Wise Travel Card Review (India 2026): Fees, Features, and How it Works

Claire Millard
Cristen Tsoi
Reviewer
Last updated
7 May 2026
Wise 個人金融卡的正視圖,卡面呈現亮綠色,右上角有黑色的 Wise 標誌,左側帶有裝飾性的橘色藝術紋理背景。

Wise offers convenient ways to spend and send money internationally which are fast and easy to use – services in India are provided in partnership with banks.

Wise products include fast international payments with transparent fee, and the Wise Travel Card - a transparent-cost forex card with no hidden fees. Send payments conveniently online and in the Wise app, and use your Wise Travel Card to spend in person and online, and to withdraw cash from ATMs around the world.

This Wise forex card review covers all you need to know about the Wise Travel Card features, benefits, fees, exchange rates and more.

Quick summary: Wise Travel Card in India

Wise customers in India can open a Wise account in the Wise app or online – services provided in partnership with banks – and order their Wise card in just a few taps.

To get a card, provide proof of your travel plans such as a copy of your passport and travel bookings. You’ll need to top up your account as part of the process of ordering a card, which can be done in a selection of foreign currencies. You can then spend in many countries around the world, including making cash withdrawals.

Pros of the Wise Travel Card

Cons of the Wise Travel Card

✅ No ongoing card charges to pay – no forex markups or hidden fees

✅ Auto convert function to cut costs even if you don’t have the currency you need

✅ No fee ATM withdrawals, to the value of 200 USD per month*, with low fees after that

✅ Not a credit card – no risk of interest charges creeping in

❌ You can't use your card in India and you can’t hold an INR balance

❌ Some ATM fees apply when you exceed the no fee limit

❌ Top up account online or in app only – no cash top up option

❌ Card delivery can take 5 to 7 business days

*Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

💳 Get your Wise card now

Who is the Wise Travel Card for?

The Wise card (services provided in partnership with banks in India) can be suitable for:

  • Anyone who wants a low cost, secure account for foreign travel
  • Customers who want to top up foreign currencies with the mid-market rate and no hidden fee
  • Travellers looking to make contactless payments overseas
  • Anyone on holiday who wants to withdraw cash cheaply from local ATMs

Can I get the Wise Travel Card in India?

Yes. You can get a Wise Travel Card for personal use in India.

To get your Wise card you’ll need to register for a Wise account online and order your card using your Aadhaar number, PAN, and video verification. You can then upload proof of travel to top up your card in your required currency. We’ll cover the process in detail later – but the good news is that you don’t even need to leave home to get started. (The card cannot be used in India, Nepal, Bhutan and sanctioned countries)

Is the Wise card a good option?

The Wise Travel Card (services provided in partnership with banks in India) can help make spending in foreign currencies more cost‑effective and convenient.

Here are some benefits of the Wise Travel Card:

  • A Wise Travel Card is an efficient and cheap way to spend money overseas
  • Wise offers the mid market rate at the time you convert from one currency to another
  • You’ll pay no foreign transaction fees, and the conversions costs can be as low as 1.16%%
  • Manage your card, review transactions and set up alerts to keep on top of your money from your phone

What is a Wise Travel Card?

The Wise Travel Card is a forex debit card – not a credit card – linked to a Wise multi‑currency account provided in partnership with banks in India.

It’s great for spending and making cash withdrawals abroad – and best of all, you’ll get currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend in a foreign currency. There are no ongoing fees to pay and no hidden costs to worry about - that makes it a great choice as a card for your next trip.

Wise digital card

The Wise virtual card allows you to buy things online conveniently and securely. You’ll be able to start using your Wise digital card as soon as you order your physical card, with no need to wait for the physical card to be delivered.

You can get the digital card if your Wise account has a registered address in countries including India as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EEA (European Economic Area), Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US.

How to request and activate your Wise virtual card

Here’s a look at how to get a Wise virtual card:

  1. Open a Wise Account online or in the Wise app and top up
  2. Order your Wise physical card for delivery to your home address
  3. You can instantly generate a Wise digital card by tapping the Cards tab and choosing Create a digital card

Wise Travel Card features

  • Hold and exchange 40+ foreign currencies in your Wise account
  • Spend and withdraw in 160+ countries and territories (the card cannot be used in India, Nepal, Bhutan and sanctioned countries)
  • Convert currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees
  • No foreign transaction or cross currency fee - Spend any currency you hold in the account for free when you have enough balance
  • View and manage your account in the Wise app, freeze and unfreeze your card instantly with just a phone
  • Check your currency balances in the app – and get instant transaction notifications for security

What can you do with the Wise Travel Card?

Hold and spend in a broad range of currencies

Your Wise account supports over 40+ different currencies. When you need to switch between them, you’ll get the mid-market rate, meaning you’ll save on conversion fees.

Spend and withdraw money abroad

Use your Wise card for contactless payments and ATM withdrawals internationally.
Top up in the currency or currencies you need in advance and if you don’t have enough of the currency needed the card can convert it for you at the point of payment.

Create and use virtual cards

Generate virtual cards through your Wise account for safer online shopping that adds an extra layer of security to your online transactions.

Shop online with international retailers

Use your physical or virtual Wise card to shop with international retailers. The card can automatically convert your balance to your required currency if you don’t already hold it in your account. It’s good to know your Wise card cannot be used for INR transactions and cannot be used in Bhutan, India (domestic payments), Nepal, or Pakistan.

How does the Wise Travel Card work?

The Wise card is linked to a Wise multi-currency account, which lets you hold, exchange and send payments in 40+ currencies. Order a linked Wise Travel Card to make it easier to spend and make cash withdrawals from your Wise account balance when you travel, in many countries all over the world.

It’s free to spend currencies you hold enough of in your account. And if you don’t have the currency you need in your account, the Wise Travel Card can automatically convert the amount for you from whichever available currency account has the cheapest conversion fee.

Can I use the Wise Travel Card abroad?

The way Wise works may be different to other forex cards you’ve used before. Wise exists to make it easier for people to manage their money across borders - and the Wise Travel Card could make your life easier and cheaper when traveling abroad, with no subscription and no hidden costs.

Set up an account and order your Wise card from India – or any of the other countries supported by Wise – and get easy access to multi-currency spending and withdrawals in 160+ countries and territories.

Once you have your card, activate it, and then you can top up in the foreign currency you need. You can’t hold a balance in INR but you’ll be able to hold your funds in your preferred foreign currency for spending. If you make a purchase or withdrawal and don’t have the currency needed, your card will automatically make the exchange for you in the way that incurs the lowest possible fee.

Where is the Wise card available?

If you have a Wise account you can apply for a Wise Travel Card from many countries including India and the following countries and regions: the EU and EEA, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

What currencies does the Wise card support?

Wise account holders (services provided in partnership with banks in India) can hold 40+ currencies, and spend in 160+ countries and territories with the Wise card. The Wise card supports many major and global currencies, and can be used globally in a broad range of countries.

There are some countries where your Wise card can not be used. You can't use your card in India, Nepal or Bhutan, and you can’t make transactions in sanctioned jurisdictions. Full details are available online on the Wise website.

The Wise card can be a helpful option to spend and withdraw abroad with low overall costs. You can top up your account in a range of currencies, making this flexible, and then spend and get cash at an ATM wherever you need to travel to. But how does the Wise Travel Card compare? Let’s look at a head to head comparison against some other options.

FeatureWiseNiyo Global (SBM/Equitas)SBI Vishwa YatraBookMyForex Card
AvailabilityAvailable to eligible customers in a broad range of countriesAvailable to eligible residents of IndiaAvailable to eligible residents of IndiaAvailable to eligible residents of India
Supported currencies40+ currenciesINR only7 currencies14 currencies
Fee to get a cardNoneNone - you must deposit 5,000 INR or more to your account to apply100 INRNone
Ongoing account feesNoneNoneNoneNone
Foreign transaction/forex or cross currency fee feeNo foreign transaction fee - currency conversion from 1.16%No forex feeCross currency fee of 3%Cross currency fee of 3.5%
International ATM withdrawal feesNo fee to 200 USD or equivalent, then 1.40 USD + 3.25% of the amount over 200 USD423 INR per withdrawalFee varies by currency - 1.75 USD, 1.25 GBP and 1.5 EUR for exampleFee varies by currency - 2 USD, 1.5 GBP and 1.5 EUR for example

*Details correct at time of research - 1st April 2026

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Wise Travel Card fees

Here’s a rundown of all the Wise fees you can expect to meet when ordering and using your Wise card:

ServiceWise Travel Card fee
Card order feeNo fee
Replace an expiring cardFree – Wise will remind you when you need a new card for convenience
Spend currencies you hold in your accountFree
Spend in currencies you don’t have in your accountWise will auto convert the balance you have to the currency you need, using the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest available fees
International ATM withdrawal feesNo fee to 200 USD or equivalent, then 1.40 USD + 3.25% of the amount over 200 USD

*Details correct at time of research - 1st April 2026

Wise Travel Card fees for spending abroad

When you spend a currency you hold in your account, there’s no Wise fee. If you need currency conversion, a low charge from 1.16%% applies. There’s no foreign transaction fee. We’ll look at Wise fees in more detail a bit later, but for now let’s see how that compares to other options in India.

Wise Travel Card vs other banks and providers

One of the most important fees to know about when using a forex card is the forex fee - which might also be called a foreign transaction fee or cross currency fee. Here’s a reminder of the foreign transaction fees of the other banks and providers we looked at earlier.

FeatureWiseNiyo Global (SBM/Equitas)SBI Vishwa YatraBookMyForex Card
Foreign transaction/forex or cross currency fee feeNo foreign transaction fee - currency conversion from 1.16%%No forex feeCross currency fee of 3%Cross currency fee of 3.5%

*Details correct at time of research - 1st April 2026

Wise exchange rate

Wise, working in partnership with banks in India, was created with a mission to make currency conversion cheaper and more transparent. When you convert currencies with Wise you’ll get the mid-market rate with no hidden forex fees – whether you are spending with your Wise Travel Card, or sending an international payment.

The exchange rates you get from other providers may include a forex fee called a markup which is added onto the exchange rate used. That’s an extra fee, but it’s hard to spot and pushes up the prices you pay without you necessarily knowing it.

To avoid this tricky fee, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and splits out the full costs of currency conversion for transparency. You’ll be able to see the full fees you pay when you switch currencies within your account – and if you use the card’s auto convert feature, you can be sure the transaction will be processed with the lowest fee possible.

Wise Travel Card limits

If your card was issued in India, Wise card limits mean that you can't spend more than 70,000 INR in a month.

How to use your Wise Travel Card

Once you’ve ordered your Wise Travel Card (services provided in partnership with banks in India) you can top up, convert currencies, spend internationally, and make cash withdrawals abroad. Let’s look at how to get and activate your Wise card, how to top up, manage your card, and order a new one if you ever need to.

How to get your Wise card

Here’s how to get your Wise Travel Card in just a few simple steps:

  1. Open a Wise account online in just a few minutes
  2. Order your Wise card in the app
  3. Complete the verification step, using your Aadhaar number, PAN, and a video verification process
  4. Top up your Wise account in the currency of your choice - you may be prompted to upload your travel documents showing you’re going abroad
  5. Your physical card will arrive in the post and you can create a virtual card instantly
Open Your Wise Account

As part of the process of opening your Wise account and adding money you may be asked to verify your bank account. This can happen if the name on your account is not exactly the same as your PAN number.

How to activate your Wise card

Once your physical card arrives in the post you’ll need to activate it. This is done using the 6 digit code you’ll receive alongside your card. Enter this code into the Wise app to activate your card.

If you forget, your card can be activated once you’re already overseas simply by making a purchase using your PIN number - or if you’d prefer you can make a cash withdrawal or check your balance in an ATM.

How to find your Wise card pin

You’ll be able to find your PIN, as well as your card number and CVV code, in the Wise app at any time. Just log in and tap the cards tab, then Show PIN.

How to top up your Wise card

Your Wise Travel Card is linked to your Wise multi‑currency account provided in partnership with banks in India. You can top up in a selection of foreign currencies - you can not hold a balance in INR.

To add funds to your Wise account you’ll need to take the following steps:

  1. Log into your Wise account online or in the Wise app
  2. Select the currency balance you want to top up
  3. Tap Add
  4. Confirm the currency you want to pay with
  5. Enter the amount you want to top up and select a payment method
  6. Check everything over, confirm and follow the prompts to complete the payment

How to freeze and unfreeze your Wise card

If you’re concerned about the security of your card, or if you’re not planning on using it for a while you can freeze it in the Wise app or online. Then simply unfreeze next time you’re ready to use it. Here’s what to do:

  1. Log into your account online or in the Wise app
  2. On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
  3. Click on Freeze card

How to replace or cancel your Wise card

If you’ve lost your card, or if it’s been damaged, you can order a new one easily. You can also cancel and replace your card if it’s been stolen. Here’s what to do:

  1. Log into your account online or in the Wise app
  2. On the website, go to Cards; on the app, go to Card
  3. Select the reason you need to replace your card

How to replace or delete a digital card

To replace your digital card:

  1. Log into your account online or in the Wise app
  2. Go to Cards
  3. Select the digital card you want to replace
  4. Select Replace card

How to withdraw money with the Wise card

Once you’ve received your Wise card, you’re ready to start making withdrawals from ATMs abroad. You’ll need to look out for ATMs that support Visa or MasterCard, and bear in mind that you’ll be charged a fee if the combined value of your monthly withdrawals exceeds the currency equivalent of 200 USD.

Here are a few tips to help when you’re making cash withdrawals with the Wise card:

  • When abroad, select to pay in the local currency wherever you are – not in INR
  • Don’t write down or give out your card PIN
  • Freeze your card right away if you spot a withdrawal on your account that you don’t recognize
  • Be wary of security around ATMs, as these are common targets for petty thieves

How to unload your Wise Travel Card unused balance

You can unload any unused in foreign currencies from the Wise app, 10 days or more after the last card transaction. There’s no waiting period if you have not used your card to make any transactions since loading.

You’ll be asked to provide proof of bank account ownership if you’re sending it to a different bank account than the initial one that you used when you paid in.

Is the Wise Travel Card available for business?

The Wise Travel Card for customers residing in India is for personal use only at the time of writing. Customers in some other countries can apply for a Wise card for their Wise Business accounts.

Is Wise card safe to use?

Yes. The Wise card is safe to use.

Wise accounts, provided in partnership with banks in India, have a range of security features including thorough verification processes, 2 factor authentication and a 24/7 fraud prevention protocol. Additionally, Wise Travel Cards can be frozen instantly in the Wise app if you’re concerned about security, with real time transaction notifications and the option to check your balance and account history in a glance in the app.

What should you do if your Wise card gets lost or stolen?

If you’re concerned your Wise card has been stolen, freeze it immediately in the Wise app. If you notice any unexpected transactions you’ll need to let Wise know in the app, by following the reporting process - the team can advise you what to do based on the situation.

Conclusion: is the Wise card worth it?

The Wise Travel Card can make life easier – and may help you save money – if you travel often and want to be able to manage your money and spending across currencies more flexibly.

Wise currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and no hidden fees – and with the Wise Travel Card’s smart auto convert feature you don’t even need to switch currencies before you travel. Leave the Wise card to switch to the currencies you need, when you need them, with the lowest possible fee every time.

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Wise card FAQ

Can I use my Wise card abroad?
Is the Wise card contactless?
How can I add money to my Wise card?
How can I get a Wise Travel Card?
How long does it take to get the Wise card?
How can I activate my Wise Travel Card?

General advice: The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own personal situation and requirements before making any financial decisions. We compare currency exchange and money transfer services in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. We only display reputable companies which we have researched and approved.