You don’t need a utility bill or rental agreement to open a Wise account in most countries.
Here’s how to do it, step by step, and what they’ll ask for at each stage.
Step 1: Start Registration
- Full name (as shown on your ID)
- Country of residence (Wise doesn’t require you to live there full-time)
- Email and phone number (you’ll receive a confirmation code)
- Date of birth
There is no need to upload proof of address at this stage. Choose Personal Account. You’ll need to enter:
Step 2: Identity Verification
Wise uses electronic identity checks. After registration, you’ll be prompted to:
- Upload a valid passport or national ID
- Take a live selfie or record a short verification video
- Confirm phone number and email
Tips to avoid rejection:
- Don’t use VPNs or incognito mode
- Take the selfie in a quiet, well-lit room
- Use a clear image of your ID, no glare or blur
- Make sure the name entered matches your document exactly
In some cases, Wise may also request details like your source of income or profession, particularly if you plan to receive large payments.
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Step 3: Activate Currencies
Once verified, go to your dashboard and click “Open” next to any currency you want to use.Wise provides local account details for currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP, even if you don’t live in those countries.
You’ll receive:
- USD: routing number + account number
- EUR: IBAN
- GBP: sort code + account number
These details let you receive payments from clients, platforms or employers as if you had a domestic account in each currency.
Step 4: Add Money and Use Your Account
To fully activate your Wise account, you’ll need to add a small amount to one of your balances.
This also unlocks features like sending money and currency conversion.
Minimum top-up amounts vary by country and method:
- Approx. $20 USD by debit card
- Approx. €10–20 EUR by bank transfer
- Sometimes as low as £1 GBP from UK accounts
Once added, you can send payments, hold multiple currencies, receive international transfers, and access real-time exchange rates.
Step 5: Order the Wise Debit Card (Recommended)
If available in your region, Wise offers a debit card that lets you spend or withdraw money globally.
- You’ll be asked for a shipping address, but won’t need to submit proof of address
- You can track delivery and activate the card through the app
- It works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Useful for travel, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals
Ordering the card is optional, but strongly recommended if you want full access to your account, especially for cash use or travel.
What May Be Requested Later
Wise doesn’t usually ask for proof of address unless your account activity changes significantly. In some cases, they may request:
- A digital bank statement
- A utility or mobile bill in your name
- An official letter with your address
You’ll still be able to use your account during this process.
These checks are part of compliance, not an indication of a problem.
To minimise the chance of delays:Use consistent personal details, complete your identity check in one session
And keep your usage within normal patterns during the first few weeks.
What to Expect Next
After verification and funding, you can start using your account normally, usually within 1–2 business days. It’s a straightforward process with no paperwork, in-person visits or complicated documents.
You can check the Official Wise Website, they offer some solid options for international transfers, and it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for flexibility and low fees.
