How to receive money from overseas using Wise: Complete Guide [2025]

Wise launched in the UK in 2011, and has been on a mission to make it easier, faster and cheaper to send and receive international payments, and access international account services – no matter where in the world you are.

Today, Wise offers personal and business multi-currency accounts (previously known as Borderless account) to customers in a broad range of countries.

Wondering how to get paid with Wise? This guide is for you.

We’ll walk through how Wise international payments work, using Wise to receive international payments to your bank account, and how to use the Wise app to receive money to a dedicated Wise multi-currency account, too.

What is Wise?

Wise is a financial technology company which specialises in international payments and multi-currency accounts for individual and business customers.

You can use Wise to send a one off or recurring payment to 140+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees – or choose to open a Wise multi-currency account to hold and exchange 40+ currencies all in the same place.

Wise accounts offer a broad range of features to suit anyone living an international lifestyle – including an international debit card and account details to get paid conveniently from 30+ countries.

How to use Wise in the UK

There’s a lot you can do with a Wise Account. This guide will focus on how to use Wise to receive international payments. But first, a quick step by step to setting up a Wise account.

Here’s how to open a Wise Account in the UK:

1. Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site

2. Tap register

3. Create an account using your email, Apple ID, Google ID or Facebook details

4. Add your personal information, following the onscreen prompts

5. Get verified

6. Top up your account, order an international debit card or set up your first transfer

7. You’re ready to go

Once you have your Wise account all set up and verified you’ll be able to arrange international payments, or add and convert funds in your Wise account. Wise multi-currency accounts also allow customers to send and receive international payments, and spend using a linked Wise debit card.

Here’s a rundown of the key features you’ll get with Wise in the UK:

• Send money transfers from your Wise account or another bank account using the Wise app, to 140+ countries

• Order a Wise debit card, make in-store and online purchases in 150+ countries

• Receive money into your Wise account, by sharing your local account details with the sender and get paid conveniently in 8 currencies

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account using mid-market exchange rates

• Open a business account to send and receive international payments, hold and exchange 40+ currencies

We’ll cover how to receive money with Wise in full detail, in just a moment.

How to receive money from overseas with Wise (formerly known as TransferWise)

Step 1: Set up a Wise account

Wise accounts can be created easily online via the website or app.

• You will need to provide your name, address, contact details and email.

• Verify your identity. This means providing proof of ID and proof of address, both of which can be uploaded through their website.

• Proof of ID is provided by a recognised photo ID like a driver’s license, national insurance card or passport.

• Proof of address is provided by official correspondence from a reputable organisation.

• Wise may require certain other types of verification, for example for a business account.

Step 2: Use your Wise account (formerly known as Wise Borderless Account) to receive money

Once your account with Wise has been set up, you are ready to receive money. Here’s how to do it:

• Login and go to the balances section of the Wise account (Borderless).

• Tap the + symbol, and then tap the option to open a Balance

• Select the currency you want to receive payment in

• Click on the currency and confirm if you’re expecting a local or international transfer.

• You’ll be shown your account details and can give them to the person that is paying you.

Now, let’s look at each step more in detail:

1. How to set up a Wise account to receive money [for personal customers]

You can set up a Wise account to receive money transfers in 8+ currencies including GBP, EUR and USD. With your Wise account, you can get local account details for these currencies, and receive transfers with those details.

Here’s how to get your Wise local account details, to receive money to your Wise account:

1. Log into your account on the Wise app or desktop site

2. Within your Wise account, tap open a balance, and select the currency you need

3. Tap Get account details, then copy the account information for the currency you’re receiving

4. Send these account details to the person making the payment, to receive funds into Wise

How does a Wise account work?

Once you’ve opened your Wise account you can hold a balance in any of 40+ currencies, and exchange currencies between them with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees whenever you need to.

You can also send fast and efficient payments to 140+ countries from your account, and spend internationally from your Wise balance with a linked Wise card.

Wise accounts come with local account details for up to 8 currencies, so you can get paid conveniently from 30+ countries.

Do I need a Wise account to receive money?

You don’t need a Wise account to receive money from Wise. You can simply have your Wise payment sent to your local bank account in the currency of your choice. Or, if you’d prefer, you can open a Wise multi-currency account yourself, to get paid easily in more than 20 currencies.

How to receive money from Wise to bank account

If someone is sending you money through Wise, you don’t need a Wise account to receive it. Instead, you can have the funds deposited directly into your local UK bank account like you would any other transfer.

Here’s how to receive money from Wise to your bank account:

1. Give the sender your local bank account details, including your full name, account number, and sort code.

2. The sender sets up the payment in Wise in your chosen currency and using your bank details.

3. They pay for the transfer, using a debit/credit card, bank transfer, or their Wise balance.

4. Wise processes the payment within minutes or a few hours depending on the currency and payment method.

5. You receive the money directly into your account.

What information does the sender need?

To receive money via Wise to your UK bank account, you’ll need to share the following details with the sender:

• Your full name (as it appears on your bank account)

• Your UK account number

• Your routing information

• Your bank’s name and address

• A reason for the transfer (in certain cases, e.g. business payments)

Consider a Wise Account instead

While it’s simple to receive money straight into your bank account with Wise, opening a Wise account can offer additional benefits such as:

• No intermediary bank fees when receiving supported currencies with local account details

• Same-currency transfers are often free, meaning you can withdraw funds to your linked UK bank account at no cost

• The mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion without the hidden markups used by most banks

• Fast, low-fee withdrawals – choose when and how to move money from your Wise balance to your bank

• Hold, and exchange 40+ currencies in one place

With a Wise multi-currency account, you can get paid like a local, then move your money to your UK bank account as needed, often instantly, and with full fee transparency.

How do I get verified?

To keep customers and their money safe, Wise has to complete a verification step when you open an account or set up an international payment. This is to comply with legislation around the world and prevent fraudulent or illegal account use – banks need to do this when customers set up accounts too.

However, while you might have to visit a branch to verify your bank account, the good news is that you’ll be able to complete the Wise account verification process entirely online or in the Wise app. All you’ll need to do is upload images of:

• Proof of your identity – like a photo of your passport or driving license

• Proof of your address – such as a recent utility bill or bank statement in your name

What details does the sender need?

To receive a payment to a Wise account, you’ll need to give the sender your Wise local currency account details, including:

• Your name as it appears on your Wise account

• Your Wise bank account number and details, for the currency you’re receiving

• Depending on the specific payment you may also need to give extra information, like a reason for the payment

How do I deposit money into my Wise account?

Add money to your Wise multi-currency account in pounds – or any of the other 20+ currencies supported for top ups, to make payments and spend with your Wise debit card anywhere in the world.

You’ll be able to select your preferred payment method, including using a bank transfer or adding funds with your debit or credit card. The fees for different payment methods vary, so you can pick the one which suits you best.

Here’s how to deposit money to your Wise account:

1. Open the Wise app or website

2. Choose the currency you want to add

3. Enter the amount you want to top up

4. Select your preferred payment method

5. Check, confirm and make the payment

How much does it cost to receive money to your Wise account?

Wise fees are easy to understand. If someone is sending you a payment to your Wise account you can give them your local Wise account details for any of the 8 supported currencies.

There are no fees to receive domestic payments (except SWIFT payments, and USD wires) in 8 currencies.

Receiving GBP SWIFT payments have a small 2.16 GBP fixed fee and receiving EUR via a SWIFT payment has a 2.39 EUR fee.

If you’re topping up your Wise account yourself you can also do so using a bank transfer or card. Some currencies and payment methods do have a small top up fee – especially if you’re looking to get the top up processed as fast as possible. However, you can see all your options on the Wise app or desktop site, using the calculator tools available there.

SWIFT payments in other currencies may also come with varying fees depending on the currency and region. You can find the full list and fee details here: Fees for receiving and adding money.

Will you have to pay any fees as the receiver?

You don’t pay any fee to receive funds in 20+ currencies to your Wise account, using the local account details that come with your account with most payment methods. However, if someone sends you a GBP SWIFT wire payment, there’s a 2.16 GBP fee and there is a fixed fee of 6.11 USD for receiving wire or SWIFT payments in USD.

What currencies can you receive to Wise for free?

Use your Wise account to receive these currencies using the local bank account details that are available for free for domestic payments:

• British Pounds (GBP)

• Euros (EUR)

• US Dollars (USD) (except USD wires)

• Canadian Dollars (CAD)

• Australian Dollars (AUD)

• New Zealand Dollars (NZD)

• Singapore Dollars (SGD)

• Hungarian Forint (HUF)

• Turkish Lira (TRY)

In these currencies, you can send your Wise account details to the person sending you the money. They can then pay the currency into your account using their preferred transfer method, and without any currency conversion fees.

One important note – there’s a 2.16 GBP fee to receive GBP via a SWIFT payment to your Wise account. It’s free to receive domestic payments though, so you may want to ask the sender to transfer using a domestic payment instead if possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of receiving money with Wise

Wise account details

You can get local account details in 8+ currencies, and SWIFT details for 20+ with Wise account to receive international payments conveniently.

Wise local account details

Here is a detailed list of currencies and local account details you can get with your Wise account:

Supported currencies for SWIFT details

You can receive international SWIFT payments to your Wise GBP account (with a GB IBAN) from outside the UK in 20+ currencies:

* You can't receive AUD via SWIFT if your Wise account is registered with an Australian address.

** You can't receive NZD via SWIFT if your Wise account is registered with a New Zealand address.

***Supported currencies might change, please check Wise website to find the most up-to-date information.

Does Wise use a Swift network?

Yes, Wise supports the SWIFT network for sending and receiving money in various currencies. When local payment methods aren't available, SWIFT is used to ensure global access. However, SWIFT transfers may involve intermediary banks, which could charge extra fees and cause longer processing times (up to 5 working days).

Additional information for receiving money with Wise

There are a lot of numbers and information you hear about when it comes to international money transfers. Here are a few things you may be asked for if you’re receiving a payment with Wise.

Wise IBAN number

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number and is an account format commonly used across Europe for cross-border payments.

UK banks and Wise accounts in GBP include an IBAN.

However, if you’re sending money to a US bank account via Wise, an IBAN isn’t needed as US banks don’t use this format.

Wise routing number

Depending on the currency you're receiving into your Wise account, the sender may ask for a routing number, sort code, BSB number, or national clearing code.  In this case you can simply get the Wise account details for the currency you’re receiving from the app – following the steps set out above – and you’ll find all you need.

What is the SWIFT code for Wise?

Wise SWIFT codes vary depending on the currency and location. For GBP transfers to a Wise account, the SWIFT code is TRWIGB2B. You can find the correct SWIFT code for any currency directly in your Wise account by opening the relevant balance and tapping “Get account details.”

For more info: Find or check a SWIFT code

Can I receive money on Wise without verification?

Depending on where you're sending or receiving money from, and how much you transfer, Wise will ask you to provide certain documents before your account is fully active to help Wise confirm your identity and keep your money secure.

As a regulated financial institution, Wise needs to follow strict compliance rules designed to prevent money laundering, fraud and other financial crimes.

Currency exchange rates for Wise

• Rates for transferring funds internationally through Wise are available through their currency converter.

• If currency exchange is required, the rate your sender will get does vary from moment to moment.

• The up-to-date, dynamic rate is shown when you are booking your transfer.

2. How to receive money to your bank account

You do not need a Wise account to receive a money transfer sent with Wise. If you’d rather, you can simply receive the money directly to your bank account.

If you’re expecting to get a Wise payment to your bank account, just give your bank details to the person sending the money and wait for the money to arrive in your bank account. More than 60% of Wise transfers are instant – and the vast majority arrive in 24 hours.

What details do I need to give the sender?

To receive a payment to be sent through Wise, you’ll need to give the sender your account details, including:

• Your name as it appears on your bank account

• Your bank account number

• Your routing number

• Depending on the specific payment you may also need to give your address, or a reason for the payment

📚 If you received money into your Wise account, and are looking to withdraw that money, check out these guides: How to withdraw money from Wise to a bank account or How to withdraw money from the Wise card.

How much does it cost to receive money into my bank account?

Your own bank may charge a receiving fee when you get a payment deposited into your bank account. To check if this will apply you’ll need to take a look at your specific account’s terms and conditions document.

Advantages and disadvantages of receiving money to your bank account

Pros:

• Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate to convert currencies, which may mean the sender pays less, and you get more in the end

• Wise payments are deposited quickly – or even instantly

• Wise payments can be sent to 140+ countries, in 40+ currencies

Cons:

• Your own bank may charge a receiving fee

• The sender will pay a Wise fee which varies based on the way they pay and the value of the transfer

If you are trying to decide between transferring your money with Wise or making a bank transfer, this comparison guide can be helpful: Wise transfer vs international bank transfer

How to set up Wise account to receive money [for business]

Wise business accounts come with pretty much all the benefits of a Wise personal account, and a few extras too – like batch payments and cloud accounting integrations.

You’ll be able to get local account details for up to 40 currencies with your Wise business account, to get paid by local transfer from 30+ currencies easily. Just give the sender your Wise account details for the currency you’ll receive, which you can find on the Wise app, and wait for the payment to be deposited.

The process to get your account details is the same as for a personal Wise account. All you need to do is:

1. Log into your business account on the Wise app or desktop site

2. Within your Wise account, tap open a balance, and select the currency you need

3. Tap Get account details, then copy the account information for the currency you’re receiving

4. Send these account details to the person making the payment, to receive funds into Wise

How does my business get verified?

For a Wise business account you’ll normally need your own proof of ID and address, plus:

• Business documentation which can vary based on entity type

• Information about the company’s directors

• Business name, entity type, registration number and sector

• Business registered address and trading address if this differs

How can I transfer money from my bank to Wise?

If you want to send money to yourself from your UK bank account into your Wise account, you can do so using a regular bank transfer.

Often called a “third-party payment” or “direct deposit,” you don’t need to create a transfer in the Wise app for this. It works just like someone else sending money to your Wise account.

Steps to transfer money to Wise from your UK bank:

1. Log in to your Wise account via the app or website.

2. Open the currency balance you want to receive money into (e.g., GBP).

3. Tap or click “Get account details” to view your Wise account info for that currency.

4. Copy your local Wise account details. In the UK, that’s your sort code, account number, and payment reference if shown.

5. Log in to your online or mobile banking app with your regular UK bank.

6. Set up a new domestic bank transfer, entering your Wise account details as the recipient.

7. Complete the payment and your funds will land in your Wise balance.

You can also use this method from a bank in another country, as long as the Wise balance has local account details in that currency.

FAQ: How do I receive money internationally from Wise?

How much does it cost to open a Wise account?

There’s no fee to open a Wise personal account. If you’re opening a Wise business account you’ll pay a one time low fee to get full account features. Wise personal and business accounts have no ongoing fees and no minimum balance requirements.

How long does it take to receive money with Wise?

Wise transfers are often fast. 60% arrive instantly or within a few seconds, and 80% arrive within an hour. Ultimately how long your Wise payment takes will depend on the transfer currency and value, and how the person sending it chooses to pay.