Yes, you can transfer money from Wise to a bank account
Wise (formerly TransferWise) lets you move money from your Wise balance to a linked bank account in your name. The transfer goes to whichever bank account you connected when you set up Wise, or to any new account you add later. The money lands as a standard bank transfer, not as a Wise payment — your bank processes it like any other incoming transfer.
The time it takes depends on which country you're transferring to and which bank you're using. Transfers within the US typically arrive in one to two business days. International transfers can take three to five business days, depending on the receiving country's banking system. Wise shows you the expected arrival date before you confirm the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You can withdraw your Wise balance to any bank account registered in your name by linking it in the Wise app or website.
- US domestic transfers usually arrive within one to two business days; international transfers take three to five business days.
- Wise charges a withdrawal fee that varies by currency and destination country — check the fee before you confirm.
- You can only transfer to accounts in your own name; Wise does not allow transfers to someone else's bank account.
- If a transfer fails, Wise refunds the money to your Wise balance within one to two business days.
How to link a bank account and start a withdrawal
Open the Wise app or go to wise.com and sign in. Tap or click the menu, then select "Accounts" or "Balances" depending on your version. Find the currency balance you want to withdraw. Tap "Send" or "Withdraw" next to that balance.
Wise will ask you to choose a bank account. If you already linked one when you created your Wise account, it appears here. If you want to use a different account, select "Add new account" and enter the bank details. You'll need the account holder's name (which must match your Wise account name), the account number, and the routing number (in the US) or IBAN (for international accounts). Wise verifies the account details before the transfer goes through.
Enter the amount you want to withdraw, review the fee Wise charges for that transfer, and confirm. Wise shows you the exact arrival date. The money leaves your Wise balance immediately, but your bank account receives it on the date shown.
Withdrawal fees and what they depend on
Wise charges a withdrawal fee whenever you move money from Wise to a bank account. The fee is not a flat amount — it changes based on the currency you're withdrawing, the country you're sending to, and sometimes the size of the transfer. A withdrawal to a US bank account in US dollars typically costs between $0.50 and $1.50. Withdrawals in other currencies or to other countries can cost more.
Wise shows you the exact fee before you confirm the transfer, so you always know what you're paying. The fee is deducted from your Wise balance, not added to your bank account later. If your Wise balance is smaller than the amount you want to withdraw plus the fee, Wise will tell you and ask you to reduce the withdrawal amount.
When a withdrawal fails or gets stuck
A withdrawal can fail if the bank account details you provided are incorrect, if your bank rejects the incoming transfer for security reasons, or if there's a mismatch between the account holder's name on your Wise account and the name on your bank account. Wise sends you a notification if a transfer fails, usually within one to two business days.
When a transfer fails, Wise refunds the money to your Wise balance. The refund appears within one to two business days. You can then try again with corrected details, or contact your bank to ask why they rejected the transfer. Some banks flag transfers from payment platforms as unusual activity — if that's the case, your bank may ask you to confirm the transfer before accepting it.
If a transfer is taking longer than the date Wise promised, check your email for any notifications from Wise or your bank. If you see no update after five business days, contact Wise support through the app or website. Provide the transfer reference number, which Wise shows in your transaction history.
Limits on how much you can withdraw
Wise does not publish a single withdrawal limit that applies to all accounts. Your limit depends on your account age, how long you've been using Wise, and your verification level. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. Wise increases your limit over time as you use the service.
You can check your current withdrawal limit in the Wise app under "Account" or "Settings." If you try to withdraw more than your limit allows, Wise tells you the maximum amount available and asks you to reduce the withdrawal. If you need to withdraw a larger amount, you can make multiple transfers over time, or contact Wise support to ask about raising your limit.
Transferring to accounts in other people's names
Wise does not allow you to withdraw to a bank account that is not in your name. This is a compliance requirement — payment platforms must verify that the person sending money and the person receiving it are the same. If you try to add an account in someone else's name, Wise will reject it.
If you need to send money to someone else, you have two options. First, you can withdraw to your own bank account and then send money from your bank to theirs using your bank's transfer service. Second, you can use Wise's peer-to-peer transfer feature if you're both Wise users — this lets you send money directly to another Wise account. Check Wise's website to see which countries and currencies support peer transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after I request a withdrawal?
Transfers to US bank accounts usually arrive within one to two business days. International transfers take three to five business days depending on the receiving country. Wise shows the expected arrival date before you confirm, and you can track the transfer status in your transaction history.
Can I withdraw money from Wise if I don't have a bank account linked yet?
No. You must link a bank account before you can withdraw. You can add a new account during the withdrawal process — Wise asks for the account number, routing number (US) or IBAN (international), and the account holder's name. The account must be in your name.
What happens if my bank rejects the transfer from Wise?
Wise refunds the money to your Wise balance within one to two business days. Your bank may reject a transfer if the account details are wrong, if there's a name mismatch, or if your bank flags it as suspicious activity. Contact your bank to find out why they rejected it, then try the withdrawal again with corrected information.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from Wise at once?
Yes, but the limit varies by account. Check your withdrawal limit in the Wise app under Account or Settings. New accounts have lower limits than established ones. Wise raises your limit over time as you use the service. If you need to withdraw more, you can make multiple transfers or contact Wise support.
Can I withdraw to someone else's bank account?
No. Wise only allows withdrawals to bank accounts in your own name. If you need to send money to someone else, withdraw to your own bank account first and then transfer from there, or use Wise's peer-to-peer feature if you're both Wise users.