Why Freelancers and Founders Choose Wise in 2025
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is one of the most trusted platforms for sending and receiving international payments. With transparent fees, real exchange rates, and local account details in multiple currencies, it’s no surprise that freelancers, agencies, and remote-first businesses rely on Wise for cross-border banking. Here’s how to open a Wise Business account in 2025 — step by step.
Step 1: Prepare Your Business Details
Before signing up, make sure you have your business info ready. Wise supports both individual entrepreneurs (like sole proprietors/FOP) and registered companies (LLC, LTD, etc.). You’ll need:
- ✅ Legal business name
- ✅ Country of registration
- ✅ Website or business description
- ✅ Valid government-issued ID
Step 2: Sign Up at Wise.com
Visit wise.com/business and choose “Business account”. Fill in your email, password, and select your country.
Then select whether you’re registering as:
- 🔹 Sole proprietor or freelancer
- 🔹 Registered company (LLC, LTD, etc.)
Step 3: Complete Business Verification
Wise will ask for some KYC (Know Your Customer) information. Upload scans/photos of your ID, proof of business activity (website, invoices, contracts), and in some cases, company registration documents.
- 🕒 Approval time: 1–3 business days
- 📄 All documents are uploaded digitally
Step 4: Add Currencies and Activate Local Account Details
Once verified, you can start adding currencies and activate local account details. Wise supports:
- USD (with ACH and wire routing numbers)
- EUR (with IBAN)
- GBP (with sort code + account number)
- AUD, CAD, NZD, HUF, SGD, TRY, and more
You can receive payments like a local business in those countries — no need for a physical bank there!
Step 5: Start Sending and Receiving Payments
You’re ready to go! Use your Wise Business account to:
- 💰 Receive payments from clients in their local currency
- 💸 Send payments to contractors worldwide
- 📤 Convert currency at real exchange rates
- 🧾 Create invoices with payment links
Pro Tips for Wise Users in 2025
- 🔁 Hold balances in multiple currencies for better control over timing
- 🔍 Use their fee calculator to preview costs before sending
- 📥 Use batch payments to pay multiple contractors at once
- 🔐 Enable 2FA for extra account security
Common Questions
Is Wise available worldwide?
Yes, but business account availability may vary. Most countries including Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Estonia, and the US are supported.
Does Wise work with Stripe and PayPal?
Wise works with Stripe payouts in USD and EUR if your business is in a supported region. PayPal may not allow withdrawals to Wise USD accounts, depending on your country.
Conclusion
Opening a Wise Business account in 2025 is a smart move for freelancers, founders, and digital entrepreneurs. It offers unmatched flexibility, real-time control over money, and some of the lowest fees on the market. With a few clicks and a bit of paperwork, you’ll be ready to manage your global payments like a pro.
