URL: https://exchangesteps.com/wise-account-restricted
Updated: 2026-10-23
Sources: https://wise.com/help/articles/1e5Yyfl91yUaDNGkBNcEhw/what-should-i-do-if-my-account-is-restricted , https://wise.com/help/articles/1cBQdtgHYXIEECpCPdfOwG/my-account-is-being-suspended-by-wise , https://wise.com/help/articles/79g7y7uV8hVCfPoORho7LM/my-account-is-being-closed-by-wise , https://wise.com/help/articles/2961844/my-account-was-closed-by-wise , https://wise.com/help/articles/4iI8qrjPXnkWFgg0tNhPvY/how-do-i-appeal-my-account-decision , https://wise.com/help/articles/poZMseRHll4bks2OYxaPs/my-application-for-an-account-was-denied , https://wise.com/help/articles/pzAbygC8P76ls7RHw7Gko/how-do-i-prove-the-source-of-income-for-my-personal-account , https://wise.com/help/articles/2978019/why-do-i-need-to-prove-where-my-money-comes-from , https://wise.com/help/articles/2976418/what-documents-might-i-need-for-a-large-transfer , https://wise.com/help/articles/2978049/where-can-i-use-wise

# Wise Account Blocked or Suspended: What to Do

> **Quick answer**
> First work out **which status** you're in, because the fix is different:
> - **Restricted:** a temporary check. Check your email, **upload the requested documents** clearly, and wait for the review.
> - **Suspended:** usually a mandatory check on **politically exposed persons**. Answer Wise's email questions; the account stays suspended until you do.
> - **Being closed:** you usually have **90 days** to move your money out.
> - **Closed:** you can **appeal** with **[Appeal our decision]** or get your money back with **[Request a refund]**.
>
> And remember: **Wise will never ask** for your password, PIN, card CVV or a one-time password (OTP) by email, text or phone.

## The four statuses at a glance

| Status | What it means | What you can still do | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Restricted** | A temporary routine check | Depends on the restriction | Upload the documents requested by email or in your account |
| **Suspended** | Mandatory compliance check (PEP) | You can't add or receive money or pay Direct Debits | Answer Wise's questions by email |
| **Being closed** | Closure on a set date | Move money out, withdraw, spend on the card until the closure date | Move your money within the deadline (usually 90 days) |
| **Closed** | The account has ended | Refund to an external bank account | **[Appeal our decision]** or **[Request a refund]** |

## 1. Account restricted

Wise says: "We may temporarily restrict your account to keep you and your money safe while we complete a routine check." The reasons Wise lists:
- to keep your money safe if it spots **unusual activity**;
- to double-check **it's you** using your account;
- to confirm **your identity, address, or where your money comes from**;
- to make sure you're using Wise **according to its policies**.

**What to do:**
1. **Check your email**: Wise tells you what it needs.
2. **Respond to information requests** with clear and detailed information.
3. **Upload the requested documents**: clear, readable and not expired.
4. Wait for the review. Wise says its support team **can't remove the restriction or speed up the review** if you call.

**Location-based restriction:** if you use Wise from a country where it doesn't operate (such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan or Libya), your account might be temporarily restricted, and transfers might be cancelled and refunded without notice. This shows as a red banner: "Wise is not available at your current location."

## 2. Account suspended

According to Wise this is a **mandatory regulatory compliance check** on **Politically Exposed Persons (PEP)**. Wise asks by email:
- Have you ever held an **elected post, or a government or state-enterprise post**?
- Are you **related** to someone who has?
- What's your **current job title** and employer?

Wise says: "your account will unfortunately remain suspended until we receive and verify your response." While suspended you **can't add or receive money** or pay Direct Debits. **The fix: answer the questions honestly and quickly.**

## 3. Account being closed

Wise says it may close an account if its activity goes against the Customer Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy, with examples like:
- **trading in cryptocurrency** (see [Wise and Binance](https://exchangesteps.com/wise-to-binance));
- payments for illegal products or services;
- payments for restricted items like weaponry.

**Until the closure date you can:** move money out, withdraw, and spend on your card. **You can't:** add or receive money. You usually have **90 days** from Wise's first email to move your money out.

Wise also says: "Generally, once we've closed an account, you won't be able to open another one with Wise."

## 4. Account closed

Wise says it **can't tell you the specific reasons** it closed your account, and **Customer Support can't see the reason** either. Examples it gives: a **duplicate account** (more than one personal account), or that the account's **security has been compromised**.

**How long refunds take after closure:**

| How you originally paid | Refund time, according to Wise |
|---|---|
| Card | 3 to 10 working days |
| Bank transfer or wire | 2 to 3 working days |
| Bank debit (ACH) | Up to 90 working days |

## How to appeal Wise's decision

1. Log in and select **[Appeal our decision]**. (Or use the self-service appeals page, or reply to the closure email.)
2. Prepare what Wise **always** asks for:
   - **a high-resolution photo or colour scan** of your photo ID;
   - **a photo of you holding that ID** (selfie with ID);
   - **your reason for using Wise**, including the purpose of your past or future transfers.
3. Wise may also ask for **proof of address**, **proof of where your money came from**, and other documents.
4. If you just want your money, choose **[Request a refund]** to send it to an external bank account.

Wise says: "Making an appeal doesn't mean we'll automatically change our decision."

## Application for an account denied

Wise says its checks are partly automated, "with the help of advanced technology and information provided by third-party fraud prevention services". If the reason is related to **CIFAS**, contact CIFAS directly. **You can appeal** a denial.

## Source-of-funds documents

Wise usually asks for these **after you've set up and paid for a transfer**, mostly for large amounts.

**File rules:** PDF, JPEG or PNG, up to **10MB per file**, up to **10 files**, **no password protection**. The document must show **your full name, the issue date, the amount(s) and the payer**.

| Source of money | What Wise accepts (one of) |
|---|---|
| **Salary** | A payslip from the last 3 months, a signed employment contract, a validated tax return, or full bank statements for the last 3 consecutive months (downloaded or sent from your bank, **not a screenshot**) |
| **Freelance** | A tax return, a platform earnings statement, or a service agreement signed within 12 months |
| **Gift, inheritance or family support** | **Both**: a signed letter or deed from the person who gave you the money, **and** a document showing their source of income |
| **Investments** | Includes a crypto wallet statement **from a regulated crypto wallet provider** |
| Pension, rent, property sale, loan, savings | Lists on Wise's "How do I prove the source of income" page |

**Notes from Wise:**
- Bank statements are **usually not enough on their own**.
- **You don't need to translate** your documents.
- **Don't send documents in advance**: Wise can't check them before you set up a transfer.

## What not to do

- **Don't open a second account**: Wise allows one personal account, and duplicates are a reason for closure.
- **Don't use a VPN** or an address that isn't really yours: using Wise from a country where it doesn't operate can get the account restricted.
- **Never give** your password or an OTP to anyone claiming to be Wise.
- **Don't pay anyone** who promises to "unblock" your account: Wise says even its own support can't lift or speed up a restriction.

## FAQ

**Why did Wise restrict my account?**
Wise gives general reasons: unusual activity, checking it's really you, confirming your identity, address or source of funds, or making sure you follow its policies. The details come by email.

**How long does a Wise restriction last?**
Wise doesn't give a fixed time. The review starts once you've uploaded the requested documents, complete and clear, and support can't speed it up.

**Can I get my money back if my account is closed?**
Yes. Choose **[Request a refund]** to send it to an external bank account. The time depends on how you paid, from 2 to 3 working days for a bank transfer.

**Can I open a new account after a closure?**
Generally no. Wise says that once it has closed an account you generally won't be able to open another one. The right route is an appeal.

**Why does Wise want to know where my money comes from?**
As a financial institution it has to check, especially for large amounts. Upload the document that matches your source of money from the table above.

## Don't have an account yet?

Read the [Wise account requirements](https://exchangesteps.com/how-to-create-wise-account) before you sign up: most problems start with details that don't match your ID, or a second account.

**[Open your Wise account →]**

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