How to Link Your Bank Account to Wise

Wise, a financial technology company, specializes in facilitating international money transfers and offering multi-currency accounts. Linking a bank account to a Wise profile is a foundational step for individuals and businesses engaging in global transactions. This connection enables users to send funds abroad and receive payments from various countries, ensuring money moves efficiently and securely between traditional banking systems and the Wise platform.

Gathering Necessary Information

Before linking your bank account to Wise, gather specific financial details. This preparation helps ensure a smooth and accurate setup. You will need the full name of the bank account holder, which must precisely match the name on your Wise account for compliance. The official name of the bank is also required.

For U.S. accounts, a nine-digit routing number and the account number are necessary. For international accounts, a SWIFT/BIC (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication / Bank Identifier Code) and an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) are needed. Specify the account type, whether checking or savings. This information helps Wise identify your account and route transactions correctly, adhering to financial regulations.

Adding Your Bank Account on Wise

Once bank details are compiled, input this information into the Wise platform. Log into your Wise account via the website or mobile app. From the dashboard, navigate to a section for managing linked accounts or recipients; this may be labeled “Settings,” “Connected accounts,” or “Recipients.”

Select “Connect your bank account” or “Add a bank account.” Enter the bank’s name, account holder’s full name, account number, and the appropriate routing number (for U.S. accounts) or SWIFT/BIC and IBAN (for international accounts). Review all entered information for accuracy before proceeding.

Verifying Your Bank Account

After adding your bank account details, Wise initiates a verification process to confirm ownership and security. One common method involves micro-deposits, where Wise sends two small, random amounts to the linked bank account. You then access your bank statement to identify these amounts and enter them into the Wise platform to complete verification. This process helps prevent unauthorized account linking and ensures compliance with financial security protocols.

Alternatively, Wise may require you to send a small, specific amount from your linked bank account to a Wise account for verification. This confirms legitimate access. Wise may also offer instant verification by allowing direct login to your online banking portal through a secure third-party service. Verification for U.S. accounts typically takes between 10 minutes and one business day, though it can extend to 2-3 working days for personal accounts. Upon successful verification, the bank account’s status on Wise will update, indicating it is ready for use.