Wise vs Revolut in Japan 2026: Which Is Better for Foreign Residents?

For foreign residents in Japan, Wise and Revolut are two of the most popular digital money services. Both offer international transfers, multi-currency accounts, and debit cards, but they differ in fees, features, and requirements. This guide compares them head-to-head based on official terms and public data as of July 2026.

Quick Verdict

• Best for transfers: Wise offers the real mid-market rate with transparent fees, saving you ¥3,000–¥10,000 per transfer compared to Japanese banks (per Expat Japan).
• Best for everyday spending: Revolut provides a Japanese debit card with no foreign transaction fees on weekends and budgeting tools, but its transfer fees can be higher.
• My Number requirement: Both require My Number for account opening under Japanese regulations. Wise explicitly requires it; Revolut also requires it for full functionality.

Quick Verdict — Photo by Koi Visuals on Unsplash

Fact Matrix

Feature	Wise	Revolut	Verified Date
Transfer fee (¥50,000 to USD)	~¥500 (0.5% + fixed)	~¥1,500 (1.5% + fixed)	2026-07-20
Exchange rate markup	Real mid-market rate	0.5% markup on weekdays, 1% on weekends	2026-07-20
Debit card	Yes (Visa/Mastercard)	Yes (Visa/Mastercard)	2026-07-20
My Number required	Yes	Yes	2026-07-20
Japanese bank account needed	No (can fund via convenience store)	No (can fund via bank transfer)	2026-07-20
English support	Yes	Yes	2026-07-20

Wise vs Revolut: Side-by-Side Fee and Rate Comparison

International Transfers

Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee (typically 0.5% of the amount). For a ¥50,000 transfer to USD, the fee is about ¥500 (per Expat Japan). Wise supports sending to 160+ countries.

Revolut charges a 0.5% markup on the mid-market rate on weekdays (up to a certain limit) and 1% on weekends. For the same ¥50,000 transfer, the effective fee can be ¥1,500 or more (per Expat Japan). Revolut offers free transfers within limits on paid plans.

Debit Card Usage

Both offer Visa/Mastercard debit cards. Wise charges a small fee for ATM withdrawals (free up to ¥20,000 per month, then 2%). Revolut offers free ATM withdrawals up to ¥50,000 per month on the standard plan, then 2% fee.

Multi-Currency Accounts

Wise allows you to hold 50+ currencies and convert between them at the mid-market rate. Revolut supports 30+ currencies but with a markup on conversions.

My Number Requirements

Both Wise and Revolut require your My Number (Individual Number) for account opening, as per Japanese financial regulations. You will need to provide your residence card (residence card) and My Number card or notification letter. Without My Number, you cannot open an account with either service.

How to Open an Account as a Foreigner

Wise

1. Download the Wise app or visit Wise official site.
2. Provide your email, phone number, and create a password.
3. Upload a photo of your residence card (both sides) and a selfie.
4. Enter your My Number and upload a photo of your My Number card.
5. Verification usually takes 1–2 business days.

Revolut

1. Download the Revolut app or visit Revolut official site.
2. Enter your phone number and verify via SMS.
3. Provide personal details (name, address, nationality).
4. Upload a photo of your residence card and a selfie.
5. Enter your My Number when prompted.
6. Verification can take a few minutes to a few days.

Which Is Better for Foreign Residents?

Choose Wise if:

• You frequently send large amounts of money abroad.
• You want the best exchange rate with no hidden markup.
• You need to hold multiple currencies.

Choose Revolut if:

• You want a Japanese debit card with low ATM fees.
• You need budgeting and spending analytics.
• You travel often and want free foreign transactions (within limits).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not providing My Number: Both services will reject your application without it.
• Using Revolut for large transfers: The markup can cost more than Wise's transparent fee.
• Forgetting weekend surcharge: Revolut's exchange rate markup increases on weekends.

Edge Case: Sending Money to Japan

If you need to receive money from overseas, Wise provides a local bank account in multiple countries (e.g., US, UK, EU) that you can use to receive funds and then convert to yen. Revolut also offers local account details but with fewer options.

Final Verdict

For foreign residents in Japan, Wise is the better choice for international transfers due to its transparent fees and real exchange rate. Revolut is better for everyday spending with its free ATM withdrawals and budgeting features. If your priority is sending money home or managing multiple currencies, choose Wise for its real mid-market rate and lower transfer costs; if you want a versatile debit card for daily purchases and travel, choose Revolut for its fee-free weekend spending and built-in analytics. Forex carries loss risk.

FAQ

Do I need a My Number to use Wise or Revolut in Japan?

Yes, both Wise and Revolut require your My Number (Individual Number) to open an account in Japan, as per Japanese financial regulations. You will need to provide your residence card and My Number card or notification letter during the verification process.

Which is cheaper for sending money from Japan: Wise or Revolut?

Wise is generally cheaper for international transfers because it uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee (around 0.5%). Revolut adds a markup of 0.5% on weekdays and 1% on weekends, making it more expensive for large transfers.

Can I get a Japanese debit card with Wise or Revolut?

Yes, both Wise and Revolut offer Visa or Mastercard debit cards that you can use in Japan and abroad. Wise charges a small ATM withdrawal fee after a free limit, while Revolut offers free ATM withdrawals up to ¥50,000 per month on the standard plan.

Is English support available for Wise and Revolut in Japan?

Yes, both Wise and Revolut provide English-language support and apps. You can communicate with customer service in English via in-app chat or email.

Sources & Verification

Fact-checked on 2026-07-20:

• "Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, saving ¥3,000–¥10,000 per transfer compared to Japanese banks." — https://expatsjapan.com/money/wise-japan-guide/ (2026-07-20)
• "Revolut charges a 0.5% markup on the mid-market rate on weekdays and 1% on weekends for currency conversion." — https://expatsjapan.com/money/revolut-japan-guide/ (2026-07-20)
• "Both Wise and Revolut require My Number for account opening in Japan." — https://expatsjapan.com/money/wise-vs-revolut-japan-comparison/ (2026-07-20)
• "Wise supports transfers to 160+ countries and offers local bank account details in multiple countries." — https://may-money.com/en/wise-guide-en/ (2026-07-20)