You just got paid. Your client sent $3,000, and you go to withdraw it through Wise. Then you notice the number that actually lands in your account — and it's less than you expected.
That's not a glitch. That's Wise's fee structure doing its thing.
If you're a freelancer getting paid internationally, you've probably already run into this. And if you're shopping for something cheaper, you're in the right place.
🧮 What Wise Actually Costs
Wise is upfront about its fees, which is more than you can say for most banks. But "transparent" doesn't mean "cheap."
Here's how Wise charges for international transfers:
- A percentage fee that varies by currency pair (typically 0.67%–1.5%)
- A fixed fee on top of that — usually $0.50–$4.00 depending on the route
- For some corridors, a variable fee that adds even more
So on a $3,000 transfer from USD to MXN, you might pay:
- ~0.67% = $20.10
- Plus a fixed fee of $1.50–$4.00
That's $21.60–$24.10 gone before your money even moves.
On $3,000/month, that's $259–$289 per year — just in Wise fees.
Now let's look at what Blaze charges: 0.5% flat. No fixed fee on top.
On that same $3,000 transfer: $15.00 total.
The math isn't close.
💸 Real Scenario: Freelancer Invoicing $3,000/Month
Let's say you're a designer or developer based in Mexico, getting paid by US clients in USD.
| Transfer Amount | Wise Fee | Blaze Fee | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | ~$4.85 + fixed | $2.50 | ~$3+ |
| $1,000 | ~$8.70 + fixed | $5.00 | ~$5+ |
| $3,000 | ~$24.10 | $15.00 | ~$9 |
Over 12 months at $3,000/month, you save roughly ~$80–$110 per year switching from Wise to Blaze. That's a week of groceries. Or a flight to a new city.
⚡ Speed Matters Too
Wise is faster than a bank wire, but it's not always instant. Transfers to Mexico, for example, can take a few hours to a full business day depending on timing and your route.
Blaze transfers are instant. Once you send, it arrives. No "processing" window, no waiting until the bank opens.
For freelancers who are paid on delivery or need funds available quickly, that difference is real.
🔍 What "Transparent" Fees Actually Look Like
Wise shows you the fee before you confirm — that's good. But here's a thing people miss: even with the percentage and fixed fees disclosed, the exchange rate itself can include a small spread.
Blaze uses a clean, flat 0.5% fee on the transfer amount. That's it. You see it, you know it, and there's no other margin baked into the rate.
When you're budgeting for your freelance income, that predictability matters.
🌍 Where Blaze Works
Blaze supports transfers to 80+ currencies. Whether you're based in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, or anywhere else in Latin America, you can receive your USD and convert it locally at the 0.5% flat rate.
If your clients pay via ACH, Zelle, or bank transfer, Blaze gives you a US virtual account (with real routing and account numbers) to receive those payments directly.
Making the Switch
If you're currently using Wise and want to see whether Blaze makes sense for you, here's how to try it:
- Download the Blaze app
- Sign up and verify your identity (takes a few minutes)
- Get your US virtual account number to share with clients
- Receive your next payment and compare the actual cost
You don't have to commit to anything. Just run one transfer and see the difference.
The average freelancer we talk to saves $7–$15 per month depending on transfer amount. That's not a huge number, but over a year it's real money — and it's your money.
SIGN UP
Ready to pay less on every transfer?
Download Blaze, sign up in minutes, and start getting paid internationally at 0.5% flat.
No monthly fees. No hidden charges. Just a straightforward 0.5% on every transfer.