Why does Wise ask for address verification?

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As a regulated financial institution, Wise needs to verify who is using their services and where they are based. This helps keep money transfer services safe, protects users from fraud, and ensures compliance with anti-money-laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. For business or remote professionals, submitting proof of your address is required to send, receive, hold, or convert money through Wise. Without verification, your account may be restricted or require additional documents. See Wise’s guide on how to verify your address.

What is considered proof of address by Wise?
Wise accepts documents that clearly show your full name, residential address, and are recently issued, matching your Wise account details. Common accepted documents include:

• Utility bills (gas, electric, water, landline) issued within the last 3 months

• Bank or credit card statements issued within the last 3 months

• Council tax bills, vehicle registration documents, tenancy agreements, or other government-issued documents within the last 12 months

Documents not accepted include mobile phone bills, PO Box addresses, and documents issued to a business address for personal accounts. A driving licence used for both ID and address may also be rejected in some cases. Note that proof of identity alone (such as a passport) is not sufficient. For more details, see Wise’s article on proof of address.

How to complete address verification with Wise

1. Log in to your Wise account and go to the Verification or Settings section where Wise prompts you to verify your identity and address. See how to verify your address.

2. Upload a clear photo or scan of your proof of address. Make sure:

   • Your full name matches your Wise account

   • Your full residential address matches your Wise account

   • The document is recent (often within 3 months)

   • Both sides are uploaded if relevant

3. Submit the document and wait for Wise to review, usually within 1–2 working days. See guide to getting verified.

4. If rejected, check for blurry images, expired documents, name/address mismatches, or unsupported types.

5. If your address has changed, contact Wise support to update it. See how to verify your address.

Why this is important for business or remote setups

• Verified addresses unlock full Wise functionality, including sending, receiving, and holding currency

• For remote teams or digital entrepreneurs, proof of address must match exactly the address entered in Wise

• Preparing correct documents in advance avoids delays in payments, transfers, or account access

• Being verified ensures regulatory compliance and reduces the risk of account restrictions

Best practices and tips

• Use a recent document that matches your Wise account name and address

• For non-standard living situations (living with someone else, moving frequently, or using a service address), a tenancy agreement with both signatures or a document in another person’s name with proof of relationship may be accepted

• Ensure image quality: well-lit, all corners visible, no blur, no cropped edges. Avoid PDFs if possible

• If using a service address for a business, ensure it meets Wise’s rules (PO Box may not be allowed)

• Keep your address updated; if you move, submit updated proof

• Business accounts may have additional verification requirements. See guide to getting verified

Wise Address Verification: How to Verify Your Residential Address

Wise may ask you to verify your address when using their service. Address verification is required because Wise is a regulated financial institution. Verifying your residential address helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and ensures your Wise account remains secure. It’s important to note that Wise requires a personal residential address. PO boxes, business addresses, or registered addresses that are not your actual residence cannot be used. If your country distinguishes between registered a…