How to Pay Using Wise: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Transfers

If you need to send money internationally, you've probably discovered that traditional banks aren't exactly generous with their exchange rates. The good news? There's a better way to handle cross-border payments without losing a chunk of your money to hidden fees.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) has become the go-to solution for millions of people who want transparent pricing and real exchange rates. Whether you're paying for a service, supporting a business abroad, or sending money to friends, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.

Getting Started with Your Wise Account

Before you can send any money, you'll need to set up your account. The registration process is simple, but here's what you should know upfront: verification isn't instant. Sometimes it takes a couple of days for Wise to verify your bank details and activate your account fully.

During this waiting period, Wise is confirming your identity and linking your bank account securely. It might feel like a minor inconvenience, but this verification step is what keeps the platform safe and trustworthy. Use this time to gather the recipient's details so you're ready to go once approved.

Pro tip: Complete your first setup on a laptop or desktop computer using Chrome or Safari. The mobile experience works fine, but for your initial transaction, a bigger screen makes it easier to double-check all those important details.

Setting Up Your First Payment

Once your account gets the green light, you're ready to make your first transfer. Here's where Wise really shines compared to traditional banking—the interface is clean, and the process is intuitive.

Click the Send Money button, and you'll start building your payment. The first major step is adding your recipient's information.

Adding Recipient Details

Select Add new recipient and choose the currency you're sending to. For US dollar transfers, pick USD United States Dollar from the dropdown menu.

Now comes the important part: entering the bank details correctly. Small mistakes here can delay your payment or send it to the wrong place, so take your time.

You'll need to specify whether you're paying a person or a business. For business payments, select Business or Charity. Then choose your payment method—ACH Payment is typically the most cost-effective option for US dollar transfers.

When comparing international payment solutions, 👉 platforms like Wise offer significantly lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional banks, making them ideal for regular cross-border transactions.

Essential Banking Information

Here's what you'll need from your recipient:

• Business name: Make sure it matches their official registration

• Bank routing number: This 9-digit code identifies the specific bank

• Account number: Double-check this one carefully

• Account type: Usually either checking or savings

• Country: Should match where the bank is located

• Recipient address: The complete physical address

For example, if you're paying a US-based business, you'd enter their routing number (like 026073150 for Community Federal Savings Bank), the full account number, select "Checking account," confirm the United States as the country, and provide their complete address.

Calculating Your Transfer Amount

This is where Wise's transparency really stands out. In the lower box on the payment screen, choose US dollar as the currency and enter the exact amount the recipient should receive.

Here's the clever part: Wise automatically calculates what you'll need to pay in your home currency. The platform shows you the real exchange rate—the same one you'd see on Google—plus their small, upfront fee. No surprises, no hidden charges buried in inflated exchange rates.

Choosing Your Payment Method

After you've set the amount, Wise presents several payment options. Each comes with different fees and processing times, so you can balance speed against cost.

Bank transfer typically offers the lowest fees. When you select this option, Wise provides local bank details for you to use with your regular online banking. They'll also give you a unique reference code—make sure to include this in your transfer's subject line or reference field. This code is how Wise matches your payment to your transaction.

If you need the money to arrive faster, you can opt for debit card or credit card payments, though these usually come with higher fees. For most people, the bank transfer option hits the sweet spot between affordability and convenience.

For anyone who regularly sends money internationally, 👉 opening a Wise account streamlines the entire process and can save hundreds of dollars annually compared to traditional wire transfers.

Making Your Payment Smooth and Secure

Before you finalize anything, review all the details one more time. Check the recipient's name, account number, and the amount. These few seconds of verification can prevent headaches later.

After you complete your bank transfer using the reference code provided, Wise tracks the payment and updates you throughout the process. You'll receive notifications when they receive your money, when they convert it (if necessary), and when it reaches your recipient's account.

The entire process usually takes 1-3 business days for bank transfers, though this can vary depending on your bank's processing times and the destination country.

Why This Matters for International Payments

Traditional international wire transfers often feel like black boxes—you send money, cross your fingers, and hope the right amount arrives. The exchange rates are murky, fees appear from nowhere, and the whole experience can be stressful.

Wise flips this model by showing you everything upfront. You know exactly how much you're sending, what the recipient gets, and what you're paying in fees. For businesses operating internationally or individuals making regular payments abroad, this transparency and cost savings add up quickly.

The platform has grown to serve millions of users precisely because it solves a real problem: moving money across borders shouldn't be expensive or complicated. Whether you're paying for services, supporting international causes, or managing business expenses, having a reliable, affordable payment method makes everything easier.

Take your time with your first transaction, make sure all the details are correct, and you'll find that international payments become just another routine task rather than a source of anxiety.