Wise lets you arrange a transfer, fund it using an available payment method, and track its progress to the recipient. You choose the currencies, amount and recipient before reviewing the cost and estimated arrival. Creating a transfer is not always the same as paying for it: bank funding may require a separate payment from your bank. Wise transfer instructions.
Start with the amount you actually need
Wise’s setup distinguishes the amount you send from the amount the recipient gets. Use a fixed sending amount when you have a set budget; use the recipient amount when you need to cover an exact bill. Review where the fee appears before confirming. Choosing the transfer amount.
For example, “I can spend £400” and “my recipient must receive ₹40,000” are different instructions. Those figures are illustrative, not an exchange-rate quote. Our fees guide explains how to compare the final result.
Follow the transfer through three stages
| Stage | What to check |
|---|---|
| Funding | Have you completed the chosen payment step, and has the provider received the money? |
| Processing | Is there a conversion, verification request or other action in your account? |
| Delivery | Has the provider sent the payment, and has the recipient’s bank credited it? |
Wise’s status guide explains what the tracker reports. Keep the funding-bank reference separate from the Wise transfer number so you can identify either leg when asking for help.
Verify the recipient before paying
Use details obtained directly from the recipient and inspect the final summary. For an invoice, include the reference needed to allocate the payment. If bank details unexpectedly change, confirm the change through a known contact method.
The required information and permitted payment methods depend on the currencies. For India-bound payments, choose your origin in the country directory. If account verification appears, follow the document preparation guide.
Check the estimate after each update
Keep a copy of the quoted arrival time, but read later account messages too. A new request may change what needs to happen next. If the transfer remains awaiting your payment, use the funding checklist; if it has passed its expected arrival, use the delay guide.
TransferWise is the service’s former name. The rebrand explainer helps you interpret older reviews without relying on their historical prices.