Transferring money internationally can be expensive and time-consuming when using traditional banks. Wise.com (formerly TransferWise) is a popular alternative, offering transparent fees, real exchange rates, and fast transfer times. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of sending money internationally using Wise.
Step 1: Log in to your Wise account
Visit the Wise.com website and log in to your account using your email address and password or your Google/Facebook login.
Step 2: Start a new transfer
Click on the “Send Money” button, usually located at the top of your account dashboard.
Step 3: Enter the transfer amount and currencies
Choose the currency you want to send from and the currency you want to send to. Enter the amount you’d like to send. You can either input the amount in your currency (source currency) or the recipient’s currency (target currency), and Wise will automatically calculate the conversion.
Step 4: Provide recipient details
Enter the recipient’s bank account details, including their name, bank account number, and any other required information, such as an IBAN or SWIFT code. You can either send money to someone else’s bank account or to your own account in another country. If you’ve sent money to this recipient before, you can select their information from your list of previous recipients.
Step 5: Review the transfer details and fees
Before proceeding, review the transfer summary, including the amount being sent, the exchange rate, and the estimated arrival time. Make sure to double-check the recipient’s bank account details to avoid any errors. Wise will display the total fees for the transaction, including any conversion fees and a fixed transfer fee.
Step 6: Choose a payment method
Select your preferred payment method. Wise supports various options, such as debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, and country-specific methods like SOFORT or iDEAL. Note that payment method availability and fees may vary depending on your location and the currencies involved.
Step 7: Complete the payment
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment using your chosen method. This may involve entering your card details, logging in to your online banking, or initiating a separate bank transfer. Once you’ve completed the payment, Wise will begin processing your transfer.
Step 8: Track your transfer
After submitting the transfer, you can track its progress on your Wise account dashboard. Wise will also send you email updates regarding the status of your transfer. Most transfers are completed within hours or a couple of days, depending on the currencies and countries involved.