Revolut vs Wise: the best multi-currency account in 2026

Last verified: 2026-03-21

At a glance

Revolut is the better all-in-one financial app if you want banking, investing, crypto, and savings in a single place, with full deposit protection up to €100,000. Wise is the stronger choice if your priority is low-cost international transfers and holding balances in 40+ currencies at the real mid-market exchange rate. Neither is objectively "better" - your ideal pick depends on how you use your money across borders.

Quick comparison

Feature	Revolut	Wise
Monthly fee	€0 (free plan)	€0
Account type	Neobank (full banking licence)	Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Deposit protection	€100,000 (Lithuanian DIS)	Safeguarded funds (not DGSD)
International transfers	Free up to €1,000/month, then 0.5%	0.41% - 0.62% depending on route
Currencies supported	30+	40+
IBAN country	Lithuania (LT)	Belgium (BE)
iDEAL support	No	Yes
Savings interest	Up to 3.00%	Information not available on Capmap
App Store rating	4.7	4.6
Regulatory score	7/10	8/10
Best for	All-in-one financial super app	International transfers and multi-currency management

Introduction

If you live and work in Europe as an expat, chances are you have looked into both Revolut and Wise. These two UK-headquartered fintechs have become the go-to options for anyone who needs to move money across borders, hold multiple currencies, or simply avoid the eye-watering fees of traditional banks. But which one deserves a place in your pocket?

This comparison breaks down the real differences between Revolut and Wise as they stand in 2026, using verified data from Capmap's platform database. We cover fees, features, regulation, deposit protection, and the specific scenarios where one may suit you better than the other. Both platforms are available in 29+ European countries, so geography is rarely a deciding factor.

Whether you are a freelancer receiving payments in multiple currencies, an expat sending money home, or someone who simply wants a modern banking alternative, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Revolut overview

Revolut launched in 2015 and has grown into Europe's largest neobank, with over 35 million customers across 29 European countries. It holds a Lithuanian banking licence under the supervision of the European Central Bank (ECB), which means your deposits are protected up to €100,000 through the Lithuanian Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS). This is a significant distinction from many fintech competitors that operate solely as electronic money institutions.

The free plan includes a current account with a Lithuanian IBAN, Apple Pay and Google Pay support, and free international transfers up to €1,000 per month. Beyond that threshold, a 0.5% fee applies. Premium plans range from £7.99 to £13.99 per month and unlock additional perks such as higher ATM withdrawal limits, travel insurance, and priority support.

Revolut goes well beyond basic banking. The app bundles stock trading, cryptocurrency buying, commodity exposure, savings vaults with up to 3.00% interest, and junior accounts for children. Account types include current, savings, business, and junior accounts. This breadth makes Revolut attractive for users who prefer a single app to manage their entire financial life.

On the other hand, Revolut does not support iDEAL, which can be inconvenient for residents of the Netherlands where iDEAL is the dominant online payment method. Free ATM withdrawals are also not included in the standard plan. Its regulatory score on Capmap is 7 out of 10, reflecting solid but not top-tier regulatory standing.

Wise overview

Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, was founded in 2011 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It has built its reputation on one core promise: the real mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees. For expats who regularly send or receive money internationally, Wise has long been considered the benchmark for fair foreign exchange.

Wise operates as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) rather than a bank. This means your funds are safeguarded, not held in a traditional deposit account. Safeguarding means Wise must keep your money in separate, protected accounts, but it is not covered by the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGSD). This is an important legal distinction, especially for larger balances.

The multi-currency account is free, with a Belgian IBAN. You can hold balances in over 40 currencies and convert between them at the mid-market rate with fees typically ranging from 0.41% to 0.62% depending on the currency route. This transparent pricing model is one of Wise's biggest differentiators. There are no hidden markups on the exchange rate itself.

Wise supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and iDEAL, making it particularly convenient for users in the Netherlands. Account types are limited to personal (current) and business accounts, with no savings or junior account options. Wise's regulatory score on Capmap is 8 out of 10, reflecting strong regulatory compliance and transparency as a publicly listed company. However, like Revolut, free ATM withdrawals are not included.

Detailed fee comparison

Fee type	Revolut	Wise
Monthly account fee	€0 (free plan)	€0
Premium plan	£7.99 - £13.99/month	No premium tiers
International transfer fee	Free up to €1,000/month, then 0.5%	0.41% - 0.62% per transfer
FX markup	0% during market hours (free plan, limited); varies on weekends	0% (real mid-market rate always)
Card fee	Free virtual card; physical from free to paid depending on plan	Varies by country
Free ATM withdrawals	No (limited on premium plans)	No
Savings interest rate	Up to 3.00% APY	Information not available on Capmap

For small, frequent international transfers under €1,000 per month, Revolut's free plan offers a clear cost advantage since those transfers are free. However, once you exceed that monthly threshold, the 0.5% fee can add up quickly on larger amounts.

Wise's fee structure is more predictable and consistent. Every transfer costs 0.41% to 0.62% regardless of volume, with no monthly caps or surprise rate changes. For expats who regularly move €2,000 or more per month across borders, Wise's transparent pricing may actually work out cheaper in the long run compared to Revolut's 0.5% overage fee.

One critical difference is how each platform handles foreign exchange rates. Wise always uses the real mid-market rate with no markup whatsoever. Revolut offers mid-market rates during trading hours on weekdays for free-plan users, but applies a markup during weekends and outside market hours. This can catch users off guard if they make transfers on a Saturday.

Feature comparison

Feature	Revolut	Wise
Apple Pay	Yes	Yes
Google Pay	Yes	Yes
iDEAL	No	Yes
International transfers	Yes	Yes
Multi-currency account	Yes (30+ currencies)	Yes (40+ currencies)
Stock trading	Yes	No
Crypto trading	Yes	No
Savings accounts	Yes (up to 3.00%)	No
Junior accounts	Yes	No
Business accounts	Yes	Yes
Deposit guarantee	€100,000 (Lithuanian DIS)	Safeguarded only
Countries available	29	30
IBAN country	Lithuania	Belgium
Founded	2015	2011
Headquarters	United Kingdom	United Kingdom

The feature comparison reveals two fundamentally different products. Revolut is a financial super app that bundles banking, investing, crypto, savings, and even junior accounts under one roof. Wise is a specialist that does one thing exceptionally well: moving and holding money across currencies at the fairest possible rate.

For users in the Netherlands, Wise's iDEAL support is a notable advantage. iDEAL is used for the vast majority of online payments in the country, and its absence on Revolut can be frustrating for daily use. This alone may tip the balance for Dutch-based expats.

Regulation and safety

Both platforms are headquartered in the United Kingdom, but they are regulated differently. Revolut holds a full banking licence in Lithuania, placing it under the supervision of the Bank of Lithuania and, by extension, the European Central Bank. This means Revolut can offer deposit protection of up to €100,000 per person through the Lithuanian Deposit Insurance Scheme.

Wise operates as an Electronic Money Institution authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and regulated in the EU through its Belgian entity. Your funds are safeguarded, meaning Wise must keep client money in separate, low-risk accounts. However, safeguarded funds do not qualify for the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme. In practice, safeguarding provides a strong layer of protection, but it is not legally equivalent to deposit insurance.

For larger balances, Revolut's deposit guarantee offers more concrete protection. For users who primarily use their account for transfers rather than storing large sums, the practical difference is smaller. Wise's higher regulatory score on Capmap (8 vs 7) reflects its strong compliance track record and the transparency that comes with being a publicly listed company.

Who should choose which?

Choose Revolut if you want an all-in-one app

If you prefer managing your banking, investments, savings, and crypto in a single application, Revolut covers more ground than Wise. The savings interest rate of up to 3.00% and the deposit guarantee of €100,000 make it a more complete banking alternative. If your international transfers are under €1,000 per month, you will pay nothing for them on the free plan.

Choose Wise if international transfers are your priority

If you regularly send or receive money across borders and want the most transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate every time, Wise is the specialist. Its consistent fee structure (0.41% - 0.62%) means no surprises, no weekend markups, and no monthly limits. With support for 40+ currencies, it handles more exotic currency pairs than Revolut.

Choose Revolut if you want deposit protection

For expats who plan to keep significant balances in their account, Revolut's €100,000 deposit guarantee through the Lithuanian DIS provides a safety net that Wise's safeguarding model does not match. If you are using your account as a primary bank, this matters.

Choose Wise if you live in the Netherlands

If iDEAL is essential for your daily online payments in the Netherlands, Wise is the clear winner. Revolut does not support iDEAL, which can be a dealbreaker for everyday life in the country. Wise's Belgian IBAN may also be better accepted by some European institutions compared to Revolut's Lithuanian IBAN.

Consider using both

Many expats find that Revolut and Wise complement each other well. You might use Revolut as your primary banking app for savings and daily spending, while keeping Wise for larger international transfers where the mid-market rate saves you the most money. Neither charges a monthly fee on the basic plan, so there is no cost to maintaining both.

Frequently asked questions

Is Revolut cheaper than Wise for international transfers?

It depends on the amount and frequency. Revolut offers free international transfers up to €1,000 per month on the free plan, making it cheaper for small, regular transfers. Above that threshold, Revolut charges 0.5%, which can be more expensive than Wise's 0.41% - 0.62% fee depending on the currency route. For larger monthly transfer volumes, Wise is often the more cost-effective choice.

Is my money safer with Revolut or Wise?

Revolut offers deposit protection up to €100,000 through the Lithuanian Deposit Insurance Scheme, which is a formal government-backed guarantee. Wise safeguards your funds in separate accounts but is not covered by deposit insurance schemes. For larger balances, Revolut provides stronger formal protection.

Can I use Revolut or Wise as my main bank account in Europe?

Yes, both can serve as a primary account for receiving salary and making payments. Revolut is closer to a traditional bank with its full banking licence, savings accounts, and deposit guarantee. Wise works well for receiving and sending money but lacks savings products and deposit insurance, making it more suited as a companion account.

Does Revolut or Wise support iDEAL?

Wise supports iDEAL. Revolut does not. If you live in the Netherlands and rely on iDEAL for online purchases and bill payments, this is a significant difference.

Which has better exchange rates, Revolut or Wise?

Wise always uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup. Revolut also offers mid-market rates, but only during weekday market hours on the free plan. During weekends and outside trading hours, Revolut applies a markup to the exchange rate. If you often make transfers on weekends, Wise offers more consistent pricing.

Can I hold multiple currencies in both Revolut and Wise?

Yes. Revolut supports 30+ currencies and Wise supports 40+ currencies. Both let you hold, receive, and convert between multiple currencies within the app. Wise supports a wider range of currencies, which may matter if you deal with less common currency pairs.

Conclusion

Revolut and Wise are both excellent options for European expats, but they serve different needs. Revolut is the financial super app that tries to replace your bank entirely, with deposit protection, savings, investing, and crypto all in one place. Wise is the transfer specialist that guarantees the fairest exchange rates and most transparent fees for moving money across borders.

For a deeper look at each platform, visit our detailed pages for Revolut and Wise. You might also want to read our Revolut vs N26 comparison for another perspective on Revolut. Explore more banking platforms on Capmap.

This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change - verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-21.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform — we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.