Wise Debit Card vs Revolut – Which Card Is Better for You?

Wise Debit Card vs Revolut – Which Card Is Better for You?

Managing money internationally has never been easier thanks to digital financial platforms like Wise and Revolut. Both offer multi‑currency accounts and debit cards that can be used globally — but they differ in fees, features, and overall approach. Here’s a side‑by‑side comparison to help you decide which one fits your needs. 

What They Are

Wise Debit Card

A debit card linked to your Wise multi‑currency account, letting you spend, shop online, and withdraw cash abroad using money held in different currencies. Wise focuses on transparent fees and real market exchange rates. 

Revolut Card

A debit card linked to a Revolut account, which combines multi‑currency spending with additional financial features such as budgeting tools, crypto trading, and premium add‑ons. Revolut offers tiered plans, from free accounts to paid Premium and Metal accounts. 

Exchange Rates & Fees

Wise:

Always uses the mid‑market exchange rate — the real rate you see on Google — with a small transparent fee on conversions. 

No markup or unpredictable hidden rates; you pay a low percent fee depending on the currency pair.

Revolut:

Uses the mid‑market rate up to certain limits, then may charge a “fair usage” fee after free allowances. 

Some plans add extra markup on weekend exchanges (especially on free plans). 

Verdict: Wise is typically more transparent and predictable on exchange costs, especially outside of limited free exchange allowances. 

Card Spending & Currency Conversion

Both cards let you spend in foreign currencies by drawing from balances you hold directly or converting when needed:

Wise: You’ll get the mid‑market rate and a small fee if converting for a transaction. 

Revolut: You can spend up to a free monthly limit with mid‑market or lower fees depending on your plan; above that, fees or markups may apply. 

Verdict: Wise’s pricing is simpler and more predictable, while Revolut can be cheaper for smaller spending amounts if you stay within the free exchange limits. 

ATM Withdrawals

Wise: Offers fee‑free withdrawals up to a monthly amount (e.g., first two up to $100/€200), then small fees apply. 

Revolut: Also offers free monthly withdrawals up to a limit, but fees apply after that — and higher free limits are available only on paid plans. 

Verdict: Revolut often offers more generous free limits if you have a paid plan, but Wise still provides solid free withdrawal allowances without subscription. 

Account Structure & Features

One main free account tied to the card (no monthly subscription). 

Simple, focused on currency exchange, international transfers, and spending. 

Mid‑market rates with clear fees. 

Revolut

Multiple account levels: Standard (free), Premium, Metal — each with extra perks (cashback, insurance, travel benefits). 

Additional financial tools like budgeting, virtual cards, and even cryptocurrency or stock trading (varies by region). 

Verdict: Revolut is more like a full financial app with lots of extras, while Wise stays simple and fee‑transparent. 

Best Uses

📌 Choose Wise if:

You want transparent exchange rates and predictable costs. 

You use large or frequent international transfers. 

You prefer no subscription fees and straightforward tools. 

📌 Choose Revolut if:

You enjoy extra features like budgeting analytics, crypto, or travel perks. 

You plan to use the card a lot at smaller scales within free limits. 

You might benefit from Premium or Metal perks and higher free allowances. 

Final Thoughts

Both Wise and Revolut are excellent digital financial tools, but they suit slightly different needs:

Wise wins for transparent fees, real exchange rates, and simplicity. 

Revolut wins for feature‑rich accounts and flexible card perks, especially if you use advanced plans. 

Your best choice depends on how you’ll use the card: if you mainly want cheap international spending and transfers, Wise is often better; if you want a broader digital banking experience, Revolut may be more appealing.