Wise vs Revolut France (2025): Best Way to Send USD to EUR with Low Fees & French IBAN

🇫🇷 Wise vs Revolut: What's the Best Way to Send Money from USD to EUR in France?

If you're living in France and need to transfer money from the U.S. in USD to your French bank account, two of the best options are Wise and Revolut. They’re both low-cost alternatives to traditional banks and offer fast, reliable transfers — but they work differently and have specific advantages depending on your needs.

Here’s a breakdown tailored specifically for people living in France.

IBANs: Belgian vs French – Why It Matters

With Wise, you receive a Belgian IBAN (starts with BE), which works perfectly for most SEPA transfers within the Eurozone.

With Revolut, you receive a French IBAN (starts with FR). This can be very important in France, as some French online banks like Fortuneo and Boursobank require a French IBAN when setting up direct debits or opening an account. If you plan to use your international account for salary deposits, bills, or opening another French account, Revolut may offer better compatibility.

USD to EUR Transfer: Wise vs Revolut (Updated 10th September 2025)

Let’s say you're transferring $1,000 USD from your U.S. bank account to your personal account in France.

With Revolut (Standard Plan, Weekday Transfer):

• Exchange rate today: 1 USD = 0.85389 EUR

• You receive: €853.89

• No transfer fee (as long as you're under your monthly FX limit)

• Note: 1% fee applies on weekends, and limits apply above €1,000/month on the free plan

• Revolut provides a free debit card, but shipping costs €7.99

With Wise (via ACH bank transfer):

• Exchange rate today: 1 USD = 0.85042 EUR

• Transfer fee: Approx. $7.23 USD

• You receive: €850.42

• Wise always uses the real mid-market rate and has no weekend markup

• Wise debit card is optional and costs ~€7 to issue

Key takeaway: Revolut gives you slightly more money if you send on a weekday and stay under your plan’s limits. But Wise is more transparent and consistent with its pricing — especially on weekends or for larger transfers.

My Experience with Wise

Back in June, I used Wise to transfer several thousand dollars from my U.S. account to France. I sent the money via ACH transfer in the afternoon, and the funds arrived in my French bank account the next day. The process was smooth, fast, and the fees were clearly displayed upfront — no surprises.

Which Is Better for You?

• Use Revolut if:

  • You live in France and need a French IBAN (for things like Fortuneo or Boursobank)

  • You want to save money on smaller transfers under €1,000/month

  • You transfer on weekdays

  • You want a free debit card and don’t mind paying €7.99 for shipping

• Use Wise if:

  • You want transparent, consistent pricing

  • You’re sending money on weekends or larger transfers

  • You want to avoid surprise fees or foreign exchange limits

  • You’re fine using a Belgian IBAN, which is SEPA-compatible
    

Sign Up and Save with My Referral Links

• 🟢 Revolut: Get started with a free French IBAN and debit card (€7.99 shipping fee applies).
  👉 Sign up here

• 🔵 Wise: Enjoy your first transfer fee-free up to $600 USD, and get a Belgian IBAN for incoming USD and EUR payments.
  👉 Sign up here
  

Need help choosing the best service for your situation? Let me know — I’ve used both personally and can help you find the best fit for your needs in France.

I personally will be considering Revolut for small monthly transfers and will be using Wise for larger transfers. I feel that Revolut is best for a new joiner in France to get a French IBAN before moving to a better online banking option. If you are looking for the best online banking options, check out my article here: https://www.mybestmoneylife.com/fortuneo-vs-boursobank-vs-monabanq-vs-traditional-banks-in-france-2025-guide