Maybank Global Access vs Wise - which is better in Malaysia?

The recently launched Maybank Global Access Account¹ offers a smart multi-currency account to hold 18 currencies, with a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals. This can be an attractive option for Malaysians who travel often, or who shop online with international retailers. But how does the Maybank Global Access account and card compare with other options, such as the powerful international account from Wise?

Read on for our full Maybank Global Access account review, including a side by side comparison of Maybank Global Access vs Wise for account, card and payment services.

What is the Maybank Global Access account?

The Maybank Global Access account offers the option to hold and exchange foreign currencies, with the chance to earn interest or profits, and a linked Maybank Global Access Mastercard World Debit Card for simple spending and withdrawals.

This account is aimed at Malaysian citizens who like to travel and who might benefit from instant in app currency exchange to lock in exchange rates for overseas and international spending. As well as multi-currency holding, you’ll get travel and lifestyle perks which are designed for customers looking for a product with relatively low fees and some nice extras.

Maybank Global Access benefits and features in Malaysia

The Maybank Global Access account can be managed through the MAE app, making it easy to keep on top of all transactions, conversion and spending with just your phone. The range of benefits on offer has been custom made to suit travellers and people who spend internationally, but also includes some helpful local perks.

Maybank Global Access benefits and features in Malaysia include:

• Hold and exchange 18 currencies
• Convert currencies instantly in the MAE app, with preferential rates
• Earn monthly profit bonus rates
• Spend with the linked debit card, with some free ATM usage included
• No ongoing fees unless you want free local Maybank ATM withdrawals
• Travel medical coverage up to 100,000 USD and Takaful Personal Accident coverage up to 100,000 MYR by Etiqa
• Mastercard benefits, discounts and promotions

What is Wise?

Wise is available for international accounts and cards in Malaysia and many other countries around the world. There’s no account opening fee and no minimum deposit for personal customers, and you can use your Wise account to hold 40+ currencies, with a linked card for spending. Wise also lets you receive payments in 8+ currencies using local and SWIFT account information.

Wise stands out for the breadth of available services, as well as low fees and great exchange rates. You can convert between currencies in the Wise app easily, with the mid-market rate and low fees, to spend with no foreign transaction fee overseas. Or you can simply leave your balance in MYR, and let the card manage the transaction for you with the same low, transparent conversion cost and no fixed foreign transaction fee to worry about.

Wise benefits and features

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including MYR, USD, GBP, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.77% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a linked Wise card for convenient spending without any foreign transaction fees, and up to 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in MYR and a selection of other major global currencies.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

Maybank Global Access vs Wise

If you want to account and card for international use, it’s well worth comparing Maybank Global Access vs Wise on features and cost.

The card and account from Wise supports more currencies and has options to receive foreign currency payments which can be extremely handy if you live an international lifestyle. The Maybank account on the other hand offers the reassurance of transactions in a branch if you ever need support, and can allow you to access the full services of a locally licensed bank, such as credit cards or loans, which are not available from Wise.

Ultimately, which account and card is right for you between Maybank Global Access vs Wise will depend on your personal preferences, spending patterns and requirements. We’ll break down some important information on features and fees next, so you can compare Maybank Global Access vs Wise for yourself.

Maybank Global Access Account vs Wise account

Both Maybank Global Access vs Wise look at people who manage multiple currencies, but the features, fees and services available aren’t exactly the same.

To give a flavour, we'll start with a side by side comparison across some important features. You’ll need to also take a look at each account's full fee schedule to make sure you know exactly what it’ll cost to manage your account once you get it up and running.

*Details correct at time of research - 18th July 2025

International Transfers: Maybank Global Access vs Wise

If you’re looking for an account to allow you to send international payments, either provider might be a good fit. Both allow you to arrange digital transfers through an app which is convenient, but their fees can vary quite a bit.

It’s also helpful to note that Maybank Global Access vs Wise work differently on incoming payments. Wise allows you to receive incoming international payments with local and SWIFT account information so you can get paid by others for no or low fees. Maybank doesn’t advertise this option. While you can convert to and from foreign currencies in the Global Access account, you don’t get account details to receive foreign currencies directly.

Here’s a comparison of the two services across sending and receiving international payments:

Maybank Global Access Mastercard World debit card vs Wise card

Both providers offer a debit card which can be very helpful for spending and withdrawals at home and abroad. The costs of each card can be quite varied, particularly for foreign spending if you don’t have the currency you need. Neither provider charges you to spend a currency you hold in your account - but while Wise offers instant conversions at the point of payment with conversion costs from 0.77%, Maybank has a higher 2% fee if you don’t have the currency required in your account.

Here’s a comparison of Maybank Global Access Mastercard World debit card vs Wise card side by side to give you an idea of the similarities and differences.

*Details correct at time of research - 18th July 2025

Summary: Which is better, Maybank Global Access or Wise

Ultimately, when it comes to Maybank Global Access vs Wise, neither is better - which is right for you depends on how you want to spend and what you need your account for.

Maybank offers a full suite of banking services including an extensive local ATM network and branch services when you need them. However, the selection of currencies is limited compared to Wise and the foreign transaction fee can mean that spending overseas costs you more.

Wise on the other hand does not have branches and can not offer all banking services like credit cards and loans, but does have great international perks. You can receive payments in foreign currencies to your account without needing to convert to MYR if you don’t want to, and currency exchange offers the mid-market rate with low, transparent fees.

This makes Wise a good bet for an all round day to day account for anyone who needs to spend, send, receive or exchange a broad range of currencies, while Maybank might be a better choice for anyone who prefers to manage their money in person in a branch.

🚀 Get Started with Wise