Wise vs Revolut vs PayPal: Best App for International Payments in 2026

 

Cross-border payments are no longer limited to businesses and banks. In 2026, individuals, freelancers, digital nomads, expats, and small businesses regularly send and receive money across borders; and fintech apps have become the preferred way to do it.

Among the many options available, Wise, Revolut, and PayPal remain the most widely used platforms for international payments. Each serves a slightly different purpose, and choosing the wrong one can mean higher fees, slower transfers, or poor exchange rates.

This detailed comparison breaks down fees, exchange rates, speed, coverage, security, and ideal use cases, helping you decide which app best fits your international payment needs.

What Makes a Good International Payment App in 2026?

Before comparing the apps, it’s worth understanding what truly matters for cross-border transfers today:

• Transparent exchange rates (mid-market vs marked-up rates)

• Low and predictable fees

• Fast transfer speeds

• Wide country and currency support

• Strong regulatory compliance and security

• Ease of use for both individuals and businesses

With that in mind, let’s look at each platform in detail.

(A) Wise: Built for Low-Cost, Transparent International Transfers

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is purpose-built for international payments and currency conversion. Its core value proposition remains transparency and cost efficiency.

Key strengths of Wise

• Uses the mid-market exchange rate (the real rate you see on Google)

• Clearly shows fees upfront before you send money

• No hidden FX markups

• Supports multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold and manage dozens of currencies

• Offers local bank details (IBANs and account numbers) in several regions

• Strong support for business payments, batch transfers, and invoices

Fees and exchange rates

• Charges a small percentage-based fee that varies by currency route

• No inflated exchange rates; this is where Wise saves users the most money

• Generally cheaper than Revolut (for free users) and significantly cheaper than PayPal

Speed and reliability

• Many transfers are instant or same-day

• Some routes may take 1–2 business days depending on local banking systems

• Transfer progress is clearly tracked inside the app

Who Wise is best for

• Individuals sending money internationally on a regular basis

• Freelancers and remote workers paid in foreign currencies

• Expats and students sending money across borders

• Businesses that prioritize cost transparency and predictable pricing

(B) Revolut: A Multi-Purpose Financial Super App

Revolut started as a travel-friendly fintech app and has evolved into a full-featured digital finance platform. International payments are just one part of its offering.

Key strengths of Revolut

• Supports international transfers and currency exchange within a broader banking ecosystem

• Allows users to hold, exchange, and spend multiple currencies

• Offers additional features like: Budgeting and analytics; Savings vaults; Crypto and stock trading (region-dependent)

• Premium plans unlock better FX benefits

Fees and exchange rates

• Competitive exchange rates during market hours

• Weekend markups may apply for currency conversions

• Fee structure depends on: Free vs paid subscription; Monthly FX allowance; Type of transfer (local vs international)

Speed and convenience

• Transfers between Revolut users are usually instant

• International bank transfers are often same-day or next-day

• App experience is modern and intuitive

Who Revolut is best for

• Frequent travelers and digital nomads

• Users who want banking and payments and investing in one app

• People who don’t mind managing subscription tiers

• Users making moderate international transfers alongside daily spending

(C) PayPal: Convenience and Global Reach Over Cost Efficiency

PayPal is one of the oldest and most widely recognized digital payment platforms. Its biggest advantage is reach; but that often comes at a higher cost.

Key strengths of PayPal

• Available in 200+ countries

• Widely accepted by online merchants and marketplaces

• Ideal for e-commerce, freelance platforms, and global buyers/sellers

• Strong buyer and seller protection mechanisms

Fees and exchange rates

• International transfers usually involve: Cross-border transaction fees; FX markups embedded in the exchange rate

• Exchange rates are not mid-market, making PayPal one of the more expensive options

• Fees can be confusing and are not always shown upfront

Speed and usability

• Transfers between PayPal users can be near-instant

• Bank withdrawals may take 1–3 business days

• Excellent for online payments, less ideal for bank-to-bank international transfers

Who PayPal is best for

• Online sellers and freelancers paid via PayPal

• Users prioritizing convenience over cost

• Occasional international payments where speed and acceptance matter more than fees

Security, Compliance, and Trust

All three platforms are well-regulated and secure:

Wise:

• Regulated by the FCA (UK) and other global authorities

• Funds are safeguarded and kept separate from company money

Revolut:

• Licensed across the UK and EU (licensing varies by region)

• Offers strong in-app security controls

PayPal:

• Long-established global player

• Robust fraud monitoring and dispute resolution

Common security features across all apps include:

• Encryption

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)

• Real-time fraud detection

Which App Should You Choose in 2026?

Your ideal choice depends on how and why you send money internationally:

Choose Wise if:

• You want the lowest total cost

• Exchange rate transparency matters to you

• You regularly send or receive international bank transfers

Choose Revolut if:

• You want an all-in-one financial app

• You frequently travel or manage multiple currencies

• You’re comfortable with subscription-based pricing

Choose PayPal if:

• You’re deeply embedded in the PayPal ecosystem

• You sell or buy online internationally

• Convenience and global acceptance matter more than fees

Conclusion: The Best App for International Payments in 2026

In 2026, fintech users are more cost-aware and globally connected than ever before. While all three platforms serve international payment needs, they do so in very different ways.

• Wise stands out as the best overall option for international payments due to its transparent pricing and real exchange rates.
  
  

• Revolut shines as a flexible financial super app, especially for users who want more than just transfers.
  
  

• PayPal remains unbeatable for global online commerce, despite higher costs.

For most individuals and businesses focused purely on sending money across borders efficiently, Wise remains the clear winner.

FAQs: Wise vs Revolut vs PayPal

1. Which app is cheapest for international transfers?

Wise is generally the cheapest due to its use of the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees.

2. Is Revolut cheaper than PayPal for international payments?

In most cases, yes. Revolut’s FX rates are usually better than PayPal’s, especially during market hours.

3. Can I hold multiple currencies in these apps?

Yes. Wise and Revolut both allow multi-currency accounts. PayPal supports multiple currencies but with less flexibility.

4. Which app is best for freelancers and remote workers?

Wise is often the best choice for freelancers paid internationally. PayPal is useful if clients insist on using it.

5. Are these apps safe to use in 2026?

Yes. All three are regulated, widely used, and employ strong security measures.

6. Which app is best for businesses?

Wise is ideal for cost-efficient international business payments. Revolut works well for businesses needing broader financial tools.