How to Create a Wise Account Without a Phone Number?

It will be wise to use Wise as a gateway to seamless international money transfers, but what if you are uncomfortable sharing your personal phone number?

You’re not alone in that regard, as in this era of data theft and phishing attempts, you are understood to feel paranoid about giving out your phone number cheaply. 

The Good news? The wise thing to do in that situation would be to create a Wise account without a phone number. This guide will give you a rundown on how to do that. 

Let’s start!

Understanding Wise’s Phone Number Requirement

Let’s look at what Wise is and why it requires a phone number to register: 

What is Wise?

Wise, previously TransferWise is a tech company that specializes in international funds transfer and currency exchange. 

Launched in 2011, Wise is a global payments company that wants to make international financial transactions faster, cheaper, and more transparent. 

Unlike traditional banks, which tend to impose excessive fees and apply inflated exchange rates, Wise employs a genuine mid-market exchange rate and applies low transfer fees. 

Hence, it became a popular choice among people and businesses who want to easily transfer their funds internationally.

Wise works by opening local bank accounts in different countries, making it easy for users to send and receive money domestically and eliminating the high international transaction fees charged by banks. 

Besides personal money transfers, Wise provides borderless multi-currency accounts, debit cards, and business tools that enable companies to manage international transactions in a seamless manner. You can download the Wise app on google play.

Why does Wise Require a Phone Number for Registration?

A phone number is a mandatory requirement for Wise registration, and it serves several crucial purposes to ensure the security and smooth functioning of the platform. Here’s why Wise requires your phone number:

1. Account Security and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Wise uses strong security to protect accounts, and you need a phone number for two-factor authentication (2FA). 

By requiring users to verify their identity with a one-time code sent to them over SMS or a call, this process provides an extra layer of security. 

Even if someone has access to your login credentials, they need your phone to access your account, which will reduce the risk of access. 

2. Transaction Confirmation

When sending money or making changes to your account, Wise often sends a code of confirmation to the phone number that you have registered. 

This requirement ensures that only the rightful account holder can authorize transactions. For high-value transfers, this adds another layer of protection by confirming that all actions are, indeed, taken by you.

3. Account Recovery

Wise uses your phone number as a recovery method in case you forget your password or lose access to your account. It enables the platform to send recovery codes or instructions straight to you, which ensures that the recovery process is secure and simple.

4. Fraud Prevention

The phone number is used for fraud prevention purposes by Wise. By associating accounts with verified mobile numbers, Wise can keep track of any dubious movements, intercept fraudsters before they can operate, and align itself with international anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

5. Customer Communication

Wise might use your phone number to give you significant notifications, including details about changes to your account, new features, or problems with your transactions. 

So even though Wise contacts you through email in most cases, they will have your phone number on file to call you in a rare situation where they need to contact you right away.

Common Concerns About Providing a Phone Number

People are often paranoid about giving their personal numbers out to register to a platform, and their doubts are justified. 

Let’s look at the major reasons why they try to find an alternative to giving their number: 

1. Privacy Concerns: People are often worries about how their phone numbers can be used or shared with third parties. 
2. Spam Calls or Texts: Another of the user’s concerns is receiving spam texts after registering using their personal phone number.
3. Security Risks: Giving out your number can leave it vulnerable to hacking or phishing attempts.
4. Lost Access to Registered Number: Anxiety over losing access to the phone number linked to the account, which could hinder future verifications.

💡Solution: If you are concerned about one of the above, you can then switch to using a virtual phone number to connect to the platform to add an extra layer of security to your phone number. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Wise Account Without a Phone Number

It may seem difficult to create a Wise (formerly TransferWise) account without using your phone number, but you can quickly do this. Whether you want to hide your identity or simply don’t have a phone number on hand — here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Using Temporary Phone Numbers

The initial step involves locating a reputable temporary phone number service. These services assign you a virtual or disposable number that can receive SMS messages, allowing for verification. Some popular ones include Dialaxy, Google Voice, TextNow, and websites like Receive-SMS or SMS-Activate.

Select a service that can receive texts from Wise, and that hasn’t been commonly used for such. There are free options that can work, but paid services usually offer more reliability and privacy.

2. Registering on the Wise Website or App

The next step to do is to visit the Wise website or app on your device. 

You can sign up for Wise online in minutes using temporary numbers without revealing your actual phone number, which works for both local and international transfer.

Click on the Sign up button and proceed with registration You’ll have to fill in your email address, set up a password, and some basic information like your name and address.

When asked for a phone number, enter the temporary number you have obtained. When you are given a number, make sure you double-check it for any mistake before using it.

3. Receiving Verification Code

After you enter your temporary number, Wise will send you a verification code by SMS. Return to the service that provided the temporary number and check the inbox for that number.

This code will be necessary to enter on the Wise registration form to verify your number. If you don’t get the code right away, wait a few minutes, then request the code again. If the temporary number does not work, sometimes switching to another one will work.

4. Completing Your Profile

Once you have verified the number, you’ll be redirected to fill out your profile. This includes providing information such as your country of residence, date of birth, and preferred currency. Just be honest (correct) in this step; the incorrect details may cause a problem with your account later.

Wise might ask for further verification by asking you to upload an ID and/or proof of address. This is a common process in financial services for security reasons and by the mandates of regulatory rules.

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are the things you should consider before creating a Wise account without a phone number: 

• Temporary Numbers Aren’t Always Permanent: Temp numbers offer fantastic first-time setup, but Wise may, for some reason, need to reach out to you later. If there is going to be usage in the long run, you should update your account with a permanent number.
• Safety Matters: Only use reputable temporary phone services or sensitive data may be risked on dubious platforms.
• Backup Communication: If you require an alternative communication method for your Wise account, link your Wise account to an email you still use; it aids in communication and account recovery.

Thus, by following these steps, you’ll successfully be able to set up your Wise account, including functionality and in a way where you can maintain your privacy and not put your phone number on the web.

Comparison of Methods to Create a Wise Account Without a Phone Number

To effectively create a Wise account without using a personal phone number, various methods can be employed. Below is a table that compares these methods based on key features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.

Steps to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Wise

Whether you’re creating a personal or business account, a virtual number can help maintain your privacy. Using a virtual number, you can set up international payment. 

Let’s look at the steps you would take if you were to get a virtual phone number for wise: 

1. Choose a Reliable Provider:

• Opt for a service like Dialaxy for secure and user-friendly virtual phone numbers.  

2. Sign Up:

• Create an account on the provider’s website or app.  

3. Select Your Number:

• Browse available virtual numbers and pick one suitable for your region or needs.  

4. Verify and Activate:

• Complete the verification process and activate your chosen number.  

5. Use for Wise Registration:

• Enter the virtual number during the Wise account setup for secure verification.  

💡 Pro Tip: Dialaxy offers flexible plans for businesses and individuals, making it ideal for virtual number needs.

Alternative Methods to Verify Identity for Wise

Wise (formerly called TransferWise) is a leading international money transfer platform known for its transparency and competitive exchange rates. 

Nonetheless, the process of verifying identity is an essential measure to guarantee security and adherence to legislation. Wise usually needs government-issued IDs and documents, but if you don’t have any of them, there are other options you can try.

I. Bank Account Verification

One widely used substitute is to prove your identity through an associated bank account. Wise may ask you to send a trial deposit from your bank account in order to verify your identity. 

The process proves that you own the account and that you are who you claim to be with respect to the bank.

II. Biometric Verification

In certain instances, Wise might also permit biometric confirmation through facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. This is a widely used approach, as it provides a high degree of security. This step may require a smartphone or camera-enabled computer to use — particularly for app-based transactions.

III. Proof of Address

In case your identity document is not enough or it is not available, Wise may ask for proof of address. Acceptable documents can be utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements. These must be documents that aren’t too old, usually within three months, and should clearly show your name and address.

IV. Secondary ID Documents

If you don’t have your primary ID, such as your passport or driver’s license, a secondary identification may suffice for Wise. These include student IDs, work IDs, or other government-issued documents as long as they meet Wise’s security standards. If you can supplement it with proof of residence or possibly biometric verification, you are more likely to receive acceptance [for a bank account].

V. Credit Reference Checks

In some areas, Wise might conduct a soft credit check to confirm your identity. This means running your credit history to verify your identity information without affecting your credit score. It’s a very clean and hidden approach that works as long as you have a relatively long financial track record.

VI. Manual Review

In some instances, Wise is able to go through your case manually. This is done by either uploading multiple documents or contacting their customer support team directly. Although it might be a slower option, it guarantees that users with specific situations can access Wise’s service.

– Best Practices for Seamless Verification

Because you want a hassle-free experience, make sure your documents are clear and readable and that you are using the latest version of the Wise app or website. If you do encounter problems, Wise’s customer service team can offer personalized help with whatever your issue is.

Tips for Maintaining Account Security Without a Phone Number

Phone numbers are used for verification and security across many platforms in the modern world. But not everyone is at ease sharing their phone number. 

Whether due to privacy concerns or simply not having a mobile to hand, it’s actually possible to keep your account secure without a phone number. 

Here are some practical tips for protecting your online accounts.

Tip 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication Without a Phone Number

Many services also provide alternative 2FA systems that don’t need phone numbers. For example:

• Authenticator Apps: Applications such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator generate time-based codes for account validation.
• Hardware Tokens: Devices like YubiKey offer physical protection when logging into accounts.

These allow us to improve security through additional 2FA methods that do not rely on SMS-based 2FA, which can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.

Tip 2: Use a Strong, Unique Password for Each Account

A strong password is your first line of defense. Follow these guidelines:

• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information.
• Employ a password manager to create and store unique passwords for each account.

This ensures that even if one account is compromised, others remain secure.

Tip 3: Set Up Recovery Options Carefully

Most accounts have several options for account recovery in addition to a phone number. Let’s look at some of the options that you have: 

• Backup Email Address: Use a secure email account specifically for recovery purposes.
• Security Questions: The answers to the security questions should not be easy for anyone to guess.

Make sure these details are up to date so you don’t lose access to your account.

Tip 4: Enable Login Alerts

Enable login notifications to be notified of any unauthorized access to your account. Platforms typically notify users via email when someone signs in from a different device or location. If acted on promptly, it can help stop additional breaches.

Tip 5: Rely on Encrypted Platforms for Communication

If they need your contact information, you can use secure email services such as ProtonMail or Tutanota. These services help you stay private and minimize the risk of your contact information being abused.

Tip 6: Monitor Account Activity Regularly

Regularly review account activity logs for unusual behavior. Look for:

• Logins from unfamiliar devices or locations
• Changes to account settings.

Note any strange activity, change your password immediately and check security settings.

Tip 7: Educate Yourself about Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks are one of the major concerns when it comes to the threats associated with using your phone number to register to a platform. Follow these steps to avoid falling victim:

• Verify the Sender’s email address
• Avoid clicking unknown links. Visit a website directly, 
• Be aware of the unsolicited emails or messages that ask you for your personal information. 

By implementing these measures, you can ensure the security of your account without relying on a phone number at all. 

There is no need to compromise either your privacy or your security: you can safely use stronger passwords, keep alternative 2FA methods, and remain alert for suspicious activity. 

But here are the steps you can take today to help make sure your accounts are safe as the online world continues to change.

Final Words

Finally, we can conclude that it is possible to create a Wise account by using a virtual or temporary number without your real phone number, provided you have two-factor authentication. 

Although Wise needs a phone number for verifying your account, preventing fraud, and getting your account back, however; using trusted virtual number services similar to Dialaxy is a safer way out.

It’s made even safer by adopting strong passwords, alternative 2FA methods, and consistently monitoring accounts for suspicious activity. 

You should always use credible platforms to obtain temporary numbers while being extra careful not to disclose sensitive information wisely, as you can keep setting up an account seamlessly while protecting your data.

FAQs

Can I create a Wise account without a phone number?

No, you need a phone number to register for a Wise account, as it is used for security and verification purposes.

Why does Wise need a phone number for account creation?

• For identity verification
• To send OTPs (one-time passwords)

Are there alternatives to using my personal phone number?

Yes, it’s possible to register for Wise using a temporary phone number for added anonymity.

Can I update my phone number later after creating a Wise account?

Yes, you can change your phone number in your account settings.

What should I do if I don’t have access to a phone?

Use a trusted friend’s number or one from an online phone number service.

What is the safest way to use a virtual phone number for account registration?

A virtual phone number is the best way to disguise your private number, yet you can boost the safety of using a virtual phone number because it depends a lot on who you choose to use it with, but it does work. 
Also, do not use free or other low-budget platforms that would be a risk to your data. So, only use the number for account registration and verification in order to limit these potential risks and keep your personal information.