How to Use the Wise.com App to Send Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a popular online money transfer service that allows users to send funds internationally with low fees and competitive exchange rates. The Wise app is available on both Android and iOS platforms, providing a simple and efficient way to send money from your smartphone.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using the Wise app to send funds to a recipient’s bank account.
Step 1: Download the Wise App
- Step 1: Open the App Store (for iOS users) or the Google Play Store (for Android users) on your mobile device.
- Step 2: Search for the Wise app by typing “Wise” or “Wise: Transfer Money” into the search bar.
- Step 3: Download and install the app on your phone.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In to Your Wise Account
- Step 1: Open the Wise app after installation.
- Step 2: If you already have a Wise account, click Log In and enter your email address and password.
- Step 3: If you are new to Wise, tap Sign Up and create a new account. You’ll need to provide:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- A secure password
- Step 4: Verify your email address if prompted by clicking on the verification link sent to your inbox.
Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (Optional but Recommended)
- Step 1: Wise may prompt you to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. This requires you to verify your identity through a code sent to your phone.
- Step 2: Enable 2FA by following the on-screen instructions, providing your phone number, and entering the verification code sent via SMS.
Step 4: Start a New Transfer
- Step 1: From the main dashboard of the Wise app, tap the “Send Money” button.
- Step 2: Choose the currency you want to send and enter the amount you wish to transfer. You’ll see how much the recipient will receive in their local currency and the exchange rate being applied.
- Step 3: Review the fees that will be applied to the transfer. Wise is known for its transparent fee structure and showing the cost upfront.
Step 5: Add Recipient Details
After entering the amount to send, you’ll need to provide the recipient’s details:
- Step 1: Choose who you are sending the money to:
- Someone else (e.g., a friend, family member, or business).
- Yourself (if sending money to your own foreign account).
- A business (if transferring funds to a business account).
- Step 2: Choose how to send the funds to the recipient. You can send money to:
- Their bank account (most common).
- Their email address (if the recipient has a Wise account linked to their email).
- Step 3: Provide the recipient’s bank details:
- Full name (as it appears on their bank account).
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or account number
- SWIFT/BIC code (for international transfers).
- Bank name and branch details (if required).
- Recipient’s address (required for some countries).
Step 6: Choose a Payment Method
You now need to select how you’ll pay for the transfer:
- Credit/Debit Card: Enter your card details (card number, expiry date, CVV). Wise will process the payment instantly, and it may charge a small additional fee for card payments.
- Bank Transfer: If you select this method, Wise will provide their bank account details so you can make a domestic transfer from your bank to Wise’s account.
- Apple Pay or Google Pay: Depending on your device, you may be able to pay using Apple Pay or Google Pay for faster processing.
Choose your preferred payment method and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
Step 7: Review and Confirm the Transfer
- Step 1: Review all the details of your transfer before confirming:
- The amount you are sending.
- The recipient’s details.
- The exchange rate and fees applied.
- The estimated time for the funds to reach the recipient.
- Step 2: Once you’ve verified that all the information is correct, tap Confirm Transfer.
- Step 3: You’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link to monitor the progress of your transfer.
Step 8: Track the Transfer
- Step 1: After the transfer has been initiated, you can track its progress within the Wise app.
- Step 2: Navigate to the Activity or Transactions tab, where you can see the status of your current and past transfers.
- Step 3: Wise will provide real-time updates as your funds are processed and sent to the recipient’s bank account. You’ll also be notified via email when the transfer is complete.
Step 9: Notify the Recipient
Once the money is sent, you can notify your recipient that the funds are on the way. The funds will be deposited directly into their bank account, and the recipient will receive a notification from their bank when the transfer is complete.
Key Features of the Wise App
1. Low Fees and Transparent Pricing: Wise is known for its low, transparent fees. You’ll always know how much you’re paying and how much the recipient will get before confirming the transfer.
2. Real Exchange Rates: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, which is the rate you see on Google or financial websites, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
3. Multiple Payment Options: Wise offers flexibility in how you can fund your transfer, including debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and Apple/Google Pay.
4. Global Reach: Wise allows you to send money to bank accounts in over 80 countries and supports multiple currencies.
5. Fast Transfers: In many cases, transfers are processed within minutes or a few hours. However, it may take 1-2 business days depending on the recipient’s bank and location.
Common Questions About Wise Transfers
1. How long does a transfer take?
- Most transfers with Wise take a few minutes to a couple of hours, but some may take 1-2 business days depending on the destination and the banking network.
2. What are the fees?
- Wise charges a small fee based on the amount you are sending and the payment method. You can always see the fee breakdown before confirming the transfer.
3. Are there limits on how much I can send?
- Yes, there are limits on the amount you can transfer, depending on the currency and the country. These limits are displayed during the transfer process.
4. Can I cancel a transfer?
- You can cancel a transfer if it hasn’t been processed yet. If the transfer is in progress, it may not be possible to cancel it, so check the status in the app.
Conclusion
Using the Wise app to send funds is a fast, transparent, and cost-effective way to transfer money internationally. Whether you’re sending money to friends, family, or businesses, Wise ensures low fees and real-time exchange rates, making it one of the best platforms for international money transfers. Follow the above steps to make your first transfer, and take advantage of Wise’s user-friendly app for seamless transactions.