Wise Card Philippines Review: Fees, Limits & How It Works

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If you regularly earn, send, or spend money in foreign currencies, you’ve probably come across Wise. Known for low, transparent international transfers, Wise also offers a debit card linked to its multi-currency account.

But is the Wise card available in the Philippines? And is it worth using for travel, freelancing, or online shopping?

In this guide, you’ll learn how the Wise card works, its fees, features, and who it’s best for.

Is the Wise card available in the Philippines?

Yes. Residents of the Philippines can open a Wise account and order a Wise card.

To get the Wise card, you’ll need to:

• Open a Wise account
• Complete identity verification
• Add money to your account
• Order your card through the app

Verification is required before you can fully use the account. Wise may ask for a valid government-issued ID and, in some cases, proof of address. Eligibility is subject to verification of customers’ identity.

Physical vs digital card

Once approved, you can:

• Order a physical card for in-person payments and ATM withdrawals
• Generate an instant virtual card for online purchases

The virtual card is available immediately after approval, while the physical card is delivered to your registered address.

What is the Wise card?

The Wise card is a debit card which is linked to your Wise multi-currency account.

You’ll be able to order a physical Wise card to make in person payments and ATM withdrawals, and also generate an instant virtual card you can use for online spending.

Wise cards can be used around the world for spending and withdrawals in 40+ currencies, with no foreign transaction fees and no account maintenance charges. When you spend in a currency you don’t already hold, Wise automatically converts your money using the mid-market exchange rate and a low, transparent fee.

There’s no annual fee. You pay a small one-time fee to order the physical card. After that, there are no ongoing card charges

Is the Wise card safe?

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

• 2-factor authentication on your Wise account
• Freeze and unfreeze your card in the Wise app
• Add your card to Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Get instant transaction notifications so you can keep track of spending
• Generate virtual cards for extra security when shopping online with new merchants
• Set account and card spending limits
• Wise operates 24/7 manual and automatic anti-fraud measures to spot and prevent suspicious transactions

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. You can manage everything directly from the Wise app.

How to use the Wise card abroad and in the Philippines

Let’s take a look at how the Wise card works in real life, both locally and internationally.

Spend in 150+ currencies in over 40+ currencies

Wise accounts can be used to hold 40+ currencies, allowing you to spend using your Wise card in 150+ countries around the world. In fact, you can use your Wise card at millions of merchants and ATMs globally. For extra convenience, you can add your Wise card to Google and Apple Pay for easy contactless payments.

Add PHP to your account and convert with the mid-market exchange rate

Top up your Wise account with Philippine peso and allow the Wise card’s smart auto-conversion feature to switch to the currency you need for spending, using the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.57%¹. You’ll always get the lowest available fee, with no need to worry about converting to the currency or currencies you need for spending ahead of time.

But if you want to take advantage of exchange rate fluctuations, use the rate tracker built into the Wise app to get notified when your desired currency is at its ideal price.

Or you can take a look at the real-time mid-market rate Wise offers below:

Withdraw cash from ATMs free up to 12,000 PHP a month

Use your Wise card to make ATM withdrawals wherever Visa cards are accepted. You’ll be able to withdraw up to 12,000 PHP every month for no fee⁴, with just a low transparent charge for withdrawals above that amount. There’s no foreign transaction fees, and no cash advance charge, which can mean you save significantly compared to using your normal bank card for withdrawals.

Note: Wise may not charge for certain withdrawals, but some independent ATM operators may apply their own fees.

Shop online internationally

Amazon and international stores

Shopping on Amazon US, UK, or other international sites? The Wise card automatically converts your PHP to the correct currency at the mid-market rate plus a transparent fee.

International subscriptions

Pay for Netflix US, Spotify Premium, international software tools, or foreign memberships. You can manage recurring payments directly in the app and freeze your card anytime if needed.

Digital services

Freelance tools, SaaS platforms, web hosting, and design services often charge in USD or EUR. The Wise card helps you pay directly without relying on costly bank conversions.

Wise card fees in the Philippines

There’s no fee to open a personal Wise account, and no ongoing or maintenance costs to worry about either. Once you’ve registered your Wise account online or in the Wise app, you can order your Wise card for a low, one time fee and start using your virtual Wise card right away.

Note: Pricing and limits may change. Please see the Wise Fees & Pricing page for the most up to date information.

How to apply for a Wise card in the Philippines

Ready to get started? Here’s how to open a Wise account and order your Wise card:

1. Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site
2. Click ‘Open an account’ and enter your email address - you can also register using a Facebook, Google or Apple ID
3. Follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information
4. Upload an image of your ID documents - passport, national ID card or driving licence³
5. Once your account is verified you can add your first balance in the currency of your choice
6. Select the Card tab and follow the prompts to order your Wise card

Who is the Wise card best for in the Philippines?

The Wise card can be especially useful for:

• Freelancers earning USD: Get paid in USD and spend directly or convert at low, transparent rates.
• Remote workers paid via Wise: Keep your salary in foreign currencies and manage everything in one app.
• OFWs managing currencies: Hold and convert multiple currencies without relying on high bank spreads.
• Frequent travellers: Spend abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
• Online shoppers buying internationally: Pay in USD, EUR, or GBP without hidden exchange markups.

1. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
2. Wise card fees
3. Wise- getting verified
4. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.