Why do ATMs and shops in US Virgin Islands just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
Wise was basically useless in the USVI for me. Tried it in Frederiksted, St. Croix, and everywhere got declined-ATMs, stores, even hotel front desks. A local friend said they prefer cards issued by major US banks. I ended up sending money to a friend back home and having her send cash through Western Union. Definitely bring a mainstream US card and cash as backup.
I did manage to withdraw cash from the FirstBank ATM near Havensight Mall in St. Thomas using my Wise Visa-but only after disabling contactless and using chip+PIN. Also made sure to decline dynamic currency conversion in the app. Didn’t work at shops though, so I stuck to cash after that. It’s hit or miss, but with the right settings, you can get it to work.
I was in Christiansted, St. Croix and couldn’t get my Wise card to work anywhere-not at ATMs like Banco Popular or at shops. Tried multiple times, always declined. My regular bank card worked fine though. Apparently, some USVI systems don’t fully accept fintech cards like Wise, probably due to risk or network issues. I’d bring a backup card if you’re traveling there.
Just got back from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas-my Wise Mastercard was declined at multiple ATMs including FirstBank and Scotiabank. Tried paying at shops in Main Street and some restaurants, but terminals kept rejecting the card. Locals told me even though it’s US territory, some fintech cards get flagged or blocked by local banks. I ended up using my Chase Visa and cash for the trip.