The basic path: bank transfer to Wise
You send money to Wise the same way you send money to anyone else's bank account — through your own bank's transfer system. Your bank moves the funds to Wise's bank account, and Wise credits your Wise account with the amount (minus their fee). The whole process usually takes one to three business days, depending on whether you use a same-day transfer option and which country you're sending from.
Wise holds bank accounts in multiple countries under different legal entities. When you initiate a transfer, you're sending to one of those accounts, not to Wise as a company. Your bank sees it as a regular domestic or international transfer. Wise then matches the incoming funds to your Wise account based on the reference number you include.
The mechanics are straightforward, but the details matter — the account number format, the reference field, and the bank routing information all have to match exactly, or the money arrives but Wise can't figure out which account it belongs to.
Key Takeaways
- You initiate the transfer from your bank's website or app using Wise's bank details, which Wise provides in your account under the "Add money" section.
- The reference number (usually your Wise account number or a code Wise generates) is how Wise knows which account to credit, so leaving it out or getting it wrong delays the deposit.
- Domestic transfers within the same country as Wise's bank account usually clear in one business day; international transfers take longer and may incur your bank's wire fees.
- Wise charges a small fee for receiving the transfer, which is deducted from the amount that lands in your account.
Finding Wise's bank details in your account
Log into your Wise account and look for the "Add money" or "Top up" section — the exact label depends on whether you're using the web app or mobile app, but it's always in the main menu. Tap or click it, then select "Bank transfer" as your funding method.
Wise will show you a set of bank details specific to your account and your currency. These details include the account holder name (usually your name or "Wise"), the account number, the bank name, and the routing or sort code. Some regions also show an IBAN or SWIFT code. Copy these exactly as Wise displays them — do not retype or abbreviate.
The bank details change depending on which currency you're topping up. If you have a GBP balance and a USD balance, the GBP transfer details will be different from the USD details. Wise shows you the right set for whichever currency you select, so start by choosing the currency you want to add money to.
Initiating the transfer from your bank
Open your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to the transfer or payments section. Most banks call this "Send money", "Make a payment", or "Transfers". You'll see options for domestic transfers, international transfers, or both — choose the one that matches where Wise's receiving bank is located.
Enter Wise's bank details into the recipient field. Your bank will ask for the account holder name, account number, and routing information. Paste these directly from Wise rather than typing them, because a single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account. If your bank asks for an IBAN or SWIFT code and Wise provided one, use it; if Wise didn't provide it, leave that field blank.
In the reference or memo field, enter the code Wise gave you. This is critical — without it, the money arrives at Wise's bank but Wise has no way to know it's yours. The reference is usually your Wise account number or a unique code Wise generates specifically for that transfer. Check Wise's instructions again before you submit; some banks truncate long reference numbers, and Wise needs the full code.
Enter the amount you want to send, review all the details, and submit. Your bank will show you a confirmation screen with a transaction reference number. Save this number in case you need to follow up with your bank later.
Timing and fees
A domestic transfer — for example, from a US bank account to Wise's US bank account — usually clears within one business day. If you send it on a Friday evening, it may not arrive until Monday. Weekends and bank holidays add time.
International transfers take longer. A transfer from a UK bank to Wise's account in another country might take two to five business days, depending on the receiving country's banking system. Some banks offer same-day or next-day international options, but these usually cost extra.
Your bank may charge a wire fee for sending money, especially for international transfers. This fee comes out of your account at your bank, not from the amount Wise receives. Wise also charges a small fee for receiving the transfer, which is deducted from the money that lands in your Wise account. Wise shows you both fees before you confirm the transfer.
What happens if the transfer goes wrong
If you included the wrong reference number or no reference number at all, the money still reaches Wise's bank account, but Wise can't match it to your account. Contact Wise support with your bank's transaction reference number. Wise can usually trace the incoming funds and credit your account manually, but this takes extra time — sometimes a week or more.
If you entered Wise's bank details incorrectly, your bank may reject the transfer before it leaves your account, or it may bounce back from Wise's bank. Your bank will return the money to you, usually within a few business days. Check your bank account to confirm the refund arrived, then try again with the correct details.
If the transfer clears but the amount is wrong — for example, your bank deducted a fee you didn't expect — contact your bank first to confirm what happened. Then contact Wise with the transaction details so they know what amount to expect.
Alternatives if bank transfer is slow or expensive
Some banks offer faster transfer options like Faster Payments (in the UK) or same-day ACH (in the US). These clear in hours rather than days and may cost less than a standard wire. Check your bank's transfer options before you send.
If your bank charges a high wire fee, you might send a smaller amount more frequently, or you might look at whether Wise offers a direct debit option in your country. Direct debit (also called bank debit or ACH debit in the US) lets Wise pull money from your bank account directly, which is often cheaper than you sending a wire. This option appears in the "Add money" section if it's available in your region.
Some people also fund Wise through a debit card or credit card, though Wise charges a higher percentage fee for card transfers than for bank transfers. This is useful only if you need the money in Wise when ready and the bank transfer delay is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include my name in the reference field?
No. The reference field should contain only the code Wise provided — usually your Wise account number or a unique transfer reference. Your name is already in the account holder field. Including your name in the reference can cause Wise's system to fail to match the transfer to your account.
What if my bank doesn't let me send to Wise's account?
Some banks block transfers to certain countries or financial institutions as a fraud prevention measure. Contact your bank's customer service and ask why the transfer was blocked. You may need to confirm that Wise is a legitimate financial institution, or your bank may require you to add Wise as a trusted recipient before you can send money. This usually takes 24 hours.
Can I send money to Wise in a different currency than my bank account?
Yes. Your bank will convert the money at your bank's exchange rate before sending it to Wise. Wise will then receive it in the currency of the bank account you sent it to. If you want the money in a different currency, you can convert it inside Wise after it arrives, though Wise will charge their exchange rate for that conversion.
How do I know if the transfer arrived?
Log into your Wise account and check your balance and transaction history. Wise sends a notification (email or in-app) when money arrives. If several business days have passed and the money hasn't shown up, contact Wise support with your bank's transaction reference number.
Can I set up a recurring transfer to Wise?
Yes, if your bank supports recurring transfers or standing orders. Set up the transfer the first time as described above, then look for an option to repeat it weekly, monthly, or on a schedule you choose. Your bank will send the same amount to Wise on the dates you specify, using the same reference number each time.