How to use Wise in Australia as an expat

Wise offers a simpler way to stay in control of your finances. With a multi-currency account, local AUD details, and a debit card that works almost anywhere, it helps you build independence, and feel more at home in Australia.

At a glance: Wise in Australia

With a Wise AUD account, expats in Australia can receive local payments just like locals. You’ll get your own Australian account number and BSB, so your employer can deposit your salary and you can set up direct debits for rent, utilities, or everyday subscriptions. It’s an easy way to stay connected to the local banking system while keeping flexibility for managing international finances.

💡 Using Wise in Australia
Wise money transfers	Send money to more than 140 countries at the mid-market exchange rate, with transparent fees and fast delivery times.
Wise account	Hold and convert over 40 currencies, receive payments with account details for 20+ currencies, and manage everything from one secure app.
Wise card	Spend in 150 countries using your Wise debit card and pay directly in local currency to avoid conversion markups and hidden fees.
Wise business account & card	Pay a one-off 65 AUD fee to unlock full business features, including 8+ account details to receive money in 20+ currencies. Send fast payment links, pay invoices instantly and manage batch payments.
Wise large transfers	Move high-value payments safely with no exchange rate markups. You’ll get automatic discounts on large amounts, fast delivery, and dedicated support for transfers over 20,000 GBP (or the equivalent in Australian dollars.)

About Wise

Wise is a global financial technology company that helps people send, spend, convert and manage money across borders with transparency and low fees. Trusted by over 15.6 million customers worldwide, it was created to make international money management fairer and more accessible, using the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups.

For expats in Australia, Wise’s multi-currency account is a convenient way to stay financially connected to more than one country. You can receive your salary in Australian dollars, pay bills locally, send money back home, or spend when you travel abroad, all from one account. Everything is managed through an easy-to-use app designed to help expats stay in control of their money wherever life takes them.

How to use Wise to money transfer

Making international transfers straightforward for expats in Australia, Wise lets customers see the mid-market exchange rate and total fee before confirming a payment – meaning no hidden costs or unwanted surprises. Most transfers arrive within minutes to a day, and you can send money directly from your Wise balance or linked bank account.

How to send money with Wise

1. Create or log in to your Wise account: Start by signing up or logging in to your Wise account using your email and password. You’ll need to verify your identity before sending your first transfer.
2. Go to “Send” in your account: From the home screen, select Send to begin your transfer.
3. Add or choose a recipient: You can pick an existing recipient or add a new one by entering their bank details, email, or @Wisetag.
4. Enter the amount and currency: Decide how much you want to send or how much your recipient should receive. Wise will show the exact fee, exchange rate, and total cost before you confirm.
5. Choose your payment method: Pay directly from your Wise balance, by bank transfer, or using another available option. The app will show you how long each payment method usually takes.
6. Review and confirm: Double-check your details, then confirm the transfer.
7. Receive confirmation: You’ll get an instant notification when your money is received and again when it’s on its way to the recipient.

Once your transfer is sent, you can track its progress in real time in the Wise app or on the website. Updates appear automatically, so you’ll always know where your money is and when it will arrive.

How to open a Wise multi-currency account

Opening a Wise multi-currency account in Australia only takes a few minutes and gives you a simple way to manage global finances from one place. You can hold and exchange over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate and receive payments in more than 20 currencies with local account details. Once your account is verified, you can add money in Australian dollars or any other supported currency and start spending or sending internationally right away.

How to open your Wise account

1. Register on Wise.com or the Wise app: Create your account online or download the Wise app for Android or iOS. You can register with your email address or sign up using your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
2. Choose your account type: Select a personal or business account, then confirm that you live in Australia.
3. Add your personal details: Enter your legal name, date of birth, and home address to help Wise verify your identity.
4. Verify your phone number: Wise will send a security code by text message. Enter the code in the app to confirm your number and secure your account.
5. Upload ID for verification: Provide a photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of address like a recent utility bill. Verification usually takes 1-2 working days.
6. Open a balance in Australian dollars: Once verified, create an AUD balance to start using your account in Australia. You can also open balances in other currencies when needed.
7. Add money to your account: Top up your balance in Australian dollars or another currency using your linked bank account, debit card, or another available method. Your funds will then be ready for sending, spending, or converting.

How to use Wise account in Australia

The Wise multi-currency account offers an easy way to manage both local and international finances. You can get paid like a local with your own AUD account number and BSB, making it simple to receive a salary or other incoming payments.

What you can do with your Wise account

• Hold and convert money in more than 40 currencies whenever you need, using the real mid-market rate.
• Spend worldwide with the Wise debit card, accepted in over 150 countries for online and in-store purchases.
• Receive international payments with account details for 20+ currencies, including EUR, USD, GBP, and AUD.
• Send money directly from your Wise balance to friends and family, often at a lower cost than bank transfers.
• Pay bills and subscriptions in Australia using your AUD balance and Australian account number and BSB.
• Shop safely online with digital or virtual cards that can be managed in the app.
• Save and plan ahead by setting up “jars” or “groups” to keep money separate for specific goals.

How to use Wise to receive money

Receiving money with Wise is flexible and low-cost, whether funds are sent from Australia or abroad. You can get paid directly into your Wise account using the account details for your chosen currency, or have money sent to your bank account.

If you’re receiving Australian dollars, Wise gives you a personal AUD account number and BSB that supports incoming local transfers, making it easy for employers, friends, or clients in Australia to pay you locally. Receiving AUD payments is free, apart from SWIFT payments, and transfers usually arrive within seconds.

You can also receive international payments through your Wise account. You’ll have account details in currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, or CAD, so senders can pay you as if you had a bank account in that country. These transfers are free in most currencies, although incoming USD wires have a small fixed fee.

For payments made via SWIFT, Wise supports incoming transfers with low fixed fees per transaction, which vary by currency. A convenient option for expats who receive income or pensions from abroad, Wise lets you hold the money in a foreign currency or convert it to Australian dollars when the rate suits you.

How to get a Wise card in Australia

The Wise debit card makes it easy to spend and withdraw money worldwide without hidden fees or exchange rate markups. It’s linked directly to your Wise multi-currency account, so you can spend in Australian dollars or convert and pay in over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate. The card costs a one-time fee of 10 AUD for personal customers*. Standard delivery in Australia usually takes 7 to 14 days.

*Details correct at time of research – 10th November 2025

How to order your Wise card

1. Open your Wise account: Sign up for a Wise account and open your first currency balance in Australian dollars. You’ll need to verify your identity before ordering the card.
2. Go to the “Cards” tab: In the Wise app or website, select Cards and follow the steps to order your physical card.
3. Pay the one-time order fee: The Wise card costs 10 AUD to issue, and you can pay this directly from your Wise balance or linked bank account.
4. Your card will be delivered to your registered address: Standard delivery within Australia takes from 7 to 14 days.
5. Activate your card: Once it arrives, activate your card by making a Chip and PIN purchase. After activation, it’s ready to use for spending, making withdrawals, and online shopping anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.

How to use the Wise card in Australia

The Wise debit card lets expats spend and withdraw money globally, while saving on hidden fees. You can pay in shops, restaurants, and online in over 150 countries using funds from your Wise account. Each payment is automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you get more from every dollar.

In Australia, you can use the Wise card wherever Mastercard or Visa is accepted, and link it to Google Pay or Apple Pay for contactless payments. You can withdraw up to 350 AUD per month from ATMs with no Wise charge**, with a small fee applying to higher or more frequent withdrawals.

**Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks *Details correct at time of research – 10th November 2025

Using Wise digital cards

Wise digital cards give you all the same benefits as the physical card, with an added layer of security. You can create up to three digital cards in seconds through the Wise app and use them immediately for online shopping or contactless payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay. Each card can be frozen, unfrozen, deleted or replaced instantly, and you’ll receive a notification every time a transaction is made.

Using Wise Business Account in Australia

Thanks to the Wise Business Account, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and international companies in Australia can manage global payments in one place. You can send, spend, convert and receive money in multiple currencies while keeping fees low and exchange rates transparent. The account costs a one-off 65 AUD to unlock all features, including 8+ account details to receive payments in a range of foreign currencies and business debit and expense cards for you and your team.

Opening an account only takes a few minutes – just register online, verify your business details, and pay the 65 AUD setup fee. You can then order your Wise Business card, open balances in different currencies, and start managing payments from one dashboard.

What you can do with Wise Business in Australia

• Get paid like a local with AUD, EUR, USD, GBP and other account details to receive international transfers easily.
• Send and receive payments worldwide with transparent, low fees and no exchange rate markups.
• Pay invoices and suppliers instantly – over 70% of Wise Business transfers arrive within 20 seconds.
• Use batch payments to send up to 1,000 transfers in one go and save valuable time on admin.
• Spend with business debit cards for you and your team, keeping company and personal spending separate.
• Earn returns on your AUD balance every working day, with funds available whenever you need them.
• Sync with accounting tools for automated reconciliation and accurate reporting.
• Benefit from volume discounts when sending more than 20,000 GBP (or the equivalent in Australian dollars) in a month.

*Details correct at time of research – 10th November 2025

Wise large amount transfers

If you’re transferring savings or paying for property abroad, Wise makes it simple to move larger sums internationally while keeping costs low. You can send high-value payments with no exchange rate markups, full fee transparency, and access to dedicated customer support if you need help.

You’ll also benefit from automatic volume discounts once your total transfers or conversions reach the monthly threshold of 20,000 GBP, or the equivalent in AUD. The discount applies to any additional transfers for the rest of the month, whether sent in one payment or across several. Major currencies such as EUR, USD, GBP, and JPY all count toward this limit, and the reduced fee is applied automatically. For larger transfers, Wise also provides extra support and the same transparent pricing that helps expats and businesses save money when sending funds internationally.

Is Wise safe to use?

Wise uses advanced technology and strict security systems to protect your money and personal information. Your funds are safeguarded and kept separate from Wise’s own accounts, so they’re always available when you need them. Dedicated anti-fraud teams monitor transactions around the clock, and every step of your account activity is secured by multiple layers of protection.

Key security measures

• Two-step authentication confirms it’s you before any important action, from login to payment.
• Biometric verification and encryption use your phone’s built-in security for extra protection.
• Customisable privacy controls let you hide balances, manage permissions, and set auto log-out.
• Real-time notifications help you track every transaction instantly.
• Digital cards create unique payment details to keep your main card information safe.
• Instant freeze option allows you to lock your card immediately if it’s lost or stolen.
• 24/7 security monitoring with over 1,000 specialists and machine learning tools that detect suspicious activity.

You can learn more about how Wise keeps your money secure on the Wise safety and security page.

Is Wise regulated in Australia?

Yes. In Australia, Wise is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).

How to contact Wise customer service in Australia

Wise offers dedicated customer support for personal and business users in Australia, and you can reach the team in English 24/7. The Help Centre is usually the fastest way to find answers, but you can also speak directly with a team member by logging in to your account.

Ways to contact Wise customer service

• Help Centre: Visit the Wise Help Centre for quick answers to common questions.
• In-app support: Log in to your account on the app or website and select Help or ? to access personalised support options.
• Chat or email: Contact the support team directly through live chat or email after logging in.
• Phone support: Call the Wise team by logging in to find your local number.
• If you can’t log in: Go to the Help Centre, scroll to the bottom of any article, and select Contact us to send an email explaining your issue.

Useful resources*:

• Wise Pricing – Australia – Overview of fees, limits, and card availability in Australia
• Wise Help Centre – Order your card – Step-by-step guide to ordering and activating your Wise card
• Wise Help Centre – Spending limits – Default and maximum limits by payment type
• Wise Help Centre – Smart Conversion – How Wise automatically selects the best currency for your payment
• Wise Help Centre – Supported countries – Where the Wise card can be used worldwide

*Details correct at time of research – 10th November 2025