How to transfer money from Wise to a bank account
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a money transfer service, not a bank. Your Wise account holds money temporarily, but you cannot leave it there permanently — you have to move it somewhere. To get money from Wise into a bank account, you initiate a withdrawal through the Wise app or website, choose your bank account as the destination, and Wise sends the money there within one to three business days.
The process is straightforward because Wise is designed to move money in and out. You do not need special permission or a particular type of bank account. Any bank account in your name will work — checking, savings, or money market accounts all receive transfers the same way.
Key Takeaways
- You start a withdrawal in the Wise app or website by selecting the bank account you want the money to go to.
- Wise needs your bank's routing number and your account number to send the money, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
- Most transfers arrive within one to three business days, though some banks take longer to process incoming transfers.
- Wise charges a small fee for withdrawals to some countries and banks, but not all — the app shows the fee before you confirm.
Setting up your bank account in Wise
Before you can withdraw, you need to tell Wise which bank account to send money to. Open the Wise app or go to wise.com, log in, and look for "Send money" or "Withdraw" — the exact wording depends on which version you are using. Wise will ask you to choose a country and currency. Select the country where your bank account is located.
Next, Wise asks for your bank details. You will need your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch) and your account number (the number of your individual account). You can find both on a check you have written, or call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Some banks also show this information in their mobile app or online banking portal.
Enter these details exactly as they appear. Wise will verify the information — sometimes when ready, sometimes within a day or two. Once verified, your bank account is saved in Wise and you can use it for future withdrawals without entering the details again.
Starting a withdrawal and what to expect
When you are ready to move money out of Wise, open the app and select the withdrawal or send option. Wise shows you the balance in your Wise account and asks how much you want to withdraw. Enter the amount. The app then shows you any fees that explore — these vary depending on your bank and country, and Wise displays the exact amount before you confirm.
Review the details: the amount leaving Wise, any fee, the amount your bank will receive, and the bank account it is going to. If everything looks correct, confirm the withdrawal. Wise processes the request when ready and sends the money to your bank.
Your bank receives the transfer within one to three business days in most cases. Some banks are slower — a few take up to five business days. You can check the status in the Wise app, which shows whether the transfer is pending, in progress, or completed. Once your bank receives it, the money appears in your account and you can use it like any other deposit.
What to do if your withdrawal fails or is delayed
Occasionally a withdrawal does not go through. The most common reason is incorrect bank details — a wrong routing number or account number. If this happens, Wise notifies you in the app and asks you to correct the information. Double-check your routing number and account number against a check or your bank's records, then try again.
If your bank account details are correct but the transfer is still stuck after five business days, contact Wise support through the app. They can investigate whether your bank rejected the transfer or whether it is delayed in processing. At the same time, contact your bank's customer service and tell them you are expecting a transfer from Wise — they can check whether the money arrived but has not posted to your account yet.
If Wise sent the money but your bank rejected it, Wise will return the funds to your Wise account. You can then try withdrawing to a different bank account, or contact your bank to find out why they rejected the transfer and whether you need to update your account information with them.
Fees and timing for different banks
Wise charges a withdrawal fee for transfers to most banks, but the amount varies. Transfers to some US banks cost less than transfers to banks in other countries. The Wise app shows the exact fee before you confirm, so you always know what you are paying. Some banks or account types have no fee at all — again, the app tells you this before you proceed.
Timing also varies by bank. Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. Banks that process transfers more slowly — sometimes called "legacy banks" or regional banks — may take up to five business days. Wise cannot speed this up because the transfer moves through the banking system, not through Wise alone. If you need the money urgently, ask your bank whether they offer faster processing for incoming transfers, though this is rare.
Moving money between Wise and multiple bank accounts
You can save more than one bank account in Wise. This is useful if you have a checking account and a savings account, or if you want to split money between accounts. Each bank account you add goes through the same verification process — Wise confirms the routing number and account number before you can withdraw to it.
To add another account, go to your Wise settings and look for "Bank accounts" or "Linked accounts." Select "Add account" and enter the routing number and account number for the new bank. Once verified, you can choose this account as the destination for any future withdrawal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after I withdraw from Wise?
Most banks receive the transfer within one to three business days. Some banks process incoming transfers more slowly and may take up to five business days. Once your bank receives the money, it usually appears in your account within hours, though some banks post deposits the next business day.
What if I enter the wrong bank account number?
Wise verifies your bank details before processing the withdrawal. If the details are incorrect, Wise will not send the money and will ask you to correct them. If you realize the mistake after confirming, contact Wise support when ready — they may be able to stop the transfer before it leaves their system.
Can I withdraw to a bank account that is not in my name?
No. Wise requires that the bank account you withdraw to be registered in your name. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If you need to move money to someone else's account, you would need to withdraw to your own account first, then transfer it from there.
Does Wise charge a fee every time I withdraw?
Wise charges a fee for most withdrawals, but the amount depends on your bank and the country. The app shows the exact fee before you confirm the withdrawal. Some banks or account types have no fee. You can see all possible fees by checking the Wise app before you decide to withdraw.
What if my bank rejects the transfer from Wise?
If your bank rejects the transfer, Wise returns the money to your Wise account within a few business days. Contact your bank to ask why they rejected it — common reasons include a closed account, a frozen account, or a mismatch between the name on the Wise account and the name on the bank account. Once you fix the issue with your bank, you can try withdrawing again.