Wise Wise Debit Card Usage Flashcards

What is a key difference between using a Wise debit card and a traditional US bank debit card for international purchases?

Answer: Wise uses the mid-market rate while traditional banks usually add a foreign transaction fee and a marked-up rate

Traditional US bank cards typically add a 1–3% foreign transaction fee on top of a marked-up exchange rate, while Wise uses the mid-market rate with a transparent fee.

Can you use your Wise debit card to make payments on streaming services or subscription platforms like Netflix?

Answer: Yes, you can store the card details for recurring subscriptions just like any other card

Wise debit cards work for recurring subscriptions just like any standard Visa debit card, regardless of billing currency.

What should you do if an ATM abroad charges you an unexpected fee that Wise did not display in its fee estimate?

Answer: Check whether the ATM operator charged its own third-party fee, which is separate from Wise's fee

ATM operators can charge their own fees on top of Wise's fee, and these third-party charges are separate from what Wise displays in its fee estimate.

How does Wise protect your card details when you make an online purchase at a less trusted website?

Answer: You can generate a separate virtual card from your Wise account to use for online purchases

Wise lets you use a virtual card number for online shopping, keeping your physical card number separate and protected.

What is the effect on your Wise account if you do NOT activate your physical debit card after it arrives?

Answer: Your account remains fully functional — you can still use the virtual card and app features

Not activating the physical card does not restrict your Wise account; you can continue using the virtual card, transfers, and other app features.

If a merchant preauthorizes a higher amount than your final bill (such as a hotel hold), how does Wise handle the excess hold?

Answer: The hold is released by the merchant after checkout and funds return to your balance

Once the merchant releases the preauthorization hold — typically at checkout — the difference is returned to your Wise balance, following standard card network rules.

Which of the following is the correct way to dispute an unauthorized transaction on your Wise debit card?

Answer: Report the transaction in the Wise app and Wise will investigate and may file a chargeback on your behalf

You report unauthorized transactions through the Wise app, and Wise's disputes team investigates and can initiate a chargeback via Visa on your behalf.