holding | 40+ currencies |
30+ currencies |
| ATM Withdrawals | Free up to £200/month, then 1.75% |
Free up to £200/month, then 2% |
| Ease of Use | Simple & transparent |
Great budgeting tools |
| Security | Strong |
Strong but slower support |
| Extra Features | Minimal perks |
More perks (but mostly paid) |
You want the best exchange rates with no hidden fees. You exchange more than £1,000/month or travel on weekends. You need to hold more than 30 currencies.
You exchange less than £1,000 per month and don’t mind weekday-only free conversions. You want budgeting tools, virtual cards, and extra features. You don’t mind upgrading to a paid plan for more perks.
Both Wise and Revolut Standard offer solid multi-currency solutions, but they cater to slightly different types of travellers. If you’re after transparency, reliability, and the best possible exchange rates with no nasty surprises, Wise is the winner. It offers real exchange rates, supports more currencies, and doesn’t penalise you for exchanging money at weekends. Plus, the ability to lock in rates in advance makes it a strong choice for savvy travellers who like to plan ahead.
That said, Revolut Standard has its advantages too. If you exchange under £1,000 per month, stick to weekday conversions, and want more budgeting tools, it’s a great free option. The ability to use virtual cards, set spending limits, and track expenses makes it especially useful for those who like to keep a close eye on their finances while travelling. However, be mindful of weekend surcharges and the £1,000 exchange limit, as fees can quickly add up if you’re spending more.
Ultimately, the right card for you depends on your travel habits and spending style. If you’re a frequent traveller or spending larger amounts abroad, Wise is the better bet. If you’re a casual holidaymaker who likes an app with extra money management features, Revolut Standard could be a good fit—just watch out for those limits!
Still unsure? Try both! Since neither card has a sign-up fee, you could always use Wise for bigger exchanges and Revolut for day-to-day budgeting and perks.
Compare Travel Cash is a price comparison service that’s designed to help you save money – While we do our best to ensure the site is 100% up-to-date, we cannot guarantee this.
We advise you to carry out your own due diligence before buying or selling travel money.
