The short answer
Wise is primarily built around international transfers and multi-currency balances, and it shows a transfer quote that separates its fee from the exchange rate. Revolut is a broader financial app in which currency exchange and international transfers are one feature among many, and the cost of exchange can depend on your plan, monthly allowances and the time of day or week.
Neither is automatically cheaper. For an occasional transfer on a common route, the fair test is to request both quotes for the same amount, at the same moment, and compare the amount the recipient receives. For people who already use one of the apps daily, convenience and plan terms may matter as much as the individual quote.
What actually makes up the cost
It is easy to compare the wrong number. A transfer can have a low or zero visible fee and still cost more overall if the exchange rate includes a markup. Equally, a visible fee can be worthwhile when the rate is close to the mid-market rate. Total transfer cost is the combination of the transfer fee, the exchange-rate effect and any charges from intermediary or recipient banks.
| Element | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | The visible charge for sending the payment | Whether it is fixed, percentage-based or both, and whether it changes with speed |
| FX rate / markup | The rate used to convert your money, compared with the mid-market rate | How far the quoted rate sits from the mid-market rate at the same moment |
| Payment method | How you fund the transfer — bank transfer, debit card, credit card or cash | Whether the fee, speed or limits change by funding method |
| Speed | How long the money takes to arrive | Whether faster delivery costs more and what can delay it |
| Route | The sending country, receiving country and currencies | Whether the provider supports the corridor and delivery method you need |
| Recipient amount | What actually arrives after all fees and conversion | The single number to compare across providers |
How the two models differ
Wise generally presents each transfer as a quote: the amount you send, the fee, the rate used and the amount expected to arrive. That structure makes it straightforward to compare one transfer with another provider. Wise also offers multi-currency balances and card features in many markets; availability depends on where you live.
Revolut combines spending, budgeting, currency exchange and transfers in one app, with several subscription plans. Exchange allowances, fair-usage limits, weekend conditions and fees for exceeding plan limits can all affect what a specific conversion costs. Because these terms are plan-dependent and change over time, read Revolut's current fee page for your plan and country rather than relying on a general rule.
| Dimension | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | International transfers and multi-currency accounts | Broad financial app with exchange and transfers included |
| How cost is shown | Per-transfer quote with fee and rate | Depends on plan, allowances and timing; check the in-app quote |
| Plan structure | No subscription needed for transfers | Multiple plans with different allowances and limits |
| Good test | Compare recipient amount on your route | Compare recipient amount on your route and plan |
Which use case fits which service?
Wise may suit readers who send money abroad occasionally or regularly and want a transparent per-transfer breakdown without taking on a new everyday banking app. It may also suit people who hold and pay in several currencies.
Revolut may suit readers who already use it for daily spending and want exchange and transfers in the same place, especially when their conversion needs stay within their plan's allowances. If you regularly exceed an allowance, send on weekends or convert large amounts, check how those conditions change the price.
- One-off transfer to family abroad: compare both recipient amounts, then consider the recipient's bank and currency
- Regular salary or rent payments: compare recurring cost, reliability and scheduling tools
- Travel spending in several currencies: compare card conversion terms and ATM limits as well as transfers
- Large one-off amount: read our guide to large international transfers before relying on either app's default flow
Speed, limits and verification
Delivery speed depends on the route, funding method, the recipient's bank and verification checks. Both providers may ask for identity or source-of-funds information, particularly for larger amounts. That is normal regulated behaviour, but it can delay a time-sensitive payment, so start early.
Check sending limits, daily or monthly caps and which legal entity will serve you in your country. Protections for balances can differ from traditional bank deposits and by market, so read the provider's current explanation of how your money is held.
A fair side-by-side checklist
Run both quotes within a few minutes of each other, because exchange rates move constantly.
- Same send amount and currency pair
- Same funding method (for example, bank transfer rather than card)
- Comparable delivery speed
- Your actual plan's allowance and fee conditions (Revolut)
- Final amount the recipient will receive
- Cancellation terms and support options if something goes wrong
Bottom line
Wise is often a natural fit when the transfer itself is the job and you want a clear quote; Revolut can be convenient if you already use it and your transfers stay within your plan's terms. Pricing and plan conditions change, so compare live quotes for your exact route and check the current offer on each official site before sending.