Review of using the Wise Card in New Zealand: Features and Benefits for NZ Users

Are you a New Zealander looking for a smarter way to spend money abroad or shop online in foreign currencies? The Wise card might be just what you need. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore how the Wise card works, its benefits for New Zealand residents, and how it compares to traditional banking options.

What is the Wise (formerly TransferWise) card?

The Wise card is a debit card that's linked to your Wise multi-currency account. It allows you to spend money around the world for spending and withdrawals at the mid-market exchange rates, with no foreign transaction fees, and no account maintenance charges. For Kiwis who travel frequently, shop internationally, or deal with multiple currencies, it's a game-changer.

Wise account holders in New Zealand (and other supported countries) are able to order a physical Wise card for a one-time fee to make in person payments and ATM withdrawals, and also generate an instant digital card you can use for online spending.

Order your Wise card today! 💳

Key Features of the Wise Card for New Zealand Residents

Getting a Wise card can help you save money and spend conveniently in foreign currencies - when you shop online and when you travel. Let’s move on in our Wise debit card review, to take a look at some of the key benefits of using Wise for NZ residents.

1. Hold and spend in multiple currencies: Keep your money in NZD and 40+ other currencies in your Wise account.

2. Mid-market exchange rate: Without any hidden markups on the currency conversion rate you usually see on Google.

3. Low, transparent fees: Clear fee structure with no hidden charges.

4. ATM withdrawals: Up to NZD 350 per month, with 2 or less withdrawals for free, small fee after that.

5. Digital cards: Instantly get new card details for secure online shopping.

6. Apple Pay and Google Pay integration: Use your Wise card with popular digital wallets.

7. Freeze/unfreeze instantly: Easily control your card security through the app.

Is Wise Card Safe?

Wise card is safe to use, and comes with plenty of smart security features so you can keep track of your money on the move. Using a card for spending and withdrawals when you’re travelling is far safer than carrying large amounts of cash - and having a separate account for your foreign currency spending can also boost security and help you manage your holiday budget more easily.

Here are some of the Wise card security features you can expect:

• Wise accounts offer 2 factor authentication
• Freeze and unfreeze your card in the Wise app.
• Add your card to Google and Apple Pay
• Get instant transaction notifications so you can keep track of spending
• Wise operates 24/7 manual and automatic anti-fraud processes to spot and prevent suspicious transactions

Learn more about why Wise is safe to use in New Zealand.

Wise Card Fees for New Zealand Users

There are no maintenance or other additional ongoing fees when you use a Wise card - just low transaction charges based on how you use your card.

Here’s a rundown of the key fees you’ll pay to order and use a Wise card from NZ. You can also get a full fee schedule on the Wise New Zealand pricing page.

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

How to Get Started with Wise in New Zealand

Finally let’s look at how to order and how to activate your Wise card in NZ. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ordering a Wise card for New Zealand residents:

1. Sign up for a Wise account online or via the app.
2. Follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information
3. Upload an image of your ID documents for account verification.
4. Once your account is verified, click on the Card tab and you'll see an option to order the card. You'll need to pay a one-time fee of NZD 14.
5. Your Wise card will arrive by post in around 7-10 working days, and you can start using your Wise virtual card right away.

When you get your Wise card you’ll need to activate it for contactless spending. All you need to do is to make a regular card purchase and enter your PIN in the terminal, or use your card in an ATM for a balance enquiry.

Getting verified by Wise in New Zealand

We mentioned you need to complete a verification step to open your Wise account and order a Wise card. This is a legal requirement and part of how Wise keeps your money safe. It’s also an easy process you can do with nothing more than your phone.

To get verified in New Zealand you can use your passport, New Zealand driver's licence, New Zealand's firearms licence (as long as it contains a photo) or national ID card (front and back). You'll also need to upload a proof of address document.

Learn more from our help centre

Conclusion

For New Zealanders who frequently deal with foreign currencies, whether for travel, online shopping, or international business, the Wise card offers significant advantages. With its transparent fees, mid-market exchange rates, and user-friendly platform, it's a powerful tool for managing money across borders.

the costs of spending overseas with a bank card.

Use Wise to hold 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries, and get the Wise auto conversion feature to switch to the currency you need with the lowest available fees every time.

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.