British fintech Wise has launched the Wise Travel Card in India, offering mid-market exchange rates, 40+ currencies, no annual fees, digital onboarding and transparent forex pricing. The launch comes amid India’s soaring outbound travel demand and rising consumer need for low-cost, transparent international spending solutions.
TheInterviewTimes.com | December 8, 2025: British fintech company Wise has officially introduced the Wise Travel Card in India, bringing its globally trusted mid-market exchange-rate model to one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets. The launch marks a significant shift in India’s competitive forex card industry, where 2–4% hidden markups have long burdened overseas travellers.
According to the company, the Wise Travel Card allows users to spend in 40+ currencies, withdraw cash abroad, and convert money at the real mid-market exchange rate—the same rate displayed on platforms like Google or Reuters. The Visa-powered card works in over 160 countries and includes free ATM withdrawals up to $200 per month, offering Indian travellers a transparent and low-cost alternative to traditional forex products.
Transparent Pricing Model Aims to End Hidden Charges
Wise says its entry into India directly targets long-standing forex markups that often add thousands of rupees to every international trip. A typical INR 2 lakh overseas transaction on a legacy forex card can attract INR 4,000–8,000 in hidden spreads and fees.
“Indian travellers are heading abroad in record numbers, but they’re still paying hidden fees that add hundreds or thousands of rupees to every trip,” said Taneia Bhardwaj, South Asia Expansion Lead at Wise. “The waitlist numbers showed us something important: people are done with complicated pricing. They want transparency, convenience, and a great product experience.”
Wise claims the Wise Travel Card eliminates most hidden costs with a simple upfront fee structure and real exchange rates, positioning itself as a disruptor in India’s booming cross-border payments ecosystem.
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Strong Demand as Over 75,000 Join Waitlist
Ahead of its Indian debut, Wise recorded over 75,000 waitlist sign-ups within a month—a strong indicator of domestic demand for low-cost digital travel money solutions.
The launch also arrives at a time when outbound travel from India has surged dramatically.
Government data shows:
- 3.89 crore international departures in 2024
- 10.79% year-on-year growth
- Leisure travel: 42.52%
- Visits to friends and family: 34.69%
- Business travel: 14.92%
Spending under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) reached nearly $17 billion in 2024, underlining India’s strong appetite for affordable and transparent global money products.
Digital-First Onboarding With Instant Virtual Card
The Wise Travel Card offers a full digital onboarding process using DigiLocker and video KYC. Customers receive an instant digital card for online purchases, while a physical card is delivered to their address. IMPS transfers enable quick and seamless account top-ups.
The card supports major travel and migration corridors including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and the EU, along with fast-rising destinations such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, and Georgia.
Launch Offer: No Issuance Fee Until February 10, 2026
Wise announced a launch promotion waiving the INR 460 issuance fee for all new customers who sign up before February 10, 2026. The Wise Travel Card carries no annual fees, no subscription charges, and no inactivity penalties, aligning with the company’s global commitment to transparency.
About Wise
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in London, Wise—formerly TransferWise—is one of the world’s largest cross-border payment platforms. The company serves more than 16 million customers globally and processes £30 billion in international transactions every quarter. Its India launch aims to redefine how Indian travellers spend abroad by offering clarity, fairness, and digital convenience.
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Wise Travel Card: Key Takeaways
- Wise has launched the Wise Travel Card in India with mid-market exchange rates and zero hidden forex markups.
- The card supports 40+ currencies, works in 160+ countries, and offers free ATM withdrawals up to $200 per month.
- Over 75,000 Indians joined the waitlist, reflecting strong demand for transparent travel money solutions.
- India logged 3.89 crore international departures in 2024, boosting the need for low-cost forex products.
- Wise is waiving the INR 460 issuance fee for signups until February 10, 2026.