How to use the Wise Card in Germany

At a glance: Benefits of using the Wise card in Germany

Can I get a Wise card in Germany?

Yes, German residents can order a Wise debit card. It connects directly to your Wise account, letting you spend and withdraw money in Germany and abroad with low conversion fees and the mid-market exchange rate. Your Wise account comes with a Belgian EU IBAN, which you can use to receive salary and pay German bills via SEPA transfer. You can also use it for everyday transactions such as shopping, dining, or travel expenses, and manage everything directly from the Wise app.

Ordering is straightforward, and once you have a Wise account you can request a card for a one-time fee of 7 EUR. A digital card is available instantly so you can start using it online or with mobile wallets while you wait for your physical card to arrive.

The Wise card also comes with spending and withdrawal limits, which help you manage how much you can use at one time, per day, and per month. These limits apply to different payment types such as chip and PIN, contactless, online purchases, or ATM withdrawals.

When you first receive your card, default limits are applied, with higher maximum limits available depending on the payment type. Your account also shows the daily and monthly limits available to you so you’re always in the know.

Business customers in Germany can also order the Wise card for business needs, which has separate spending limits and can be used for expenses such as company purchases or paying contractors and employees.

Using the Wise card for everyday transactions in Germany

Managing everyday purchases with the Wise card is simple and secure. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a bite, or hopping on public transport, the card adapts to your spending habits and keeps you in control.

You can also create a digital card immediately in the Wise app, which works with Apple Pay and Google Wallet for convenient contactless payments at checkout or online. The app makes it easy to track your monthly spending by category, like groceries, dining out, or transit, so you can always see where your money goes.

With the Wise card you can:

• Use your physical card or pay directly with a digital card via Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• Pay using balances you hold in the exact currency, or let Wise convert from another balance at a clear, low conversion fee.
• Keep your card safe by freezing or unfreezing it instantly through the Wise app, and receive real-time transaction notifications.
• View spending by category in the Wise app, so you can keep on top of your budget more easily.

Managing your card with the Wise app

The Wise app gives you full control over your Wise card and account. From here, you can add money, check your balance, and manage your spending limits. Currency conversion happens instantly at the mid-market exchange rate, with clear fees shown upfront, so you always know the cost of your transactions.

You don’t have to worry about security either. Use the Wise app to freeze or unfreeze your card if it’s misplaced, order a replacement, and receive instant spend notifications. For budgeting, you can review your monthly spending and see transactions sorted by category, such as groceries, dining, or transport.

Managing your card through the app means you have the same level of access at home in Germany or while travelling, making it a reliable tool for international lifestyles.

How do I put money on my Wise card?

You can add money to your Wise account in a few different ways before using the card. Options include bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and some mobile payment methods, but will vary depending on the country and currency you’re adding.

Topping up with cash directly from ATMs is currently not possible, and you’ll first need to fund your Wise account through one of the supported methods in the app or on the website. Once the balance is available, you can use your Wise card immediately for spending or withdrawals.

Wise card fees in Germany

The cost of using the Wise card depends on how you order, spend, or withdraw money. Some services are included at no extra cost, while others have a small charge. Fees also vary by country, so the amounts below apply only to cardholders in Germany, but you can always check the most up-to-date fees in the Wise fees and pricing guide.

Is the Wise card safe to use?

The Wise card is designed with security features to help protect your money at home and abroad. Every account uses two-factor authentication, biometrics, and advanced encryption to keep your details safe.

If your card is ever lost or stolen, you can freeze or unfreeze it instantly in the Wise app, or order a replacement if needed. You also receive real-time notifications after every transaction, so you can spot unusual activity quickly.

To stay secure while using your card in Germany and when you’re on the road:

• Enable app notifications to track transactions as they happen.
• Freeze your card immediately in the Wise app if you misplace it.
• Avoid sharing your PIN or account details with anyone.
• Use secure ATMs in well-lit, busy areas when withdrawing cash.
• Check your spending categories in the Wise app regularly to spot any activity you don’t recognise.

Learn more about Wise safety and security.

How to get a Wise card in Germany

Ordering a Wise card in Germany is straightforward, and you can do it online or via the Wise app. The card costs 7 EUR, with standard delivery taking up to 14 working days.

If you prefer not to wait, express delivery is available from 10.40 EUR and usually arrives within 1–2 business days. While waiting for your physical card, a digital version can be created instantly at no extra cost, so you can begin paying online or through Apple Pay and Google Wallet right away.

Steps to order your Wise card in Germany

1. Open a Wise account: An active account is required before you can order a card.
2. Verify your identity: Wise usually asks for a government-issued ID, such as your passport or national ID card, and a recent proof of address. See more information on Wise verification requirements.
3. Pay the card fee: There is a one-time order fee of 7 EUR. If you pay in another currency, a small conversion fee may apply.
4. Wait for delivery: Your card will be shipped once payment and verification are complete. Delivery times depend on the option you select, with express usually arriving much faster than standard.

When your card arrives, there’s no separate activation step, meaning you can start using it straight away by making a simple Chip and PIN payment. Learn more about ordering your card.

Moving to Germany

If you already have a Wise card and plan to relocate to Germany, you’ll usually need to order a new one. Wise cards are licensed by region, so a card issued in one market can’t always be used after you change your country of residence. For example, cards issued in the US are cancelled when you move abroad, including the EU.

There are exceptions if you are moving within the same region and you can keep using your existing card until it expires if you relocate between countries in the EEA and Switzerland, or between the UK and its overseas territories.

If you are moving to Germany, you can update your Wise account with your new German address and then order a card. The one-time order fee is 7 EUR, with standard delivery taking up to 14 working days. Express delivery is available from 10.40 EUR and usually arrives within 1–2 business days. You can also create a digital card instantly at no extra cost, so you can start using Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or online payments while waiting for your physical card to arrive.

Wise cards are available to residents in supported countries including the EEA, the US (except Nevada), Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brazil. If your current country isn’t supported, you can join the Wise waitlist and be notified when cards become available in your region.

By ordering a Wise card after you arrive in Germany, you can top up your account, hold a balance in EUR, and spend easily in stores, online, and abroad. Having your card ready to go soon after moving helps make everyday payments more manageable while you settle in.

Check the full list of eligible countries.

Where can I use my Wise card?

The Wise card can be used for spending and withdrawals in more than 140 countries worldwide. From Germany, popular destinations such as Austria, Turkey, and Poland are all covered, making it a practical option for expats, frequent jet-setters, and anyone who splits time between countries.

Expats can also use the card when visiting their home country. It’s specially designed for international travel, with low-cost conversions, the mid-market exchange rate, and the ability to hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account for spending.

More information on supported countries and currencies is available in the Wise Help Center.

Using the Wise card for international travel

When travelling internationally, the Wise card works like a local debit card. You can spend directly in the currency you hold in your account, or rely on Wise’s Smart Conversion technology if you don’t have the local currency available. Smart Conversion automatically selects the balance that gives you the lowest conversion fee, or the best exchange rate when fees are equal.

For example, imagine you’re in the UK and paying 40 GBP in a restaurant. If you already have 100 GBP in your Wise account, the payment will be taken directly from your pound sterling balance at no extra cost. If you don’t have pound sterling, Wise may convert the amount from your EUR or USD balance. In this case, the balance with the lowest conversion fee will be used, or if the fees are equal, the balance with the strongest exchange rate will be selected. The process is automatic, so you don’t need to manually choose which currency to use.

Ways to use the Wise card while travelling:

• Spend in local currencies: If you have the balance in your account, Wise uses it directly with no conversion fee.
• Withdraw cash abroad: Access ATMs worldwide, with no Wise fee on the first 200 EUR each month.
• Smart Conversion: If you don’t have the local currency, Wise converts automatically from the balance with the lowest fee.
• Virtual cards: Use digital cards for safer online payments and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• Track spending abroad: The Wise app categorises your transactions, making it easy to see what you spend on travel, dining, or transport.
• Extra security: Freeze or unfreeze your card instantly in the app if it is lost or stolen while abroad.

What are my Wise card spending limits?

The Wise card has spending and withdrawal limits that help you manage how much you can use at one time, each day, and each month. These limits vary depending on the type of payment and apply across all cards linked to your account.

When your card is first issued, default limits are automatically applied, with daily limits refreshing at midnight, and monthly limits resetting on the first day of each month. You can view all your current limits in the Cards tab of the Wise app or website, so you can easily check them whenever you need.

You can also set daily and monthly limits for individual cards to control how much you can spend or withdraw. These personal limits refresh at the same time as your account limits. However, your total spending can’t exceed your account limit, even if you’ve set a higher amount on your card.

If you move to Germany or update your registered address, your limits will automatically update to reflect the limits that apply to EEA cardholders. You can continue using your Wise card within the EEA and Switzerland, but if you move outside this region, you’ll need to order a new card for your new country of residence.

Key takeaways

• The Wise card is available to German residents for a one-time fee of 7 EUR.
• You can spend in 40+ currencies and use the card in over 140 countries, with Smart Conversion technology helping you get the lowest conversion fee or best exchange rate available.
• Germany/EEA cardholders start with default spending limits, which apply to how much can be spent or withdrawn each day and month. You can view and adjust these limits anytime in the Wise app or on the website.
• A digital card is created instantly and can be used with Apple Pay and Google Wallet while waiting for a physical card.
• The Wise app makes it easy to manage your card, track spending by category, freeze or unfreeze your card, and adjust limits.
• If you move to Germany from another region, you’ll usually need to order a new Wise card for the EEA. Standard delivery typically takes up to 14 days, and you’ll get a digital card instantly for online or mobile payments while you wait.

FAQs

Is the Wise card a credit card?

No. The Wise card is a debit card linked to your Wise account. You can only spend the money you already hold, so there is no line of credit or borrowing attached to the card.

How does the Wise card know which currency to use?

The Wise card uses the balance in the local currency whenever possible. If you don’t have that currency available, Wise’s Smart Conversion technology automatically chooses another balance with the lowest conversion fee. If two balances have the same fee, the one with the best exchange rate is used, so you get the most value without needing to make the choice yourself.

How do I use my Wise card for the first time?

Once your card has been delivered, there’s no separate activation step, meaning you can start using it straight away by making a simple Chip and PIN payment in stores or at an ATM.

How do I pay for things with my Wise card?

You can use the card just like any other debit card. It works for chip and PIN, contactless, and magnetic stripe payments, and can be added to Apple Pay or Google Wallet for mobile transactions. A digital version is also available for safer online payments and every purchase appears instantly in the Wise app, helping you keep track of your spending.

Useful resources

• Wise card pricing DE page – Overview of features, benefits, and availability
• Wise Help Center – Steps to order a Wise card in Germany, including costs, and delivery times
• Wise Help Center – Card spending limits – Information on default and maximum limits by payment type
• Wise Help Center – Changing your card limits – Guidance on how customers can adjust spending limits
• Wise Help Center – Smart Conversion explained – How Wise decides which balance to use when spending abroad
• Wise Help Center – Card availability by country – Full list of supported regions and relocation rules