Revolut vs Wise in Poland: Which Is Better for Expats?
If you're moving to Poland or already living here, you've probably heard of both Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise). Both are popular with expats — but they solve different problems. Revolut works as an everyday bank account with a Polish IBAN and BLIK support. Wise is the go-to for cheap international transfers. The truth? You don't have to choose. Both are free to open, and the smartest expats in Poland use both. Here's exactly when to use each one.
Quick Answer
Use Revolut for daily life in Poland — BLIK, PLN account, local payments
Use Wise for sending money abroad — better rates on international transfers
Best strategy: Use both — they are free to open
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Revolut | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Polish IBAN | ||
| BLIK support | ||
| Free ATM withdrawals | 200 EUR/mo | 2x per month |
| Card cost | Free | ~29 PLN |
| International transfers | Good | Best |
| Currency exchange | Great | Great |
| Crypto trading | ||
| Salary account (PLN) | ||
| English app | ||
| No PESEL needed |
When to Use Revolut
Revolut is the better choice for your day-to-day banking in Poland. It gives you a Polish IBAN, supports BLIK (Poland's most popular payment method), and works seamlessly for receiving your salary in PLN. You can pay bills, shop online at Polish stores, and use contactless payments everywhere — all from one app in English.
If you want a single card that handles groceries at Biedronka, your Allegro orders, and splitting dinner with friends via BLIK — Revolut is it. The free plan covers most expats' needs. Premium plans add travel insurance and higher ATM limits if you need them.
Revolut is better for:
When to Use Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) was built for one thing: moving money between countries at the lowest possible cost. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent fee — no hidden markups. If you regularly send money to family back home, pay invoices in USD or EUR, or receive freelance payments from international clients, Wise will save you real money compared to any traditional bank.
For a typical transfer of 5,000 PLN to a EUR account, Wise charges around 20-25 PLN — while a Polish bank might charge 50-100 PLN plus a worse exchange rate. Over a year, those savings add up fast. Wise also lets you hold and convert 40+ currencies in one account, which is perfect if you deal with multiple countries.
Wise is better for:
Pro Tip: Use Both
The smartest setup for expats in Poland is to use both. Keep Revolut as your main daily account — it handles BLIK, PLN salary, and local payments perfectly. Then use Wise whenever you need to send money internationally or convert large amounts between currencies. Both accounts are free to open, so there's no reason not to have both in your pocket.
Our Recommendation
Get both — they're free to open. Use Revolut as your main daily account in Poland. Use Wise when you need to send money internationally. This combo saves you the most money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Revolut as my main bank account in Poland?▼
Yes. Revolut gives you a Polish IBAN, supports BLIK, and lets you receive salary in PLN. Many expats use it as their primary account. However, some employers or government services may require a traditional Polish bank account, so it's worth checking with your employer first.
Does Wise support BLIK?▼
No. Wise does not support BLIK, which is a significant limitation for daily life in Poland. BLIK is used everywhere — from grocery stores to splitting bills with friends. This is the main reason we recommend Revolut for everyday spending in Poland.
Which has better exchange rates?▼
For international transfers, Wise typically offers slightly better rates because it uses the real mid-market rate with a transparent fee. Revolut also has competitive rates but adds a small markup outside of business hours and on weekends. For daily PLN spending, both are excellent — far better than traditional banks.
Do I need PESEL to open Revolut or Wise?▼
No. Neither Revolut nor Wise requires a PESEL number to open an account. You can sign up with just your passport or ID card. This makes both services ideal for newcomers who haven't yet obtained their PESEL.
Are Revolut and Wise safe to use in Poland?▼
Yes. Revolut holds a European banking license (Lithuania) and your deposits are protected up to EUR 100,000. Wise is authorized by the National Bank of Belgium and keeps customer funds in regulated accounts separate from company funds. Both are widely used by millions of customers across Europe.