How to Open a Wise Account, Step by Step

Wise account requirements

Who can sign up? Wise says you can register and send money from most countries, except the places it doesn't operate (including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Libya). But what you can do afterwards depends on where you live: residents of Arab countries can't pay in their local currency, and the card isn't available to them. Country by country: Wise in Arab countries

Business accounts aren't available to residents of Arab countries. This guide covers the personal account.

Step 1: Open the sign-up page

Everything happens on Wise's official sign-up page in your browser, on your phone or computer, with nothing to download first. Tap the button and the sign-up page opens:

Start signing up with Wise →

If you land on the Wise homepage instead, you'll see Register, Sign up or Open an account in the header. You can get the Wise app once your account is open and log in with the same email and password.

Step 2: Email and password, or Google, Apple or Facebook

You have two options:

• Email address and a password you choose.
• Facebook, Google or Apple: you're taken to a separate page to confirm they can share your details with Wise.

Note: if you sign up with Google, Apple or Facebook, Wise may ask you to set a Wise password before you send money. To set one: Trouble logging in → I've forgotten my password → Reset password. (If your address is in Türkiye, you can't sign up with these social accounts.)

Step 3: Choose a personal account

Choose Personal. A business account needs your business tax identification number and registration address, and it isn't available to residents of Arab countries.

Step 4: Phone number and 2-step verification

Enter your phone number and you'll get a code. If the SMS doesn't arrive, select Try another way and finish 2-step verification by WhatsApp, voice call or another method. Once your account is open, Wise recommends adding Passkeys or Wise app notifications.

Step 5: Country of residence

Choose the country you actually live in, not your nationality. For example, an Egyptian living in Germany chooses Germany.

This choice matters because it decides what you can do, and changing it later may need Wise's help: if the country field in your profile is greyed out, you have to contact Wise with a document issued by your new country.

Step 6: Name, date of birth and address

Enter your legal name and date of birth exactly as on your ID, plus your full address in your country of residence. A mismatch between this name and the name on your ID is a common reason for verification to fail later.

Step 7: Confirm your email

Open Wise's email and click the link in it. If it hasn't arrived:

1. Check your spam folder.
2. Check the email address is spelled correctly.
3. Select Resend email to get a new one.

Note: the verification link expires, so use it soon.

Step 8: Get verified

To use the account, Wise needs to verify you: usually a photo ID, proof of address and/or a picture of you holding that ID. Wise says this usually takes about 2 working days. → Wise identity verification guide

After verification: your first transfer

Select Send and a steps bar appears: Recipient · Amount · Review · Pay. On "WHO ARE YOU SENDING TO?" select + Add, choose the recipient's currency, then Bank details and enter their bank account information. Then the amount and how you pay, then review and pay. More in What is Wise and Wise fees

FAQ

What are the requirements to open a Wise account?

You must be at least 18, open the account for yourself, and have only one personal account. You need an email, a phone number and details that match your ID, and then you get verified.

Can I open a Wise account if I live in Egypt?

Residents of Egypt can sign up, but they can't hold a balance, order the card or pay in EGP. So Wise is most useful for Egyptians living abroad. Details in Wise in Arab countries.

Can I open a second account if mine was closed?

No. Wise allows one personal account, and says that once it has closed an account you generally won't be able to open another one. If your account was closed, read Wise account restricted or closed.

Can I open an account for my parents or my spouse?

No. The account represents you only and can't be opened on someone else's behalf. Each person opens their own account with their own details.

The SMS code didn't arrive. What now?

Select Try another way and choose WhatsApp or a voice call.

Is it free to open a Wise account?

Yes. Signing up is free and there's no monthly fee. You pay a fee when you send money, shown before you confirm. Details in Wise fees.

Get started

Open your Wise account →

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Last updated: 23 October 2026 · All facts from the official Wise help pages listed above.