What is "WISE*" on my bank statement?
WISE* is a legitimate Wise money transfer charge, usually tied to an international transfer or currency exchange.
Merchant: Wise (TransferWise) | Category: Money Transfer
Is This Charge Legitimate?
Yes. WISE* is a legitimate bank statement descriptor used by Wise, the international money transfer and multi-currency payments company formerly known as TransferWise. If you or someone with access to your account sent money abroad, paid in another currency, or used a Wise card, this charge is usually real. If you do not use Wise, the charge still deserves review, but it is not a known scam descriptor by itself.
What Is WISE*?
Wise Ltd. is a financial technology company in the money transfer and cross-border payments industry. It helps people send money internationally, hold balances in different currencies, and spend with a Wise card in supported regions. The WISE* descriptor is the shortened billing name that may appear when Wise processes a transfer, currency conversion, card payment, or account fee. Because Wise used to operate under the name TransferWise, you may also see older or related descriptors that reference transferwise.
Why This Charge Appears on Your Statement
This charge usually appears when a Wise transfer is funded from your bank card or bank account, or when Wise converts one currency into another. It can also show up for card spending, account verification charges, or fees related to sending money. Amounts vary widely because Wise handles both small personal transfers and larger international payments. In some cases, the posted amount may differ slightly from what you expected because of exchange rates, transfer fees, or a temporary authorization before the final charge settles.
How to Verify This Charge
Log in to your Wise account and check your transfer history, card activity, and fee breakdown for the exact date and amount. Review your email for Wise confirmations, receipts, or exchange-rate notices that match the transaction. If you share a bank card or account with a spouse, family member, or business partner, ask whether they used Wise for a transfer or purchase. Also check whether the charge is a pending authorization that later settled for a different final amount.
What to Do If You Don't Recognize It
First, confirm that no one else with access to your payment method used Wise. Next, sign in to any Wise account you may have and review all transfers, linked cards, and recent activity. If the charge still looks unauthorized, contact Wise support through the app or help center to ask for transaction details and possible cancellation options. Then contact your bank or card issuer to report the charge and start a dispute if needed, especially if you believe your card information was used without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WISE* charge on my bank statement?
WISE* is usually a charge from Wise, the international money transfer company formerly known as TransferWise. It often relates to sending money abroad, currency conversion, or a Wise card payment.
Is WISE* a scam or legitimate charge?
WISE* is generally a legitimate charge from Wise. If you use Wise or someone else with access to your payment method does, the charge is likely valid. If you do not recognize it, review your Wise account and contact support.
Why was I charged by WISE*?
You were likely charged because a transfer, currency exchange, or card transaction was processed through Wise. Fees and exchange-rate differences can also create charges that look unfamiliar at first glance.
How do I cancel or get a refund from WISE*?
Open the Wise app or website and check whether the transfer is still pending, because some transfers can be canceled before they are processed. If the money has already been sent, contact Wise support right away to ask about refund or recall options, then follow up with your bank if needed.
Why does WISE* appear twice on my statement?
One entry may be a temporary authorization and the other the final settled charge. It can also happen if you made two separate Wise transactions, such as a transfer fee plus the actual transfer amount.
Similar Charges
- WISE*
- WISE*TRANSFER
- WISE*LONDON
- WISE.COM*
- TRANSFERWISE*