Wise Account Registration and Receiving Payments: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

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Want to register a Wise account using a Chinese passport and phone number? You only need to complete five key steps: registration, verification, activation, funding, and receiving payments. This Wise account registration tutorial will guide you through uploading identity documents, verifying your phone number, and activating your account. You can easily experience secure and efficient cross-border payment services, even as a beginner.

Key Points

• Before registering a Wise account, prepare a valid Chinese passport, a clear selfie, a commonly used phone number, and email, ensuring all information is accurate and consistent.
• After registration, upload a passport photo and a selfie with the document for identity verification, prioritizing a passport for higher approval rates.
• Account activation requires a minimum deposit of $20, ideally using a bank card matching the account name; once activated, you can manage multi-currency accounts and receive payments.
• Wise supports various receiving methods, with local bank account details for easy payments; prioritize linking a UnionPay card or Hong Kong bank account for withdrawals.
• Ensure account security by enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding public networks for login, and complying with regulations to prevent account restrictions or freezes.

Wise Account Registration Tutorial

Registration Preparation

Before starting the Wise account registration tutorial, prepare the necessary materials to ensure a smooth process. You need:

1. A valid Chinese passport or Chinese driver’s license (driver’s license requires front and back photos); a passport is recommended for faster verification.
2. A clear selfie holding the identity document for verification.
3. A commonly used Chinese phone number (+86) for receiving verification codes.
4. A valid email address for receiving activation emails.
5. Funds for a minimum $20 (USD) deposit to activate the account or card.
6. A genuine residential address, preferably in Pinyin, consistent with the identity document.

Tip: Use Chrome browser for the Wise account registration tutorial to avoid compatibility issues. If you experience slowdowns in China’s network environment, try switching networks.

Some users may be asked for additional address proof if they provide a foreign address or use a Chinese IP during the Wise account registration tutorial. Prepare documents like utility bills or bank statements to verify your address.

Account Registration

The Wise account registration tutorial supports multiple registration methods. You can use email, Facebook, Apple ID, or Google ID. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Wise website or download the Wise app and click “Register.”
2. Choose a registration method: email, Facebook, Apple ID, or Google ID.
3. Enter personal details, including name (in Pinyin), country of residence, email, and Chinese phone number.
4. Input your Chinese phone number (+86); the system will send an SMS verification code. Enter the code to complete phone verification.
5. Set a secure login password.
6. Check your email for Wise’s activation email and click the activation link to complete account activation.

Note: During the Wise account registration tutorial, avoid using a phone number linked to cross-border e-commerce platforms to prevent risk control issues. Ensure all information is accurate, and update your address in account settings if needed later.

The Wise account registration tutorial is straightforward. Follow the prompts to complete account registration seamlessly.

Identity Verification

After registration, the next step in the Wise account registration tutorial is identity verification. You need to upload identity documents and a selfie to ensure account security and compliance. Supported Chinese documents include:

• Chinese passport
• Chinese driver’s license
• Chinese ID card (supported in some cases but more complex, not recommended)

Identity verification steps:

1. Log in to your Wise account and go to the identity verification page.
2. Select the document type, preferably a passport, and upload the passport photo (information page).
3. Upload a selfie holding the document, ensuring it’s clear and unobstructed.
4. The system will automatically recognize the document and perform facial recognition.
5. Await system review; passport verification typically has a high approval rate and is faster.

Tip: If you use an ID card, you may face machine recognition issues. Try re-uploading photos or switch to a passport. Ensure good lighting and avoid reflections or blurriness when uploading.

In the Wise account registration tutorial, identity verification is critical for account security. Be patient for the review results; once approved, you can fully use your Wise account for cross-border payments and receipts.

Account Activation and Funding

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Activation Process

After identity verification, Wise will review your documents within 2-3 business days. Once approved, you need to deposit at least $20 (USD) or equivalent in EUR, CAD, etc., to activate your account. After activation, you can:

1. Hold over 40 currencies for free, enabling multi-currency management.
2. Receive local transfers in over 8 currencies, supporting multi-currency receipts.
3. Send money to over 70 countries with real market exchange rates.
4. Use the Wise card for spending and withdrawals in over 150 countries.
5. Set up recurring or batch payments for personal and business needs.

Tip: Use a bank card or account matching your Wise account name for deposits to avoid fund rejections or review delays.

Funding Methods

Wise supports various mainstream funding methods. Choose the most suitable method based on fees and speed. The table below compares common funding methods:

You can also fund via international wire transfer from a Hong Kong bank account, with fees around RMB 40 + SGD 8, arriving in 3-5 business days, ideal for first-time deposits.

Common Issues

You may encounter these issues during activation and funding:

• Deposits from accounts with non-matching names may be rejected or require extra verification.
• Addresses in Chinese may not be recognized; use English or Pinyin.
• Large or frequent deposits may trigger risk control reviews.
• Some cards (e.g., AppleCard, AMEX) are not supported for initial deposits.

Always use a same-name account or card for deposits, and control amounts and frequency. If issues arise, prepare proof of funds and prioritize Hong Kong banks or regulated third-party platforms.

Receiving Payments Process

Obtaining Payment Details

Your Wise account offers robust multi-currency management. You can hold and convert over 40 currencies for free without maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Over 8 currencies (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR, CAD) come with local bank account details for direct payments. You can use the auto-conversion feature for 24 currencies, setting desired rates for automatic conversion at market mid-rates with fees as low as 0.33%.

Steps to obtain payment details:

1. Log in to your Wise account via the website or app homepage.
2. Click “Open” to select the currency for receiving payments and create a balance account.
3. Choose the desired currency (e.g., USD, GBP, CAD); the system generates local bank account details.
4. Go to the currency’s balance page and click “Get Account Details.”
5. Copy the full bank details (e.g., account number, bank name, routing number) and send them to the payer (company, client, or friend) for same-currency transfers.
6. Once the payer completes the transfer, funds arrive in your Wise account balance.

Tip: You can open multiple currency balance accounts to manage diverse payment needs. For USD payments, prioritize opening a USD account for easy local bank transfers.

Receiving Payments Operation

After obtaining payment details, you can start receiving payments. Wise supports various methods for individuals and businesses. Common steps:

1. Register and log in to your Wise account, ensuring identity verification is complete.
2. Prepare recipient details, including name, address, and bank account.
3. On the Wise homepage, select “Send Money” or “Receive” and choose the currency.
4. Enter the payment amount; the system displays the current exchange rate and fees.
5. Add or select recipient details. For self-payments, choose your Wise account.
6. Choose a payment method (e.g., bank transfer, credit/debit card) and complete the process.
7. Confirm all details and submit the payment request; the system processes the funds.

To convert received foreign currency to RMB, select the currency on the balance page, enter the amount, and view the real-time exchange rate and fees. After conversion, withdraw to a linked UnionPay card or Hong Kong bank account. Small withdrawals typically arrive in minutes, while larger ones may take 1-2 business days for review.

Tip: Link a commonly used UnionPay card or Hong Kong bank account in advance for efficient withdrawals. Double-check recipient details to avoid delays due to errors.

Arrival Time

Wise excels in cross-border payment speed. Refer to the table for average arrival times:

Over 50% of transfers arrive within 1 hour, and 90% within 24 hours. Withdrawal times are typically 1- Manish-based transfers may take longer due to bank processing, public holidays, or additional verification.

Factors affecting arrival time include:

1. Transfer location
2. Currency types involved
3. Payer and recipient bank processing
4. Public holidays in the countries involved
5. Required verification or security steps
6. Chosen payment method

Note: For bank account transfers, prioritize Hong Kong bank accounts for faster arrivals and lower fees. Plan ahead for holidays or large payments to avoid delays.

Wise Card Application and Usage

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Application Process

After completing Wise account registration and identity verification, you can apply for a Wise debit card. The process includes:

1. Register a Wise account with your real residence and Chinese phone number, completing verification.
2. Upload a valid ID, such as a Chinese passport, ID card, or photo driver’s license. You may need address proof, like utility or bank statements.
3. Complete selfie verification to ensure accurate identity information.
4. Make an initial transfer to fund the account with at least $20 (USD) for activation.
5. After funding, apply for a debit card via the Wise website or app, confirming cardholder details and setting a 4-digit PIN.
6. Pay a one-time card issuance fee, varying by region (e.g., $9 USD for U.S. users). There are no monthly fees.
7. Choose a delivery method and await card arrival.

You must be a resident of a Wise-supported country with valid ID to apply for a Wise card. Use a Hong Kong bank account for initial transfers to improve approval chances.

Card Activation

After receiving your Wise card, activate it with these steps:

1. Log in to the Wise app or website and go to the card management page.
2. Enter card details as prompted and set or confirm the PIN.
3. Complete KYC verification, including email, phone, English address, ID details, and selfie.
4. Convert account balance to the desired currency (e.g., GBP) and fund the card. Initial funding typically takes about 1 hour to activate.
5. If prompted, re-upload a passport photo. Using the Wise app can speed up reviews.

The funding account name must match your Wise account. Funds remain in the account post-activation and can be withdrawn anytime.

Card Uses

The Wise card supports multi-currency spending and withdrawals, ideal for users with international payment needs. Use cases include:

• Shopping on overseas websites, with automatic deductions from the relevant currency balance without manual conversion.
• Travel spending at local stores or ATM withdrawals with real exchange rates and low fees.
• Online and offline purchases, including physical stores and e-commerce.
• Using a virtual card for online payments, linkable to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.

The table below outlines key Wise card features:

The Wise card is usable in over 150 countries, ideal for cross-border payments, overseas spending, and multi-currency management. Choose currencies and withdrawal methods based on your needs.

Risk Prevention and Common Issues

Account Security

Security is paramount when using your Wise account. Wise partners with compliant institutions like Citibank and Barclays, storing funds in secure bank accounts. Wise uses advanced data encryption to protect personal and transaction data from hackers. Enhance account security by:

1. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), such as SMS codes or app notifications.
2. Setting security questions to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Regularly checking login records and updating passwords if anomalies are detected.
4. Avoiding public networks for Wise logins to prevent data leaks.

Enable 2FA to effectively prevent account theft and ensure fund safety.

Risk Control and Compliance

Wise applies strict risk control and compliance to all accounts and transactions. You may trigger risk controls due to:

• Inaccurate registration details, such as using others’ documents or false information.
• Logging in with cloud server IPs, shared proxies, or unusual networks.
• Frequent logins from different countries, flagged as abnormal activity.
• Unusual fund flows, like frequent large receipts or multi-country transfers.
• Linking accounts to non-compliant e-commerce platforms, risking restrictions.

Wise requires funding only with real-name accounts; third-party accounts are not supported. Gift cards, anonymous cards, or prepaid cards cannot be used for funding, nor can Wise accounts be used to buy cryptocurrencies. Personal accounts cannot receive commercial payments. When funding via Hong Kong bank accounts, ensure the account name matches Wise.

Handling Account Restrictions

If your Wise account is restricted or frozen, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Provide detailed residential and business address information as requested in Wise’s email, such as house or unit numbers.
2. Submit complete documents within the specified period (e.g., 2 business days).
3. Monitor your email for review updates from Wise’s verification team.
4. Follow up appropriately during the review; some users report faster reviews after prompting.
5. Once approved, your account will resume normal functionality.

If you fund via non-compliant channels like unregulated crypto platforms (e.g., Binance), Wise will reject the funds. Always adhere to Wise’s compliance requirements to avoid restrictions.

When registering and receiving payments with Wise, pay attention to every detail. Common issues include limited funding methods, strict identity verification, required transfer documentation, and account risk controls. Recommendations:

1. Prepare documents and information accurately per the process.
2. Use a same-name account for deposits, ensuring at least $20 (USD) for activation.
3. If issues arise, consult Wise’s official [help center](https://www.biyapay.com/help такойhelp) for multi-currency accounts, exchange rates, and fees.

Plan operations carefully, prioritize security and compliance, and you can successfully complete cross-border payments.

FAQ

Can I use a Chinese ID card to register a Wise account?

You can try registering a Wise account with a Chinese ID card, but the approval rate is lower. It’s recommended to prioritize a Chinese passport for faster verification and higher success rates.

How can I withdraw funds from a Wise account to a Chinese bank card?

You can convert funds to RMB and withdraw to a linked Chinese UnionPay card or Hong Kong bank account. Prioritizing a Hong Kong bank account is recommended for faster processing and lower fees.

What should I do if a Wise account deposit fails?

If a deposit fails, first verify that the bank card name matches your Wise account. You can try using a Hong Kong bank account or another supported payment method to attempt the deposit again.

Are there limits on receiving payments with a Wise account?

Wise imposes receiving limits based on currency and account type. Check specific limits in account settings or the help center. For large payments, consider splitting transactions to avoid triggering risk controls.

What should I do if my Wise card is lost?

If your Wise card is lost, immediately log in to the Wise app or website and select “Freeze Card.” You can request a replacement card to ensure the security of your account funds.

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