Personal Finance Money transfer

The Complete Guide to Using Wise with DuitNow in Malaysia

Joel Conceicao

26.05.26

Read time 4 minutes

Malaysia's DuitNow network has become the backbone of everyday payments, enabling instant bank transfers and QR code payments across the country. Whether you're splitting a dinner bill, paying a hawker stall vendor, or sending money to family in real time, DuitNow can handle it.

For international users and travellers, Wise offers a practical way to tap into this network without needing a Malaysian bank account. With Wise, you can send money directly to a DuitNow ID from overseas, or pay by scanning a QR code at participating merchants through Wise's Alipay+ integration.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how the Wise-DuitNow system works – the key features, the benefits, and how to get started. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Table of Contents
Wise & DuitNow Features Send Money to DuitNow via Wise How to Scan DuitNow QR Codes What if you can't scan the DuitNow QR? Frequently Asked Questions

Wise-DuitNow Features: Sending vs. Scanning

Sending money to a DuitNow ID and scanning a QR code are two different things.

Here's how they compare across processing speed,¹ uses,² fees³ and requirements.⁴

Feature	Sending to DuitNow ID	Scanning DuitNow QR
Primary Use	Transfer money to individuals	Pay merchants in person
Does Wise Support It?	Yes	Yes, but only via Alipay+
How it Works	Send MYR to a phone number, NRIC, business ID, passport, business registration, army number or police number	Scan Alipay+ QR codes in the Wise app
Processing Speed	Instant	Instant
Fees & Conversion	Low, transparent fees, mid-market exchange rate	Mid-market exchange rate
Sender / User Requirements	Wise account	Wise app and account
Payee Requirements	Registered DuitNow ID	Merchant with Alipay+ QR enabled

Why Use Wise for DuitNow Transactions?

Traditional banks often advertise low transfer fees but build their profit into the exchange rate. That hidden markup means you end up paying more than expected when converting your currency into MYR.

Wise works differently.

It uses the mid-market exchange rate, the same rate you'd see on Google, and charges a transparent fee you can review before completing your transfer.

If you travel to Malaysia regularly or send funds there often, using Wise for DuitNow transfers can help you avoid those hidden exchange rate markups and keep your costs predictable.

Want to see the mid-market rate for yourself? Take a look below:

Looking for the right e-wallet? Compare the best e-wallets available in Malaysia

How to Send Money to a DuitNow ID via Wise

To make a Wise DuitNow transfer, follow these steps³:

Log in to your Wise account on the app or desktop site.

Select Send and choose a recipient.

If it's a new recipient, select Add, then choose MYR as their currency.

Select DuitNow and enter their full name and DuitNow ID.

Input the amount you want to send – either in your local currency or in MYR. You'll see a full fee breakdown and estimated delivery time before you proceed.

Select Continue, review all the details, then select Send now.

How to Scan DuitNow QR Codes with Wise

Wise doesn't directly support all DuitNow QR codes. However, it enables QR payments through the Alipay+ network, which is integrated into the DuitNow system and accepted by many merchants across Malaysia.

To use the Wise DuitNow QR feature, look for the Alipay+ logo displayed alongside the pink DuitNow QR code at checkout. Then follow these steps⁴:

Open the Wise app and select the Card tab.

Swipe left on your card image. You'll see Pay with QR code or Pay like a local.

Select Scan QR code to open the camera, or Import QR code if you already have a picture of it.

Follow the on-screen steps to finalise your payment. Once submitted, you can review the transaction in the Wise app.

Your payment processes instantly, with currency conversion handled at the mid-market exchange rate.

If you’re a Wise user in Malaysia, Alipay+ QR payments are only available in supported countries abroad.

For a more in-depth look at how Alipay works in Malaysia, check out our dedicated guide

What if you can't scan the DuitNow QR?

Only Wise customers based in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Europe can use the app to make payments via Alipay+ QR codes.⁴ If you're not from one of these regions, or if the merchant's DuitNow QR doesn't carry the Alipay+ logo, Wise's QR scanner won't be able to process the payment.

In those situations, you still have a few options:

Ask if card payments are accepted and use your physical or virtual Wise card.

Use your Wise card at a local ATM to withdraw MYR – handy for cash-only vendors like hawker stalls.

For more on handling international transactions in Malaysia, see our guide on how to use Wise in Malaysia

Scan and Pay with Wise in Malaysia

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Wise approved by Bank Negara Malaysia?

Yes. Wise is regulated in Malaysia by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) through its local entity, Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.⁵ It operates in the country as a licensed remittance business, money changer and e-money issuer under Malaysian financial law.

Can Wise accept DuitNow transfers to fund my account?

Yes, you can receive MYR into your Wise account using DuitNow.⁶ This means someone in Malaysia can send funds to your DuitNow ID, and the money will be credited to your Wise MYR balance.

Once received, you can:

Convert the MYR into other currencies at the mid-market exchange rate

Spend the MYR using your physical or digital Wise card in Malaysia

Send money onward to other countries directly from your Wise account

Sources:

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.