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Wise alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll mobile banking apps

Top picks

  • Monzo logo

    Best overall

    Monzo

    Starting price: £3 a month (Extra)

  • Cash App logo

    Best free option

    Cash App

    Free

Common reasons people leave Wise: not a full bank in most countries, so no overdrafts or loans, and per-transfer fees still apply, especially for small amounts. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Wise, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Monzo currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Monzo logoMonzoFree plan + paid£3 a month (Extra)NoiOS, Android, Web8 of 868.8
2Cash App logoCash AppFree—NoiOS, Android, Web5 of 552.6
3PayPal logoPayPalFree plan + paid—NoWeb, iOS, Android8 of 851.2
4Payoneer logoPayoneerPaid—NoWeb, iOS, Android7 of 750.0
5Remitly logoRemitlyFree—NoWeb, iOS, Android4 of 440.9
6Xe logoXeFree plan + paid—NoWeb, iOS, Android8 of 840.9
7TransferGo logoTransferGoPaid—NoWeb, iOS, Android8 of 840.9
  1. Monzo logo

    1. MonzoTop pick

    Best for: UK residents who want a phone-first bank account with strong budgeting tools

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    A full UK bank with FSCS protection, overdrafts and budgeting tools, for day-to-day banking at home.

    Pros

    • Pots and salary sorting make budgeting simple
    • No fees from Monzo on card spending abroad
    • FSCS deposit protection like a high-street bank
    • 24/7 in-app support

    Cons

    • Only open to UK residents
    • Paying in cash costs a fee at PayPoint or the Post Office
    • Best savings rates and some tools need a paid plan
    Visit Monzo Compare with WiseDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Monzo a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Paid plans
    From £3 a month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Deposit protection
    FSCS up to £120,000
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Eligibility
    UK residents only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Customers
    16 million
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, Monzo Free (16+)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    £3 a month (Extra)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Perks plan
    £9 a month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Max plan
    From £19 a month, 3 months minimum
    Checked Nov 8, 2026monzo.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Cash App logo

    2. Cash App

    Best for: People in the US who want peer-to-peer payments, a debit card, stocks and bitcoin in one app

    FreeiOS, Android, Web

    52.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    For people in the US who mostly send money domestically, it offers free peer-to-peer payments.

    Pros

    • Free peer-to-peer payments and no monthly card fee
    • Commission-free stock and bitcoin buying in the same app
    • Free tax filing and early direct deposit

    Cons

    • Not a bank itself; services run through partner banks
    • Available in the US only
    • Investing and bitcoin balances are not FDIC insured
    Visit Cash App Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.346
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Cash App a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Owner
    Block, Inc.
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cash.app(opens source in a new tab)
    Stock trading
    No commission fees
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cash.app(opens source in a new tab)
    Card fees
    No monthly fees
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cash.app(opens source in a new tab)
    Bank status
    Not a bank
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cash.app(opens source in a new tab)
    Active accounts
    59 million+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cash.app(opens source in a new tab)
  3. PayPal logo

    3. PayPal

    Best for: People who pay online often or send money to friends across iPhone and Android

    Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    Sends money abroad to anyone with an email address, and the balance can be spent at many online stores.

    Pros

    • Accepted at a very large number of online stores
    • Works on any phone and in the browser
    • Purchase Protection on eligible purchases

    Cons

    • Fees on some transfers, currency conversion and receiving payments
    • Not a full tap-to-pay phone wallet in most countries
    • Features like Pay Later and crypto vary by country
    Visit PayPal Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is PayPal a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Account cost
    Free to open
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, Android
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Buy now, pay later
    Pay in 4, Pay Monthly (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Buyer protection
    Purchase Protection
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    PayPal Checkout fee
    3.49% + fixed fee (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Card payments fee
    2.99% + fixed fee (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Fixed fee
    $0.49 per US dollar transaction
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    International fee
    Extra 1.50% on international commercial payments
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Payoneer logo

    4. Payoneer

    Best for: Freelancers and marketplace sellers outside the US who get paid by foreign clients and platforms

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    50.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    Gives freelancers and online sellers receiving accounts in several currencies to get paid by foreign clients.

    Pros

    • Covers 190+ countries and territories
    • Free transfers between Payoneer accounts and from local-currency receiving accounts
    • Direct payouts from many marketplaces and freelance platforms

    Cons

    • Annual fee if the account receives under $6,000 a year
    • Withdrawal and conversion fees vary and can add up
    • Card payments from clients cost up to 3.99% + $0.49
    Visit Payoneer Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Payoneer a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Coverage
    190+ countries and territories
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Currencies
    70+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Annual account fee
    29.95 USD if under 6,000 USD received in 12 months
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Currency conversion between balances
    0.50%
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Monthly fee
    None
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Annual card fee
    29.95 USD
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Card payments from clients
    Up to 3.99% + 0.49 USD
    Checked Nov 8, 2026payoneer.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Remitly logo

    5. Remitly

    Best for: People sending regular remittances to family abroad, especially for cash pickup or mobile wallets

    FreeWeb, iOS, Android

    40.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    Better when the recipient needs cash pickup or a mobile wallet rather than a bank account.

    Pros

    • Sends to 170+ countries with bank, mobile wallet and cash pickup options
    • Fee and exchange rate shown before you confirm
    • Support in 18 languages
    • Business accounts for paying overseas contractors

    Cons

    • Exchange rates include a margin, so it is not always the cheapest route
    • You can only send from a limited list of countries
    • Costs vary by route and payment method, which makes comparing harder
    Visit Remitly Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.37
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Remitly a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Destinations
    175+ countries
    Checked Nov 8, 2026remitly.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Delivery methods
    Bank account, mobile wallet, cash pickup
    Checked Nov 8, 2026remitly.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Support languages
    18
    Checked Nov 8, 2026remitly.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Headquarters
    Seattle, US
    Checked Nov 8, 2026remitly.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Xe logo

    6. Xe

    Best for: People sending larger sums abroad who also want a trusted currency converter and rate alerts

    Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android

    40.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    Adds cash pickup and mobile wallet delivery, with competitive rates on larger sums.

    Pros

    • Free currency converter, charts and rate alerts
    • Bank, mobile wallet and cash pickup delivery
    • Regulated in many countries and part of Euronet

    Cons

    • Card payments add an extra fee
    • Exchange-rate margin makes the true cost less obvious than Wise's
    • Bank transfers can take up to three business days
    Visit Xe Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.37
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Xe a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Owner
    Euronet Worldwide
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cash pickup
    500,000+ locations
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Regulators
    FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, ASIC and more
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Rate alerts
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    Transfer fees from $0
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Bank account payment
    No additional fee
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Card payment
    Small additional fee
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    US online transfer limit
    $535,000 USD per transfer
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xe.com(opens source in a new tab)
  7. TransferGo logo

    7. TransferGo

    Best for: People in Europe and the UK sending money home who also want a multi-currency card

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    40.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Wise

    Also combines transfers with a multi-currency account and card, with strong EU routes.

    Pros

    • Covers 160+ countries, with strong corridors from the UK and EU
    • Free virtual GoCard plus a multi-currency balance in the same app
    • Regulated by the UK FCA and the Bank of Lithuania

    Cons

    • Physical card has a one-off fee, and ATM use beyond the monthly allowance costs extra
    • Sending is mainly from Europe and the UK, so it is less useful for US-based senders
    • Fees and rates vary by corridor and speed, so costs need checking per transfer
    Visit TransferGo Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.37
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is TransferGo a good Wise alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Destinations
    160+ countries
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, Android, Huawei, web
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Founded
    2012
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Physical card
    £4.99 one-time payment
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Regulation
    UK FCA (FRN 991295)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Transfer fee
    From 0.2% to bank accounts
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, free multi-currency account, no monthly cost
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    ATM withdrawals
    £500 free a month in UK/EEA (3 withdrawals)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026transfergo.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Wise alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Monzo logo

Best Wise alternative for most people

Monzo

A full UK bank with FSCS protection, overdrafts and budgeting tools, for day-to-day banking at home.

Cash App logo

Best Wise alternative for a free option

Cash App

For people in the US who mostly send money domestically, it offers free peer-to-peer payments.

PayPal logo

Best Wise alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

PayPal

Sends money abroad to anyone with an email address, and the balance can be spent at many online stores.

Payoneer logo

Best Wise alternative for iPhone and Android

Payoneer

Gives freelancers and online sellers receiving accounts in several currencies to get paid by foreign clients.

Remitly logo

Best Wise alternative for working in the browser

Remitly

Better when the recipient needs cash pickup or a mobile wallet rather than a bank account.

Wise alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Wise?

Monzo ranks first right now. A full UK bank with FSCS protection, overdrafts and budgeting tools, for day-to-day banking at home. Cash App and PayPal follow it in our ranking.

Wise vs Monzo: what's the difference?

Wise is free to use; Monzo is free with paid plans. Both run on Web, iOS and Android.

Is Wise free?

Wise is free to use.

Is there a free alternative to Wise?

Yes. Monzo (free plan + paid), Cash App (free), PayPal (free plan + paid) and Remitly (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Wise?

None of the 7 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Wise?

The complaints we hear most: not a full bank in most countries, so no overdrafts or loans; per-transfer fees still apply, especially for small amounts; funds are safeguarded rather than covered by deposit insurance in many regions.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Wise, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.