Revolut vs Wise 2026 — Which Is Better for International Banking?

Both handle international money beautifully. Both beat traditional banks on exchange rates by a wide margin. The question is which one fits your specific situation. After testing both for six months across 12 currencies, here is the honest verdict.

Core Difference

Wise is built primarily for moving money between currencies cheaply and transparently. Revolut is built as a full banking replacement with international capability as a core feature.

If your primary need is international transfers — Wise. If your primary need is a full current account that also handles international well — Revolut.

Exchange Rates

Both use rates close to the mid-market rate. Wise charges a transparent percentage fee (typically 0.4–1%). Revolut offers the interbank rate with no markup up to your plan's monthly limit — then a 0.5% fee above that.

For a £1,000 transfer to EUR: Wise costs approximately £6. Revolut costs £0 if within your plan limit, £5 above it.

Winner: Tie — depends on your volume and plan.

Currencies Supported

Wise: Hold 40+ currencies, send to 160+ countries. Revolut: Hold 30+ currencies, send to 150+ countries.

Winner: Wise — wider coverage, especially for emerging market currencies.

Banking Features

Revolut: Full current account, debit card, savings, crypto, stocks, insurance, lounge access. A complete banking product.

Wise: Multi-currency account, debit card, local account details in 10 currencies. More limited as a primary bank.

Winner: Revolut — significantly more features.

Safety

Wise: FCA regulated, FinCEN registered. Funds safeguarded — not FSCS insured. Revolut: FCA regulated (e-money). Funds safeguarded — not FSCS insured. UK banking licence pending.

Winner: Tie — similar regulatory status, neither FSCS insured.

Who Should Choose Which

Choose Wise: Primary use is sending money internationally. You want maximum currency coverage and transparent fees.

Choose Revolut: You want a full banking replacement with strong international features. You travel frequently.

Use both: Many international users do — Wise for specific transfers, Revolut as their primary account.

Reviewed by Thomas & Øyvind — NorwegianSpark | Last updated April 2026