Personal Finance Bank accounts

Is a Wise account free?

Emma-Jane Stogdon

30.05.25

Read time 3 minutes

A Wise account can be a great way to manage your money internationally. You can send and convert funds in dozens of currencies, even with large amounts. But is it free to open a Wise account?

In this guide, we’ll answer this question and also highlight some of the benefits of having a personal Wise account, so you know what features you can expect.

Is it free to open a Wise account?

Yes, if you’re opening a personal Wise account, it’s completely free and there aren’t any account-opening or ongoing monthly fees.

📚How Wise works

However, if you’re looking for a business account, there’s a one-off fee of £45 to open a Wise business account. And unlike many other providers there are no ongoing subscription costs.

📚Wise Personal vs Business

Three people laughing and enjoying coffee

Who can open an account with Wise?

Currently, to open a Wise account in the UK you must be over 18 years old and a UK resident. You’ll need to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID and a selfie for comparison.

📚How to open Wise account in UK

But you can open a Wise account from 160+ countries, which may be useful if you’re planning to move, work or travel abroad. Though, keep in mind depending on where you open your account, there may be some local restrictions. Check out full details on where a Wise account is available here.

You can register on Wise.com or via the Wise app, available to download on Android and Apple iOS. You can also register by using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.

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What currencies does a Wise account support?

With a Wise account, you’ll be able to convert, send and receive 40+ global currencies. This includes GBP, EUR, BRL, HUF, NZD and TRY, to name a few. You’ll also get local account details in 8+ currencies, such as GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, CHF and more.

When you open an account, you can get a Wise card. It can be used in 150+ countries, allowing you to spend in local currencies while travelling or working abroad.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Personal Wise account benefits

There are various benefits to having and using a Wise account. Let’s go through some of the main ones:

It’s completely free to open a Wise account for personal use
No monthly subscription fees
Receive international payments or get paid in USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD, CAD, HUF, RON, TRY, and SGD without additional fees* - handy if you don’t hold a bank account in one of these countries or currencies
Hold over 8+ currency balances in the same account
Spend in 150+ with a linked Wise card, online and in-person
When you spend, it automatically converts the currency from your balance into the local currency wherever you are
With a linked Wise card, get 2 free ATM withdrawals of up to 200 GBP per calendar month, after this there’s a small fixed fee* per withdrawal of 0.5 GBP or for amounts above 200 GBP, 0.5 GBP + 1.75% of the withdrawal amount (additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks)
Converting currencies may incur a small fee* but this fee is always upfront and transparent so there are no surprises
Guaranteed mid-market exchange rate on all currency conversions
No minimum balance requirements to keep your account active
High levels of account security and protection and a 24/7 fraud team
Dedicated support for large amount transfers to guide you through the process, there’s a discount when you send over 20,000 GBP (or equivalent) and you can even request a call back
Earn a variable return on your GBP, USD and EUR balance with Wise Interest. Capital at risk.

Capital at risk. Growth not guaranteed. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with registration number 839689. When facilitating access to Wise investment products, Wise Payments Ltd acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative of Wise Assets UK Ltd. Please be aware that we do not offer investment advice, and you may be liable for taxes on any earnings. If you’re uncertain, we urge you to seek professional advice. To find out more about the Funds, visit our website.

Send, spend and convert with a Wise account

You now know that it’s possible to open a free Wise account, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

A Wise account can be a great solution if you’re looking for a way to send and receive international payments regularly and with no surprise costs.

You can hold up to 40+ currencies and switch between them easily in the Wise app. Whenever you convert money with Wise, you get the mid-market exchange rate, with no mark-ups or hidden margins. And of course, all fees are transparent*, so you always know exactly what you’re sending and receiving.

➡️ Sign up with Wise for free

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Sources used:

All info from: Wise.com

Sources last checked on: 22-May-2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.