How to get a Wise Card: Step-by-Step Guide 2024
A Wise international debit card is linked to a multi-currency Wise account which allows you to hold, exchange and send 40+
currencies.
You can use your Wise card to make convenient cash withdrawals and to pay online or in person, with currency exchange using the mid-market exchange rate, plus no foreign transaction fee to worry about whenever you spend any currency you hold. That makes the Wise card a great way to manage your foreign currency spending, with low, transparent fees and fair exchange rates every time.
How to get a Wise card step by step
To order a Wise international debit card you’ll first need to register a Wise account. This is free for personal customers and can be done entirely online or in the Wise app. Once you have your Wise account you can order a debit card, and get instant access to your card details to use when shopping online or for mobile payments using Apple Pay, Google Pay or similar.
Here’s how to open a Wise account and get a Wise card step by step:
- Visit the Wise website or app and click on Create account
- Enter your email address
- Confirm the type of account you want to open – personal or business
- Select your main country of residence
- Verify your mobile number with a code
- Create your password for security
Once your Wise account is set up, you’ll be able to tap the Card tab and follow the prompts to order your Wise card. You’ll need to pay a one time 14 NZD fee to order your card, confirm your personal details and upload some documents for security.
How to activate your Wise card
If you’re ordering your Wise card from New Zealand there’s no separate activation step – but to activate contactless payments you will need to make a Chip and PIN payment or withdrawal first. You can also use your card at an ATM to make a balance enquiry to get your card contactless feature up and running.
Can you get a Wise card in New Zealand?
Yes. The Wise card is available in New Zealand, and can also be ordered by Wise customers in a broad selection of other countries and regions, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia and most EEA countries.
How much does the Wise card cost?
There’s no annual or monthly fee for the Wise card – just a one time 14 NZD charge to order your physical card. Once you’ve got your card you can spend any currency you hold with no foreign transaction fee.
If you’re spending in a foreign currency and you don’t hold the balance you need, the card’s smart autoconvert technology can change your money to the currency required for a low fee from 0.43%.
Up to 2 Wise card ATM withdrawals, to the value of 350 NZD are free every month. After that you’ll pay 1.75% of the withdrawal value + 1.5 NZD per withdrawal.
Related: Wise Fees – A Complete Guide
Is it worth getting a Wise card?
The Wise card can be a smart way to manage your foreign currency spending in person and online. Hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend any currency you have for free, avoiding bank foreign transaction fees. There’s no ongoing charge to pay, and no minimum balance to worry about, so you can just use your Wise card and account whenever you need to. Here are some of the advantages you’ll get with a Wise card:
- No annual or ongoing fees to pay
- Spend in 150+ countries, with no foreign transaction fee
- Free ATM withdrawals to 350 NZD/month, with low fees after that
- Manage your card from the Wise app to freeze, unfreeze or cancel
How long does it take to get a Wise card?
As soon as you order your physical Wise card online or in the Wise app you’ll get your card details so you can start to spend instantly. You can use your Wise card details for online shopping and to add to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, and your physical Wise card will arrive in the mail, in 7 – 10 working days.
How does the Wise card work in New Zealand?
You can hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account, and use your card all over the world to spend and make withdrawals. There’s no fee to spend if you hold the currency balance you need – and if you don’t have the currency you need in your account, the Wise card will automatically convert the amount for you.
The conversion will be managed from whichever available currency account has the cheapest conversion fee, so there’s no need to worry about converting money before travelling as you’ll know you’ll always get the lowest fee every time you spend.
How to replace or cancel your Wise card
If you need to replace your card at any time, you can do so from the Wise app or desktop site. Here’s how to replace your card in the Wise app:
- Tap the Card tab and then Replace card
- Choose the reason you’re replacing your card, from the options on screen
- Tap Replacement card
If you’re looking to cancel your Wise card entirely you can do so by getting in touch with Wise support using the chat function in the app.
Is the Wise card safe to use?
The Wise card is safe to use. Generally it’s considered safer to use a card for spending and cash withdrawals when you travel, as opposed to carrying large amounts of cash.
Plus, Wise cards can easily be managed, frozen or blocked from the Wise app if you ever need to do so. You’ll get instant transaction notifications in your Wise app whenever your card is used, so it’s easy to keep on top of managing your money no matter where you are.
How to get a Wise virtual card
You can order a Wise virtual card as soon as you’ve ordered your physical Wise card, which means you can get started spending online and in person using a mobile wallet like Apple Pay.
Here’s how to get a Wise virtual card in New Zealand:
- Visit the Wise website or app and log in
- Tap Card and choose Get a digital card
- You’ll see your Wise virtual card details for instant use
Conclusion on getting a Wise debit card
A Wise debit card is easy to order, and can offer great international and multi-currency features including low cost currency conversion and convenient spending in 150+ countries. Simply open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order your Wise card there.
There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold – and Wise accounts can hold a pretty impressive 40+ currencies. If you don’t have the currency you need the Wise card will automatically convert your balance with low fees from 0.43%. That means you avoid the foreign transaction fees usually added by banks, so your money could go further when you spend internationally.
How to get a Wise card FAQs
How do I get a Wise debit card?
You can order a Wise debit card by registering a free Wise account online or on the Wise app. Registering a Wise account is a pretty straightforward process, and then you’ll be able to order your Wise debit card by logging into your account, adding some ID and paying a one time fee of 14 NZD.
Can I get a Wise card in New Zealand?
Yes. The Wise international debit card is available in New Zealand and a selection of other countries and regions, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia and most EEA countries.
Does Wise give you a card?
Yes. You can order a Wise card which is linked to your Wise account, online or in the Wise app.
How much does the Wise card cost?
There’s a one time 14 NZD fee to order the Wise card in New Zealand. Once you have your card it’s free to spend any currency you hold, and you can withdraw up to 350 NZD/month fee free, with low ATM fees after that.
How long does it take to get a Wise card?
You’ll be able to get your Wise card details online as soon as you’ve ordered your card for delivery. Your physical card will arrive in 7 – 10 working days if you’ve ordered for delivery to a New Zealand address.
Is it free to get a Wise card?
There’s a one time fee of 14 NZD to order a Wise card in New Zealand, with no annual or monthly fees to worry about after that.
How do I activate my Wise card outside New Zealand?
To activate contactless payments you will need to make a Chip and PIN payment or withdrawal, or use your card at an ATM to make a balance enquiry.
Can you get a Wise card when travelling abroad?
Order your Wise card online or in the Wise app, for delivery to your registered Wise address. You’ll be able to access your card details as soon as you’ve ordered the Wise card, and your physical card will arrive a couple of weeks later.
