Wise vs Revolut: The Cheapest Way to Send Money to the USA (2026 Guide)
If you are looking for the cheapest transfer to USA, the battle between Wise vs Revolut is more intense than ever in 2026. Both platforms have revolutionized how we move money across the Atlantic, but depending on the amount you’re sending and when you hit the "send" button, one could be significantly more cost-effective than the other.
To help you choose the right "Invisible Infrastructure" for your dollar transfers, we’ve broken down the costs, exchange rates, and hidden traps of both providers.
1. Exchange Rates: Real-Time vs. Mid-Market
The biggest factor in the Wise vs Revolut debate is how they handle the exchange rate.
- Wise: Always uses the mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google). They don't add a markup; instead, they charge a transparent, upfront fee. In 2026, this fee typically starts around 0.43% for the GBP/USD or EUR/USD pair.
- Revolut: Uses a real-time exchange rate. On weekdays, this is often extremely close to the mid-market rate. However, Revolut adds a 1% markup on weekends (when markets are closed) to hedge against volatility.
2. Fees and Limits: Where Revolut Wins (and Loses)
When searching for the cheapest transfer to USA, your monthly volume matters.
- Revolut Standard: Offers fee-free currency exchange up to £1,000 / €1,000 per month. If you stay under this limit and transfer on a weekday, Revolut is often slightly cheaper than Wise. Once you exceed this limit, a 1% "Fair Usage" fee kicks in.
- Wise: Has no "free" limit, but their fees remain consistent. Whether you send $100 or $10,000, you pay the same percentage. For large transfers (above $2,000), Wise usually becomes the more predictable and cheaper option.
3. Transfer Speed to the US
Both platforms have integrated deeply with the US banking system (ACH and SWIFT).
- Wise: Over 50% of transfers to the USA are now instant. If not instant, they usually arrive within 24 hours.
- Revolut: Offers instant transfers to other Revolut users, but standard bank transfers to the US typically take 1 to 3 business days.
Comparison Table: Wise vs Revolut (2026)
| Feature | Wise | Revolut (Standard) |
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market (Fair) | Real-time (Markup on weekends) |
| Fee Structure | Transparent % fee | Free up to limit, then 1% |
| Cheapest for... | Large sums (>£1k) | Small daily amounts (<£1k) |
| Weekend Surcharge | 0% | 1% |
| USA Account Details | Included (ACH/Wire) | Included |
The Verdict: Which is the Cheapest Transfer to USA?
The answer to Wise vs Revolut depends on your timing:
- Choose Revolut if you are sending less than £1,000 and it is a weekday. It is virtually free.
- Choose Wise if you are sending large amounts, transferring on a weekend, or if you want absolute transparency with no "fair usage" surprises.
Conclusion
Navigating the cheapest transfer to USA doesn't have to be a headache. By using Wise for your heavy-lifting business transfers and Revolut for your small personal expenses, you can play the system and keep more of your money where it belongs—in your pocket.