Multi-currency debit cards have quickly become essential tools for international travelers. Brands like Wise and Revolut let you hold and spend multiple currencies with minimal fees, making them a compelling alternative to traditional bank cards — especially when visiting Japan.
Although Japan has long been known as a cash-heavy country, the landscape is shifting quickly with cashless payments surpassing 42.8% total transactions in 2024.
This guide outlines how multi-currency cards work, why they’re useful in Japan, where they fall short, and what to consider when choosing one.
How Multi-Currency Debit Cards Work
If you hold a multi-currency account with a modern financial institution, chances are they'll provide the option of obtaining a multi-currency debit card — both physical and virtual (limited to online use).
You can use them in the same way as a normal debit card and, provided you have funded your account with the correct currency, they'll use that currency to fulfill any transaction you make depending on the country you're in. In Japan, your card will use Japanese yen provided you have available balance. If you deplete a particular currency, such cards can also auto-convert from another currency you have available (typically one with the lowest conversion fee).
Why They’re Popular for Japan Travel
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Compatibility: Contactless-ready and compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet
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Flexibility: Easier to obtain than credit card, given no reliance on credit check, though ID verification required.
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Competitive exchange rates: More favorable exchange rates than most bank-issued credit cards
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Low fees: No foreign transaction fees and no annual fees
For many travelers, these perks translate into meaningful savings. Conventional credit cards can cost up to 5% more on currency conversions compared to multi-currency platforms. On a purchase like a round-trip Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto (~¥26,640), that’s potentially more than ¥1,300 lost to exchange markups.
Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
The biggest trade-off is the lack of reward points or airline miles. Loading the card with a miles-earning credit card won’t help — card issuers treat these top-ups as cash advances, which means no rewards and possible interest charges.
Once your ID verification is complete, the cards typically work smoothly in Japan, but they can occasionally run into issues with certain local services or payment apps.
The Main Players
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) grew its reputation by offering low-cost global money transfers before expanding into full multi-currency accounts. Wise accounts can hold 40+ different currencies—including Japanese yen—and it’s free to spend any currency you hold. There are no foreign transaction fees.
Most businesses that accept international cards, including convenience stores, supermarkets, taxis, and chain restaurants.
Certain Japanese services may not accept foreign-issued cards for top-ups (e.g. local IC transit cards such as Pasmo). Verification can be extensive depending on your country — in Japan this can include scanning a My Number or Residence card and completing live video confirmation, but Wise cards from overseas can work fine during your travels.
These cards can also be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs in Japan, but note that not every ATM accepts international cards. ATMs at post offices, 7-Eleven and 7 Bank locations, as well as Aeon Bank ATMs, all accept foreign-issued cards though.
Wise charges a small fee to issue a physical card, but replacing an expired card is always free.
The Wise Multi-Currency Card comes in both Visa® and Mastercard® versions, with Visa having slightly broader acceptance in Japan, and both offering contactless support which is increasingly accepted in Japan.
A major advantage is how widespread the service is — sending yen or other currencies to friends who also use Wise is fast and inexpensive.
Revolut
Revolut offers similar functionality and is Wise’s strongest competitor. It comes with sleek packaging and an app designed for frequent currency exchange, budgeting, or travel.
Revolut offers its basic physical debit card for free, but charges for delivery. They also offer a range of Premium and Metal cards for those on paid plans.
In everyday use, Revolut works across most card terminals in Japan. However, resolving issues through customer support can be slow or frustrating, based on traveler reports. That said, its customer satisfaction ratings tend to be slightly higher than Wise on major review platforms.
Practical Tips for Using Multi-Currency Cards in Japan
Keep your PIN handy
Contactless payments are now widespread, but smaller shops and rural areas may still insist on chip-and-PIN.
Activate in advance
It is always recommended to activate the card in your home country (e.g. via a small ATM withdrawal) before the first purchase.
Adding funds
You can top up by local bank transfer or via a credit card. Note:
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Credit card top-ups are usually treated as cash advances by your card issuer.
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Funds added by credit card often can’t be withdrawn as cash from Japanese ATMs.
Accessing your home bank
Some banks block online access when they detect foreign logins. If you need to move money around while in Japan, a VPN can help you reach your accounts without triggering security blocks.
