A cost-focused breakdown — not which is "best", but which fits different transfer situations.
Wise and Revolut are the two most commonly recommended alternatives to bank transfers for GBP → EUR. Both are regulated, widely used, and significantly cheaper than most high-street banks.
But they work differently — and the difference matters depending on how much you're sending, how often, and what you prioritise.
Uses the mid-market rate always. Charges a transparent fee on top, shown clearly before you confirm. No margin hidden in the rate.
Free tier: mid-market rate up to a monthly limit, then a markup. Paid plans offer higher or unlimited mid-market access.
This structural difference is the most important thing to understand before comparing fees.
Reflects typical conditions as of early 2026. Always verify before sending.
| Factor | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | Mid-market, always | Mid-market up to limit (free); always on paid plans |
| Transfer fee | ~0.35–0.7% + small fixed fee | 0% within limit; 0% on paid plans |
| Weekend rate | Small markup applies | Markup applies across all plans |
| Monthly limit | No limit | £1,000 free tier; higher on paid plans |
| Transfer speed | Same day or next day | Usually instant to fast |
| Transparency | Fee shown before confirmation | Varies by plan and amount |
The core tradeoff: Wise charges a visible fee but never hides cost in the rate. Revolut can offer zero-fee transfers within limits — but weekend markups and monthly caps matter for regular senders.
The only reliable way to compare is to calculate the total EUR received for the same GBP amount, at the same moment, on a weekday.
Wise tends to be straightforward — explicit fee, mid-market rate, no limits. Revolut free-tier users would exceed their monthly limit and face a rate markup.
Revolut free tier can be competitive if transfers happen on weekdays and stay within the monthly exchange limit.
Whether this is cost-effective depends on the monthly plan fee relative to what you'd pay Wise in transfer fees over the same period.
Both providers apply weekend pricing due to FX market closure. Sending on a weekday typically results in a better rate with either provider.
Both offer business accounts. Wise Business is often cited for transparent fee structure on larger volumes. Revolut Business pricing is plan-dependent.
This page focuses on GBP → EUR transfer cost only. It doesn't evaluate customer support, account freezing experiences, card functionality, or investment features.
Also on FXPathway: UK → Spain transfer guide →