Why do ATMs and shops in Puerto Rico just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
Just came back from Ponce and my Wise card was useless. Couldn’t get cash at any ATM-tried Scotiabank, Banco Popular, and even one in the Walmart there. All said ‘transaction not allowed’. Even online booking platforms based in PR rejected the card. I had to use Western Union to send money to myself and pick up USD. If you're headed to Puerto Rico, bring a traditional debit card or cash. Wise won’t save you here.
I had a successful withdrawal from a FirstBank ATM in Isla Verde, but only after switching my Wise card to USD in the app and using chip+PIN. The machine asked about conversion, and I declined. Didn’t work at some restaurants later, but I had cash after that one withdrawal. So yeah, it’s hit or miss, but you can get Wise to work if you prep the settings and stick to ATMs in commercial areas.
Wise worked perfectly in Mexico, but as soon as I got to Rincón, nothing would go through. Tried it at a gas station, then at a bar near the beach-both times got declined. The Oriental Bank ATM also didn’t work. Locals told me it’s a common issue and to just bring a Visa from a traditional bank. Ended up paying mostly in cash or using my Capital One card, which was accepted everywhere.
I was in San Juan last month and my Wise Mastercard kept getting declined at Banco Popular and FirstBank ATMs-both said ‘issuer not supported’. Also tried to pay at SuperMax and a couple of shops in Condado, and the terminals wouldn't accept it. Locals told me even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, some POS systems still flag Wise and other fintech cards as high-risk. Had to fall back on my regular U.S. debit card.