Top 10 Wise Alternatives to Send Money Internationally
If you have ever used Wise to send money abroad, you know how refreshingly simple it is. No confusing bank forms. No massive fees disappearing into the void. Just clean, straightforward transfers. But here’s the thing—Wise isn’t always the wisest option.
Maybe you're tired of waiting three days for a payment to land. Maybe you're dealing with currencies Wise doesn’t support. Or maybe you just found out the fees add up faster than you expected.
That’s where a wise alternative comes in. Depending on what you need—speed, lower fees, better business tools, or support for different countries—there might be a better fit out there.
In this guide, we are not giving you a long list to scroll through. We are giving you clarity. We break down the top alternatives based on real use cases, not just marketing claims, so you can find the one that actually works for you.
Why People Are Looking for Alternatives to Wise
Wise is a strong option for international money transfers, but it is not always the best fit for every situation. Depending on your needs, there are other platforms that could offer more speed, flexibility, or value. This section explores what Wise might be missing—and why some users are making the switch.
1. Diverse Needs Call for Tailored Solutions
A student paying international tuition is not looking for the same features as a business doing payroll in multiple currencies. Wise serves a wide audience, but sometimes that makes it too general.
Some platforms are built specifically for freelancers. Others are optimized for high-volume business transfers or support cash pickups in remote regions. If your needs are niche, your solution should be too.
2. Lower Fees Are Not Always Guaranteed
Wise is transparent about its fees, which is great. But that doesn’t always mean it is the cheapest. When you move larger sums or make frequent transfers, even small differences in exchange rates and service charges add up.
Many users discover that a wise alternative gives them more value for the same transaction.
3. Limited Coverage or Payment Methods
If Wise doesn’t support your recipient’s country or payout method, it is game over. Some users get stuck trying to send money to regions Wise doesn’t cover, or they hit roadblocks when trying to withdraw funds locally.
Other platforms step in here, offering more reach, faster disbursement options, or better mobile access for rural locations.
Top 10 Wise Alternatives in 2025 for Secure and Affordable Transfers
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Now that you know why Wise may not be the perfect fit for everyone, let’s explore some smart options that could serve you better. These Wise alternatives offer unique features, better fees, or coverage where Wise falls short. We’ll break down who each one is best for—so you don’t waste time guessing.
1. Revolut: Best for Multi-Currency Wallets and Travel
Revolut is more than just a money transfer tool—it is a full-featured financial app. With support for 30+ currencies and built-in budgeting tools, it works great for users who want to manage global money in one place.
You can send and receive funds instantly between Revolut accounts, spend with a physical or virtual card, and even invest in stocks and crypto.
Why it’s a great Wise alternative:
Revolut offers better flexibility for daily spending abroad. If you're someone who earns, spends, and travels across borders, Revolut feels like a wallet built for your lifestyle.
Downsides:
Some features are locked behind paid plans, and customer support can be slow to respond during high-traffic hours.
2. OFX: Best for Large International Transfers
OFX shines when you are moving large sums of money. It offers competitive exchange rates and charges zero transfer fees, making it a top pick for businesses or individuals making big international payments.
Their dedicated support also sets them apart, giving you access to real humans when you need them.
Why it’s a great Wise choice alternative:
If you transfer more than $1,000 regularly, OFX can save you a significant amount with better exchange rates and no fees.
Downsides:
The platform has a minimum transfer amount and may not suit users sending small payments.
3. Payoneer: Best for Freelancers and Global Payouts
Payoneer is built for professionals who get paid internationally. Whether you work with clients, marketplaces, or global platforms like Upwork or Amazon, Payoneer makes receiving and withdrawing money easy.
It supports multi-currency accounts, lets you withdraw to your local bank, and provides fast access to funds.
Why it’s a strong alternative to Wise:
Freelancers love Payoneer because it integrates with platforms like Fiverr and lets them get paid in multiple currencies without the usual delays.
Downsides:
There are account maintenance fees and slightly higher withdrawal costs, depending on your country.
4. Remitly: Best for Sending Money to Family Abroad
Remitly focuses on remittances—sending money home. It supports transfers to over 100 countries, many of which Wise does not cover. It also gives users the option to send money for cash pickup, mobile wallets, or bank deposits.
Why it’s a solid Wise alternative:
Remitly is perfect for those who need speed and flexibility when sending money to developing countries. It offers economy and express delivery options depending on your urgency.
Downsides:
Exchange rates are not as competitive on the express option, and the service charges vary by country.
5. PayPal: Best for Quick Digital Payments
PayPal is a household name for a reason. It is accepted almost everywhere online and offers fast, secure digital transactions. It’s a go-to for e-commerce, subscriptions, and personal payments.
Why it works as a Wise alternative:
If you're already using PayPal for online shopping or getting paid through clients, it can double as a cross-border payment tool.
Downsides:
PayPal’s international fees and currency conversion rates are usually higher than Wise or other services.
6. Western Union: Best for Cash Pickup and Remote Locations
Western Union is all about reach. With over 500,000 locations worldwide, it is ideal when your recipient does not have a bank account and needs to pick up cash in person.
Why it’s a practical alternative to Wise:
It works well for recipients in rural areas or regions where digital banking is not common. You can send money for cash pickup within minutes.
Downsides:
Fees are higher, and the exchange rates are not transparent.
7. Airwallex: Best for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
Airwallex helps growing businesses manage global operations. It offers business accounts, virtual cards, batch transfers, and real-time FX rates—all with developer-friendly APIs. For companies looking to build their own money transfer app, these APIs can serve as a solid foundation
Why it's a wise alternative for business users:
Airwallex makes scaling across borders smoother, especially for companies needing to pay teams or suppliers globally.
Downsides:
It is not designed for personal use, and the setup might be too technical for solo users.
8. MuralPay: Best for Mass Payouts and Platform Integrations
MuralPay is tailored for marketplaces, SaaS platforms, and payroll automation. It helps you send payments to many users in different currencies without manually managing each transaction.
Why it's a great alternative to Wise:
If you’re managing a team or platform with recurring payouts, MuralPay offers automation that Wise doesn’t.
Downsides:
It is geared more toward platforms and tech companies than individuals or small teams.
9. TransferGo: Best for Quick, Low-Fee Bank Transfers
TransferGo combines low fees with fast delivery. In some cases, recipients receive funds in under 30 minutes. It also supports transfers to bank accounts and cards in over 60 countries.
Why it works as a smart Wise alternative:
If speed matters and you're looking for low-cost options, TransferGo strikes a good balance between affordability and speed.
Downsides:
Service is limited to certain countries, and the app design can feel a bit outdated.
10. Atlantic Money: Best for Flat-Fee International Transfers
Atlantic Money takes a minimalist approach. It offers flat-fee transfers with no markup on exchange rates, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
Why it is a compelling alternative to Wise:
Atlantic Money offers simplicity and transparency if you are tired of hidden fees and fluctuating rates.
Downsides:
It supports fewer countries than Wise and is currently limited to select currencies.
Wise vs Alternatives: Comparison of Fees, Features, and Use Cases
You’ve just seen how each alternative to Wise brings something different to the table. But how do they actually stack up side by side? This section helps you quickly compare key factors like fees, exchange rates, speed, and best use cases—so you can make a more informed decision.
Whether you are sending $100 or $10,000, choosing the right provider can save you real money and time.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
How to Choose the Best Wise Alternative for Your Needs
With so many platforms out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. But it gets much easier when you match the service to your specific needs. In this section, we’ll break it down based on your situation—so you can skip the guesswork and choose confidently.
1. For Freelancers and Remote Workers
If you’re a freelancer working with international clients, your main concerns are getting paid on time and with minimal fees. Payoneer is a strong option here. It integrates directly with platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, and supports multi-currency balances.
Unlike Wise, it is built with freelance payments in mind, offering better automation and payout speed from popular marketplaces.
2. For Businesses Managing Global Teams
Running payroll or paying vendors across borders? You’ll want a platform that scales with your operation. Airwallex and MuralPay are both designed for businesses. They support bulk payments, automate workflows, and provide real-time FX rates.
Wise is great for occasional transfers, but when you’re managing payments in volume, these tools offer more firepower and better infrastructure.
3. For Sending Money to Family Abroad
If you're supporting family in another country, especially where digital banking is limited, Wise might not be enough. Remitly and Western Union offer options for cash pickup, mobile wallets, and bank deposits in more rural or remote areas.
They also let you choose between low-cost economy transfers or faster premium options, depending on urgency.
4. For Frequent Travelers and Global Spenders
If you live across borders or travel frequently, Revolut makes life easier. It acts like a global wallet, letting you hold multiple currencies, exchange at mid-market rates, and spend like a local.
It also comes with budgeting tools, virtual cards, and even travel insurance on certain plans—features Wise doesn’t offer.
5. For High-Value Transfers and Real Estate Deals
Moving large sums for property or investment? OFX is your best bet. It offers excellent rates with zero transfer fees, especially on amounts above $1,000.
Wise works fine for smaller transfers, but once the numbers go up, every decimal counts. OFX gives you better rates without hidden costs, along with personal account support.
Conclusion
Wise has earned its reputation for making international money transfers faster and more transparent. But as we have seen, it is not the only smart option, and it may not always be the right one for your situation.
Whether you are looking for better rates, faster delivery, cash pickups, or business tools, there is a wise alternative out there that can serve your needs more effectively. From Payoneer for freelancers to OFX for large payments or Revolut for travelers, the key is choosing a platform that aligns with your specific goals.
Take the time to compare, consider what matters most to you, and test out the options if needed. Finding the right fit not only saves you money, it also gives you peace of mind knowing your money is moving securely and efficiently.
The bottom line? Wise is great. But sometimes, the wise choice is to look beyond Wise.
