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Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals
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Since I spend almost half of the year abroad, it was important for me to find a way to reduce the costs of foreign currency withdrawals. I carefully considered all my options: using my traditional credit cards, changing currencies in Canada before my departure, using my usual debit card, and so on.

The Wise Visa debit card was an easy and compatible option for me with the most ATMs worldwide, in addition to having minimal fees on my foreign currency withdrawals. Find out how to use it and its advantages for foreign currency withdrawals.

Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
No current welcome offer
Apply Now

on Wise's website

With the Wise Card, a no-annual-fee card, you can hold and exchange over 40 currencies directly in your Wise account.

With the Wise Card, you can spend freely in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from 2.3 million ATMs. You get 2 free monthly ATM withdrawals.

You can also take advantage of currency conversions at market exchange rates, with transparent, low fees. These fees will be much lower than those your credit card charges (generally 2.5% of the transaction).

You can manage your account easily with the Wise application. Moreover, you can manage your card with complete peace of mind by freezing and thawing it instantly. The automatic currency conversion feature ensures that you always pay the lowest possible fees when using currencies not held on your account.

Keep an eye on your currency balances within the app and receive instant notifications for added security. As a debit card, the Wise Card helps you manage your budget without accumulating debt or incurring credit charges. Opt for the Wise Card and optimize your finances on a daily basis or when you travel abroad!

Annual fee

Primary card$0

Conversion fees

0%

What is the Wise Card?

Formerly known as Transferwise, Wise is a reliable international money transfer service that’s easy to use and very competitive in terms of fees. I have been using it for several years and have always been very satisfied with this platform.

How to Obtain and Activate Your Wise Card

With Wise, everything is done online. As soon as your application is complete, you can use your digital card by adding it to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay and others). All card details are in the application or on the website.

After creating your Wise account and depositing 30 CAD, you can go to the « Cards » tab in the left-hand menu and follow the instructions to order your Wise debit card. The card will be sent to you free of charge, unless you select priority shipping.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - wise-carte-physique-numerique-fr

How the Wise Card Works Abroad

Add Funds

Once you’ve received and activated your physical card, all you have to do is add money to your Wise account, a really quick process when you link your bank account directly to your Wise account. Please note that you can simply add the money to your account in Canadian dollars, this will not prevent you from withdrawing in the currency of the country you are in.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Carte Wise 3
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Carte Wise 2
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Carte Wise 1

Wise clearly shows you the transfer fees depending on the method you choose. Generally, the EFT (electronic funds transfer) method is still the most economical by far. Here we see that it costs me only 24 cents for a $100 transfer to the account.

Once the process is completed, it’s a matter of seconds before the money is added to your account (again, in my personal experience). I found this process through the app extremely useful and quick when travelling, as it allows me to instantly add funds to my Wise card whenever I come across an ATM and need to make a withdrawal.

ATM Withdrawals

When I need to withdraw money abroad, I always favour ATMs that come directly from the main banks in the country I’m in. Most accept withdrawals with Visa cards, so it’s also possible to use your Wise debit card.

Isolated ATMs not directly associated with a bank, such as those found in convenience stores, restaurants or on the street, are often the most expensive in terms of fees.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte WISE guichet automatique

Once you’ve withdrawn your money, you’ll receive a notification of the amount in the currency of your Wise account (CAD for me) of the transaction. You can then click on each individual transaction in the application and access all the details of the charges levied.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Transaction WISE 1
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Transaction WISE 2
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Transaction WISE 3

So you can see in the details of each transaction that the fees are minimal, and in this way I avoid the $5 per withdrawal that my traditional bank would have charged me using my usual debit card.

Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
No current welcome offer
Apply Now

on Wise's website

With the Wise Card, a no-annual-fee card, you can hold and exchange over 40 currencies directly in your Wise account.

With the Wise Card, you can spend freely in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from 2.3 million ATMs. You get 2 free monthly ATM withdrawals.

You can also take advantage of currency conversions at market exchange rates, with transparent, low fees. These fees will be much lower than those your credit card charges (generally 2.5% of the transaction).

You can manage your account easily with the Wise application. Moreover, you can manage your card with complete peace of mind by freezing and thawing it instantly. The automatic currency conversion feature ensures that you always pay the lowest possible fees when using currencies not held on your account.

Keep an eye on your currency balances within the app and receive instant notifications for added security. As a debit card, the Wise Card helps you manage your budget without accumulating debt or incurring credit charges. Opt for the Wise Card and optimize your finances on a daily basis or when you travel abroad!

Annual fee

Primary card$0

Conversion fees

0%

Fees and Exchange Rates

Before making your withdrawal, you can find out about Wise bankcard conversion fees by going to the « Card » section of the menu, then « Travel ». Simply enter the country in question to find the conversion fee.

If we compare these fees with the 2.5% charged by traditional credit cards on each transaction, they are often much lower. In France, for example, the fee is 0.45%, while in Morocco it’s 2.07%.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait1-fr
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait2-fr
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait3-fr

Wise also informs you of the amount you can withdraw without withdrawal fees. Their app explains each fee very clearly in this section, which I recommend you explore for more tips on saving on foreign currency withdrawals.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait6-fr
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait5-fr
Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - carte-wise-visa-retrait4-fr

Wise Card – Advantages and Disadvantages

For me, the Wise card stands out from the other options for cash withdrawals abroad :

  • Minimal FX fees (approx. 0.5% in Europe)
  • Simple, effective mobile application
  • Compatible with 40+ currencies
  • Accepted in 170+ countries
  • Instant protection and card freezing
  • Immediate top up

What I appreciate most is the simplicity of the application for topping up my card and the minimal fees compared with my traditional bank. My colleague Alexandrine also uses it for all her travels.

Wise Card: How to Save on Foreign Currency Withdrawals - Wise-1024x538-02

Like all products, the Wise card has its drawbacks:

  • Fees after two withdrawals per month or more than CAD 350
  • Internet connection required to add funds
  • Not compatible with Desjardins for electronic funds transfers (EFT)
  • No rewards or cash-back program
  • Online customer support only

Despite these few limitations, the Wise card remains one of the best solutions for accessing your money abroad.

The only product that charges no fees for withdrawals and spending abroad is the Wealthsimple Cash Card. However, it doesn’t work in around 40 countries, including Cuba, Turkey, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Read our complete guide on this card:

Wise Card or No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card?

When I travel, I use both solutions in a complementary way. My no-conversion-fee credit card (like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +) remains my first choice for everyday purchases, allowing me to collect points and take advantage of travel insurance.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

The Wise card is my essential tool for cash withdrawals at ATMs. It’s particularly handy in countries like Morocco where cash is king, or in small shops that don’t accept credit cards. With its low fees for cash withdrawals, it complements my travel strategy perfectly.

Bottom Line

So my Wise card came in very handy during my two-month trip, as I had the peace of mind of knowing I could withdraw money anywhere at very little cost. What’s more, the Wise app makes the process simple, quick and very user-friendly. I also really like the transparency of the fees and the tips that help us to better understand foreign currency transactions.

Of course, my first choice was always to use my no-conversion fee credit card to continue earning rewards points while travelling. I mainly used the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Passport card on this trip. My Wise debit card therefore served as an essential tool when my only option was to pay cash, as was often the case in Morocco.

If you travel regularly, a credit card with no conversion fees will save you a lot of money. Discover them here:

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Annual fee$150Welcome offer
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Want to know my other tips for long-term travel on a budget? I’ll share them with you here:

Wise Card – Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wise card secure?

Yes, Wise is a FINTRAC-regulated financial institution in Canada. The application instantly blocks the card in case of loss, and all transactions are PIN-protected. What’s more, you receive real-time notification of each use. Finally, it is not possible to withdraw more funds than have been prepaid.

What are the Wise card fees?

The card is free, but you must deposit a minimum of CAD 30 when you open your account. Conversion fees vary by country: for example, they are less than 0.50% in Europe and the U.S., 0.72% in Mexico and 1.48% in Costa Rica. When making deposits, different fees apply depending on the method chosen. These will be clearly displayed when you add funds to your card. For withdrawals, you are entitled to two free withdrawals per month up to a total of CAD 350. Beyond that, charges of CAD 1.50 per withdrawal and 1.75% on amounts over CAD 350 apply.

In which countries is the Wise card refused?

The Wise card cannot be used in any of the following countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.

How much can I withdraw per month with the Wise card?

The monthly limit for ATM withdrawals is CAD 7,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency).

How can I keep withdrawal fees to a minimum?

Prefer withdrawals from major bank ATMs and avoid small independent ones. Some banks abroad do not charge fees for withdrawals with international cards. For example, this is true for 7Bank in Japan or Multibanco in Portugal: do a Google search before you leave. To optimize your free withdrawals, plan for just one or two per month.

Can I withdraw money in Canada with the Wise card?

No, it is not possible to withdraw money in Canada with a Wise card issued in Canada. You can only withdraw cash from ATMs outside Canada when travelling.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
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The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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