My Misadventures with the Bank that Couldn’t
I was told Wise Europe SA was the answer to my banking and credit card woes, especially since I spend most of my life hopping between airports and dodging the mundane. WISE was the brainchild of two IT guys from Estonia, birthed just over a decade ago. These were the same folks who had a hand in Skype, the marvel that made telecom giants break a sweat. They had the right idea — take on the banks that specialize in “spending your money with slow, tired actions.”
But, oh, how WISE went so wrong! They turned out worse than my old, sluggish bank!
Five or six years ago, I opened an account with WISE. It seemed like a good idea until I realized juggling another credit card and account was a fool’s errand. So, I drained the account and let it gather digital dust. Then came COVID, a few new iPhones, and other life-altering events.
Fast forward to today. New address, new email, new phone number, and a brand-new iPhone. So, I decided to open a fresh account with WISE about a year ago. But the WISE system, in all its wisdom, found two Richards and locked both accounts. Understandable, maybe, but then the real fun began.
I emailed, called, and sent every ID under the sun, including pictures of my stunning 63-year-old mug. Every time, I got a new case manager — ranging from friendly to downright hostile. That’s the crux of the problem — no continuity. Plus, the first-line support is either locked out of the WISE system or just poorly trained. After a year of this circus, my issue remains unresolved.
Every interaction begins with, “But if you log in to your trusted device…” And my reply? “No, I can’t. I don’t have it anymore.” Then they ask for my address or email, and I give the same response. It’s a comedy of errors.
These companies grow too fast, outsourcing their support to some low-level, bargain-basement third party in India or Romania. Poor routines, worse attitudes, and customers start running for the hills.
Picture this: I’m stranded on South Korea’s Jeju Island, trying to rent a car with my WISE card. A year later, the issue’s still not solved. Well, I didn’t rent that car. Not sure a foreigner can anyway. So, I need to buy a plane ticket with my WISE card — NO. I’d probably die on Jeju Island or end up marrying a local.
I’m baffled that WISE’s management lets this happen in the name of profitability and flashy marketing ;)
So, these two Estonian fellows conjured up a beautifully simple multi-currency account that’s still blocked six years later. You’d think they were from Switzerland.