Good exchange rates. Online and on the move.
Wise and Revolut are our recommendations to compare when paying in foreign currencies or sending money abroad. The total price of your specific transaction determines which service is cheaper for you.
Wise
Our recommendation when you want to send money internationally or use several currencies for payments. According to its price overview, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and lists conversion fees separately. This lets you compare the equivalent amount and costs before placing an order.
The card can be used online and in person. If you already hold sufficient funds in the payment currency, no further conversion is needed. Otherwise, conversion fees may apply. Separate terms apply to the card and cash withdrawals.
Explore Wise ↗Revolut
Our recommendation to compare if you want an app-managed account with a card and currency exchange for everyday use. Revolut uses its own exchange rate. Additional charges depend, among other things, on your plan and its applicable exchange terms.
Before exchanging, check the total costs shown, available allowances and possible weekend fees. Cash withdrawals also have plan-dependent limits. A higher plan is worthwhile only if its benefits outweigh the ongoing costs for your usage.
Explore Revolut ↗Which provider suits your plans?
| Your plans | What matters |
|---|---|
| Sending money abroad | Compare the same total amount, recipient amount, payment method and expected arrival time with both providers. |
| Shopping online in a foreign currency | Check the invoice currency, possible conversion fees and any conversion offered by the merchant. |
| Paying in a shop or restaurant | Check the currency shown on the terminal and whether your card is accepted. |
| Withdrawing cash | Allow for your remaining withdrawal allowance and any ATM operator fees. |
In person: pay attention to the local currency
A terminal or ATM may offer to convert the amount into euros immediately. With this dynamic currency conversion, the service involved sets the exchange rate. Usually choose the local currency and decline the additional conversion so your card provider handles settlement. Compare any fees displayed before confirming. Visa explains this currency choice.
“In person” means card payments and withdrawals at suitable ATMs. Wise and Revolut are not recommended here as local bureaux de change for banknotes you bring with you.
Online: compare the final amount
Enter the same source amount and target currency with both services. Compare at approximately the same time. The total charge and the amount received matter. Our Currency converter provides guidance; it does not show binding Wise or Revolut offers.
Is Wise an online bank?
Wise Europe SA is a payment institution in the EEA, not a bank. A Wise balance is not a conventional bank deposit covered by statutory deposit insurance. For Revolut customers in Germany, the provider's terms name Revolut Bank UAB or its German branch. When signing up, check which contractual entity and terms apply to your country of residence. Wise: regulation · Revolut: contractual entity and fees
Our assessment
We recommend both as candidates for your personal cost comparison. We do not guarantee the cheapest rate in every currency and situation. The recommendation is based on the described features and publicly available provider information, not on our own hands-on testing. Availability, fees and plans may differ by country and account.
Editorial review date: 7 November 2026. The links go directly to the providers and contain no affiliate identifier.