What both bring

 What both bring

Both offer multi‑currency‑friendly cards (debit‑cards) tied to accounts you manage via an app. 

Both allow spending in foreign currencies (abroad travel, internet purchases in other currencies) with lower costs than many traditional banks. 

Both provide virtual cards, mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay / Google Pay) integration. 

🎯 Key Differences

Here are some of the major areas where they differ:

1. Exchange rates & fees

Wise emphasises transparency: uses the mid‑market exchange rate plus a clearly disclosed fee. 

Revolut can have “markup” or extra fees/charges especially outside of market hours or if you exceed limits. 

For example: Wise mentions no markup, whereas Revolut may add ~0.5‑2% extra when converting currencies outside market hours. 

2. Plans / tiers & limits

Revolut uses a tiered model: Free (“Standard”) plan plus paid plans (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra) with expanding benefits/limits. 

Wise tends to have fewer “tiers” (for personal accounts) and aims at simpler fee structure: free account with transparent fees. 

Because of the tiers, Revolut might give better perks (higher free withdrawal limits abroad, metal card, discounts, etc) but you might need to pay or choose a premium plan. 

3. Cards & withdrawals abroad

Wise: e.g., some free withdrawals up to a limit; after that a fixed fee + % fee. 

Revolut: free withdrawal allowances depend on plan; once you exceed them you get percentage fees (e.g., 2% after free amount) and special rules on weekends. 

4. Multi‑currency account / local details

Wise: Offers local bank details in many currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) for receiving money like you have a local account. 

Revolut: While you can hold multiple currencies and spend abroad, the “local account details” (e.g., local‑currency IBAN or bank number) may be more limited depending on region. 

5. Extra features & banking ecosystem

Revolut tends to pack in more extra features: e.g., analytics of spending, “vaults”/savings pots, metal cards, premium perks. 

Wise focuses strongly on “cheap international transfers + multi‑currency holding” rather than a full super‑app. 

6. Regulation, coverage & suitability for your country

Wise: In many places, it isn’t a full bank (in some places operating as an “e‑money institution”)—which may affect deposit protection. 

Revolut: Is working toward full banking licences in many regions; depending on your country, protections vary. 

If you are located in Mauritania / Africa (as you are), check carefully whether each service supports your country for account opening, card issuance, foreign‑currency usage, local withdrawals, etc.

📋 Comparison Table (Wise vs Revolut)

Feature Wise Revolut

Exchange rate transparency Strong: mid‑market + fixed fee. Good, but markups/fees possible especially outside market hours or once free quota exceeded. 

Multi‑currency holdings & local bank details Strong: many currencies + local account details in many currencies. Good for spending/conversion; local account details less extensive in some regions. 

Free foreign ATM withdrawals Modest free limit (e.g., 2 free up to certain amount) then fees. Free up to higher limit on some plans; Fees (e.g., ~2 %) beyond limit. 

Tiered vs Flat Simpler: fewer tiers. More tier options: Standard + paid plans with perks.

Additional banking‑app features More minimalistic (focused on currency & transfers) Broader features: savings, analytics, premium cards, perks.

Suitability for travel/foreign spending Excellent for cost‑effective transfers & spending. Excellent + perks for travel (premium plans) but check plan terms.

Fit for “living abroad / many currencies” Very good. Also very good, but check local account/receiving capabilities.