Wise Banking

Hi Jan, yes wise do supply a debit card.  I have used them for some time and they are always good exchange rate ratio.  I would go onto their website and ask customer service your specific question.  I find their customer service good and reasonably swift in answering questions.  There is also a you tube video that addresses frequently asked questions.

Not sure if you are able to pay your UK pension to them.  The only issue I have found is that because I have a UK address linked to my account I am not able to use my debit card for online purchases on Spanish websites.  Not Wise's fault but the Spanish companies.  I'm sure if your account was linked to your Spanish address that would negate that problem.  Good luck regards Karen 

Thanks for your reply Karen. I have tried to contact Wise, but think they may be overwhelmed with people having to open accounts due to the UK stopping us using UK banks (Barclays!!!) Was also trying to find out if they were reliable, some posts on their FB page call them scammers. I really don't want to lose access to UK transactions as I have to return for visits to see elderly relatives, but also need to access my money here in Spain. Really annoyed that UK based banks are stopping us using their services, especially as Ive been a customer for ovrer 20 years!!

Anyone calling Wise “scammers” has their own agenda and should be viewed as extremely biased … Wise are very very reliable and quick.  I use them to bring in and transfer money into three bank accounts in three different countries and three different currencies and it is smooth, seamless and hassle free.

they have also scrapped account maintenance fees for € balances over 30.000€, so you can use them as a bank.  I don’t see why you couldn’t have a pension paid in, as they supply an English account number and sort code.

They supply both a physical Visa card as well as a digital visa that you can save to the wallet on your phone and pay by using your phone as the debit card.

Wise is a fabulous system and I can wholeheartedly recommend them

Thanks Dario. That's put my mind at rest. Too  tired tonight after almost all day looking at different websites and forums! Will contact Wise in next couple of days to hopefully open account. Jan 

The app that goes on your phone allows you to do all banking operations you could possibly need, as well as giving you the various IBAN / Account Numbers and if I recall, you can open an account from the phone app

Many thanks for this info 

Hi. I have had a Wise account and debit card for several years and they're very good. You won't get a Spanish IBAN though which means you won't be able to set up certain payments such as tax. I opened an N26 account for that purpose - very good, reliable and no fees. 

Thanks Juliet. That wouldn't be a problem as our taxes are paid from our Spanish account

Just like to reiterate the positive experience with Wise. I’ve used them for years.

One thing I would say, is complete any money laundering paperwork well before you need to use them. it saves time in the future, also if you intend sending a large one off payment, contact them and you can get a better rate.

We’ve used them for large amounts, regular payments, have their card so can use in many currencies when needed. good luck.