Dreaming of traveling across Europe without the hassle of currency exchange? Best multi-currency card 2025 Wise Revolut is the most practical choice for modern travelers. This guide compares Wise vs Revolut to help you reduce fees and make smart spending choices while abroad.
📌 This article is part of our financial guide for EU residents and travelers. It expands on the topic: “How to choose the best multi-currency card for EU travel in 2025.“
Contents
- Why a Multi-Currency Card Matters for Travel
- Wise vs Revolut: What’s the Difference?
- Currency Exchange Rates
- Withdrawal and Transfer Fees
- Transfer Speeds
- Currency Support and Extra Features
- Real-World Use in EU Countries
- Comparison Table: Wise vs Revolut
- Which Card Suits Your Needs?
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why a Multi-Currency Card Matters for Travel
When traveling across the EU, avoiding hidden fees and bad exchange rates is essential. A multi-currency card lets you pay in dozens of currencies directly from your balance or at real market rates. Wise and Revolut are popular for their transparency and tech-savviness.
A Wise card in Europe provides access to mid-market rates, while Revolut adds flexibility and built-in services.
Benefits of a multi-currency card:
- Pay in local currencies with no extra conversion
- Withdraw cash in different countries
- Save on bank fees
- Handy mobile apps with spending control
Wise vs Revolut: What’s the Difference?
Currency Exchange Rates
Wise uses the mid-market rate and adds a fixed fee (usually 0.35–0.5%). Revolut offers free exchange up to €1000/month, then applies a markup.
Wise:
- True market rate
- Transparent fees
- No hidden charges
Revolut:
- Free up to €1000/month
- Markup up to 1% beyond the limit
- Higher rates on weekends
Withdrawal and Transfer Fees
Both cards allow free withdrawals up to €200/month. Beyond that, fees apply.
Wise:
- Up to €200 — free
- Beyond — 0.4% fee
Revolut:
- Up to €200 — free
- Beyond — 2% fee
Transfer Speeds
Wise SEPA transfers usually arrive in minutes or the same day. Revolut offers instant internal transfers and 1–2 days for external ones.
Currency Support and Extra Features
Wise supports 50+ currencies. Revolut supports ~30, and includes extras like crypto, insurance, and investments.
Real-World Use in EU Countries
Used both cards in France, Spain, and Germany. Wise was better for currency payments — instant conversion and precise rates. Revolut helped when spending stayed under the free limit or when using features like crypto exchange or vaults.
Both worked well at ATMs. When exceeding limits, Wise’s fees were more predictable.
Comparison Table: Wise vs Revolut
| Feature | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market + 0.4–0.6% fee | Mid-market up to €1000, markup after |
| Cash Withdrawal | Up to €200 free, then 0.4% | Up to €200 free, then 2% |
| Currency Support | 50+ currencies | 30+ currencies, crypto, metals |
| SEPA Transfer Speed | Within the day | 1–2 business days |
| Mobile App | Simple, focused on transfers | Feature-rich, with extra services |
Which Card Suits Your Needs?
- Frequent EU travelers: Wise is ideal for its exchange rates and currency coverage
- Light spenders needing extras: Revolut offers flexibility and bonus features
- Business and international transfers: Wise includes account details and reliable payouts
- Investing, crypto, savings: Revolut’s premium plans are more suitable
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for EU travel — Wise or Revolut?
Wise offers clearer rates and fewer surprises, making it better for high-volume spending. Revolut suits light use and extra tools.
Can I use the Wise card in any EU country?
Yes, it works anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted. Conversions happen automatically at great rates.
Which is cheaper for ATM withdrawals?
Up to €200, both are free. Beyond that, Wise charges 0.4%, while Revolut charges 2%.
Are there currency limits with these cards?
Wise supports 50+ currencies. Revolut supports around 30. Wise is better if you need more multi-currency flexibility.
How fast are transfers between countries?
SEPA transfers via Wise are often instant. Revolut ranges from instant to two days depending on direction.
Are these cards safe for travel?
Yes, both include instant card freezing, spending controls, and real-time alerts.
Sources
- Wise Official Website — Exchange rates, card limits, international transfer details
- Revolut Official Website — Features, pricing plans, supported currencies
- Nerdwallet UK: Multi-Currency Cards Comparison — Independent comparison of multi-currency accounts for EU travelers
📌 All sources are reliable and updated for 2025. They were used to verify features, fees, and usage scenarios.
📚 See also: How to open a multi-currency account in the EU in 2025 — step-by-step guide for residents and expats.
