The basic process: Wise sends the money, your bank receives it

To send money from Wise to your bank account, you initiate a withdrawal from your Wise balance through the Wise app or website. Wise then transfers the funds to the bank account you've registered with them. The money arrives as a standard bank transfer — your bank processes it like any other incoming payment. The whole process typically takes one to two business days, though timing depends on your bank and which country the money is moving to.

You need three things before you start: a Wise account with money in it, a bank account registered in your name, and the routing and account details for that bank. Wise doesn't charge a fee to withdraw to your own bank account in most cases, though some currencies or destinations may have small costs — Wise shows you the exact amount before you confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Withdrawals from Wise to your bank account are free in most cases, and Wise shows you any fees before you confirm the transfer.
  • The money takes one to two business days to arrive, depending on your bank and the country involved.
  • You can only withdraw to a bank account registered in your own name — you cannot send Wise money directly to someone else's account.
  • Your bank account must match the currency you're withdrawing, or Wise will convert it and charge a conversion fee.

Step-by-step: How to withdraw from Wise

Open the Wise app or go to wise.com and log in. On the home screen, you'll see your balance in whatever currency you're holding. Tap or click the "Send" button (or "Withdraw" — the label varies by app version). Wise will ask you to choose a destination. Select "Bank account" and then choose the bank account you want the money to go to from your saved list.

Enter the amount you want to withdraw. Wise will show you the exact fee (if any) and the amount that will arrive in your bank account. Check that the currency matches — if you're withdrawing GBP but your bank account is in USD, Wise will convert it and charge a conversion fee. Once you confirm, Wise processes the transfer when ready. You'll see a confirmation screen with a reference number.

The money then moves through the banking system. Wise sends it to your bank, and your bank credits it to your account. This usually takes one business day within the same country, and one to two business days for international transfers. You can check the status in the Wise app under "Activity" or "Transactions."

What happens if your bank account details are wrong

If you enter incorrect account details, the transfer may be rejected by your bank and returned to Wise. When this happens, Wise refunds the money to your Wise account, usually within three to five business days. You'll see a notification in the app explaining why it was rejected.

To avoid this, double-check your account number and routing number (or IBAN, depending on your country) before you confirm. Your bank statement or online banking portal has these details. If you're unsure, contact your bank directly — they can confirm your account number in seconds.

Withdrawing in a different currency than your bank account

If you hold EUR in Wise but your bank account is in GBP, Wise will convert the money before sending it. You'll see the conversion rate and fee on the confirmation screen. The converted amount is what arrives in your bank account.

To avoid conversion fees, hold money in the same currency as your bank account. If you regularly move money between currencies, you can use Wise's multi-currency account to hold balances in different currencies and convert only when you need to. This gives you more control over when and how you convert.

Timing: When the money actually arrives

Domestic transfers (within the same country) usually arrive within one business day. International transfers take one to two business days. "Business day" means Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays in the countries involved. A transfer you initiate on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.

Wise processes withdrawals when ready when you confirm them, but the speed after that depends on your bank's processing system. Some banks are faster than others. If your transfer hasn't arrived after two business days, check the status in the Wise app. If it shows as completed on Wise's end but hasn't reached your bank, contact your bank's customer service — they can trace it using the reference number Wise provided.

Withdrawing to a bank account in a different country

You can withdraw from Wise to a bank account in a different country, but the account must still be registered in your name. Wise supports withdrawals to bank accounts in over 80 countries. The process is the same: select the account, enter the amount, and confirm.

International withdrawals take longer — usually one to two business days — because the money has to move through correspondent banks. Some countries have additional requirements. For example, if you're withdrawing to a bank account in India, Wise may ask for additional verification. The app will tell you if any extra steps are needed before you confirm the transfer.

What to do if a withdrawal fails or gets stuck

If Wise shows the transfer as completed but the money hasn't arrived in your bank account after three business days, the transfer may be stuck in the banking system. This is rare, but it happens. Check the Wise app for a reference number or transaction ID.

Contact your bank first with the reference number and ask them to trace the incoming transfer. Give them the amount, the date you sent it, and Wise's bank details (Wise provides these in the transaction confirmation). Your bank can check whether the money arrived at their end and where it is now. If your bank can't find it, contact Wise support through the app. Wise can investigate on their end and, if the money was sent correctly, work with your bank to locate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw from Wise to someone else's bank account?

No. Wise only allows withdrawals to bank accounts registered in your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, use Wise's transfer feature to send it to their Wise account or their bank account directly — that's a different process from withdrawing your own balance.

Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw at once?

Wise doesn't publish a single withdrawal limit — it depends on your account history, verification level, and the country you're withdrawing to. Your first withdrawal may be limited to a smaller amount. The app shows your available withdrawal amount before you start. If you need to withdraw more, contact Wise support to discuss increasing your limit.

What if my bank rejects the transfer?

Your bank may reject a transfer if the account details don't match, the account is closed, or your bank flags it as suspicious. Wise will refund the money to your Wise account within three to five business days. Check the rejection reason in the Wise app, correct the account details, and try again. If rejections keep happening, contact your bank to confirm your account is active and accepting transfers.

Do I pay tax on money I withdraw from Wise?

Withdrawing your own money from Wise is not a taxable event. However, if you earned income through Wise (for example, you received a payment for work), that income is taxable in your country. Wise is a payment platform, not a tax advisor. Speak with a tax professional about your specific situation.

How long does Wise keep money in my account if I don't withdraw it?

Wise holds your balance indefinitely as long as your account is active. There's no expiration date on money in a Wise account. However, if your account is inactive for an extended period (typically three years or more), Wise may close it. Check Wise's terms for your region, as policies vary by country.