PNB Europe vs Wise: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
PNB Europe
3.5PNB Europe (Punjab National Bank International) offers money transfers from Europe to India and the Philippines at competitive rates.
Wise
4.3Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers transparent, low-cost international money transfers using the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups.
PNB Europe and Wise are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. PNB Europe, founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, UK, is best known for international money transfers. Wise, operating since 2011 from London, UK, focuses on transparent, low-cost transfers. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs.
In this comparison
Live comparison: PNB Europe vs Wise across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through PNB Europe vs Wise on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | PNB Europe | Wise | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹96,077.86 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | — | €1,149.85 | N/A |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱30,761.99 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,275.70 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨186,116.83 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | ₦270,124.04 | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between PNB Europe and Wise
PNB Europe vs Wise: Feature comparison
| Feature | PNB Europe | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 (Good) | 4.3/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | £0-£5 per transfer | Variable fee from 0.41% |
| Exchange rate markup | 0.3% - 1% above mid-market | 0% (mid-market rate) |
| Transfer speed | 1-2 business days | Instant to 2 days |
| Supported countries | 5+ | 80+ |
| Supported currencies | 5+ | 50+ |
| Max transfer | $25,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Apple Pay |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Wise Account |
| Regulators | FCA, PRA | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC |
| Founded | 2010 | 2011 |
Pros and cons
PNB Europe
Pros
- Competitive GBP-to-INR rates
- Trusted Indian banking brand
- Low fees for India transfers
Cons
- Very limited corridor coverage
- Only for transfers to India and Philippines
- Less modern app experience
Wise
Pros
- Uses real mid-market exchange rate
- Transparent fee structure shown upfront
- Multi-currency account available
- Fast transfers to many countries
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
Cons
- Credit card payments have higher fees
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer limits may apply for new accounts
When to choose PNB Europe vs Wise
Choose PNB Europe if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- PNB Europe's strengths (Bank Deposit) match your needs
Choose Wise if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (Wise supports up to $1,000,000)
- You need a multi-currency account to hold and convert balances
- You need a business account for commercial payments
- You need wider country coverage (80+ vs 5+ countries)
Verdict: PNB Europe or Wise?
Cost: Too close to call
PNB Europe and Wise are closely matched on cost. Across our 6 sample corridors, neither provider consistently delivers more to the recipient. The best choice depends on your specific corridor.
Faster: Wise
Wise is generally faster, with transfers arriving in Instant to 2 days, compared to 1-2 business days for PNB Europe.
Wider coverage: Wise
Wise has broader coverage with 80+ countries and 50+ currencies. Wise also offers Bank Deposit, Wise Account.
Bottom line
Overall, Wise edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, PNB Europe is the better pick if you need international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PNB Europe or Wise cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows PNB Europe and Wise are closely matched on total cost. PNB Europe charges £0-£5 per transfer with a 0.3% - 1% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while Wise charges Variable fee from 0.41% with a 0% (mid-market rate) markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, PNB Europe or Wise?
PNB Europe typically completes transfers in 1-2 business days, while Wise takes Instant to 2 days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are PNB Europe and Wise safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. PNB Europe is regulated by FCA, PRA and has a 3.5/5 Trustpilot rating. Wise is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC with a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for PNB Europe vs Wise?
PNB Europe has a maximum transfer of $25,000 (minimum $10), while Wise allows up to $1,000,000 (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with PNB Europe or Wise?
PNB Europe offers Bank Deposit. Wise offers Bank Deposit, Wise Account. Neither provider offers cash pickup — both deliver to bank accounts only.
Should I use PNB Europe or Wise to send money internationally?
For most users, Wise offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, PNB Europe is the better choice if you need international money transfers. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Wise Account.