Wise
    Wise

    Wise

    Bankovní karty

    Foreign currency payments at the real mid-market rate

    Try Wise →

    Pros

    • Real mid-market exchange rate without hidden markup
    • Transparent fees — you see them upfront, no surprises
    • Multi-currency account in 40+ currencies with local IBANs
    • Free ATM withdrawals up to 200 EUR / month
    • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and as a classic plastic card

    Cons

    • Physical card costs a one-time fee of ~200 CZK
    • Above the limit of 200 EUR / month, withdrawals incur a 1.75% fee
    • It's not a full-fledged bank — no consumer loans

    What is Wise?

    Wise (formerly TransferWise) is an online financial account with a multi-currency card that allows you to pay and send money abroad at the real mid-market rate - without bank markups.

    Why I use it

    My Czech bank adds a 2-3% spread for card payments in foreign currency. With Wise, I pay the real exchange rate + a transparent fee (~0.4%). Over a year of spending abroad, this amounts to thousands of crowns in savings.

    How to set it up

    1. Download the Wise app or go to wise.com
    2. Register with your email (takes ~5 minutes)
    3. Verify your identity by uploading your ID card/passport (within 24 hours)
    4. Order a physical card (~200 CZK one-time) or use the virtual one for free
    5. Top up your account via bank transfer from a Czech bank

    How you'll save (vs. a Czech bank)

    • Card payment in EUR: Wise ~0.4%, Czech bank 2-3% + hidden spread
    • ATM withdrawal: Wise free up to 200 EUR / month, then 1.75%
    • Incoming payments in EUR/USD/GBP: Wise receives money on a local IBAN without an incoming fee

    Who is it ideal for?

    • Travelers - foreign currency card payments without a spread markup
    • Freelancers - invoicing clients in EUR/USD via local bank details
    • Expats - multi-currency account holds money in 40+ currencies
    • Online shoppers - e-shops in foreign currency without bank losses

    Tips for using it

    • Hold a balance in EUR/USD in advance (hold balance) if you anticipate a larger expense - you'll fix the exchange rate
    • Plan ATM withdrawals - 2 times a month up to 200 EUR are free
    • Activate Apple/Google Pay with your Wise card - the virtual card works immediately after registration
    • For large transfers (>1000 EUR), compare with Revolut - differences are usually minimal, but it's worth it

    My verdict

    Wise is my main card for travel and online payments in foreign currency. In a year, I estimate I've saved 4000 CZK in fees compared to a Czech bank. The multi-currency account is also invaluable for working with clients in EUR.