Revolut vs Wise for travel — which is better in 2026?

Revolut and Wise are both excellent travel cards and both charge near-zero forex fees. The differences are meaningful: Wise uses the true mid-market rate consistently, Revolut has a weekend surcharge on the free plan. Revolut's paid plans offer more perks. Here's the full breakdown.

Exchange rates: Wise wins on consistency

Wise uses the mid-market rate — what you see on Google — for all currency conversions, 7 days a week. There is a small, transparent conversion fee (typically 0.35–1.5% depending on currency) when you convert between currencies in your account or spend in a currency you haven't pre-loaded. Revolut's free plan uses the mid-market rate on weekdays but adds a 0.5–1% markup on weekends when the forex market is closed. On Revolut's paid plans, the weekend markup is removed.

ATM access: Revolut's paid plans win

Wise gives two free withdrawals per month up to £200 total — after which 1.75% + £0.50 per withdrawal applies. Revolut's free plan gives £200/month free, then 2%. Revolut's Standard Plus gives £400/month free, Premium gives unlimited free withdrawals. For frequent cash travellers, Revolut Premium (£9.99/month) with unlimited free ATM withdrawals may be worth the cost if you're withdrawing more than £400/month.

Multi-currency accounts: Wise wins

Wise holds 40+ currencies simultaneously in one account. You can convert at the mid-market rate and hold balances in different currencies — spending from the right balance means zero conversion at the point of payment. Revolut holds 30+ currencies. Both are excellent for multi-currency holding, but Wise's currency coverage and the true mid-market rate make it slightly better for currency-specific management.

Banking features: Revolut wins

Revolut has evolved into a full financial super-app — savings, crypto, stock trading, international transfers, insurance, and more. For users who want banking features beyond just travel spending, Revolut is more comprehensive. Wise remains focused on its core proposition: multi-currency accounts and international transfers at the best rate. Neither is a full bank in the UK regulatory sense (both are e-money institutions, not deposit-taking banks).

International transfers: Wise wins

Wise was built around international transfers and remains the best pure product for sending money internationally — mid-market rate, transparent fees, fast transfers to 80+ countries. Revolut transfers are good but use a slightly worse rate in some corridors. If you regularly send money internationally (not just spending while travelling), Wise is the stronger platform.

The verdict

Choose Wise if: you want the most consistent exchange rates including weekends, you manage multiple currency balances, you send money internationally. Choose Revolut if: you want a banking super-app with broader financial features, you need higher ATM allowances and are willing to pay for a premium plan, you want insurance and other perks built in. Many frequent travellers use both — Wise for holding currencies and transfers, Revolut for day-to-day travel spending.

Key takeaways