Embarking on a journey to Japan? It’s crucial to have a solid financial plan for your sojourn in the Land of the Rising Sun. Debit cards are a traveller’s best friend, offering convenience, security, and the freedom from lugging around large sums of cash. This article provides an in-depth guide to the top debit cards for your Japanese adventure, focusing on the features, terms, fees, pros and cons of five exceptional options: Revolut, N26, BNext, Vivid, and Wise.
Revolut
Key Features
- Commission-free payments in over 150 currencies.
- Free ATM withdrawals up to €200 per month.
- Benefit from commission-free interbank transactions in multiple currencies.
Fees
- No charges for payments or ATM withdrawals up to the specified limits.
Pros
- Widely accepted in shops and ATMs.
- Comes with an easy-to-use mobile app for card management.
Cons
- Some features and limits may be restricted in the free version.
- ATM withdrawals exceeding €200 per month incur fees.
N26
Key Features
- Offers fee-free cash payments.
- Withdrawals in any currency.
- Some premium plans even include travel insurance.
Fees
- No charges for payments or ATM withdrawals up to the specified limits.
Pros
- Widely accepted in shops and ATMs.
- Offers a variety of plans, including premium options with extra benefits.
Cons
- Some advanced features may be restricted in the free version.
- Certain ATMs may apply local charges.
BNext
Key Features
- Free ATM withdrawals up to £500 per month.
- Low-cost international transfers.
- Opportunity to earn refunds on purchases made with selected partners.
Fees
- No charges for payments, but fees may apply for cash withdrawals at ATMs exceeding monthly limits.
Pros
- Offers fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a high monthly limit.
- The option to earn refunds on select purchases.
Cons
- There may be restrictions on services for non-resident users in the UK.
- Fees apply for cash withdrawals exceeding monthly limits.
Vivid
Key Features
- Make payments in foreign currencies without commissions.
- Free ATM withdrawals up to €200 per month.
- Benefit from a rewards program offering cashback on certain purchases.
Fees
- No payment fees, but some ATMs may charge additional fees.
Pros
- Offers fee-free foreign currency payments.
- Rewards program with cashback on selected purchases.
Cons
- Not available to residents outside the European Union.
- Some ATMs may charge additional fees.
Wise
Key Features
- International payments and transfers at competitive rates.
- Currency conversion with no hidden fees.
- Multi-currency accounts that allow you to receive and send money in different currencies.
Fees
- Wise fees vary by currency and transaction type, with competitive rates applied.
Pros
- An excellent option for low-cost international transfers.
- Transparent currency conversion and no hidden fees.
Cons
- Not a physical card, but an electronic account that may require additional transfers to a local account.
- Some merchants may not accept direct payments with Wise.
Comparative chart showcasing the top debit cards ideal for travelling to Japan
| Card | Commission-free payments | Free withdrawals | Withdrawal fees | International transfers | Travel insurance included | Rewards program | Availability outside EU |
| Revolut | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| N26 | Yes | Yes | Depends on the ATM | Yes | Some plans | No | Yes |
| BNext | Yes | Yes | Depends on the limit | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Vivid | Yes | Yes | Depends on the ATM | No | No | Yes | No |
| Wise | Depends on the merchant | Depends on the bank | Depends on the bank | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Which one is better?
Selecting the perfect debit card for your Japanese adventure requires careful consideration of your individual requirements and tastes. Revolut shines with its commission-free transactions and complimentary withdrawals, whereas N26 delivers a comprehensive banking solution with travel insurance included. BNext and Vivid offer enticing alternatives with their rewards schemes and free withdrawal facilities, albeit with certain service restrictions and limited availability beyond the European Union. For those seeking cost-effective international transfers, Wise is a prime choice, despite its lack of a physical card. By meticulously comparing features, terms, and charges, you can pinpoint the ideal debit card to ensure a seamless and stress-free journey in Japan.
