Choosing between Wise, Revolut and N26 isn’t as straightforward as it first appears. They’re often lumped together as travel money apps, but after using all three for years while travelling, working remotely and living abroad, I’ve come to really understand what makes each one the best option for each scenario.
I’ve used them to pay for meals in tiny Portuguese cafés, withdraw cash in Eastern Europe, transfer money between currencies and avoid the eye-watering fees that traditional banks love to charge. I even run my business through one of them!
The simple fact is this – if you still travel using your high street bank account and card to pay for things and withdraw money, then you’re certainly losing many dollars, pounds or euros to your bank with each trip abroad you take.
The bottom line is that each one of these apps does certain things exceptionally well, which is why I still use all three rather than relying on a single account.
Wise is brilliant at international money transfers, Revolut is packed with loads of travel-friendly features, and N26 is the closest thing to replacing your everyday bank account if you’re a digital nomad or long-term traveller in the EU.
And that’s why I still use all three.
In this guide, I’ll compare Wise vs Revolut vs N26 across exchange rates, fees, ATM withdrawals, travel features, international transfers and everyday banking, so you can decide which one deserves a place in your wallet.
Spoiler: If I could only keep one account, I’d choose Wise. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone…
Wise vs Revolut vs N26: Which One Is Best?
| If you want... | Best choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 💱 Best exchange rates | Wise | Transparent pricing, excellent exchange rates and some of the lowest fees for international money transfers. |
| 🌍 Frequent travellers | Revolut | Great travel features, virtual cards, budgeting tools and useful extras for people who are constantly on the move. |
| 🏦 Everyday banking in Europe | N26 | A modern European bank account with a great app and simple money management. |
| 💻 Digital nomads | Wise + Revolut | Wise for international transfers, Revolut for everyday spending abroad. |
| 👨💼 Freelancers & remote workers | Wise | Multi-currency balances and affordable international payments. |
Wise Review
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is best known as somewhere people go when they want to change money from one currency into another. But beyond single currency exchanges and transfers, they also offer multi-currency accounts that allow users to hold, receive, and send money in over 40 currencies, all at the real mid-market exchange rate (i.e the exchange rate you see on Google).
This makes it a top choice for travelers who frequently switch between currencies, or even digital nomads who are paid in multiple currencies, and want to avoid hidden fees whenever converting between them.
What I actually like after using Wise for 9 years
Multi-currency account: When you open a Wise account you’re given bank details for several different currencies (you choose which ones you need). In theory, this means you can hold and convert over 40 currencies, although you’re a bit dodge if you need this many!
Move your money between currencies when exchange rates are favourable: If you’re savvy and like to keep an eye on the exchange rates, moving your money between the different currencies you hold with Wise at the right time can not just save you money, but also earn you money.
Mid-market exchange rates: Wise offers the real mid-market exchange rate without any markups, this makes them very hard to beat on price, as all you are paying is a small fee on each transfer.
Generous interest rates: Wise users have the option to earn interest on positive balances by investing in low-risk funds (government-secured bonds).
Pay bills easily: set up direct debits and other regular payments with both personal and business accounts.
No hidden fees: Transparent pricing model with their fee clearly displayed before any transaction. Fees are kept separate, and not bundled into the cost of the currency exchange which I really like, as it makes it much easier to see the actual cost I’m paying.
Honesty: As the original FX fintech upstart, Wise love to show how their fees and rates compare with the opposition. They do this even when narrowly beaten by 12 cents! (see photos). Gotta love this truly refreshing approach from a financial institution.
Free digital debit card: You can use the Wise debit card for spending in multiple currencies, and it automatically converts at the best rate available. You can also link it with your mobile wallet (Google or Apple Pay).
Invoice customers in their native currency: If you’re a business owner with clients from all over the world, the Wise Business Account enables you to bill them in their local currency, potentially increasing conversion rates. The specialist ‘Invoices’ section makes this super easy in fact.
Wise Drawbacks
Limited functionality: Unlike Revolut and N26, Wise focuses primarily on currency exchange and lacks some of the more traditional banking features, like overdrafts or loans. But if you always stay in the positive, then this certainly isn’t much of a negative.
No physical debit card as standard: You can get a physical card to use at ATMs, but you have to pay approx 10 bucks (EUR/$) for it.
ATM withdrawal fees: Free withdrawals are limited to €200 (or equivalent) per month, after which a small fee (0.50 EUR) is charged per withdrawal, so again, not exactly a deal breaker here.
Revolut Review
Revolut positions itself as a one-stop financial solution, offering not only currency exchange but also budgeting tools, savings features, and even cryptocurrency trading. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just currency conversion and who need to manage their finances on the go.
Revolut Benefits
Multi-currency account: Similar to Wise, with Revolut you can receive, keep, and exchange 30+ currencies worldwide, with their multi-currency bank account. Users apply for local account details, depending on their requirements.
Budgeting & spending insights: Track spending across different categories, set budgets, and get insights into your financial habits.
No fees for international spending: Want to buy that croissant in Paris with pounds? No worries – you won’t be charged any additional fees by Revolut, just their currency exchange fee.
Travel & lifestyle perks: Depending on their account tier (free, Plus, Premium, Metal, and Ultra) Revolut users earn ‘RevPoints’ on debit card spends. These can then be traded in for Airmiles with different airlines, discounted accommodation, discounts on things to do, and other non-travel based rewards. Free standard accounts earn 1 point for every £10 spent, and this increases all the way up to 1 point per £1 spent with their premium ‘Ultra’ account.
Revolut Drawbacks
Exchange rate markups on weekends (Standard & Plus):Revolut adds a 1% markup on currency exchanges made over the weekend for Standard and Plus account holders. However, if you upgrade to Premium, Metal, or Ultra, this weekend fee is waived completely.
Lack of transparency with fees: In addition to the above point, some other fees can be confusing, especially for ATM withdrawals.
No overdrafts offered: Despite wanting to position itself as a holistic answer to travel banking, Revolut do not currently offer overdrafts with ANY of their accounts. So for those of you who need to dip below zero from time-to-time, this might be a factor worth considering.
N26 Review
N26 is a digital bank, originating in Germany that has since expanded to most other European countries. Until 2020 and 2022, it was also operational in the UK and the US respectively, but all non-European operations have long since ceased. This is a real shame, as I’ve been using N26 for over 10 years now and I have nothing but good things to say about my experiences with them.
Unlike Wise and Revolut, N26 operates much more like a traditional bank, providing features like direct deposits, overdraft facilities, and comprehensive spending analytics.
N26 Benefits
Travel Perks & Rebranded Tiers: N26’s mid-tier plan is now N26 Go (replacing N26 You). While in-app foreign wire transfers are powered directly by Wise, everyday card spending uses real-time Mastercard rates with 0% markup. Go and Metal members also get unlimited fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals.
Full-service banking: Includes traditional banking features like direct debits, overdrafts, and savings options. Premium users also get travel insurance and airline lounge access.
Cash 26: For accounts opened in Germany, Spain and Austria, users can withdraw and deposit cash in thousands of local retail stores, simply by generating a barcode in the app. Retail staff then scan this and your withdrawal or deposit is then immediately updated in your account.
CASH26 effectively removes the need for both a debit card and any ATM machine (assuming the shops are still open!). CASH26 deposits are charged at 1.5% of the total amount, but the withdrawals are free. I regularly use CASH26 for withdrawing money, and it has saved my butt on many occasions!
Free basic account option: The N26 Standard account has no monthly fee, yet still provides many benefits, including fee free payments in any currency, and no minimum deposit requirements.
User-friendly app: The N26 app is sleek, easy to use, and provides real-time spending notifications.
European banking license: Money in N26 is protected up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
N26 Drawbacks
This is not a multi-currency account: N26 deals only in EUR, so if you want to hold more than one currency you’ll need to open a separate account with a different provider.
Not available in the UK or the US: This is a pretty big one unfortunately. N26 is solely focused on its core European markets, so if you’re resident in the EU or an EEA country, good for you, if not, then Wise or Revolut it is!
COMPARING FEATURES
| Feature | Wise | Revolut | N26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Regional Availability | Worldwide (UK, EU/EEA, US, Australia, Asia-Pacific, LATAM) | UK, EU/EEA, US, Australia, Singapore, Japan | EU / EEA countries only (Not available in UK or US) |
| Account Tiers & Monthly Fees |
• Personal: Free (€0/$0/£0) • Wise Business: One-time fee (~€50/£45/$31) |
• Standard: Free (€0) • Plus: €3.99/£3.99 • Premium: €8.99/£7.99/$9.99 • Metal: €15.99/£14.99/$16.99 • Ultra: €60/£45 |
• Standard: Free (€0) • Smart: €4.90 • Go: €9.90 *(Replaced N26 You)* • Metal: €16.90 |
| Card Ordering Fee | ~€7/£7/$9 one-time fee (Virtual card is free) | Free with paid plan; delivery fee applies for Standard plan | Virtual card free; physical card costs €10 shipping on Standard (Free on Smart/Go/Metal) |
| Supported Currencies | Hold & convert 40+ currencies; receive local account details in 9+ currencies | Hold & convert 30+ currencies | Single base currency (EUR only). Foreign card transactions converted automatically. |
| Exchange Rate Model | Mid-market rate + transparent low variable fee (from 0.33%) | Mid-market rate on weekdays (up to monthly tier limit) | Real-time Mastercard rate for card spending (0% foreign markup); international wire transfers powered by Wise |
| Weekend Exchange Fee | 0% extra (Same transparent fee 24/7) |
• Standard/Plus: 1% markup on weekends • Premium/Metal/Ultra: 0% markup | 0% extra (No weekend markup on card spending) |
| Monthly Foreign Exchange Limits | Unlimited (No fair-usage cap) |
• Standard: €1,000/£1,000 per month (0.5%-1% fee after) • Plus: €3,000/£3,000 per month • Premium / Metal / Ultra: Unlimited | Unlimited fee-free foreign currency spending on all plans |
| Free ATM Allowances | 2 free withdrawals up to €200/£200 per month | 5 free withdrawals or €200/£200 per month (Standard); up to €800-€2,000/mo on Metal/Ultra |
• Standard / Smart: 3 free EUR ATM withdrawals/mo • Go / Metal: Unlimited fee-free foreign currency ATM withdrawals |
| Over-Limit ATM Fees | €0.50 per withdrawal + 1.75%–2.69% variable fee on amount over limit | 2% of total withdrawal (minimum €1/£1 per transaction) | €2 per EUR withdrawal over plan limit; 1.7% on foreign currency withdrawals (Standard/Smart) |
| Travel Insurance | None (Pure multi-currency payment platform). | Comprehensive Allianz travel, medical, trip delay, and winter sports insurance on Premium, Metal, & Ultra. | Comprehensive Allianz travel, trip cancellation/interruption, delay, and medical insurance on N26 Go & Metal. |
| Airport Lounges | None. | Discounted lounge access via DragonPass across all tiers; complimentary passes on Ultra. | Discounted lounge passes (€30-€33/visit) via app; 1 free annual visit included on N26 Metal. |
| Cashback Offers | No cashback on debit card spending (Offers returns via Money Market Assets). | Tiered spending rewards via RevPoints + up to 10% on Revolut Stays hotel bookings. | 1% Cashback on card spending outside the EEA/UK/Switzerland on Go and Metal plans. |
| Standout Travel Perks | Local bank details for international wire transfers; best multi-currency holding flexible app | RevPoints rewards, travel insurance (Premium+), lounge access, eSIM data add-ons, hotel cashback | Full German banking license (€100k deposit guarantee), CASH26 retail cash deposits, comprehensive travel insurance (Go/Metal) |
| Apple Pay & Google Pay | Supported in most regions. Link digital cards for contactless payments. | Fully supported across all physical and multi-use virtual cards. | Fully supported across all plans. Instant tokenization upon sign-up. |
| Virtual Cards | Up to 3 free digital cards. Generate instantly in app with separate card numbers. | Up to 20 active virtual cards per account with customizable spending limits. Includes disposable single-use cards. | Included on all plans (First virtual card free on Standard, up to 6 on paid tiers). |
| Interest / Savings Yields | Assets option available (earning variable yield on EUR, GBP, USD balances) | Savings vaults with tier-dependent variable interest rates | N26 Instant Savings: 0.30%–0.50% p.a. (Standard/Smart/Go) up to 1.50% p.a. (Metal) |
| Crypto & Stocks Investing | Stocks/ETFs via Wise Assets (Money market funds in select regions like UK/EU). | In-app trading for 100+ Cryptos, global Stocks, ETFs, and Commodities. | In-app trading for Crypto, Stocks, ETFs, and ETCs (Free monthly trade allowances on Go & Metal). |
Head to Head Comparisons
Wise vs Revolut: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between just these two, the honest answer depends on what you actually need. Wise wins on pure currency exchange — you’re getting the real mid-market rate with no markup, full stop, which makes it the better choice if you’re frequently converting between currencies or getting paid internationally as a freelancer or nomad.
Revolut wins if you want more than banking: budgeting tools, cashback, travel perks, and even crypto trading bundled into one app. Its exchange rates are just as competitive on weekdays, but that small weekend markup is worth knowing about if you tend to spend abroad on Saturdays and Sundays.
One thing worth flagging if you’re outside Europe: N26 isn’t available in the UK or US at all, so if you’ve landed here comparing just Wise and Revolut, that’s likely why — for you, this really is a two-horse race.
Bottom line: choose Wise if currency exchange and transparency matter most to you. Choose Revolut if you want an all-in-one financial app with more bells and whistles.
Wise vs N26: Which Should You Choose?
This one comes down to where you live and what kind of account you actually need. N26 operates like a real bank — direct debits, overdrafts, a European banking licence — but it only deals in Euros, so if you regularly hold or convert other currencies, it can’t help you there. Wise, by contrast, is built entirely around multi-currency holding and conversion at the real exchange rate, but it isn’t a full banking replacement.
Bottom line: choose N26 if you’re EU-based and want a proper everyday bank account. Choose Wise if you need to hold, send, or receive multiple currencies without markup.
Revolut vs N26: Which Should You Choose?
Both offer solid all-in-one banking features, but the split here is availability and depth. N26 is a true European bank with an overdraft facility and a banking licence; Revolut is available far more widely (Europe, US, Australia, Asia) and adds extras like RevPoints, crypto trading, and stock investing that N26 doesn’t offer.
Bottom line: choose N26 if you’re in the EU and want traditional banking features with a European licence. Choose Revolut if you want broader availability and more financial extras bundled in.
WHAT EACH ACCOUNT IS BEST FOR?
Choose N26 if you’re based in the EU or EEA and want a full-service German digital bank account with an IBAN. The N26 Go and Metal plans are ideal for travelers who want 0% FX fees on card purchases worldwide, unlimited fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals, and integrated Allianz travel/medical insurance.
Choose Wise if you frequently convert between multiple currencies, and you want close to market-leading exchange rates with no hidden fees. It’s also a great choice for freelancers, remote workers, and long-term travelers who get paid in multiple currencies. Digital nomads in particular should consider a Wise Business Account, as they can take care of multiple payments, back home or elsewhere, at the best rates available.
Choose Revolut if you’re looking for an all-in-one financial app that offers not just currency exchange, but also budgeting tools, travel insurance, and various investment strategies, including crypto trading!
The various account tiers available with Revolut means you can choose a plan that fits your budget, needs and your travel style. Revolut seems to cover the needs of tech savvy generations and modern travellers as well as any other Fintech out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your priority. Wise offers the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, making it the stronger choice for frequent currency conversion. Revolut offers more all-round features — budgeting, crypto, travel perks — bundled into one app.
Wise allows up to €200 in free withdrawals per month before a small fee applies. Revolut’s free withdrawal allowance depends on your account tier, with higher limits on paid plans.
Wise is generally better if you’re converting between multiple currencies often, thanks to its transparent, markup-free exchange rate. Revolut suits travellers who want extra features like travel insurance and rewards alongside their spending.
No — N26 withdrew from the UK in 2020 and the US in 2022, and now operates only within the EU and EEA. If you’re based outside Europe, Wise or Revolut are your options instead.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
As a Brit living in Europe, with clients from all over the world, I personally use a Wise Business Account, an N26 account for day-to-day living here in Austria, and Revolut when I visit family and friends back in the UK. With this combo, I’m saving myself thousands in fees each year, and I find it very simple to manage all three together.
If I had to recommend just one account for most travellers, it would be Wise.
Its transparent fees, excellent exchange rates and straightforward international transfers make it suitable whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, working remotely from Europe or simply trying to avoid expensive bank fees on holiday. Wise consistently delivers the best value.
That doesn’t mean Revolut or N26 aren’t worth having.
If you travel frequently and like extra features such as virtual cards, budgeting tools and travel perks, Revolut is an excellent companion account. Meanwhile, N26 feels the closest to a traditional bank and is a fantastic choice if you live in Europe and want a modern current account with a great app.
The reality is that these services aren’t really direct competitors -they each solve slightly different problems. That’s why I still use all three.
If you’re only opening one account, start with Wise. You can always add Revolut or N26 later as your travel style or banking needs change.
And if you need long-stay travel insurance for any upcoming trip, then be sure to check out my detailed comparison of Safetywing, Genki and Heymondo!
Happy travelling!
Great article,Very helpful and well-written. Thanks
Thanks very much, Rose – glad you found it useful!