The Ultimate Showdown: MAKE vs Revolut vs Wise - Which Digital Banking App Reigns Supreme?

In today's rapidly evolving fintech landscape, digital banking apps have transformed how we manage money across borders. Three major players—MAKE (formerly Monese), Revolut, and Wise (formerly TransferWise)—have emerged as popular choices for digital nomads, frequent travelers, and international professionals. But which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.



The Contenders

MAKE has rebranded from Monese and positioned itself as a flexible banking alternative with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Its simple account opening process requires no proof of address, making it popular among newcomers to a country.
Revolut has grown from a travel money card into a "financial super-app" offering everything from stock trading to cryptocurrency exchange alongside its core banking features.
Wise built its reputation on transparent, low-cost international transfers and has expanded to offer multi-currency accounts with local banking details in multiple countries.

Fee Structures and Pricing

When it comes to costs, each platform takes a different approach:

MAKE operates on a tiered subscription model starting with a free basic plan but requires monthly fees for premium features. While the free tier offers essential services, you'll need to upgrade for higher ATM withdrawal limits and more foreign currency exchanges.
Revolut similarly offers a freemium model but limits weekend currency exchanges with a 1% markup and caps free ATM withdrawals at a relatively low amount. Their premium tiers remove these restrictions but at a monthly cost.
Wise stands out with its transparent, pay-as-you-go approach. There's a small fee for opening the account, but no ongoing subscription costs. You pay only for the services you use, with clear exchange rates matching the mid-market rate.



International Features

For those crossing borders regularly:
MAKE provides accounts in GBP, EUR, and RON with competitive exchange rates, though not always matching the mid-market rate.
Revolut offers accounts in 30+ currencies and allows free currency exchange up to certain monthly limits (£1,000 for standard accounts) before applying a 0.5% fee.
Wise truly shines here with local banking details in 10+ countries (including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD) and consistently offers the mid-market exchange rate plus a small, transparent fee.