Your Guide to Getting Started with Wise: Opening an Account and Using the Card

We’ve explored the many benefits of Wise, from its real exchange rates to the powerful multi-currency account. But how do you actually get started and put these features to use?

The good news is that the process is designed to be as straightforward and hassle-free as the service itself.

Forget about bank branches, long queues, or endless paperwork. With Wise, you can set up an account and order your debit card in a matter of minutes, all from your smartphone or computer.

Step-by-Step: How to Open Your Wise Account

You can open your account either through the Wise website or by downloading the mobile app, which is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The process is intuitive and typically takes just a few minutes.

1. Sign Up: The first step is to visit the Wise website or open the app. Click on “Register” or “Create an account.” You’ll be asked to provide a valid email address, your country of residence, and a phone number. You can also sign up quickly using your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
2. Choose Your Account Type: Select whether you need a personal account (for individual use) or a business account (for your company).
3. Verify Your Phone Number: Wise will send a 6-digit verification code via SMS to the phone number you provided. Simply enter this code into the app to confirm your number.
4. Create Your Password: Finally, create a strong password for your account to ensure it’s secure.

And just like that, your basic account is created! However, to unlock its full potential, like sending money or ordering a card, you will need to complete the identity verification process.

The Identity Verification Process: What to Expect

Identity verification is a crucial step for both your security and Wise’s compliance with financial regulations.

As a regulated financial institution, Wise follows a process similar to traditional banks, but it’s much faster.

To verify your identity, Wise typically asks for one or more of the following documents:

• A Photo ID: This can be your government-issued ID card, driver’s license, or passport.
• Proof of Address: This could be a utility bill (like electricity or water), a bank statement, or a credit card statement.
• A Selfie: In some cases, Wise might ask you to take a photo of yourself holding your ID to ensure you are the actual person opening the account.

Pro-tip: Make sure the photos of your documents are clear, well-lit, and have no glare or parts cut off. This will significantly speed up the verification process.

Once you submit your documents, the Wise team will review them. Verification times can vary, but it’s generally a quick process. You will be notified by email when your account is fully verified and ready to use.

Requesting the Physical Wise Card

Once your account is verified, you can immediately start using the multi-currency account and get a virtual card. If you want the physical card, which is free to issue, you can order it directly through the app.

1. Log in to your Wise account.
2. Navigate to the “Card” tab on the main menu.
3. Click on “Order your physical card.”
4. Follow the instructions: You’ll confirm your delivery address and set a 4-digit PIN for your card.

The card will be sent to your address, and once it arrives, you just need to activate it in the app to begin using it for in-store purchases and ATM withdrawals worldwide.

It’s a simple, efficient process that truly simplifies life for anyone who needs a global financial solution.

Would you like me to go into more detail about Wise’s fees and limits for a specific country, like Brazil?

Source of information: wise.com/