Explore the battle of the fintech titans in Malaysia! Discover whether Wise or BigPay deserves a spot in your travel wallet. Compare their features, exchange rates, fees, and user experiences to find out which one aligns best with your globetrotting style. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or a frequent flyer, understanding the nuances of Wise and BigPay will help you make an informed choice and ensure a seamless financial journey as you explore the world
1. Sign-Up Process
The sign-up process for both Wise and BigPay is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly. You can easily download their respective apps, and within moments, you’ll be ready to start using their services. Whether you’re looking to transfer money, manage your finances, or explore the various features offered, both platforms allow you to get started in seconds. To sign up for an account, refer to our registration links below
Winner: Tie
⚡ Sign Up For Wise Account & Get Your Free Debit Card (save RM14)
⚡ Sign Up For BigPay Account (Use Referral Code OQDCRE6IMV)
Note: Use Referral Code OQDCRE6IMV & Get Free RM5
2. Debit Card
Wise and BigPay each offer distinct debit card aesthetics. The Wise card boasts a striking green design, while BigPay opts for a more muted light blue color. Both cards prominently display the cardholder’s name, a valuable feature when dealing with travel agencies or rental companies requiring card imprints for record-keeping. The Wise card comes with an issuance fee of RM13.70 (waived if you sign up using this link), while BigPay issues its card at no cost, requiring only a minimum RM20 deposit in your account to have it sent to you
Winner: Tie
3. Exchange Rate & Fees
Wise offers exchange rates that are, in most cases, significantly lower than BigPay’s, making it the clear winner for savvy travellers. In our testing of 10 different currencies, Wise rates consistently proved to be 5-15% lower than BigPay. While Wise does charge a small conversion fee, it’s worth noting that BigPay charges both a conversion fee and a recently added cross-border transaction fee ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. With Wise, you still get more value for your money during international transactions, thanks to its transparency and cost-efficiency
Winner: Wise
4. Acceptability
In our comprehensive testing of Wise and BigPay, we found both to be widely accepted worldwide, with only minor hiccups. Whether you’re in bustling cities or remote destinations, these travel debit cards generally offer excellent acceptability using paywave, pin-and-pay and many more. So, whether you choose Wise or BigPay, you can trust them to be convenient payment options on your global adventures.
Winner: Tie
5. User Experience
Both Wise and BigPay offer user-friendly apps that enhance the user experience. That being said, Wise has a notable edge in one specific area. Wise allows users to create balances to save funds in different currencies, which can be incredibly valuable for travellers who want to take advantage of fluctuating currency rates. This feature provides a unique advantage, enabling users to optimize their currency exchanges and potentially save even more during their international travels
Winner: Wise
6. Security
When it comes to security, Wise takes the lead over BigPay. In the past, BigPay had some issues with security and OTP scams. However, they’ve been actively improving their security protocols and sending reminders to its users to be wary of such scam tactics. In contrast, Wise has consistently demonstrated robust security features, ensuring the safety of users’ financial data. While BigPay is making strides in enhancing security, Wise currently stands as the more secure option for travellers looking for peace of mind during their financial transactions abroad.
Winner: Wise
6. Fund Top-Up & Transfer
In terms of fund top-up & transfer options, there’s a distinction between Wise and BigPay. Wise (in Malaysia) currently only permits online bank transfers, with no support for topping up via credit or debit cards. Conversely, BigPay offers more flexibility, allowing users to top up their wallets through online bank transfers, credit or debit cards (take note there’s a 1-3% fee for top-ups using cards), and even methods like 7 Eleven Cash, providing a broader range of options for users to manage their finances conveniently.
Winner: BigPay
7. ATM Withdrawals
When it comes to withdrawals, there’s a notable difference between BigPay and Wise. BigPay charges RM10 per transaction for overseas ATM withdrawals, which can add up quickly. On the other hand, Wise offers two free withdrawals (less than RM1,000 each) per month. Above that limit, Wise levies a 1.75% + RM5 fee per withdrawal. So, for travellers who anticipate frequent withdrawals, BigPay’s fixed fee might be less favourable compared to Wise’s percentage-based charge for additional withdrawals
Winner: Wise
8. Benefits
BigPay offers exclusive benefits for AirAsia frequent flyers, including the opportunity to earn AirAsia points and access to exclusive promos and discounts when flying with AirAsia. In contrast, Wise doesn’t provide such perks or benefits. If you frequently fly with AirAsia, BigPay’s offerings can make your journeys more rewarding, while Wise primarily focuses on cost-effective financial services without airline-specific advantages.
Winner: BigPay
Closing Thoughts: Why Not Both?
In conclusion, the comparison between Wise and BigPay reveals an obvious win for Wise, thanks to its superior exchange rates and numerous beneficial features. However, redundancy in travel is essential, and both cards have their unique advantages. Consider using Wise as your primary card for its cost-efficiency but keep BigPay as a backup. This approach ensures financial flexibility and peace of mind during your travels, covering all bases with these reliable fintech solutions.
⚡ Sign Up For Wise Account & Get Your Free Debit Card (save RM14)⚡ Sign Up For BigPay Account (Use Referral Code OQDCRE6IMV)
Note: Use Referral Code OQDCRE6IMV & Get Free RM5
