How the transfer works
Wise holds your money in a multi-currency account, but to use it for everyday bills or to move it into savings, you need to send it to a regular bank account. Wise calls this a withdrawal, and it moves your balance to whichever bank account you've registered with them. The money goes through the standard banking network — usually ACH in the US, which takes one to three business days.
You initiate the transfer from inside the Wise app or website. Wise doesn't charge a fee to withdraw to your own bank account in most cases, though some currencies or destination countries may carry a small cost. The receiving bank may also charge you a deposit fee, though most don't.
Key Takeaways
- Withdrawals from Wise to your bank account use ACH and take one to three business days in the US.
- You must add and verify your bank account details in Wise before you can withdraw, which requires your routing number and account number.
- Wise does not charge to withdraw to your own US bank account, but your bank may charge a deposit fee.
- If you're withdrawing a foreign currency, Wise converts it to USD at their mid-market rate before sending it to your bank.
Adding your bank account to Wise
Before you can withdraw, you need to tell Wise where to send the money. Go to the Wise app or website, find the settings or account section, and select "Add bank account" or "Add recipient." You'll be asked for your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your account number. If you don't have these, check a blank check, log into your bank's website, or call your bank's customer service line.
Wise will ask you to confirm the account is yours. In most cases, Wise deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account within one to two business days. You then log back into Wise, enter those two amounts, and the account is verified. Until you verify it, you cannot withdraw to that account.
You can add multiple bank accounts to Wise — for example, a checking account and a savings account. Each one must be verified separately before you can use it.
Steps to withdraw money
Once your bank account is verified, withdrawing takes a few clicks. Open Wise, go to your balance or account view, and select the currency you want to withdraw from. Tap or click "Send money" or "Withdraw." Enter the amount you want to send and select the bank account you've already added. Review the details — Wise will show you the exact amount your bank will receive after any conversion.
Confirm the withdrawal. Wise will send the money to your bank using ACH, which typically arrives within one to three business days. You'll see a confirmation number and a tracking status in the Wise app. If you're withdrawing a foreign currency (like GBP or EUR), Wise converts it to USD at their mid-market rate before sending it, so the amount you receive may be slightly different from what you see in your Wise balance.
Check your bank account after two business days. If the money hasn't arrived by the third business day, log back into Wise and check the transaction status. Most delays are caused by your bank's processing time, not Wise's.
What happens if your bank account details are wrong
If you enter an incorrect routing number or account number, the transfer will usually be rejected by your bank before it reaches your account. Wise will notify you of the rejection, and the money returns to your Wise balance within one to three business days. You can then correct the account details and try again.
If the money does reach the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can attempt to recover the funds, but this process is slow and not always successful. This is why verifying your account with the two small deposits is important — it confirms the account is actually yours before you send a large amount.
Withdrawal limits and holds
Wise does not publish a single withdrawal limit that applies to everyone. Your limit depends on your account age, verification level, and transaction history. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. If you try to withdraw more than your limit allows, Wise will show you the maximum amount available.
If your Wise account is new or you've just added a bank account, Wise may place a temporary hold on your first withdrawal while they verify the transaction. This hold usually lasts a few hours to one business day. You'll see a notification in the app if a hold is in place.
Fees and exchange rates
Wise charges no fee to withdraw to your own US bank account in USD. If you're withdrawing a foreign currency, Wise converts it using their mid-market rate — the real exchange rate you'd see on financial news sites — plus a small markup (usually 0.5% to 1.5%, depending on the currency). This is typically cheaper than a traditional bank's exchange rate.
Your own bank may charge a deposit fee for receiving an ACH transfer, though most US banks do not. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to confirm. If your bank does charge, that fee will be deducted from the amount you receive.
Troubleshooting a withdrawal that doesn't arrive
If three business days have passed and the money hasn't reached your bank account, start by checking the Wise app. Look at the transaction history and confirm the status shows "completed" or "sent." If it shows "pending," wait another business day — ACH can occasionally take longer during weekends or holidays.
If the status shows "completed" but your bank hasn't received it, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the Wise confirmation number and the exact amount. Your bank can trace the ACH transfer and tell you whether it arrived in their system. If it did arrive, it may be held for fraud review or posted to a different account by mistake.
If your bank confirms they never received the transfer, contact Wise support through the app. Provide the transaction ID and the date you initiated the withdrawal. Wise can investigate on their end and, if they confirm the money was sent, work with your bank to locate it. This process can take one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw to someone else's bank account?
No. Wise only allows you to withdraw to bank accounts registered in your own name. This is a fraud prevention measure. If you need to send money to someone else, use Wise's transfer feature instead, which is designed for sending money to other people.
What if I withdraw in a currency my bank doesn't accept?
Wise automatically converts any foreign currency to USD before sending it to your US bank account. Your bank receives USD, not the original currency. The conversion uses Wise's mid-market rate plus their markup.
Do I have to withdraw all my money at once?
No. You can withdraw any amount up to your current balance and your account's withdrawal limit. You can make multiple withdrawals on the same day or spread them across different days.
What if Wise freezes my account?
If Wise suspects fraud or unusual activity, they may temporarily freeze your account and prevent withdrawals while they investigate. You'll receive a notification explaining why. Contact Wise support to resolve the issue. This usually takes a few business days, but can take longer if they need additional information from you.
Can I schedule a withdrawal in advance?
Wise does not offer scheduled or recurring withdrawals. You must initiate each withdrawal manually when you want the money to move. If you need regular transfers to your bank, you'll need to start each one separately.