Wise Debit Card Review - 2025
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the reputation and usage of the Wise Debit Card. We’ll cover its benefits, how to use it abroad, how to add funds, and the fees you should know about.
If you're interested in the Wise Debit Card but are concerned about its reputation, or if you're wondering who would benefit from using the Wise Card or how to get and use it, this article is a must-read.
Summary of Wise Debit Card
Let's start by understanding the basics of the Wise Debit Card.
Features of the Wise Debit Card
Supports over 40 currencies held in the Wise Multi-Currency Account
Available for payments in most countries and regions worldwide
Can be used at over 3 million ATMs worldwide for cash withdrawals
Currency exchange at the actual exchange rate with low conversion fees
Instant issuance of a digital card
Freezing and unfreezing the card is easy through the app
Benefits and Drawbacks of the Wise Debit Card
| Benefits of Wise Debit Card | Drawbacks of Wise Debit Card |
|---|---|
✅ No fees except for the initial card issuance fee ✅ Free to hold and use 40 currencies for payments ✅ Automatic currency conversion if the currency is not held ✅ Free ATM withdrawals up to 30,000 yen equivalent, twice a month ✅ Up to 3 digital cards can be issued ✅ Amount spent is deducted immediately ✅ Business debit cards are available for corporate accounts | ❌ The initial card issuance fee is 1,200 yen ❌ ATM withdrawal fees apply if withdrawing over 30,000 yen or more, more than 2 times a month ❌ There is a monthly usage limit ❌ Only available for use online or through the app, no physical branches ❌ Cannot be used for borrowing or credit-related activities |
The Wise Debit Card is specialized for foreign currency transactions. All procedures can be completed online, and a digital card, which is convenient for online shopping, can also be issued. It's highly recommended for frequent travelers, people who often shop on overseas e-commerce sites, and businesses.
Who Should Use the Wise Debit Card
People who travel or go on business trips frequently and want to make contactless payments
People who plan to stay overseas for studies, working holidays, etc.
People who plan to withdraw cash from overseas ATMs
People who frequently shop in foreign currencies on online stores
Businesses with frequent international transactions
How to Use the Wise Debit Card in Japan
The Wise Debit Card can be issued from Japan. First, open a free multi-currency account, then apply for the card.
With a Wise multi-currency account, you can hold 40 currencies, including Japanese yen. You can also use the Wise Debit Card for transactions within Japan.
Is the Wise Debit Card Convenient?
Fee-free payments in over 40 currencies
If the payment currency is not available, it will automatically convert from Japanese yen or other currencies with low conversion fees
Convenient digital card for online payments
Supports contactless payments
Withdraw cash from local ATMs (over 3 million worldwide) in the local currency
Easy management through the app
The Wise Debit Card is very convenient for people who frequently shop in foreign currencies.
Comparing the Wise Debit Card to Other Cards
When using the Wise Debit Card overseas, you can make more cost-effective payments compared to general Japanese bank debit cards. It is recommended for people concerned about overseas transaction fees.
Here is a comparison of the fees for using the Wise Debit Card and Japanese bank debit cards for overseas transactions:
| Service | Fee for 15,000 yen payment (JPY → USD) |
|---|---|
| Wise | 93 yen |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Bank | 457.5 yen |
| Rakuten Bank | 462 yen |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Bank | 450 yen |
| Sony Bank | 268.5 yen |
(As of February 22, 2024, based on the most standard membership plan.)
How to Use the Wise Debit Card
With the Wise Debit Card, you can:
Easily make payments from the balance in your Wise account
Pay in over 40 currencies fee-free
Convert and pay with low conversion fees from other currencies like Japanese yen
Withdraw cash from ATMs
Use the digital card for secure online payments
Next, let's look at how to create a Wise Debit Card, add funds, activate it, freeze or unfreeze it, and update it.
How to Add Funds to the Wise Debit Card
To use the Wise Debit Card, you need to add funds to your Wise account. You can charge your account via bank transfer or debit card.
Note: Credit cards cannot be used.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Open the account for the currency you want to charge
Select "Add Funds"
Choose the amount and currency you want to add
Select your preferred payment method and proceed
Review the account information and complete the charge
How to Create a Wise Debit Card
Creating a Wise Debit Card is easy. You can open a Wise account for free, with no annual or subscription fees. However, there is a one-time issuance fee of 1,200 yen for the card.
Open a free Wise account
Complete identity verification
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select the "Card" tab
Order the Wise Debit Card
Activate (activate) the card when it arrives
You can also choose expedited shipping for an additional fee. Additionally, before the physical card arrives, you can check the card information and use it for online or mobile wallet payments.
How to Activate the Wise Debit Card
Once the Wise Debit Card arrives, you need to activate it to start using it for payments. You can activate the Wise Debit Card by following these steps:
Log in to your Wise account
Select "Card"
Select "Activate Now"
Enter the 6-digit code printed on the paper that came with the card
Note: This applies to Wise Debit Cards issued in Japan after March 27, 2023.
How to Check Your Wise Debit Card PIN
The PIN (4-digit code) for your Wise Debit Card cannot be changed once set. If you forget your PIN, you can check it from the Wise app or account.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select "Card"
Select "Card Information"
Enter your password to check your PIN
How to Freeze Your Wise Debit Card
If you lose your card, notice any unfamiliar transactions, or don't want to use the card for a while, you can easily freeze your Wise Debit Card through the app. You can unfreeze it at any time.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select "Card"
Select "Freeze Card" or "Unfreeze Card"
How to Update or Reissue Your Wise Debit Card
When your Wise Debit Card is about to expire (with 2 months remaining), you'll receive a notification to update your card. The application and issuance of a new card are free of charge.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select "Card"
Select "Swap Card"
Choose the name to display on the new card
Complete the application and wait for the new card to arrive
You can also request a replacement card if your Wise Debit Card is lost, stolen, or damaged. A small fee (640 yen) may apply in this case.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select "Card"
Select "Swap Card"
Choose the reason for the replacement
Select "Replacement Card"
Complete the application and wait for the new card to arrive
How to Update or Delete Your Wise Digital Card
The Wise Digital Card (virtual card) can be updated up to three times per day with new card details. Once a new card information is generated, the old card information will no longer be usable.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select "Card"
Swipe to the desired digital card
Select "Swap Card" or "Delete Card"
Even after updating or deleting the digital card, you can still receive refunds to the card.
How to Use the Wise Debit Card Overseas
The Wise Debit Card is specifically designed for overseas use and foreign currency payments. It can be used for shopping and cash withdrawals in over 150 countries and regions worldwide.
The multi-currency account linked to the Wise Debit Card allows you to hold more than 40 currencies, and payments are automatically made in the local currency if you have a balance. This helps you save significantly on exchange fees. Even if you don't have a balance in the local currency, you can still pay by selecting the lowest conversion fee from other currencies.
Additionally, by using the Wise app, you can easily check your balance and transaction history in real-time, making budgeting simple.
How to Use the Wise Debit Card Overseas
Make payments in local currency
Withdraw cash from ATMs
Supports contactless payments
Countries Where the Wise Debit Card Can Be Used
The Wise Debit Card can be used in almost all countries and regions worldwide where debit card payments are accepted, except for a few countries.
Countries Where the Wise Debit Card Cannot Be Used
The countries are Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Note: This applies to Wise Debit Cards issued in Japan.
Wise Debit Card Overseas Fees
When using the Wise Debit Card overseas, you should be aware of exchange fees and ATM withdrawal fees. These fees are generally more affordable compared to traditional Japanese bank debit cards.
| Feature/Service | Wise Debit Card Fees |
|---|---|
| Payments in foreign currencies you hold | Free |
| Payments in foreign currencies you don't hold | 0.68% and up (conversion fee) |
| ATM withdrawals up to 30,000 yen (twice a month) | Free |
| ATM withdrawals over 30,000 yen (more than twice a month) | 70 yen per withdrawal + 1.75% of the amount over 30,000 yen |
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Is the Wise Debit Card Free to Issue?
To issue a Wise Debit Card, there is a one-time card issuance fee of 1,200 yen. After that, there are no annual fees or subscription charges. Card replacements due to expiration are also free.
Wise Debit Card Overseas Fees
When using the Wise Debit Card abroad, you need to be mindful of exchange and ATM fees. These fees are generally more affordable than those of regular Japanese bank debit cards.
| Feature/Service | Wise Debit Card Fees |
|---|---|
| Paying in foreign currency you hold | Free |
| Paying in foreign currency you don't hold | 0.68% (Exchange fee) |
| ATM withdrawals up to 30,000 JPY equivalent, twice per month | Free |
| ATM withdrawals exceeding 30,000 JPY or more than twice per month | 70 JPY per withdrawal + 1.75% on amounts exceeding 30,000 JPY |
Wise Debit Card Free Issuance?
To issue the Wise Debit Card, there is a one-time card issuance fee of 1,200 JPY. After that, there are no annual fees or subscription charges. Card replacement upon expiration is also free.
What is the Wise Debit Card?
The Wise Debit Card is an international debit card provided by Wise, formerly known as TransferWise. This card is linked to the Wise multi-currency account, allowing for easy payments in multiple currencies.
Hold and pay in 40+ currencies
Exchange currencies at actual exchange rates with low fees
Withdraw cash from over 3 million ATMs worldwide
Instant issuance of digital cards
Easily freeze and unfreeze your card via the app
The Wise Debit Card is not only convenient for everyday shopping and online payments, but also for payments during overseas travel, business trips, study abroad, or working holiday stays. Thanks to its multi-currency support and low exchange fees, it has become a popular global international debit card.
Wise Digital Card
The Wise Digital Card (virtual debit card) is not a physical card but a virtual debit card with card information provided. It can be used for online payments and to register in mobile wallets. The card information can be updated anytime, making it a great security measure.
To obtain a Wise Digital Card, you must first order the physical card. However, once ordered, you can get and use the digital card for payments before the physical card arrives.
Wise Digital Card is recommended for people who:
Want enhanced security for payments abroad
Want to shop online without worrying about card information leaks
Want to reduce environmental waste by avoiding plastic cards
Often lose their wallet
How to Create and Activate the Wise Debit Card
Creating a Wise Debit Card is easy. There is a one-time issuance fee of 1,200 JPY.
Open a free Wise account
Complete identity verification
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select the "Cards" tab
Order the Wise Debit Card
Once the card arrives, select "Activate Card"
Enter the verification code that arrived with the card
The card is activated and ready to use for payments
How to Create and Activate the Wise Digital Card
To issue a Wise Digital Card, you must first order the physical card as described above. Afterward, you can issue the virtual card even before the physical card arrives.
Log in to the Wise app or account
Select the "Cards" tab
Select "Get Digital Card"
Digital card information will be issued instantly
General advice: The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own personal situation and requirements before making any financial decisions. We compare currency exchange and money transfer services in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. We only display reputable companies which we have researched and approved.