Want to secure your card?

Payoneer International Card
Revolut International Card
Free clothes at SHEIN

Traveling, working with clients abroad, making international purchases... all of this has become easier with the digitalization of banks. But if there is one name that has really transformed the way we move money between countries, it is Wise. Formerly TransferWise, the fintech company grew up with a simple and straightforward proposal: allow anyone to send, receive and spend money in different currencies with low and transparent fees.

But what really stands out is the Wise's international cardwhich is now available in most countries - including Brazil. If you don't know about it yet or are unsure whether it's worth it, stay here. Because Wise's proposal isn't just good. It's revolutionary.

What is Wise?

Wise is a global financial technology company, founded in the United Kingdom, which offers a multi-currency digital account with the possibility of international transfers, physical and virtual cards, as well as an intuitive and secure platform.

The company's main idea is to make life easier for those who deal with money outside the country: travelers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and even those who just want to buy on international websites without being penalized by the exchange rate.

With Wise, the customer has an account that can hold balances in several currencies, such as dollars, euros, pounds, yen and much more - all within a single app.

The Wise card: how does it work?

The Wise card is a international debit card with Visa or Mastercard (depending on the country). It allows you to spend your balance directly on the coins in your Wise accountand avoid unnecessary conversions or the famous "inflated tourist exchange rate".

For example: if you are in the United States and have a dollar balance in your Wise account, you can pay with your card as normal, without having to convert anything. If you don't have a dollar balance, the system will automatically convert you to the currency with the best rate.

And more: the Wise card is accepted in over 200 countriesIt can be used for in-person or online purchases, and works with proximity, chip and virtual card payments - ideal for those who value security.

How do I apply for a Wise card?

The process is simple and completely online:

  • Visit the website or download the Wise app.
  • Create a free account with your name, e-mail address and identity document.
  • Verify your identity (by taking a selfie and sending a document).
  • Add balance to your account (via bank transfer or boleto).
  • Request the physical card and wait for it to be delivered (it takes about 2 to 3 weeks).

Until the physical card arrives, you can use the Wise's virtual cardThis is instantly generated in the app and can be used on websites, apps and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Advantages of having a Wise card

The list is long - and practical. Here are the main benefits:

  • Real exchange rate (commercial)without the abusive exchange rates of traditional banks.
  • Multi-currency: maintain balance in over 40 different currencies.
  • Transparent feesEverything you pay for appears before the transaction.
  • No annual fee: you only pay when you use it.
  • Virtual and physical cardmore security and flexibility.
  • Accepted worldwideonline and in person.
  • Ideal for travel, international shopping and remote work.

What's more, the Wise app lets you control all your spending in real time, with notifications of every move, one-click card blocking and unblocking and 24/7 support in Portuguese.

What are the fees?

Wise is not "free", but it doesn't deceive either. Unlike traditional banks, it charge only for what you usewith visible and fair rates. Here are some examples:

  • Currency conversion: varies between 0.35% and 1.5% (depending on the currencies involved).
  • Issuing the physical cardsingle value of around R$ 30 (may vary).
  • Withdrawals abroadfree of charge up to 2 withdrawals per month, after which a small fee is charged (around R$ 6 per withdrawal + 1.75% for withdrawals over R$ 1,400 per month).
  • Account maintenance: zero.

The big difference is the conversion rate: Wise uses the average market exchange rateThis is the same rate used by global financial companies. Banks and card companies, on the other hand, usually add 4% to 6% on top of the value of the dollar or euro. That changes everything.

Who is the Wise card ideal for?

The Wise card is perfect for anyone:

  • Shop on sites like Amazon, AliExpress, Shein, Temu, etc.
  • It works with international clients and receives payments in other currencies.
  • You travel frequently or live abroad.
  • You want to save on conversions and international withdrawals.
  • You want total and transparent control over your money.

It's also an excellent option for students abroad, freelancers and even parents who send money to their children outside Brazil.

Wise vs traditional banks

Want a simple comparison?

  • Traditional banksThey charge an annual fee, use tourist exchange rates, add a higher IOF and take longer to process international transfers.
  • Wiseno annual fee, uses real exchange rates, charges IOF of 1.1% on transfers (well below the 6.38% of cards) and delivers everything digitally.

If you're tired of hidden fees and limits imposed without explanation, Wise is the lighter, more modern and fairer way to go.

Is it safe?

Yes. Wise is regulated by financial bodies in several countriesincluding the Central Bank of Brazil, the FCA in the UK and other equivalent entities in various markets.

All data is encrypted, there is two-step authentication and real-time notifications. You can also block and unblock your card in the appYou can generate temporary virtual cards and control every penny from wherever you are.

Is it worth it?

If you want the freedom to move your money around, spend in other currencies without fear, or simply have more control over your money, the Wise card is one of the best options available today.

It works, it's transparent, it's accepted all over the world and it doesn't have those banking pitfalls we already know about. It's the kind of solution that came to make things easier - and it succeeded.

And the best thing: it's available to you right now. No bureaucracy, no fine print and no waiting around.

See also: Powerful prayer to bring prosperity

May 21st, 2025